barato
/baˈɾato/
barato is the Spanish word for cheap.
barato is used to describe something that costs a small amount of money. Much like in English, while it primarily refers to a low price, it can sometimes carry a negative connotation implying that an object is of low quality or cheaply made.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may hear the word Chollo to describe a great deal or a steal or Ganga to mean a bargain or a great deal. In Colombia, the word Baratico is used to mean cheap or inexpensive.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, barato must agree with the noun it modifies in both gender and number. Use barata for feminine singular nouns, baratos for masculine plural nouns and baratas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/baˈɾato/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking contexts, calling a person barato or barata is a heavy insult. It implies the person lacks dignity or is easily 'bought' by any influence.
- Spanish speakers sometimes use the phrase lo barato sale caro to warn that buying the cheapest option often leads to spending more money in the long run due to poor quality.
- The phrase salir barato is used metaphorically to describe escaping a dangerous situation or a mistake with very little damage.
Examples in context
- El precio de esta prenda es muy asequibleThe price of this garment is very affordable
- Los viajes en esta compañía son muy económicosThe trips with this company are very cheap
- Este hotel ofrece servicios de bajo costoThis hotel offers low-cost services
- Me compré un libro baratillo en la feriaI bought a cheap book at the fair
- Compré estos zapatos tirados de precioI bought these shoes for a steal
- Este abrigo está regalado, no puedo dejar pasar la oportunidadThis coat is a bargain, I can't miss the opportunity
- ¡No puedo creer que haya encontrado este smartphone en oferta, ha sido un chollo!I can't believe I found this smartphone on sale, it's been a steal!
- Compré estas joyas a mitad de precio, ¡fue una ganga!I bought these jewels at half price, it was a bargain!
- Encontré esta bicicleta de segunda mano, ¡fue una ganga!I found this second-hand bicycle, it was a bargain!
- Este café es muy barato.This coffee is very cheap.
- Busco un hotel que sea barato.I am looking for a cheap hotel.
- No es un coche caro, es barato.It is not an expensive car, it is cheap.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are shopping for groceries.
- ElenaMateo, ¿es barato este pan?Mateo, is this bread cheap?
- MateoSí, es bastante barato.Yes, it is quite cheap.
- ElenaPerfecto, lo voy a comprar.Perfect, I am going to buy it.
- MateoMuy buena idea, Elena.Very good idea, Elena.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry barato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
