el costo de algo
/el kosto de alɡo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'the cost of something' is translated into Spanish as el costo de algo.
This phrase is used to describe the amount of money needed to buy or obtain something.
Which one should you use?
There is a subtle distinction between el costo and el precio. While el costo refers to the cost or expense incurred, el precio is more commonly used when referring to the specific price tag or the amount a consumer sees in a shop.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you will more frequently see the spelling el coste de algo, although el costo de algo is still understood. In Mexico, the question ¿Cuánto cuesta? is more common than ¿Cuánto vale? In Latin America, the expression ¿Cuánto sale? is a common way to ask about the price of something.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun costo can be used in the plural form, los costos, to refer to multiple different expenses or the total costs involved in a process.
Did you know?
- While el costo is a common term for expense, the verb it comes from, costar, is often used idiomatically to describe something that is mentally or emotionally difficult, such as me costó mucho decir adiós.
- Although the word el looks like the Arabic definite article al-, it actually comes from the Latin word ille.
- In some contexts, Spanish speakers use the phrase salir caro to describe something that had a high costo, which literally translates to 'coming out expensive'.
Examples in context
- Es demasiado caro.It is too expensive.
- Es una ganga.It's a bargain.
- ¿Tiene algún descuento?Is there any discount?
- Es el precio final?Is this the final price?
- El costo de la vida es muy alto.The cost of living is very high.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are shopping for furniture.
- ElenaAlejandro, mira el costo de algo así.Alejandro, look at the cost of something like this.
- AlejandroEs demasiado caro para nuestro presupuesto.It is too expensive for our budget.
- ElenaTienes razón, busquemos otra opción.You are right, let's look for another option.
- AlejandroSí, busquemos algo más barato.Yes, let's look for something cheaper.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries algo, costo, de, el, CC BY-SA 4.0.
