valió la pena
/baljo la pena/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "it was worth it" is said as valió la pena.
This phrase is used to express that a positive result justified the effort or hardship spent to achieve it. It is a common way to state that an experience was worthwhile.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "it was worth the pain" or "it was worth the sorrow".
Which one should you use?
You can also use mereció la pena, which utilizes the verb merecer (to deserve).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase valió la pena uses the preterite tense, which is used for a completed action in the past.
Did you know?
- The word pena can refer to emotional sorrow or physical pain, but in a legal context it means a 'sentence' or 'punishment' handed down by a court.
- The word pena is derived from the Latin poena, which originally referred to a penalty or payment for a crime.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying me da pena does not mean something was worth the effort, but rather that the speaker feels embarrassed or shy.
Examples in context
- Valió la pena.It was worth it.This is useful for stating the simple fact that something was worth it.Tatoeba #9706596 by Shishir, translation #1897737 by CK
- Estoy seguro de que valió la pena.I'm sure it was worth it.This sentence helps you express certainty that a result justified the effort.Tatoeba #13842440 by mervert1, translation #3377145 by CK
- ¡El viaje a la playa valió la pena!The trip to the beach was worth it!
- El esfuerzo que puse en mis estudios valió la pena.The effort I put into my studies was worth it.
- ¡La película fue tan buena, valió la pena esperar tanto tiempo para verla!The movie was so good, it was worth waiting such a long time to see it!
- Valió la pena el esfuerzo de organizar esta reunión para fortalecer nuestros lazos comerciales.The effort of organizing this meeting was worth it to strengthen our business ties.
- Después de tanto trabajo, valió la pena.After so much work, it was worth it.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are walking down a mountain after a long hike.
- DanielFue una caminata muy larga, ¿verdad?It was a very long hike, right?
- SofíaSí, pero con esta vista, valió la pena.Yes, but with this view, it was worth it.
- DanielTienes razón, Sofía, la vista es increíble.You're right, Sofía, the view is incredible.
- Sofía¡Totalmente!Totally!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, pena, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
