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coste means cost — a common term in Spanish for Business. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: April 12, 2026

💼 Spanish for Business

coste

noun • /[KOS-te]/

cost

Example:

El coste de producción subió.

The production cost increased.

🧠 What does coste mean?

The word 'coste' is a masculine noun in Spanish that refers to the amount of money required to produce or buy something. It encompasses all the expenses associated with creating a product, providing a service, or acquiring an asset. In a business context, 'coste' is a fundamental concept used for budgeting, pricing, and financial analysis. It can be broken down into various types, such as fixed costs, variable costs, production costs, and operational costs. Understanding and managing 'coste' is crucial for the profitability and sustainability of any enterprise.

📚 Extra examples

  • El coste de producción ha aumentado significativamente este trimestre.
    The production cost has increased significantly this quarter.
  • Es importante calcular el coste total antes de lanzar un nuevo producto.
    It is important to calculate the total cost before launching a new product.
  • La empresa busca reducir el coste energético de sus operaciones.
    The company aims to reduce the energy cost of its operations.
  • El coste de adquisición de clientes es una métrica clave en marketing.
    Customer acquisition cost is a key metric in marketing.
  • Si el coste es demasiado alto, el proyecto no será viable.
    If the cost is too high, the project will not be viable.

💡 Did You Know?

While 'coste' and 'costo' are often used interchangeably in Spanish, 'coste' is more commonly associated with the expenses incurred in production or operation, whereas 'costo' can sometimes refer more broadly to the price paid for something. However, in many regions, 'costo' has become the dominant term for 'cost' in general usage.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "coste"

Synonyms: precio, valor, gastos, importe
Opposites: beneficio, ganancia, ingreso

🔍 See more spanish for business words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'cost' in Spanish?
The most common word for 'cost' in Spanish is 'coste'.
How do you pronounce 'coste' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'coste' is KOH-steh. The 'c' before 'o' makes a hard 'k' sound, and the 'e' at the end is a short, clear vowel sound.
How do you use 'coste' in a sentence?
'Coste' is used similarly to 'cost' in English, referring to the expense of something. For example, 'El coste del billete es alto' (The cost of the ticket is high).
What is the English translation of 'coste'?
The English translation of 'coste' is 'cost'.
Does 'coste' change for gender or number?
'Coste' is a masculine singular noun. While it does not change for gender, its plural form is 'costes'.
Is 'coste' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'coste' is a common word used in both everyday conversations and in more formal or business-related contexts.
Does 'coste' have slang or double meanings?
In standard Spanish, 'coste' primarily refers to the monetary expense and does not typically carry slang or double meanings.
Is 'coste' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The usage of 'coste' is largely consistent across Spain and Latin America, referring to the economic expense. However, in some contexts, particularly in business, 'costo' might be more frequently used in certain Latin American countries, though both are understood.

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