sin costo
/sin kosto/from spelling rules
The English phrase "no cost" can be translated into Spanish as sin costo.
Sin costo is used to describe something that is provided for free and does not require payment. It is often found in commercial or formal settings, such as when a company states an item is available sin costo de envío (without shipping cost).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition sin (without) and the noun costo (cost).
Which one should you use?
While sin costo is often used in formal or commercial contexts, the word gratis is the more common, everyday way to say something is free. Additionally, libre is a synonym for free used in many Spanish-speaking countries.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word coste is more frequently used than costo to express the concept of cost. The term gratuito is also used in Spain and some Latin American countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
To emphasize that there is absolutely no cost involved, you can use the phrase sin costo alguno, which means "at no cost at all".
Did you know?
- The English word 'sans' used in phrases like 'sans serif' is a direct linguistic cousin to the Spanish preposition sin, as both descend from the Latin 'sine'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, offering something gratis can sometimes be seen as a gesture of hospitality rather than a commercial promotion.
- While sin costo describes price, the word libre is used for freedom and availability, such as saying a seat is 'free'.
Examples in context
- El evento es sin costo algunoThe event is at no cost.
- Servicio sin costoCost-free service.
- Producto sin costoProduct at no cost.
- Envío sin costoFree shipping.
- ¡Es gratis!It's free!
- Absolutamente gratisAbsolutely free.
- Se regalaIt's given away for free.
- Entrada gratuitaFree admission.
- Consulta sin cargoFree consultation.
- El acceso al parque es sin costo.Access to the park is at no cost.
- Te ofrecemos asesoría sin costo alguno.We offer you advice at no cost at all.
- La entrega de la mercancía es sin costo.The delivery of the goods is at no cost.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are talking about a gym membership.
- JavierLucía, ¿cuánto cuesta la inscripción?Lucía, how much does the registration cost?
- LucíaEste mes la inscripción es sin costo.This month the registration is at no cost.
- Javier¡Qué bien! Me inscribiré hoy mismo.That's great! I will sign up today.
- LucíaPerfecto, Javier. Vamos a la oficina.Perfect, Javier. Let's go to the office.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries costo, sin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
