Spanish Phrase
Son veinte dólares.
Meaning
This sentence means “It’s twenty dollars” or “They are twenty dollars,” indicating the price or amount of something. In Spanish the verb 'ser' is used to equate the amount with the subject, even when the subject is a monetary value.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to tell someone the cost of an item, the amount of cash you have, or the total price of a bill. It works in both formal and informal contexts, such as at a store, in a restaurant, or when discussing a budget.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sonveintedólares
Verb 'ser' for identity
Use 'ser' to state identity, quantity, or definition; here it links the amount to the subject.
Subject‑verb agreement
'Son' is the third‑person plural form of 'ser', used because the noun phrase 'veinte dólares' is plural.
Cardinal numbers
'Veinte' is an invariant cardinal number; it does not change with gender or number.
Currency nouns
When naming money, the currency word (dólar) is pluralized like a regular noun: 'dólares'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cuánto cuesta la camiseta?
How much does the T‑shirt cost?
Son veinte dólares.
It’s twenty dollars.
✕Common Mistakes
Están veinte dólares.
Use 'son' (ser) for identity/price, not 'están' (estar) which describes location or temporary states.
Son veinte dólareses.
The noun 'dólar' only adds an -es in the plural; do not add an extra -es after the number.
Son veinte dolar.
The currency word must be pluralized when the amount is more than one.
↔Alternatives
Cuesta veinte dólares.
It costs twenty dollars.
El precio es veinte dólares.
The price is twenty dollars.
Vale veinte dólares.
It’s worth twenty dollars.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries prices are often quoted in the local currency (pesos, euros, etc.). When speaking in English‑dominant contexts, you’ll hear the dollar amount used as a reference, especially in tourist areas. Remember that the verb 'ser' is preferred for fixed prices, while 'costar' emphasizes the act of paying.