What Does “Vale” Mean?
Confusing slang in
Vale
interjection Spanish slang
translates to
Plain English out
"Okay" — the word Spaniards say roughly four hundred times a day.
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The full meaning
Vale means okay, alright, or agreed in Spain. It confirms plans, acknowledges information, and fills pauses, often doubled ("vale, vale") for emphasis. Visitors to Spain report hearing it within the first minute of any conversation, because they do.
Where “vale” comes from
From the Spanish verb valer (to be worth), settling into its role as Spain's universal "okay" over the twentieth century. It marks a speaker as Spanish the way "bet" marks American youth.
How it’s actually used
Confirming anything: "¿Nos vemos a las ocho?" "Vale." (See you at eight? Okay.) In Latin America other words fill this role, so vale instantly signals Spain.
Vale, I'll send the address now.
"Movie at nine?" "Vale, vale, perfect."
Vale... but this is the last time I lend you my charger.
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For parents & teachers
Completely harmless. It's simply Spain's "okay."
Related slang
Last reviewed: 2026-08-20