barato
/baˈɾato/
The Spanish word for cheap is barato.
The word barato is used to describe something that is low or reduced in price.
Meaning: low and/or reduced in price (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the word berreta is used to describe something that is cheap or of poor quality. In Mexico, the informal term codo/a is used to describe a person who is stingy or cheap.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, barato must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. Use the feminine form barata for feminine nouns, the masculine plural baratos for masculine plural nouns and the feminine plural baratas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/baˈɾato/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, calling someone codo is like calling them 'cheap', but it literally translates to 'elbow'.
- The word barato originates from the Old Spanish verb baratar, which meant to haggle or bargain over a price.
- While barato describes price, Spanish speakers use the word cutre in Spain to describe something that looks cheap, shabby or tasteless.
Examples in context
- Ya no es barato.It's not that cheap now.This sentence shows how to use barato in a negative context regarding current prices.Tatoeba #13461224 by Seael, translation #10996924 by CK
- Esto es muy barato.This is very cheap.This sentence shows how to use barato to describe something as very cheap.Tatoeba #4329360 by pchamorro, translation #3825782 by CK
- Todo está muy barato.Everything's so cheap.This sentence shows how to use barato to describe everything being cheap.Tatoeba #3231114 by Shishir, translation #2245484 by CK
- El restaurante ofrece opciones económicas para el almuerzoThe restaurant offers affordable options for lunch
- La compañía aérea ofrece vuelos de bajo costoThe airline offers low-cost flights
- Esta marca de ropa es conocida por ofrecer productos asequiblesThis clothing brand is known for offering affordable products
- Esta tienda siempre tiene chollos increíblesThis store always has incredible bargains
- 70 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are shopping for a new lamp.
- LucíaMira esta lámpara, es muy barata.Look at this lamp, it is very cheap.
- JavierSí, pero no parece de buena calidad.Yes, but it doesn't seem to be of good quality.
- LucíaNo importa, el precio es bastante barato.It doesn't matter, the price is quite cheap.
- JavierEstá bien, vamos a comprarla.All right, let's buy it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cheap” translations and entries barato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries barato, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
