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"Mucho" is an adjective which is often translated as "a lot of", and "un montón" is a phrase which is often translated as "a lot". Learn more about the difference between "mucho" and "un montón" below.
mucho(
moo
-
choh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
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.
2. (in excess)
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).
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).
un montón(
oon
mohn
-
tohn
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. a lot
Dentro de la casa abandonada había un montón de basura.Inside the abandoned house there was a lot of trash.
b. lots (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Le saqué un montón de fotos a la torre Eiffel.I took lots of pictures of the Eiffel Tower.
c. loads (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Mi primo ganó un montón de dinero jugando al póquer por internet.My cousin made loads of money playing poker online.
2. (very much)
a. a lot
¿Cuándo vas a venir a visitarme? Te extraño un montón.When are you coming to visit me? I miss you a lot.
