valer más
/baˌleɾ ˈmas/verb
The English phrase 'might as well' can be expressed in Spanish using valer más. Wiktionary also lists dar igual and bien poder.
Meaning: if one situation exists, another undesirable/difficult one becomes more feasible or reasonable (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| valer más | /baˌleɾ ˈmas/ | verb |
| dar igual | /ˌdaɾ iˈɡwal/ | |
| bien poder | /bjen podeɾ/ (from spelling rules) | |
| mejor ser | /mexoɾ seɾ/ (from spelling rules) | |
| para eso | /paɾa eso/ (from spelling rules) |
This expression is used when a certain situation exists, making another undesirable or difficult situation seem more feasible or reasonable.
How do you pronounce it?
/baˌleɾ ˈmas/
Did you know?
- While English uses 'might' to express possibility, the Spanish phrase dar igual uses the verb 'to give' to express that a situation is the same or indifferent.
- The Spanish word valer in valer más shares a common ancestor with the English word 'value'. Both trace back to the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to rule' or 'be strong'.
Examples in context
- Ya que estamos aquí, podríamos probar esa nueva cafetería.Since we are here, we might as well try that new café.
- Ya que estamos de vacaciones, podríamos hacer una excursión al campo.Since we are on vacation, we might as well take a trip to the countryside.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “might as well” translations and entries valer más, dar igual, para eso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, dar, dar igual, igual, mejor, más, poder, valer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
