This verb, valer, has different meanings in Spanish.
1. It’s used to ask for the price. It’s is accorded with the item whose price we want to know. Valer = ‘To cost’
– ¿Cuánto vale este bolso?
How much is this bag?
– ¿Cuánto valen estos zapatos?
How much are these shoes?
2. We use it to express agreement. Vale = Ok.
– ¿Te apetece ir al cine? – ¡Vale!
-Do you feel like going to the cinema? -Ok!
– Vienes con nosotros, ¿vale?
– You come with us, alright?
3. It appears in the construction “valer la pena” with the meaning of ‘to be worth‘.
– No vale la pena ir tan lejos para estar sólo un fin de semana.
– It’s not worth going that far to stay only a weekend.
– Vale la pena leer este libro.
– This book is worth reading.
4. It’s used to express if something is fit, useful or allowed.
– Estos pantalones no me valen.
– This trousers don’t fit me.
– Esta bolsa vale para guardar la ropa.
– This bag is useful to keep the clothes.
– ¡No vale mirar!
– Looking is not allowed.
5. It appears in the expression “Ya te vale” in order to reproach or censure a behavior. Ya te vale = shame on you.
– Ayer bebiste demasiado alcohol y fuiste grosero con mis padres. Ya te vale.
– Yesterday you drank too much alcohol and you were rude with my parents. Shame on you.
