"Worth" asks if the cost or effort is justified; "worthy" says something or someone is deserving by merit.
Having a value equal to something. Justifying the cost or effort. Always followed by a noun or gerund.
Is this restaurant worth the price? It looks expensive.
¿Vale la pena este restaurante por ese precio? Se ve caro.
The hike was long, but the view from the top was worth it.
La caminata fue larga, pero la vista desde arriba valio la pena.
That old car is not worth repairing. It costs more than it is worth.
Ese carro viejo no vale la pena reparar. Cuesta mas de lo que vale.
Deserving respect, admiration, or something by virtue of qualities or merit.
She is a worthy opponent — be ready for a tough match.
Ella es una oponente digna. Preparate para un partido dificil.
Not everyone is worthy of your trust. Be selective.
No todos son dignos de tu confianza. Se selectivo.
It is a worthy cause and I am happy to donate.
Es una causa digna y me alegra donar.
Common mistake
Saying "he is very worth" without a complement — "worth" always needs something after it: "worth it", "worth the effort", "worth seeing". It cannot stand alone the way "worthy" can. The reverse: "worthy" does not mean cost-benefit value. "This movie is worthy" sounds odd — correct is "this movie is worth watching" or "a worthy film" (adjective before noun).
Trick to remember it
Worth structure: [subject] + is worth + [noun/gerund]. "It is worth $50." "It is worth trying." "Is it worth the trouble?" Worthy structure: [subject] + is worthy + [of + noun]. "He is worthy of respect." Or as adjective before noun: "a worthy cause".
Quick rule
Worth = monetary value or cost-benefit (followed by noun/gerund). Worthy = deserving by merit or character.
Did you know?
"Noteworthy" (deserving attention) combines "note" + "worthy" — worth noting. "Praiseworthy" (deserving praise), "trustworthy" (deserving trust), "newsworthy" (deserving coverage), "creditworthy" (deserving credit). The suffix "-worthy" is very productive in English for creating words meaning "deserving of [something]".
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
The documentary is long, but it is definitely _____ watching.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
She has proven herself _____ of the leadership position through years of dedication.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Worth = monetary value or cost-benefit (followed by noun/gerund). Worthy = deserving by merit or character.
Saying "he is very worth" without a complement — "worth" always needs something after it: "worth it", "worth the effort", "worth seeing". It cannot stand alone the way "worthy" can. The reverse: "worthy" does not mean cost-benefit value. "This movie is worthy" sounds odd — correct is "this movie is worth watching" or "a worthy film" (adjective before noun).
Worth structure: [subject] + is worth + [noun/gerund]. "It is worth $50." "It is worth trying." "Is it worth the trouble?" Worthy structure: [subject] + is worthy + [of + noun]. "He is worthy of respect." Or as adjective before noun: "a worthy cause".
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy