Difference between tan and tanto/a/os/as

Question

I know there is a difference in these comparisons of equality, (tan vs. tanto or tantas...etc.) But I'm not sure what the difference is. Could someone help me? Thanks.

Answer 1

This may help tan vs tanto

Answer 2

Tan basically means "so," sometimes "such a" or "as," and is used only before adjectives or adverbs (or nouns used as adjectives).

eg Rita es tan alta como María. (Rita is as tall as María.)

and

Tanto basically means "so much" or "so many" or, when used with como, "as much" or "as many."

eg Tengo tanto dinero como Juan. (I have as much money as Juan.)

plus

Tanto also can be used to make other kinds of comparisons and has a wide variety of colloquial uses; under some circumstances it can be used not only as an adjective but also as a noun, pronoun or adverb.

eg No quiero estudiar tanto. (I don't want to study so much.)

Answer 3

Thanks for the help guys. I understand now.

Awesome :) - Kiwi-Girl, Sep 27, 2011