vale
Spain, everyday
The most common slang for "OK" in Spanish is vale in Spain, dale in Argentina and Uruguay, órale in Mexico and listo in Colombia.
Meaning: agreement, all right (interjection)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| vale | Spain, everyday |
| Dale | Argentina, Uruguay, informal |
| Órale | Mexico, informal |
| Listo | Colombia, informal |
Vale answers a suggestion or confirms a plan, as in Vale, nos vemos a las ocho. Dale is a lively "go ahead" or "sure". Listo means "ready" and "done" and is used to close a deal.
Which one should you use?
Órale in Mexico can also show surprise or encouragement, so the tone decides the meaning. Vale is plain agreement.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Spaniards use vale all the time, while in much of Latin America it sounds foreign or is used less. Dale is typical of the River Plate region.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use órale in Spain or vale in Mexico expecting the same effect, since each is tied to its own region.
Did you know?
- Dale literally comes from the verb dar, to give, and is used in Argentina as a general sign of agreement or encouragement.
Examples in context
- Vale, quedamos a las ocho.OK, let's meet at eight.
- Dale, nos vemos mañana.OK, see you tomorrow.
- ¿Listo? Entonces nos vamos.All set? Then we leave.
Example conversation
Carla and Diego plan dinner in Madrid.
- Carla¿Cenamos a las nueve?Shall we have dinner at nine?
- DiegoVale, ¿dónde?OK, where?
- CarlaEn el bar de siempre.At our usual bar.
