"Presenterna var dyra."

Translation: The presents were expensive.

[takver]

In Australia it's very common to say 'the presents were dear' meaning expensive. Is this used in UK/USA as well, and/or accepted as a translation?

[cynyork]

In the US, I would have to say No. I have read it in (foreign or maybe old fashioned) novels, but never heard it. I would be more likely to think they meant the presents are darling, or adorable.

[Arnauti]

It is an accepted answer now.

[butsuri]

In England, I'd understand it, but it sounds old-fashioned. (Might be more current in some parts of the country than others.) It was familiar enough to be useful as a mnemonic for dyr, though.

[StefanMcAs]

Guess it's only Aussies and Kiwis that still say it

[devalanteriel]

It's common in the UK as well, at least. I respectfully disagree with butsuri here.

[bearded-bod]

Kan någon förklara skillnaden mellan dyr och dyrbar, tack?

[devalanteriel]

Both mean "expensive", but dyr is in the sense that you don't like the cost of something you buy, and dyrbar is in the sense of precious, or valuable.

[bearded-bod]

Tack ska du ha.

[Ankulou]

Why is "gifts" instead of "presents" not accepted?

[Ankulou]

Oh sorry. My fault. I had spelling error. :)