gratis
/ˈɡɾatis/
The English phrase 'free' (meaning without needing to pay) is translated into Spanish as gratis. Wiktionary also lists gratiñán and de fai.
Meaning: without needing to pay (adv)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gratis | /ˈɡɾatis/ | |
| gratiñán | /ɡɾatiˈɲan/ | |
| de fai | /de fai/ (from spelling rules) | |
| de yapa | /de ʝapa/ (from spelling rules) | |
| de balde | /de balde/ (from spelling rules) | |
| gratarola | /ɡɾataɾola/ (from spelling rules) | Uruguay |
When you want to describe something that costs no money, use gratis. Other ways to express this concept include de yapa, which specifically describes something given as a bonus or an extra, often seen in street-vending or commercial settings and de balde, which can mean 'for free' but is also frequently used to mean 'in vain' or 'without result'.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between cost and freedom. Use gratis when referring to the lack of cost. For the sense of being free from imprisonment or being free from use (available), use libre.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Uruguay, the colloquial term gratarola is used to mean free.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word gratis is an adverb and does not change its form to agree with nouns in gender or number.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡɾatis/
Did you know?
- The term de yapa comes from the Quechua word yapa, meaning 'something added'. It specifically describes the traditional custom of a merchant adding a small extra item to a purchase for free.
- The word gratis shares the same Latin root as the English word 'grace'. They both stem from the idea of something being given out of favor or goodwill.
- The custom of the yapa is so ingrained in some Latin American cultures that customers may actually feel cheated if a vendor does not include a small free extra with their purchase.
Examples in context
- Te lo doy gratis.I'm giving it to you for free.This sentence is useful for showing how to use gratis when giving something.Tatoeba #1694219 by marcelostockle, translation #3763427 by cromwellt
- Tom lo hizo gratis.Tom did it for free.This sentence shows how to use gratis to describe an action performed without charge.Tatoeba #1538809 by marcelostockle, translation #1538669 by Spamster
- No hay nada gratis.Nothing is free.This sentence demonstrates a general statement using gratis.Tatoeba #4147673 by Leono, translation #2197929 by jessica
- El servicio es gratisThe service is free
- Tienes tiempo libreYou have free time
- La entrada es sin costoThe admission is free
- ¡Me dieron una entrada gratis para el concierto!They gave me a free ticket to the concert!
- ¡Tengo un café chévere gratis!I have a really cool free coffee!
- Me regalaron la cena, ¡sin pagar un duro!They gave me dinner, without paying a penny!
- En ocasiones, las empresas ofrecen promociones que permiten obtener productos gratis.Sometimes, companies offer promotions that allow you to get free products.
- Hoy tengo la tarde libre para pasear por el parque.Today I have the afternoon free to stroll around the park.
- Voy a la conferencia sin tener que pagar un duro gracias a un pase de cortesía.I am going to the conference without having to pay a penny thanks to a complimentary pass.
- ¡Qué chévere que nos dieron entradas gratis para el festival de música!How cool that they gave us free tickets to the music festival!
- 92 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are discussing a promotion at a clothing store.
- Lucía¿Es gratis este accesorio?Is this accessory free?
- MateoSí, Lucía, es gratis con tu compra.Yes, Lucía, it is free with your purchase.
- Lucía¡Qué buena oferta, Mateo!What a great offer, Mateo!
- MateoMe alegra que te guste.I am glad you like it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “free” translations and entries gratis, gratiñán, de balde, gratarola, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, gratis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
