Meaning
Used to acknowledge and excuse a redundant phrase or statement.
Cultural Background
In Spain, the RAE (Real Academia Española) is very influential. Using this phrase shows you are 'culto' (educated) and aware of linguistic norms. Mexicans often use this phrase to soften their speech and appear more polite or formal in professional settings. In Argentina, where intellectualism is highly valued in conversation, this phrase is used frequently in political and social debates. Colombian Spanish is known for being quite formal and 'correct'. This phrase is a staple in Bogotá's business and academic circles.
Use it to sound smart
If you accidentally say something repetitive, don't panic. Just add 'valga la redundancia' and you'll look like you did it on purpose.
Don't overdo it
Using it more than once in a conversation makes you sound like a grammar textbook. Use it sparingly!
Meaning
Used to acknowledge and excuse a redundant phrase or statement.
Use it to sound smart
If you accidentally say something repetitive, don't panic. Just add 'valga la redundancia' and you'll look like you did it on purpose.
Don't overdo it
Using it more than once in a conversation makes you sound like a grammar textbook. Use it sparingly!
The 'RAE' effect
Spanish speakers love to correct each other's grammar. This phrase is your best defense against 'grammar nazis'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Voy a entrar adentro, ______ la redundancia, porque está lloviendo.
The phrase always uses the present subjunctive 'valga'.
In which of these situations is 'valga la redundancia' MOST appropriate?
Select the best context:
'Seeing with eyes' is a classic pleonasm (redundancy) that triggers this phrase.
Match the redundant phrase with its logical context.
1. Cita previa / 2. Subir arriba / 3. Regalo gratuito
These are all common triggers for 'valga la redundancia'.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
Jefe: ¿Ya terminaste el informe? / Empleado: Sí, hice un resumen ______, valga la redundancia.
'Resumen resumido' is a redundancy that fits the phrase perfectly.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVoy a entrar adentro, ______ la redundancia, porque está lloviendo.
The phrase always uses the present subjunctive 'valga'.
Select the best context:
'Seeing with eyes' is a classic pleonasm (redundancy) that triggers this phrase.
1. Cita previa / 2. Subir arriba / 3. Regalo gratuito
These are all common triggers for 'valga la redundancia'.
Jefe: ¿Ya terminaste el informe? / Empleado: Sí, hice un resumen ______, valga la redundancia.
'Resumen resumido' is a redundancy that fits the phrase perfectly.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsA veces. Se puede usar para burlarse de alguien que está siendo muy repetitivo.
Sí, es correcto, pero 'valga la redundancia' es mucho más común y suena más natural.
Sí, a menudo se abrevia o se usa después de un emoji de risa cuando alguien escribe algo como 'subir arriba'.
Porque es un deseo o una concesión ('que sea válida'), lo cual requiere el modo subjuntivo.
Sí, es una frase universal en todo el mundo hispanohablante.
Absolutamente. Es muy común en la correspondencia profesional para suavizar el lenguaje técnico.
No. 'Por así decirlo' se usa para metáforas. 'Valga la redundancia' es solo para repeticiones.
Sí, es perfecto para esos momentos en los que no encuentras un sinónimo.
No, es una frase atemporal. La usan tanto jóvenes como adultos.
Lo más cercano es 'pardon the redundancy'.
Related Phrases
Por así decirlo
similarSo to speak
Dicho sea de paso
similarBy the way / Incidentally
En otras palabras
builds onIn other words
Pleonasmo
specialized formPleonasm
