vale claro
/bale klaɾo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase "ok sure" is translated as vale claro.
vale claro is an informal expression used to agree with a suggestion or confirm that something is possible.
What does it mean word for word?
The word vale literally means "it is worth" but is used idiomatically to mean "okay". The word claro literally means "clear" but is used idiomatically to mean "of course" or "sure".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase vale claro is informal and suitable for casual conversation with friends or family.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Vale is the most common way to say "okay" in Spain, whereas in many parts of Latin America, está bien or dale might be preferred. In Mexico and some Central American countries, Está bien or Está bueno is used to express agreement informally. In Argentina and Uruguay, Dale is an informal way to express agreement.
How do you pronounce it?
/bale klaɾo/
Did you know?
- If you were to use vale as a greeting instead of an agreement, you would be using a form of the Latin 'vale', which means 'be well'.
- The word vale is also used as a noun to describe a voucher, coupon or ticket.
- Depending on the intonation, claro can be used sarcastically to mean 'yeah, right' when the speaker believes something is impossible.
Examples in context
- ¿Quieres venir a la fiesta? Claro, ¡me encantaría!Do you want to come to the party? Of course, I would love to!
- ¿Estás de acuerdo con la propuesta? Por supuesto, me parece excelente.Do you agree with the proposal? Of course, I think it's excellent.
- ¿Podemos ver una película esta noche? Vale, escoge la películaCan we watch a movie tonight? Okay, choose the movie.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are planning a walk in the park.
- Elena¿Quieres ir al parque ahora?Do you want to go to the park now?
- AlejandroVale claro, me parece una buena idea.Ok sure, that sounds like a good idea.
- ElenaPerfecto, busco mis zapatillas.Perfect, I'll look for my sneakers.
- AlejandroTe espero en la puerta, Elena.I'll wait for you at the door, Elena.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries claro, vale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
