The Verb "Costar" in Spanish

The verb costar is essential for everyday conversations in Spanish, whether you're talking about prices or expressing difficulty. However, it can be tricky because it’s a stem-changing verb (o → ue). Let’s break it down clearly so you can use it with confidence!

What Does Costar Mean?

Costar has two main uses:

1. "To cost" (referring to price)

   • "Este reloj cuesta 50 euros." (This watch costs 50 euros.)

2. "To find something difficult" (often used with indirect pronouns: me, te, le, nos, os, les)

   • "Me cuesta hablar en público." (I find it hard to speak in public.)

---

Correct Conjugation of Costar (Present Tense)

Since costar is a stem-changing verb (o → ue), the *o* in the stem changes to ue in all forms except nosotros and vosotros.

⚠️ Important Notes:

• The nosotros and vosotros forms do not change (they keep the *o*).

• When meaning "to find difficult," costar is often used with an indirect object pronoun (me, te, le, nos, os, les).

  • "Le cuesta aprender español." (He/She finds it hard to learn Spanish.)

---

Common Phrases with Costar

Here are some useful examples to help you practice:

• "¿Cuánto cuesta esto?" → "How much does this cost?"

• "Me cuesta creerlo." → "I find it hard to believe."

• "Les cuesta tomar decisiones." → "They find it hard to make decisions."

---

Time to Practice! ✍️

Try making your own sentences:

1. How much does your favorite thing cost? ("El celular cuesta ___.")

2. What’s something difficult for you? ("Me cuesta ___.")

Write your answers in the comments—let’s learn together!

---

Let’s practice the verb “costar”

Click here to access.

Click here to practice.

🎵 Song: "Me Cuestan Tanto Olvidarte" – Mecano

(Listen to the song here)

📝 Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks (Listening Practice)

Listen to the song and complete the missing words with the correct form of "costar" or other verbs.

1. "Me _______ tanto olvidarte..."

2. "Me _______ tanto quererte..."

3. "Y ahora que no estás, _______ más."

4. "_______ tanto recordarte..."

💬 Exercise 2: Understanding the Meaning

Answer in English or Spanish:

1. What does "Me cuestan tanto olvidarte" mean?

   • a) It costs a lot to forget you

   • b) I find it so hard to forget you

   • c) I spend a lot to forget you

2. Why does the singer say "cuesta más" when the person is gone?

✍️ Exercise 3: Personal Response

Write 2 sentences using "costar":

1. Something that’s hard for you (e.g., "Me cuesta levantarme temprano.")

2. The price of something you like (e.g., "El café cuesta 2 euros.")

---

🚀 Want to Learn More?

📅 Book a 1-on-1 Spanish Lesson with me! 👉 Click here to schedule!

🎥 Follow me on Instagram for more fun lessons! 👉 Follow Now!