el caro
expensive
Se dice de algo que cuesta mucho dinero o tiene un precio alto.
Definition & meaning
-
Expensive: costing a lot of money.
Este coche es caro. — “This car is expensive.” -
Costly: involving a serious loss or consequence, not necessarily money.
El error le salió caro. — “The mistake cost him dearly.” -
Dear or cherished: valued or loved. This meaning is more literary or formal.
Grammar & Word origin
Caro is an adjective. It agrees with the noun in gender and number: caro, cara, caros, caras. It comes from Latin carus, meaning “dear” or “precious.”
In expressions such as salir caro, it can function adverbially and remain unchanged.
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonyms: costoso means “expensive” or “costly” and is often more formal. Querido means “dear” or “beloved,” matching the affectionate sense.
- Antonyms: barato means “cheap” or “inexpensive.” Económico means “affordable” or “economical,” often with a more positive tone than barato.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Mi teléfono nuevo resultó demasiado caro.adjective
My new phone turned out to be too expensive.
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