vs
QUICK ANSWER
"El" is a form of "el", a definite article which is often translated as "the". "Lo más" is a phrase which is often translated as "the most". Learn more about the difference between "el" and "lo más" below.
el(
ehl
)A definite article is a word that identifies a noun as specific or known to the speaker (e.g., the girl).
lo más(
loh
mahs
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (the best)
a. the most
Lo más que puedo hacer es ampliarte una semana el plazo de entrega.The most I can do is to extend the deadline one week.
a. the most ... thing
Lo más difícil es decidirse a hacerlo. Después, todo viene rodado.The most difficult thing is to make up your mind to do it. Afterward, things will fall into place.
b. as much as
Tendríamos que resumir la nota lo más posible, porque no va a caber en el espacio.We should summarize the note as much as possible, because otherwise it won't fit in the space.
c. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Compré mejillones porque era lo más barato que tenían.I bought mussels because they were the cheapest thing they had.
Ata el nudo lo más fuerte que puedas.Tie the knot as tight as you can.
a. the worst
Lo más que puede pasar es que lleguemos tarde, pero no es el fin del mundo, ¿verdad?The worst that can happen is that we're late, but it's not the end of the world, is it?
4. (colloquial) (considered to be the best)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. thought to be the best
Ahora mismo, este modelo es lo más en autos deportivos.At the moment, this model of sports car is thought to be the best.
5. (colloquial) (the most fashionable thing)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. the trendiest thing
Este invierno los abrigos largos son lo más.Long coats are the trendiest thing this winter.
