How to Say “Alright” in Spanish

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vale
/ˈbale/
In Spanish, the word for alright is vale.
Vale is used to agree with a suggestion or to confirm that you have understood a piece of information or a command. It can also be used as a standalone response to indicate agreement.

Which one should you use?

While vale is used to agree to a suggestion or confirm understanding, está bien is used to express that a situation or state is acceptable or fine.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

Vale is an informal expression that is very common in daily spoken Spanish in Spain. For a more formal way to say you are in agreement, you can use De acuerdo.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Spain, vale is the standard way to say alright or okay. In Mexico, you might replace está bien with ok or sale. In Argentina, you might use dale or bueno instead of vale.

How do you pronounce it?

/ˈbale/

Did you know?

  • While it means 'alright' in conversation, a vale is also a noun referring to a voucher, coupon or gift certificate.
  • In some contexts, vale functions like a verbal punctuation mark in Spain. People often insert it at the end of almost every sentence to confirm the listener is following the conversation.
  • The phrase vale is derived from the verb valer, which means 'to be worth'.

Examples in context

  • -Acostémonos hoy a las nueve. -Vale.
    "Let's go to bed at nine today." "Alright."
    This example shows using vale to agree to a suggestion about a time.
    Tatoeba #7926869 by arh, translation #9194607 by DJ_Saidez
  • Vale, no tardéis.
    Alright, don't be long.
    This example shows using vale to give a command or instruction.
    Tatoeba #9011119 by arh, translation #9176657 by DJ_Saidez
  • "Anoche comí tanto que me dolía el estómago, y pasé la noche pegado al inodoro." "¿Estás bien? ¿Quieres descansar hoy?" "Ya estoy bien, gracias. Solo me pondré las pilas y listo." "No te esfuerces demasiado, ¿ok?" "Vale."
    "Last night I ate so much that my stomach hurt and I spent the night glued to the toilet." "Are you alright?" "Do you want to rest today?" "I'm alright now, thanks. I'll just stick it out and I'll be fine." "Don't force yourself too much, okay?" "Okay."
    This example shows using vale as a standalone response
    Tatoeba #10624244 by DJ_Saidez, translation #11068781 by tsole
  • ¿Puedo utilizar tu coche mañana? De acuerdo.
    Can I use your car tomorrow? Alright/Okay.
  • ¿Podemos reunirnos el martes para discutir el proyecto? Está bien.
    Can we meet on Tuesday to discuss the project? Alright/Okay.
  • ¿Quieres ir al cine esta noche? Vale.
    Do you want to go to the movies tonight? Alright/Sure.

Example conversation

María and Javier are deciding where to eat lunch.

  1. María

    Si quieres, podemos ir a la cafetería nueva.
    If you want, we can go to the new cafeteria.
  2. Javier

    Vale, me parece un buen plan.
    Alright, that sounds like a good plan to me.
  3. María

    Entonces, nos vemos allí a la una.
    Then, I will see you there at one o'clock.
  4. Javier

    Vale, hasta luego, María.
    Alright, see you later, María.

Sources

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William Jack
William JackHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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