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A1 verb #2,000 mais comum 15 min de leitura

valer

Top 2,000

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas valer em 30 segundos

Explicação valer in your Level:

At the A1 level, the primary focus for learners encountering the verb valer is its literal translation: 'to be worth' or 'to cost' in a financial context. Beginners are introduced to valer as a practical tool for survival Spanish, specifically for navigating commercial transactions like shopping at markets, buying tickets, or ordering food. The most critical phrase to master at this stage is '¿Cuánto vale?' (How much is it worth? / How much does it cost?). This simple question is indispensable for anyone traveling in a Spanish-speaking country. At this level, learners are not expected to master the complex irregular conjugations of valer. The focus is almost entirely on the third-person singular (vale) and third-person plural (valen), as these are the forms used to ask about the price of singular and plural items, respectively. For example, a learner should be able to point to a single apple and ask, '¿Cuánto vale esta manzana?' and then point to a group of apples and ask, '¿Cuánto valen estas manzanas?'. Additionally, A1 learners, particularly those focusing on the Spanish spoken in Spain, must be introduced to the interjection '¡Vale!'. Understanding that this single word means 'okay', 'alright', or 'I understand' is crucial for basic listening comprehension and simple social interactions. It is one of the highest-frequency words in Peninsular Spanish. Therefore, the A1 learning objective is twofold: using valer for basic pricing inquiries and recognizing its function as a conversational affirmative. Grammar instruction should remain light, avoiding the irregular 'yo valgo' and the subjunctive forms, which can overwhelm beginners. Instead, rote memorization of 'cuánto vale' and the interjection 'vale' provides immediate, practical utility, building confidence and facilitating basic communication in everyday scenarios. This foundational understanding sets the stage for more complex figurative uses in later stages of learning.

As learners progress to the A2 level, their understanding of valer expands beyond simple price tags and enters the realm of basic figurative expressions and slightly more complex grammar. At this stage, learners are introduced to the highly frequent and essential idiom 'valer la pena' (to be worth the effort/to be worthwhile). This phrase is critical for expressing opinions and making recommendations, which are key competencies at the A2 level. Learners should be able to construct sentences like 'La película vale la pena' (The movie is worth it) or ask '¿Vale la pena visitar ese museo?' (Is it worth visiting that museum?). This represents a significant cognitive leap, as they are now using valer to evaluate abstract concepts like experiences and effort rather than just physical objects. Grammatically, A2 learners must now confront the irregular first-person singular conjugation: 'yo valgo'. They need to understand that valer belongs to the 'go' verb group in the present tense, similar to tener (tengo) and salir (salgo). They should be able to use 'valgo' in simple sentences expressing personal worth or capability, such as 'Yo valgo mucho para esta empresa' (I am worth a lot to this company). Furthermore, A2 learners should begin to distinguish between valer and costar. While they might have used them interchangeably at A1, they now learn that costar is more strictly about the price or difficulty, while valer can encompass intrinsic value. They should also practice using valer with indirect object pronouns in simple contexts, such as 'Me vale diez euros' (It costs me ten euros). By mastering 'valer la pena', the irregular 'yo valgo', and the distinction from costar, A2 learners significantly broaden their expressive capabilities, allowing them to engage in more nuanced conversations about value, effort, and personal opinions.

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At the B1 level, learners are expected to handle a wider range of tenses and more abstract, colloquial uses of valer. The grammatical focus shifts to mastering the irregular future and conditional stems. B1 learners must know that valer changes to 'valdr-' in these tenses. They should be comfortable constructing sentences like 'Esta casa valdrá mucho dinero en el futuro' (This house will be worth a lot of money in the future) or 'Yo creo que valdría la pena hablar con él' (I think it would be worth talking to him). The use of the conditional 'valdría la pena' is particularly important for giving polite advice or expressing hypothetical situations, which are core B1 functions. Culturally and colloquially, B1 learners, especially those focusing on Latin American Spanish, should be introduced to the expression 'me vale' meaning 'I don't care' or 'it doesn't matter to me'. Understanding this semantic shift from 'value' to 'apathy' is crucial for comprehending native speakers in informal settings. They should understand the register of this phrase—that it is highly informal and should be used with caution. Additionally, B1 learners should expand their use of valer to express validity or applicability. They should be able to understand and use phrases like 'Esa excusa no vale' (That excuse is not valid) or 'Este billete ya no vale' (This ticket is no longer valid). This usage is common in discussions about rules, games, and administrative processes. Finally, they should be introduced to the present subjunctive form 'valga', primarily in set phrases or simple expressions of doubt, such as 'Dudo que valga tanto' (I doubt it's worth that much). By integrating these future/conditional forms, colloquialisms, and concepts of validity, B1 learners achieve a much more flexible and native-like command of the verb valer.

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Reaching the B2 level signifies a transition to upper-intermediate proficiency, where learners must demonstrate a nuanced, highly accurate, and culturally aware use of valer. At this stage, the subjunctive mood becomes a major focus. B2 learners must effortlessly use the present subjunctive 'valga' and the imperfect subjunctive 'valiera/valiese' in complex sentences involving doubt, emotion, influence, and hypothetical situations. They should easily construct sentences like 'No creo que este coche valga el precio que piden' (I don't think this car is worth the asking price) or 'Si valiera la pena, lo haría' (If it were worth it, I would do it). The mastery of 'valer la pena' in the subjunctive is a hallmark of B2 proficiency. Furthermore, B2 learners delve deeper into the reflexive use of the verb: 'valerse de'. They must understand that this means 'to make use of', 'to employ', or 'to fend for oneself'. They should be able to read and produce sentences like 'El estafador se valió de su encanto para engañar a la gente' (The scammer made use of his charm to deceive people) or 'Mi abuela todavía se vale por sí misma' (My grandmother still fends for herself). This reflexive usage adds a sophisticated layer to their vocabulary, allowing them to discuss independence and the utilization of resources. B2 learners also encounter a wider array of idiomatic expressions and proverbs utilizing valer, such as 'Más vale prevenir que curar' (Better safe than sorry) or 'Hacer valer sus derechos' (To assert one's rights). They are expected to understand these idioms in context and begin incorporating them into their own speech and writing to sound more natural and persuasive. The B2 learner uses valer not just to communicate basic needs, but to argue, evaluate, hypothesize, and express complex social and cultural concepts with grammatical precision.

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At the C1 advanced level, the use of valer is characterized by near-native fluency, an intuitive grasp of subtle semantic distinctions, and the ability to navigate complex literary and rhetorical contexts. C1 learners manipulate valer effortlessly across all tenses and moods, including the perfect subjunctive and pluperfect subjunctive, to express highly nuanced hypothetical scenarios and regrets. For example, 'Ojalá hubiera valido la pena tanto sacrificio' (If only so much sacrifice had been worth it). At this level, the focus is heavily on register and stylistic choice. C1 learners know exactly when to use formal expressions like 'hacer valer' (to assert/enforce) in professional or academic writing, such as 'El abogado hizo valer los términos del contrato' (The lawyer enforced the terms of the contract). They also possess a deep understanding of regional colloquialisms and slang, knowing not just what 'me vale madre' means in Mexico, but understanding its precise emotional weight and the social contexts where it is appropriate or inappropriate. They can seamlessly switch between the Peninsular 'vale' as a discourse marker and Latin American equivalents depending on their interlocutor. Furthermore, C1 learners engage with valer in abstract, philosophical, or literary discussions about human worth, dignity, and existential value. They can analyze texts where valer is used metaphorically and can produce sophisticated arguments using the verb. They understand the subtle interplay between valer, merecer, and importar, choosing the exact right word to convey the precise shade of meaning required. They are also familiar with less common derivatives and related vocabulary, such as 'valía' (worth/value) or 'minusvalía' (disability/handicap), and understand their etymological connection to the root verb. In essence, for a C1 learner, valer is a fully integrated, highly flexible tool used for sophisticated intellectual and social expression.

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The C2 level represents mastery, where the learner's command of valer is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. At this pinnacle of proficiency, there are no grammatical hurdles; the subjunctive, conditional, and complex reflexive structures are produced automatically and flawlessly. The C2 focus is on the absolute minutiae of the language: historical usage, deep etymology, regional micro-variations, and the verb's role in classic literature and poetry. A C2 speaker understands the archaic or highly formal uses of valer, such as the expression '¡Valga Dios!' or the use of 'valer' as a noun in classical texts. They can effortlessly parse complex, convoluted sentences in legal or academic documents where 'valer' is used to establish the legitimacy or precedence of a law or argument. They are adept at using valer in highly rhetorical speech, employing it to create emphasis, irony, or emotional resonance. For instance, they might use 'hacer valer' in a passionate political debate to discuss the assertion of human rights on a global scale. Furthermore, a C2 speaker has a comprehensive, encyclopedic knowledge of all idiomatic expressions involving valer across the entire Spanish-speaking diaspora. They understand the subtle differences in how 'valer la pena' might be perceived or used differently in a rural village in the Andes versus a corporate boardroom in Madrid. They can play with the language, creating novel metaphors or puns based on the multiple meanings of valer. They intuitively grasp the sociolinguistic implications of using 'vale' versus 'ok' versus 'sale' and adjust their speech perfectly to build rapport or establish authority. At the C2 level, valer is not just a word to be used; it is a cultural artifact to be wielded with precision, elegance, and profound understanding.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

valer em 30 segundos

Means 'to be worth' or 'to cost'.
Used in 'valer la pena' (to be worth it).
'Vale' means 'okay' in Spain.
Irregular 'yo' form: 'yo valgo'.

The Spanish verb valer is an incredibly versatile and fundamental component of the language, primarily translating to the English concept of 'to be worth', but its semantic reach extends far beyond simple monetary valuation into realms of emotional significance, practical utility, and even conversational discourse. To truly understand what valer means, one must explore its multifaceted applications across different contexts. At its most basic and literal level, valer is used to inquire about or state the price or economic value of an item, functioning similarly to the verb costar (to cost). When you walk into a vibrant market in Madrid, Buenos Aires, or Mexico City, you will frequently hear shoppers asking vendors about the price of goods using this verb.

Disculpe, ¿cuánto vale esta camisa de algodón?

This literal translation is often the first encounter a language learner has with the word. However, the concept of 'worth' in Spanish is not strictly financial. Valer is extensively used to describe the intrinsic value, merit, or validity of a person, an action, or an abstract concept.

Intrinsic Value: When referring to a person, saying someone 'vale mucho' means they are highly capable, possess great character, or are deeply appreciated. It is a profound compliment regarding their personal worth.

Furthermore, valer is deeply embedded in the evaluation of effort and consequence through the ubiquitous phrase 'valer la pena', which literally translates to 'to be worth the pain' or 'to be worth the sorrow', but is universally understood as 'to be worth the effort' or 'to be worthwhile'.

El viaje fue largo y agotador, pero las vistas desde la cima de la montaña hicieron que valiera la pena.

This expression is a cornerstone of Spanish communication, used daily to weigh the pros and cons of any given situation. Beyond value and effort, valer also signifies validity or applicability. If a coupon is expired, 'ya no vale'. If an argument in a debate is illogical, 'ese argumento no vale'.

Validity and Rules: In games and sports, valer is used to determine if a move or a point is legitimate. If a soccer player scores from an offside position, the referee might declare 'el gol no vale', meaning the goal does not count.

En este juego de cartas, el comodín vale por cualquier otra carta que necesites.

Another fascinating dimension of valer is its evolution into a discourse marker, particularly in Spain. The third-person singular form, 'vale', is arguably the most frequently spoken word in the Iberian Peninsula. It functions exactly like the English 'okay', 'alright', or 'understood'. It is used to express agreement, confirm comprehension, or simply to acknowledge what someone has said.

Discourse Marker: The transformation of a verb of value into a simple affirmative interjection showcases the dynamic, living nature of the Spanish language and how societal usage shapes vocabulary over time.

Nos vemos a las ocho en la plaza, ¿vale?

¡Vale, vale! Ya entendí lo que me quieres decir, no hace falta que lo repitas.

In summary, to understand what valer means is to understand a spectrum of concepts ranging from the cold, hard numbers of a price tag to the warm, subjective assessment of a person's character, the logical determination of a rule's applicability, and the casual, everyday rhythm of conversational agreement. It is a word that permeates every level of Spanish communication, making it an absolute necessity for any serious learner to master in all its varied and colorful forms.

Mastering how to use the verb valer requires a solid understanding of its grammatical structure, its irregular conjugations, and the specific syntactic patterns it frequently employs. Grammatically, valer is an ER verb, but it is highly irregular in the first person singular of the present indicative, as well as in the present subjunctive, the future, and the conditional tenses. This irregularity is a common stumbling block for learners, but it is crucial for accurate communication. In the present indicative, the conjugation is: yo valgo, tú vales, él/ella/usted vale, nosotros/nosotras valemos, vosotros/vosotras valéis, ellos/ellas/ustedes valen.

Yo sé que valgo mucho más de lo que me están pagando en esta empresa.

The 'yo valgo' form is particularly important because it serves as the root for the entire present subjunctive tense: que yo valga, que tú valgas, que él valga, que nosotros valgamos, que vosotros valgáis, que ellos valgan.

Subjunctive Usage: The subjunctive form is frequently used in expressions of doubt, emotion, or necessity, such as 'Dudo que este reloj antiguo valga tanto dinero' (I doubt this antique watch is worth that much money).

Moving to the future and conditional tenses, valer undergoes a stem change where the 'e' is replaced by a 'd', resulting in the stem 'valdr-'. The future tense is conjugated as: valdré, valdrás, valdrá, valdremos, valdréis, valdrán. The conditional is: valdría, valdrías, valdría, valdríamos, valdríais, valdrían.

Si inviertes en esta propiedad ahora, valdrá el doble en diez años.

Conditional Contexts: The conditional is often used to express hypothetical value or to give polite advice, as in 'Valdría la pena consultar a un abogado antes de firmar el contrato' (It would be worth consulting a lawyer before signing the contract).

Syntactically, valer is frequently used with indirect object pronouns to indicate who is affected by the value or validity of something. For example, the colloquial phrase 'me vale' (literally 'it is worth to me') is widely used in Mexico and other parts of Latin America to mean 'I don't care' or 'it doesn't matter to me'. This is a fascinating semantic shift where a declaration of value ironically becomes a declaration of apathy.

La verdad es que me vale lo que piensen los demás sobre mi decisión.

Another critical usage pattern involves the reflexive form, valerse de, which means 'to make use of', 'to employ', or 'to fend for oneself'. This structure requires the preposition 'de' followed by a noun or an infinitive.

El político se valió de su influencia para conseguir el puesto.

Reflexive Independence: When used to describe independence, 'valerse por sí mismo' is a common phrase meaning to be self-sufficient. 'Mi abuelo tiene noventa años pero todavía se vale por sí mismo.'

Finally, the imperative form of valer is frequently encountered. The affirmative informal command is 'vale' (which, as noted, also functions as an interjection in Spain), and the formal command is 'valga'.

¡Valga Dios!

This exclamation, 'Valga Dios', is an old-fashioned but still understood expression of surprise or dismay, translating roughly to 'God help me' or 'Good heavens'. By understanding these conjugations, reflexive structures, and syntactical nuances, learners can confidently deploy valer in a wide array of complex and expressive sentences, moving far beyond the simple question of 'how much does it cost'.

The verb valer is ubiquitous in the Spanish-speaking world, echoing through bustling marketplaces, formal boardrooms, casual living rooms, and across various forms of media. Knowing where you hear it provides essential context for understanding its diverse applications and cultural nuances. One of the most common and immediate environments where valer is heard is in commercial settings. Whether you are navigating a vibrant open-air market in Oaxaca, browsing a high-end boutique in Barcelona, or negotiating a business deal in Bogotá, valer is the linguistic currency of transaction.

Señor, ¿me puede decir cuánto vale este kilo de manzanas?

In these scenarios, it is used interchangeably with costar, though valer often implies a broader sense of worth rather than just the strict numerical price.

Marketplace Dynamics: In many Latin American markets, haggling is common, and you might hear phrases like 'No vale tanto' (It's not worth that much) as buyers and sellers negotiate a fair price.

Beyond commerce, valer permeates everyday social interactions, particularly through idiomatic expressions. You will frequently hear it in conversations involving decision-making, encouragement, or evaluation. The phrase 'valer la pena' is heard constantly when friends discuss whether to watch a new movie, travel to a specific destination, or undertake a difficult task.

Te recomiendo que leas este libro, realmente vale la pena.

In Spain, the auditory landscape is dominated by the interjection 'vale'. You will hear it in almost every sentence during a casual conversation. It functions as a verbal nod, a confirmation, and a transition word.

Vamos al cine y luego a cenar, ¿vale?

The Spanish 'Vale': This usage is so prevalent in Spain that it often becomes a subconscious filler word, much like 'like' or 'you know' in English, though it maintains its core function of establishing agreement.

Conversely, in Mexico and other parts of Latin America, you will frequently hear the colloquial 'me vale' or the more emphatic 'me vale madre' in informal settings. This is heard when someone is expressing frustration, apathy, or a deliberate disregard for rules or opinions.

Me vale lo que diga el jefe, yo me voy a casa.

You will also hear valer in traditional proverbs and sayings, which are a rich part of Hispanic culture. Older generations, in particular, often use proverbs to impart wisdom. For instance, 'Más vale tarde que nunca' (Better late than never) is a universal sentiment expressed perfectly with this verb.

Llegaste una hora tarde a la reunión, pero bueno, más vale tarde que nunca.

Proverbial Wisdom: Another common proverb is 'Más vale maña que fuerza' (Skill is worth more than strength), highlighting the cultural appreciation for cleverness and technique over brute force.

In academic or formal contexts, you might hear valer used to discuss the validity of theories, the weight of evidence, or the applicability of laws. 'Esta ley ya no vale' (This law is no longer valid). In summary, valer is a verb that you will hear everywhere, from the street vendor's stall to the university lecture hall, serving as a critical tool for expressing value, agreement, apathy, and wisdom across the diverse tapestry of the Spanish-speaking world.

While valer is an essential verb, its irregular conjugations, nuanced meanings, and regional variations make it a frequent source of errors for Spanish learners. Understanding and avoiding these common mistakes is crucial for achieving fluency and sounding natural. The most prevalent and glaring mistake occurs with the first-person singular conjugation in the present tense. Because valer is an ER verb, many beginners logically but incorrectly assume the 'yo' form is 'valo'.

Incorrecto: Yo valo mucho como profesional. Correcto: Yo valgo mucho como profesional.

The 'Go' Verb Trap: Valer belongs to a specific group of verbs that add a 'g' in the yo form (like salir/salgo, poner/pongo). Failing to memorize this irregularity leads to immediate grammatical errors that native speakers will notice instantly.

This error cascades into the present subjunctive, where learners might incorrectly say 'que yo vala' instead of the correct 'que yo valga'. Another major area of confusion is the distinction between valer and costar. While both can translate to 'to cost' or 'to be worth' in a financial sense, they are not always interchangeable. Costar strictly refers to the price or the effort required to obtain something. Valer refers to the intrinsic worth or value.

Este anillo me costó cien dólares, pero para mí vale millones porque era de mi abuela.

Learners often mistakenly use valer when they should use costar to express difficulty. For example, saying 'Me vale mucho aprender español' to mean 'It costs me a lot of effort to learn Spanish' is incorrect; the correct phrasing is 'Me cuesta mucho aprender español'. A third common mistake involves the misuse of the phrase 'valer la pena'. Direct translation from English often leads learners to say 'es vale la pena' (it is worth the pain), erroneously adding the verb 'ser'.

The 'Ser' Intrusion: Valer is already a verb. You do not need to say 'es vale'. The correct structure is simply the conjugated form of valer followed by 'la pena'.

Incorrecto: Es vale la pena visitar el museo. Correcto: Vale la pena visitar el museo.

Furthermore, learners often struggle with the regional nuances of valer. Using the Spanish interjection '¡Vale!' excessively in Latin America might sound unnatural or overly affected, as it is not commonly used there as a simple 'okay' (Latin Americans prefer 'está bien', 'ok', or 'listo'). Conversely, using the Mexican expression 'me vale' in a formal setting in Spain or elsewhere can be perceived as highly disrespectful. Finally, errors occur with the future and conditional stems. Learners might say 'valeré' instead of the correct 'valdré'.

Stem Change Errors: Remember that valer, like tener (tendré) and salir (saldré), replaces the 'e' or 'i' of the infinitive ending with a 'd' in the future and conditional tenses.

Incorrecto: El coche valerá menos el próximo año. Correcto: El coche valdrá menos el próximo año.

By actively practicing these irregular conjugations, understanding the subtle difference between valer and costar, and respecting regional usage, learners can eliminate these common mistakes and use valer with confidence and precision.

Expanding your vocabulary involves not just learning a word, but understanding its relationship to similar words. Valer exists in a semantic field alongside several other verbs that express concepts of price, importance, utility, and merit. Knowing when to use valer versus its synonyms is a hallmark of advanced proficiency. The most immediate and commonly confused synonym is costar (to cost). While both deal with value, their focus is different.

Valer vs. Costar: Costar focuses on the expenditure required—be it money, time, or effort. Valer focuses on the intrinsic worth or the return on that expenditure. A diamond ring 'cuesta' a lot of money, and because of its material, it also 'vale' a lot. However, a handmade card from a child 'cuesta' nothing, but 'vale' everything.

El esfuerzo me costó la salud, pero no valió la pena.

Another closely related verb is importar (to matter, to be important). When valer is used to express that something has significance or weight, it overlaps with importar.

Valer vs. Importar: Importar is more direct when talking about personal significance or concern. 'Me importa tu opinión' (Your opinion matters to me). You could say 'Tu opinión vale mucho para mí' (Your opinion is worth a lot to me), which conveys a very similar sentiment but uses the metaphor of value rather than direct importance.

Servir (to serve, to be useful) is another verb that shares territory with valer, specifically when valer is used to mean 'to be valid' or 'to be applicable'.

Este billete roto ya no vale en la tienda.

Valer vs. Servir: If a tool is broken, you might say 'no sirve' (it doesn't work/it's not useful). If a coupon is expired, you might say 'no vale' (it's not valid). Sometimes they overlap: 'Este método no me vale' and 'Este método no me sirve' can both mean 'This method doesn't work for me'.

Merecer (to deserve) is also conceptually linked to valer, particularly in the context of 'valer la pena'.

El proyecto es difícil, pero merece la pena intentarlo.

Finally, when discussing the Spanish interjection '¡Vale!', it is important to recognize its synonyms in other regions. While a Spaniard says 'vale' to mean 'okay', a Mexican will say 'sale' or 'va', an Argentine might say 'dale', and across Latin America, 'está bien' or simply 'ok' are universally understood.

¿Nos vemos a las cinco? - ¡Dale!

¿Me pasas la sal? - ¡Sale!

Understanding these subtle distinctions and regional variations enriches your vocabulary and allows you to choose the most precise and culturally appropriate word for any given situation, elevating your Spanish from basic comprehension to nuanced fluency.

How Formal Is It?

Nível de dificuldade

Gramática essencial

Irregular 'yo' verbs in the present tense (the 'go' verbs).

Stem-changing verbs in the future and conditional tenses (adding a 'd').

The use of the subjunctive mood after expressions of doubt (dudar que valga).

Reflexive pronouns with verbs that change meaning (valer vs. valerse de).

The syntax of indirect object pronouns with verbs of emotion/interest (me vale).

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Exemplos por nível

¿Cuánto vale este libro?

How much is this book worth?

Third-person singular used for a single item.

Estas manzanas valen dos euros.

These apples cost two euros.

Third-person plural used for multiple items.

¿Vale? - Sí, vale.

Okay? - Yes, okay.

Used as an interjection (common in Spain).

El billete de tren vale mucho.

The train ticket costs a lot.

Used with 'mucho' to indicate high price.

No vale nada.

It's worth nothing.

Double negative 'no... nada' is standard in Spanish.

¿Cuánto valen los zapatos?

How much are the shoes?

Plural subject 'los zapatos' requires 'valen'.

Vale cinco dólares.

It is worth five dollars.

Direct statement of price.

¡Vale, vamos!

Okay, let's go!

Interjection used to express agreement and initiate action.

La película es larga, pero vale la pena.

The movie is long, but it's worth it.

Introduction of the idiom 'valer la pena'.

Yo valgo mucho en mi trabajo.

I am worth a lot at my job.

Irregular first-person singular 'yo valgo'.

Ese reloj antiguo vale una fortuna.

That antique watch is worth a fortune.

Expressing high intrinsic value.

¿Crees que vale la pena ir al museo?

Do you think it's worth going to the museum?

Using 'valer la pena' in a question format.

Este cupón ya no vale.

This coupon is no longer valid.

Valer used to mean 'to be valid'.

Tú vales mucho para mí.

You are worth a lot to me.

Expressing emotional worth to someone.

No vale la pena llorar por eso.

It's not worth crying over that.

Negative form of 'valer la pena' with an infinitive.

Me vale diez pesos.

It costs me ten pesos.

Using an indirect object pronoun 'me'.

Si lo arreglas, el coche valdrá más.

If you fix it, the car will be worth more.

Irregular future tense stem 'valdr-'.

Valdría la pena estudiar más para el examen.

It would be worth studying more for the exam.

Conditional tense 'valdría' for advice.

Dudo que ese cuadro valga un millón.

I doubt that painting is worth a million.

Present subjunctive 'valga' after an expression of doubt.

Me vale lo que digan los demás.

I don't care what others say.

Colloquial usage meaning 'I don't care' (Latin America).

Esa regla no vale en este juego.

That rule doesn't apply in this game.

Valer meaning 'to apply' or 'to be valid' in a game.

Más vale tarde que nunca.

Better late than never.

Common proverb using valer.

No creo que valga la pena el esfuerzo.

I don't think the effort is worth it.

Subjunctive 'valga' after 'no creo que'.

El profesor hizo valer su autoridad.

The teacher asserted his authority.

The phrase 'hacer valer' meaning to assert or enforce.

El estafador se valió de su simpatía para robarles.

The scammer made use of his charm to rob them.

Reflexive 'valerse de' meaning to make use of.

Si valiera la pena, ya lo habría hecho.

If it were worth it, I would have already done it.

Imperfect subjunctive 'valiera' in a conditional sentence.

Mi abuelo tiene 90 años y aún se vale por sí mismo.

My grandfather is 90 and still fends for himself.

Phrase 'valerse por sí mismo' meaning to be independent.

Es importante que hagas valer tus derechos.

It is important that you assert your rights.

Subjunctive 'hagas' with 'hacer valer'.

No me vale esa excusa, tienes que ser responsable.

That excuse doesn't work for me, you have to be responsible.

'No me vale' meaning 'I don't accept that'.

Más vale maña que fuerza en esta situación.

Skill is worth more than strength in this situation.

Advanced proverb usage.

Aunque valga una fortuna, lo voy a comprar.

Even if it costs a fortune, I am going to buy it.

Concessive clause with 'aunque' + subjunctive.

Me valió madre lo que me dijo y me fui.

I didn't give a damn what he told me and I left.

Highly colloquial/vulgar Mexican expression (understand context).

Ojalá hubiera valido la pena tanto sacrificio durante esos años.

If only so much sacrifice during those years had been worth it.

Pluperfect subjunctive 'hubiera valido'.

El abogado logró hacer valer la cláusula de confidencialidad.

The lawyer managed to enforce the confidentiality clause.

Formal use of 'hacer valer' in a legal context.

Su valía como investigador quedó demostrada en el congreso.

His worth as a researcher was demonstrated at the conference.

Use of the related noun 'valía'.

De nada vale que te quejes ahora si no hiciste nada antes.

It is of no use complaining now if you did nothing before.

'De nada vale que' + subjunctive to express futility.

Se valieron de artimañas legales para evadir los impuestos.

They made use of legal loopholes to evade taxes.

Advanced use of 'valerse de' with abstract nouns.

Por más que valga, no estoy dispuesto a pagar esa suma exorbitante.

No matter how much it's worth, I am not willing to pay that exorbitant sum.

'Por más que' + subjunctive for concession.

Es un profesional de reconocida valía en el sector tecnológico.

He is a professional of recognized worth in the tech sector.

Formal phrasing using 'reconocida valía'.

¡Valga la redundancia!, es un hecho verdaderamente verdadero.

Pardon the redundancy, it is a truly true fact.

Set phrase 'valga la redundancia' used in advanced rhetoric.

El tribunal hizo valer la jurisprudencia sentada en casos análogos.

The court enforced the jurisprudence established in analogous cases.

Highly formal, legalistic use of 'hacer valer'.

Poco valdría nuestra libertad si no pudiéramos ejercerla con responsabilidad.

Our freedom would be worth little if we could not exercise it responsibly.

Inverted syntax with conditional for rhetorical effect.

Se valió de su vasta erudición para desarmar los argumentos de su oponente.

He made use of his vast erudition to dismantle his opponent's arguments.

Sophisticated vocabulary paired with 'valerse de'.

¡Válgame Dios, qué despropósito acabas de pronunciar!

Good heavens, what nonsense you have just uttered!

Archaic/literary exclamation '¡Válgame Dios!'.

Aquel tratado, otrora fundamental, hoy ya no vale el papel en el que está escrito.

That treaty, once fundamental, is today not worth the paper it is written on.

Poetic/rhetorical expansion of 'no valer nada'.

Hizo valimiento de sus influencias cortesanas para obtener el favor real.

He made use of his courtly influences to obtain royal favor.

Use of the rare, archaic noun 'valimiento'.

No hay argumento que valga contra la evidencia empírica irrefutable.

There is no valid argument against irrefutable empirical evidence.

'Que valga' used as an adjectival clause meaning 'that is valid'.

Más le valiera haber guardado silencio en tan delicada coyuntura.

It would have been better for him to have kept silent at such a delicate juncture.

Literary use of imperfect subjunctive 'valiera' instead of conditional.

Colocações comuns

valer la pena

hacer valer

valer un potosí

valer su peso en oro

no valer nada

valerse por sí mismo

más vale

valer madre

hacerse valer

valer un imperio

Frases Comuns

¿Cuánto vale?

Vale la pena.

¡Vale!

Más vale tarde que nunca.

No vale para nada.

Me vale.

Hacer valer sus derechos.

Se vale por sí mismo.

Más vale prevenir que curar.

¡Válgame Dios!

Frequentemente confundido com

valer vs costar

valer vs importar

valer vs servir

Expressões idiomáticas

"valer la pena"

"valer su peso en oro"

"valer un potosí"

"más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando"

"me vale madre"

"hacerse valer"

"no valer un comino"

"valer un imperio"

"más vale maña que fuerza"

"valer lo que pesa"

Fácil de confundir

valer vs

Padrões de frases

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Como usar

formality

'Valer' is standard across all registers, but specific phrases vary. 'Hacer valer' is formal; 'me vale madre' is highly informal/vulgar.

semantic shift

The shift from 'value' to 'agreement' (Spain) and 'value' to 'apathy' (Mexico) highlights the verb's incredible semantic flexibility.

regional differences

'Vale' as 'okay' is almost exclusively used in Spain. 'Me vale' as 'I don't care' is predominantly Mexican and Central American.

Erros comuns

Saying 'yo valo' instead of 'yo valgo'.
Saying 'es vale la pena' instead of just 'vale la pena'.
Using 'valeré' instead of 'valdré' in the future tense.
Confusing 'valer' with 'costar' when talking about difficulty (saying 'me vale mucho aprender' instead of 'me cuesta mucho aprender').
Using '¡Vale!' as an interjection in Latin America where it is not commonly used.

Dicas

The 'Go' Verb Rule

Always remember that 'valer' is a 'go' verb in the present tense 'yo' form. It is 'yo valgo', just like 'yo tengo' or 'yo salgo'. This is the most common grammatical mistake learners make with this verb.

Spain's Favorite Word

If you are traveling to Spain, start using '¡Vale!' instead of 'Okay'. It will instantly make your Spanish sound more natural and localized. Use it to agree, confirm, or end a conversation.

Mastering 'Valer la pena'

Memorize the phrase 'valer la pena' as a single chunk of vocabulary. Do not try to translate it word for word. Use it whenever you want to say something is 'worth it'.

Future Tense Stem

Watch out for the future and conditional tenses. The stem changes to 'valdr-'. Practice saying 'valdré' and 'valdría' out loud so you don't accidentally say 'valeré'.

Regional Caution with 'Me vale'

Be careful with the phrase 'me vale'. While it's a great colloquialism in Mexico for 'I don't care', it can sound rude or confusing in other countries. Know your audience before using it.

No 'Ser' Needed

Never put the verb 'ser' in front of 'valer la pena'. It is never 'es vale la pena'. Just conjugate 'valer' directly: 'vale la pena', 'valió la pena', 'valdrá la pena'.

Costar vs. Valer

Use 'costar' when you want to emphasize the financial price or the physical effort. Use 'valer' when you want to emphasize the intrinsic worth, quality, or emotional value of something.

Reflexive Independence

To sound more advanced, use the phrase 'valerse por sí mismo' to describe someone who is independent or self-sufficient, especially when talking about elderly people or young adults.

Subjunctive Triggers

Remember that the irregular 'yo valgo' triggers an irregular present subjunctive: 'valga'. Use 'valga' after expressions of doubt, like 'Dudo que valga tanto dinero'.

Learn a Proverb

Impress native speakers by using the proverb 'Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando' (A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). It perfectly showcases the comparative use of 'valer'.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of the English word VALUE. Valer is the verb form: to have VALUE.

Origem da palavra

Contexto cultural

'Vale' is used as 'okay' in almost every conversation.

'Me vale' or 'me vale madre' is a colloquial way to say 'I don't care'.

Less likely to use 'vale' for 'okay', preferring 'dale' or 'listo'.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Iniciadores de conversa

"¿Crees que vale la pena ir a la universidad hoy en día?"

"¿Cuánto vale el objeto más caro que has comprado?"

"¿Qué cosas en la vida valen más que el dinero?"

"¿Alguna vez has tenido que hacer valer tus derechos?"

"¿En tu país usan mucho la palabra 'vale' para decir 'ok'?"

Temas para diário

Escribe sobre una experiencia difícil que al final valió la pena.

Describe un objeto que no vale mucho dinero, pero que tiene mucho valor sentimental para ti.

¿Qué significa para ti la frase 'hacerse valer' en el ámbito profesional?

Escribe un diálogo donde dos personas regatean (haggle) el precio de un artículo usando el verbo valer.

Reflexiona sobre el proverbio 'Más vale tarde que nunca'. ¿Estás de acuerdo?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

'Costar' strictly refers to the price or the effort required to get something. 'Valer' refers to the intrinsic worth or value. An item might cost ('costar') very little money, but be worth ('valer') a lot to you sentimentally. However, when asking for a price in a store, '¿cuánto cuesta?' and '¿cuánto vale?' are used interchangeably.

In Spain, the third-person singular form 'vale' has evolved into a discourse marker. It functions exactly like 'okay', 'alright', or 'understood' in English. It is used to confirm agreement, check for comprehension, or simply acknowledge what someone has said. It is an essential part of the rhythm of Peninsular Spanish.

No, 'yo valo' is grammatically incorrect. Valer is an irregular verb in the first-person singular of the present tense. The correct form is 'yo valgo'. This irregularity also affects the present subjunctive, which becomes 'que yo valga'.

'Valer la pena' is a very common idiom that translates literally to 'to be worth the pain' or 'to be worth the sorrow'. However, its actual meaning is 'to be worth the effort' or 'to be worthwhile'. It is used to evaluate whether an experience, task, or purchase is justified by its outcome.

No, that is a common mistake made by English speakers directly translating 'it is worth it'. 'Valer' is already a verb, so you do not need to add the verb 'ser' (es). You simply say 'vale la pena' (it is worth the effort).

In Mexico and some other parts of Latin America, 'me vale' is a colloquial expression meaning 'I don't care' or 'it doesn't matter to me'. It is an informal phrase. A more vulgar and emphatic version is 'me vale madre', which means 'I don't give a damn'.

Valer has an irregular stem in the future and conditional tenses. You drop the 'e' from the infinitive ending and replace it with a 'd', creating the stem 'valdr-'. The future tense conjugations are: valdré, valdrás, valdrá, valdremos, valdréis, valdrán.

When used reflexively with the preposition 'de' (valerse de), the verb means 'to make use of', 'to employ', or 'to resort to'. For example, 'Se valió de su inteligencia para ganar' means 'He made use of his intelligence to win'.

Yes, absolutely. Saying someone 'vale mucho' is a profound compliment meaning they are highly capable, have great character, or are deeply appreciated. Conversely, saying someone 'no vale para nada' is a harsh insult meaning they are useless.

This is the exact Spanish equivalent of the English proverb 'Better late than never'. It uses 'valer' to express that the value of doing something late is greater than the value of not doing it at all. It is a very common and useful phrase.

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