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barato

cheap, inexpensive

adjective bah-RAH-toh Less Common

Usage Note

Barato is the standard antonym of caro ('expensive'). It also functions as an adverb meaning 'cheaply': lo compré barato. The idiomatic expression lo barato sale caro ('cheap things end up costing more') is a widely known proverb. Baratija ('trinket, cheap item') is a related noun. The word has no negative connotation of poor quality by itself; context supplies that.

Examples

"Este mercado vende ropa muy barata."

Natural Translation

This market sells very cheap clothing.

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