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adjectiveadverb

barato

cheap

Se dice de algo que cuesta poco dinero en comparación con lo normal.

Definition & meaning

Barato means cheap or inexpensive: costing relatively little. It can also suggest that something is of poor quality, depending on the context.

  • Un hotel barato : an inexpensive hotel.
  • Una excusa barata : a cheap or flimsy excuse.

As an adverb, barato can mean “cheaply” or “at a low price”: comprar barato means “to buy cheaply.”

Grammar & Word origin

As an adjective, barato agrees with the noun: barato, barata, baratos, baratas. As an adverb, it remains barato.

Its origin is uncertain; it is related to the Spanish word baratar , historically meaning “to trade” or “to exchange.”

Synonyms & antonyms

  • Synonyms: económico means “inexpensive” and often sounds more neutral; asequible means “affordable,” emphasizing that the price is within reach.
  • Antonyms: caro means “expensive”; costoso also means “costly” and can sound more formal.

Common phrases & collocations

  • salir barato : to turn out inexpensive or cost little.
  • barato y bueno : cheap and good.
  • lo barato sale caro : “buy cheap, buy twice”; a low-priced choice can end up costing more.

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Examples

Encontré un boleto muy barato para ir de vacaciones.adjective

I found a very cheap ticket to go on vacation.

Estas manzanas son baratas.adjective

These apples are cheap.

Este restaurante es el más barato.adjective

This restaurant is the cheapest.

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