Como (question) vs. Como (the verb)

Question

Is someone able to explain the difference between the como in ¿Como estas? and the como in Como una fresa? Obviously in ¿Como estas? you are not eating, yet that is the singular first person of comer, to eat.

Good question...welcome to the forum. - --Mariana--, Jun 24, 2012

cómo (question) - all question words will carry an accent which will help if you're reading but not so much if you're just listening, then it'll have to be the context that is the most important - Kiwi-Girl, Jun 24, 2012

Yes, I did forget the accents and the answer is very clear. Thanks! - purplen8n, Jun 25, 2012

Answer 1

Also remember to use written accents. "¿Cómo estás?" and "Como fresas".

Of course, in the spoken language you don't have these clues. You just need to understand the context.

One more thing, "como" can also mean "as" or "like".

Answer 2

Hi Purple

You are going to find dozens of these examples as you continue to expand your Spanish vocabulary.

Example:

Traje un traje - I brought a suit

We do have the same things in English but having learnt the difference you accept them.

Example:

Lance - A long weapon with a wooden shaft

Lance - To cut open with a Lancet.

Just follow the advice the other members have given and the difference in Spanish will also become clear.

Answer 3

You just need to understand the context.

Exactly.

Como:

Like: Quiero ser como tú eres. (I want to be like you)

I eat: Como mucho los fines de semana (I eat a lot on the weekends)

How: ¿Cómo se escribe? (How do you spell that?)

Answer 4

I believe you need to consider the context "como" is used in. Like is English, the word "lead" can mean two things. For example, "I will lead my group to the nearest exit," and, "He used the lead pipe as a weapon." Hope this helps.