gratis
/ˈɡɾatis/
The English phrase 'no charge' is translated into Spanish as gratis.
gratis is used to state that a product or service is provided without any cost. You may also use the common synonym sin costo to express that something is provided at no charge.
Which one should you use?
It is important not to confuse gratis with libre. While both can be translated as 'free' in English, libre refers to being liberated or unconstrained, whereas gratis refers to no cost. Additionally, the adjective gratuito can also be used to describe a service or product that is free of charge.
How does it change in a sentence?
gratis is an indeclinable adjective and adverb, meaning it does not change its form to agree with gender or number. In contrast, the adjective gratuito must agree in both gender and number with the noun it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡɾatis/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word gratis shares a common ancestor with the English word 'grace'. Both originate from the Latin word for 'favor' or 'pleasure'.
- In luxury settings like high-end hotels, you will often see the phrase de cortesía instead of gratis. This term elevates the idea of 'no charge' to a gesture of politeness or hospitality.
- If you want to describe a 'free' seat in a theater, do not use gratis. In Spanish, a seat that is not occupied is libre, whereas using gratis would imply the seat itself is a gift.
Examples in context
- Entrada gratis.No charge.This sentence shows how to use gratis to indicate that entry is free of charge.Tatoeba #1661840 by marcelostockle, translation #5228955 by jaxhere
- Para usted, sin costo adicional.For you, no charge.
- Está disponible sin cargo para nuestros clientes regulares.It's available at no charge for our regular customers.
- No, está incluido sin cobro adicional.No, it's included at no charge.
- No te preocupes, entras sin pagar.Don't worry, you enter at no charge.
- El café es gratis.The coffee is free.
- Puedes llevarte este libro gratis.You can take this book for free.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are at a local cafe.
- Alejandro¿Tengo que pagar por el agua?Do I have to pay for the water?
- SofíaNo, el agua es gratis.No, the water is free.
- Alejandro¡Qué bueno!That's great!
- SofíaSí, es un detalle del lugar.Yes, it is a courtesy from the place.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gratis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gratis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
