Spanish Phrase
¿Cuánto cuesta para los niños?
Meaning
This phrase is used to inquire about the price of something specifically for children. It's a direct and common way to ask if there's a special rate or different pricing for younger individuals, often implying a discount or a child-specific ticket/item.
When to use
You would use this phrase when buying tickets for attractions, asking about meal prices at restaurants, or inquiring about admission fees for events where children might have a different price. It's suitable in any public setting where age-based pricing is common.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Cuántocuestaparalosniños?
Cuánto (How much)
'Cuánto' is an interrogative adjective or pronoun meaning 'how much'. It agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies, but here it refers to the singular concept of 'cost', so it remains 'cuánto'.
Cuesta (It costs)
'Cuesta' is the third-person singular conjugation of the verb 'costar' (to cost). It's used when asking about the price of a singular item or the general cost of something.
Para (For)
'Para' is a preposition used to indicate purpose, destination, or recipient. In this context, it means 'for the benefit of' or 'intended for' the children.
Los niños (The children)
'Los niños' is the plural masculine definite article 'los' followed by the plural noun 'niños' (children). It refers to children in general or a specific group of children.
🗨In Conversation
Hola, dos entradas para adultos, por favor.
Hello, two adult tickets, please.
¿Y cuántos niños? ¿Cuánto cuesta para los niños?
And how many children? How much does it cost for the children?
✕Common Mistakes
¿Cuánto cuesta por los niños?
While 'por' can mean 'for' in some contexts, 'para' is used to indicate purpose or recipient. Here, the cost is 'for' the benefit of the children, hence 'para'.
¿Cuánto cuestan para los niños?
The verb 'costar' (to cost) conjugates as 'cuesta' (singular) when referring to 'it' (the cost) or 'cuestan' (plural) when referring to multiple items. Here, 'cuánto' (how much) refers to a singular cost, so 'cuesta' is correct.
↔Alternatives
¿Hay precio especial para niños?
Is there a special price for children?
¿Los niños pagan?
Do children pay?
¿Cuál es la tarifa para menores?
What is the rate for minors?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it's common for establishments to offer reduced prices or free entry for children, especially for attractions, public transport, or family-oriented events. Asking directly with this phrase is perfectly polite and expected. Don't be surprised if the age cut-off for 'niños' varies; sometimes it's up to 12, other times up to 18.