essere molto costoso
/ˈɛs.se.re ˈmɔl.to kosˈto.so/To have a high price; to be unaffordable or beyond one's budget.
La macchina nuova è molto costosa, non posso permettermela.
The new car is very expensive; I can't afford it.
I vestiti di marca sono spesso molto costosi.
Designer clothes are often very expensive.
Used to describe objects, services, or experiences with high monetary value. Often implies difficulty in purchasing due to cost.
Collocations
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Common Mistake: Gender Agreement
Remember that 'costoso' changes form based on the subject's gender and number. Use 'costosa' for feminine singular nouns (e.g., 'la borsa è costosa'), 'costosi' for masculine plural (e.g., 'i libri sono costosi'), and 'costose' for feminine plural (e.g., 'le scarpe sono costose').
⚡Gold Rule
Literal Meaning Only
This phrase has no idiomatic or metaphorical meaning. It always refers to the monetary cost of something.
📖Word Origin
The phrase combines 'essere' (to be) + 'molto' (very) + 'costoso' (expensive). 'Costoso' derives from Latin 'constare' (to stand firm, to cost), related to 'constare' in Italian meaning 'to consist of' or 'to cost'.
📝Usage Notes
The phrase is straightforward and literal, with no idiomatic or figurative meaning. It is commonly used in everyday conversation, shopping, or when discussing prices. The adjective 'costoso' agrees in gender and number with the subject (e.g., 'costante' for feminine singular, 'costosi' for masculine plural).