vale, entonces
/ˈbale enˈtonθes/word by word
The English phrase "ok, so" is translated into Spanish as vale, entonces.
This phrase is used to introduce a new point or a conclusion after a previous agreement or discussion.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of vale (ok/it is valid) and entonces (then/so).
Which one should you use?
While vale, entonces is used to transition between points in conversation, está bien, así que is more commonly used to express a logical consequence (alright, therefore…).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Vale, entonces is common in spoken, informal conversation and may sound too casual for formal writing or professional presentations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The use of vale as a synonym for ok is highly characteristic of Peninsular Spanish (Spain). A ver, entonces is a common alternative to saying OK, so in Spain. In Mexico, it is common to use Listo, entonces to mean OK, so.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbale enˈtonθes/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word vale used as 'ok' stems from the Latin word valē, which was actually a command meaning 'be well' or 'farewell'.
- While vale is used as 'ok' in Spain, it is also the word for a 'voucher' or 'coupon' in Spanish.
- In many Latin American countries, using vale to mean 'ok' can sound distinctly like a character from a movie set in Spain.
Examples in context
- De acuerdo, entonces empezaremos el proyecto la próxima semanaOK, so we will start the project next week
- Bien, entonces continuemos con el siguiente puntoOK, so let's move on to the next point
- Aceptado, entonces procedamos a firmar el contratoOK, accepted, so let's proceed to sign the contract
- Vale, entonces nos vemos a las 8 en el caféAlright, so let's meet at 8 in the café
- Bueno, entonces ya sabes, hablamos mañanaWell, then, you know, we'll talk tomorrow
- Ok, entonces nos vemos después del trabajoOK, so we'll meet after work
- A ver, entonces sigues por esta calle y llegas al destinoOK, so you continue along this street and you'll reach your destination
- Listo, entonces empezamos el proyectoOK, so let's start the project
- Perfecto, entonces nos vemos en el parque a las 4OK, so we'll meet at the park at 4
- Vale, entonces, ¿qué vamos a hacer ahora?Ok, so, what are we going to do now?
- Vale, entonces, ¿qué vamos a comer?Ok, so, what are we going to eat?
- Vale, entonces, nos vemos mañana en el parque.Ok, so, see you tomorrow in the park.
- Vale, entonces, yo me encargo de las llaves.Ok, so, I'll take care of the keys.
Example conversation
Two friends are finishing a conversation about their weekend plans.
- LucíaYa hemos decidido todo para el viaje.We have already decided everything for the trip.
- AlejandroVale, entonces, ¿compramos los billetes ahora?Ok, so, do we buy the tickets now?
- LucíaSí, mejor hacerlo ya mismo.Yes, better to do it right now.
- AlejandroPerfecto, yo busco los precios.Perfect, I'll look up the prices.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (vale, entonces) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries entonces, vale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
