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"Cuánto" is a form of "cuánto", an adjective which is often translated as "how much". "Por qué" is a form of "por qué", a phrase which is often translated as "why". Learn more about the difference between "cuánto" and "por qué" below.
cuánto(
kwahn
-
toh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. how much (quantity, singular)
¿Cuánto arroz se necesita para la paella?How much rice do you need for a paella?
b. how many (quantity, plural)
¿Cuántos regalos les han dado en Navidad?How many presents did you get for Christmas?
c. so many (countable)
¡Cuántos caramelos tiene escondidos el abuelo en su casa!Grandpa has so many candies hidden in his house!
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
a. how much (quantity, singular)
¿Cuánto te han costado las entradas?How much did you pay for the tickets?
b. how many (quantity, plural)
¿Cuántos de ustedes están dispuestos a ir a la huelga?How many of you are ready to go on strike?
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¡Cuánto te tardaste en llegar!It's taken you ages to get here!
¡Cuántos han venido a la fiesta!So many people have come to the party!
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¡Cuánto quiero que me lleves a ese restaurante de nuevo!I want you to take me back to that restaurant so badly!
¡Cuánto te he echado de menos!I've missed you so much!
por qué(
pohr
keh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
