está bien
/esta bjen/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "it is okay" is translated as está bien.
Está bien is used to express that a situation is acceptable or to indicate agreement with a suggestion. It can also be used as a standalone response to show that you accept a proposal.
Which one should you use?
Use está bien to express that a situation is acceptable or that you agree with something. Do not use es bien, as it is grammatically incorrect in this context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
vale is an informal way to say it is okay that is commonly used in Spain and some Latin American countries. In some Latin American countries, especially in the Caribbean, tranquilo/a is a common way to say it is okay in a relaxed, informal manner.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the verb estar (to be in a state) rather than ser (to be an inherent characteristic) because being okay is treated as a temporary state or condition.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using es bien to mean "it is okay". Instead, use está bien.
Did you know?
- The word vale is derived from the Latin valere, meaning 'to be strong' or 'to be worth', which is why it is also used to describe the value of currency.
- While está bien is neutral, using está bien with a falling intonation can sometimes signal a reluctant agreement or a 'fine, whatever' attitude.
- In some contexts, saying está bien to a superior can sound too casual or even corrective, as if you are granting them permission.
Examples in context
- Todo está bien ahora.Everything is okay now.
- Si no puedes venir, está bien.If you can't come, it's okay.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are talking about a small mistake at work.
- Daniel¿Te molestó mi error?Did my mistake bother you?
- LucíaNo, no te preocupes, está bien.No, don't worry, it is okay.
- DanielGracias, Lucía.Thank you, Lucía.
- LucíaDe nada, Daniel.You're welcome, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
