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caro means expensive — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: September 5, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

caro

adjective • /[KAH-roh]/

expensive

Example:

Ese restaurante es demasiado caro.

That restaurant is too expensive.

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🧠 What does caro mean?

Caro is a common Spanish adjective that means 'expensive' or 'costly.' It describes something with a high price or monetary value. You use it to talk about things you buy, like clothes or food, or services, like a taxi ride. It's a fundamental word for navigating everyday conversations in Spanish.

📚 Extra examples

  • Ese coche es muy caro.
    That car is very expensive.
  • ¡Qué caro está todo!
    Everything is so expensive!
  • El restaurante es caro, pero la comida es deliciosa.
    The restaurant is expensive, but the food is delicious.
  • Prefiero comprar ropa barata en lugar de ropa cara.
    I prefer to buy cheap clothes instead of expensive clothes.
  • Los vuelos a España están caros este verano.
    Flights to Spain are expensive this summer.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'expensive' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'expensive' is 'caro.'
How do you pronounce 'caro' in Spanish?
'Caro' is pronounced 'KA-roh,' with the stress on the first syllable.
How do you use 'caro' in a sentence?
You can use 'caro' before or after the noun it describes. For example, 'El coche caro' (the expensive car) or 'El coche es caro' (the car is expensive).
What is the English translation of 'caro'?
'Caro' translates to 'expensive' or 'costly' in English.
Does 'caro' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'caro' changes to agree with the noun it modifies. The feminine form is 'cara,' and the plural forms are 'caros' (masculine) and 'caras' (feminine).
Is 'caro' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'caro' is a very common word used in everyday Spanish conversations.
Does 'caro' have slang or double meanings?
While generally meaning 'expensive,' 'caro' can sometimes be used affectionately to mean 'dear' or 'precious,' like when referring to a loved one. However, this is less common than its primary meaning.
Is 'caro' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'caro' are consistent across Spain and Latin America.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "caro"

Synonyms: costoso, oneroso
Opposites: barato, económico

💡 Did You Know?

While 'caro' usually refers to monetary value, it can also be used metaphorically to describe something that comes at a high cost, such as 'una decisión cara' (an expensive decision), meaning a decision with significant consequences.

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