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"A lot" is an adverb which is often translated as "mucho", and "so much" is a phrase which is often translated as "tanto". Learn more about the difference between "a lot" and "so much" below.
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.
so much(
so
muhch
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (adverb)
a. tanto
"I'm tired from dancing so much," said the bride."Estoy cansada de bailar tanto", dijo la novia.
2. (adjective)
