vale, hecho
/ˈbale ˈet͡ʃo/word by word
In Spanish, "alright bet" can be translated as vale, hecho.
This expression is used to agree with a suggestion or to confirm a plan in an informal setting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase vale, hecho is informal and is used when confirming plans or agreeing to suggestions with others.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, you might hear the expression ¡Dale, hagamos esa apuesta! to convey the meaning "Alright, let's make that bet!"
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbale ˈetʃo/
Did you know?
- The word vale can also refer to a physical voucher or coupon in Spanish, derived from the idea that the piece of paper 'is worth' a certain amount.
- Although used here to mean 'alright', the word vale shares a common ancestor with the Latin 'valē', which was a way to say 'be well' when saying goodbye.
- In Spain, vale is used so frequently that it often functions as a filler word like 'okay' or 'uh-huh' to show the speaker is listening, even when they are not agreeing to a plan.
Examples in context
- ¿Nos vemos a las ocho? Vale, hecho.Shall we meet at eight? Alright, bet.
Example conversation
Two friends are making plans for the weekend.
- AlejandroMaría, ¿vamos a la playa mañana?María, shall we go to the beach tomorrow?
- MaríaVale, hecho. Te veo allí.Alright, bet. I'll see you there.
- AlejandroPerfecto, yo traigo la comida.Perfect, I'll bring the food.
- MaríaMuy bien, Alejandro.Very well, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (vale, hecho) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hecho, vale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
