vale
/ˈbale/
The English phrase "kay" can be translated into Spanish as vale.
vale is an informal word used to express agreement or to acknowledge that a piece of information has been understood.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbale/
Did you know?
- The Latin root valē was originally a command to 'be well', making the word a distant relative of ancient well-wishes.
- The word vale can function as a noun in other contexts, meaning 'a voucher' or 'a coupon'.
- In Spain, vale is used so frequently that it can function as a verbal comma, punctuating almost every sentence in casual speech.
Examples in context
- Vale, nos vemos mañana.Okay, see you tomorrow.
- Vale, yo lo hago.Okay, I will do it.
- Si quieres ir, vale.If you want to go, okay.
Example conversation
Two friends are planning to meet at a cafe.
- María¿Nos vemos a las cinco, Mateo?Shall we meet at five, Mateo?
- MateoVale, allí estaré.Okay, I will be there.
- MaríaPerfecto, te espero en la puerta.Perfect, I will wait for you at the door.
- MateoVale, hasta luego.Okay, see you later.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vale, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
