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"Mucho" is an adjective which is often translated as "a lot of", and "por" is a preposition which is often translated as "by". Learn more about the difference between "mucho" and "por" below.
mucho(
moo
-
choh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. a lot of
Hay mucha gente en la playa hoy.There are a lot of people at the beach today.
b. much (used with uncountable nouns)
¿Hay mucho desempleo en esa área?Is there much unemployment in that area?
c. many (used with plural nouns)
No hay muchas habitaciones en este hotel.There aren't many rooms in this hotel.
a. too much (used with uncountable nouns)
Es mucha responsabilidad para un niño tan joven.It's too much responsibility for such a young child.
b. too many (used with plural nouns)
Me diste muchas naranjas; solo quiero unas pocas.You gave me too many oranges; I only want a few.
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
pronoun
a. a lot
¿Queda mucho por hacer?Is there a lot left to do?
b. much (replaces an uncountable noun)
¿Quieres que compre queso? - Sí, no queda mucho.Do you want me to buy cheese. - Yes, there isn't much left.
c. many (replaces a plural noun)
¿Todavía hay flores en el jardín? - Sí, muchas sobrevivieron la sequía.Are there still flowers in the garden? - Yes, many survived the drought.
d. plenty
¿Quieres llevarte algunas manzanas? Tenemos muchas.Would you like to take some apples with you? We have plenty.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
a. a lot
Estudia mucho, pero le cuesta mucho la escuela.He studies a lot, but he finds school hard.
b. much
Me sentí mucho mejor después de dormir bien.I felt much better after sleeping well.
a. a long time
Mi esposo se tarda mucho en bañarse.My husband always takes a long time to shower.
a. much
No corro mucho, pero sí me gusta.I don't run much, but I do like it.
a. hard
Los obreros de la construcción trabajan mucho.Construction workers work hard.
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por(
pohr
)
A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
preposition
a. by
Pásate por mi casa si quieres.Come by my house if you want.
a. because of
Se retiró por problemas personales.She resigned because of personal issues.
a. for
Estaré en Madrid por Navidad.I will be in Madrid for Christmas.
a. by
Puedes seguir tu paquete por correo electrónico.You can track your parcel by e-mail.
a. through
El hilo pasa por la aguja.The thread passes through the needle.
a.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
¿Has ido a por tu hijo a la escuela?Have you picked up your son from school?
Habrá que ir a por leche cuando lleguemos.We'll need to go out for milk when we get there.
a. times
Tres por tres son nueve.Three times three is nine.
a. per
Mi tarifa es 50 dólares por artículo.My rate is 50 dollars per article.
a. for
Te doy quince pesos por la cobija.I'll give you fifteen pesos for the blanket.
a. for
Yo terminaré el trabajo por ti cuando estés de vacaciones.I'll finish the job for you while you're on vacation.
a.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
Está por verse.That remains to be seen.
El asunto está por resolverse.The issue is yet to be resolved.
b. about to
Mi papá está por llegar.My dad's about to arrive.
a. by
¿Ese cuadro fue pintado por Elena o Rosa?Was that painting done by Elena or Rosa?
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