The word "costar" is a verb in Spanish.
/ko'staɾ/
"Costar" means to indicate the price or value of something. It is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, especially in conversations about purchases, economics, and financial transactions. This verb is generally used in everyday language, making it a common part of the Spanish lexicon.
The verb "costar" is often used with specific constructions like: - "¿Cuánto cuesta...?" (How much does ... cost?) - "Me cuesta mucho" (It costs me a lot)
Its frequency of use is fairly high, given that discussing prices and costs is a common aspect of daily life.
"¿Cuánto cuesta este libro?"
(How much does this book cost?)
"La comida en ese restaurante cuesta más de lo que esperaba."
(The food at that restaurant costs more than I expected.)
"Esa camisa cuesta $50."
(That shirt costs $50.)
While "costar" itself is straightforward, it appears in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish:
Costar un ojo de la cara
This means something is very expensive, literally translating to "to cost an eye from the face."
Example: Ese coche cuesta un ojo de la cara.
(That car costs an arm and a leg.)
Costar trabajar
This phrase means something is difficult to achieve or requires considerable effort.
Example: Me costó mucho trabajo aprender a tocar la guitarra.
(It cost me a lot of work to learn how to play the guitar.)
No costar un duro
This expression means something is not worth much, translating literally to "not costing a dime."
Example: Ese consejo no costó un duro.
(That advice wasn't worth a dime.)
The verb "costar" comes from the Latin "costare," which means to stand or to have value. The evolution in Romance languages retained the primary meaning relating to cost and value.
Tener un precio (to have a price)
Antonyms:
This comprehensive overview of "costar" highlights its importance in the Spanish language, both in general discussions and within the economic context.