Gratis VS gratuito

Question

I know one is a noun and one is an adjective.

But - I saw a site that said "Todo esto es gratuito. And it seemed like "todo esto es gratis" would work just fine. Wouldn't it? Or does gratuito work better there??

Gracias....

Edit: I said noun but I meant adverb. - jeezzle, Dec 31, 2011

Answer 1

As with anything....it depends on the context.

For me....gratis is "free". But "gratuito" means normally, the item (service , food, drink, etc,) has a cost but you are receiving it as as a compliment.

Maybe like the batender who gives you a dish of apetizers "on the house" because of what you have ordered on peviously.

In either case though, it would be without cost. But one (gratuito) more as a sign of being complimentary.

Interesting. I had never thought about it that way, but you may be right. - Gekkosan, Jan 1, 2012

Answer 2

Here's a bit from Iza's link

This is a difficult question.

To start with, 'gratis' can be either an adjective or an adverb. 'Gratuito' is only an adjective.

When 'gratis' is used as an adjective, both words are synonyms and usually interchangeable. But there are examples where one or the other is not normally used. I think it's a matter of usage more than anything else.

What you cannot do is use 'gratuito' instead of 'gratis', the adverb. In this case you'd have to say 'gratuitamente' or 'en forma gratuita'.

I don't know if this has helped to clarify it. Maybe if you give examples of the sentences you are not so sure about, we might be able to help you more.

Answer 3

I think that the only difference is that "gratuito" is a Spanish word and "gratis" - English one. Therefore, I would use original version. However, "gratis" was imported with all gramatical rules of using.

I'm not so sure about this assessment.

The term "gratis" was passed directly to both Spanish and English from the Latin word gr?t?s (out of favor or kindness), the ablative plural form of the word gr?tia (grace, favor). The fact that it was used as an ablative in Latin probably has a large bearing on its use in both English and Spanish as an adverb.

In the same way, the Spanish adjective "gratuito" is rooted in the nominative form of the Latin adjective gr?tu?tus (free, spontaneous, voluntary)—a heritage which is shared by its English counterpart "gratuitous."

Answer 4

I think that the only difference is that "gratuito" is a Spanish word and "gratis" - English one. Therefore, I would use original version. However, "gratis" was imported with all gramatical rules of using. Todo esto puedes tener gratuito - sounds weird. And: Todo esto puedes tener gratis - is OK. "gratis" can be both: adjective and adverb.

Answer 5

I know one is a noun and one is an adjective.

They are actually both adjectives

And it seemed like "todo esto es gratis" would work just fine. Wouldn't it? Or does gratuito work better there??

Either would work in the context you are describing.

You might find the following thread useful: gratis vs gratuito

For whatever reason I cannot access wordreference threads. If you could post the contents I would be much obliged partner. - jeezzle, Dec 31, 2011