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"A few" is a phrase which is often translated as "algunos", and "a lot" is an adverb which is often translated as "mucho". Learn more about the difference between "a few" and "a lot" below.
a few(
uh
fyu
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. algunos
Many sleeping pills stop working after a few hours.Muchas pastillas para dormir dejan de funcionar después de algunas horas.
b. unos
Do you have a few minutes after class to chat?¿Tienes unos minutos después de la clase para hablar?
d. unos cuantos
Are there many tomatoes left? - No, there are just a few.¿Quedan muchos tomates? - No, solo hay unos cuantos.
a lot(
uh
lat
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
1. (frequently)
a. mucho
Since we live a block from the beach, we swim a lot.Como vivimos a una cuadra de la playa, nadamos mucho.
b. un montón (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Both my wife and I are retired, so we travel a lot.Mi esposa y yo estamos los dos jubilados, así que viajamos un montón.
a. mucho
This restaurant is a lot better than the one we went to last night.Este restaurante es mucho mejor que al que fuimos anoche.
b. un montón (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Janet has changed a lot since she started working. She's become more responsible.Janet ha cambiado un montón desde que empezó a trabajar. Se ha vuelto más responsable.
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
b. muchas
How many people came to the party? - A lot.¿Cuántas personas vinieron a la fiesta? - Muchas.
c. un montón (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
I got a lot of presents for my birthday.Me hicieron un montón de regalos por mi cumpleaños.
