eh vale
/e bale/from spelling rules
The English phrase "uh ok" can be translated into Spanish as eh vale.
eh vale is an informal expression used to show agreement or acceptance, often with a hint of hesitation or uncertainty. The addition of the filler eh at the beginning mimics the English "uh" to signal hesitation or a lack of enthusiasm.
What does it mean word for word?
The word vale comes from the verb valer, which literally means "to be worth" or "to be valid".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase is informal and suitable for casual conversation rather than professional settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The use of vale to mean "ok" is highly characteristic of Spanish Spanish (Peninsular Spanish). In Argentina, Bueno can be used as an informal alternative for "uh ok." In Argentina, Dale can be used as an informal alternative for "uh ok." In informal conversations, "Está bien" may become Ta bien.
How do you pronounce it?
/e bale/
Did you know?
- While vale is ubiquitous in Spain, using it in parts of Latin America might cause confusion as it is more commonly associated with vouchers or coupons there.
- While vale means 'ok' today, it was originally borrowed from the Latin valē, which was used as a way to say 'goodbye' or 'be well'.
- Depending on the intonation, vale can transform from a simple agreement into a signal of annoyance or a way to end a conversation abruptly.
Examples in context
- Eh vale, lo haré más tarde.Uh ok, I will do it later.
- Eh vale, si tú lo dices.Uh ok, if you say so.
- Eh vale, no estoy muy seguro, pero acepto.Uh ok, I am not very sure, but I accept.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are deciding which movie to watch.
- MateoPodemos ver una película de terror.We could watch a horror movie.
- LucíaEh vale, aunque no me gustan mucho.Uh ok, although I don't like them much.
- MateoNo pasa nada, es muy corta.It's okay, it's very short.
- LucíaEstá bien, ponla entonces.Alright, put it on then.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
