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"Más" is a form of "más", an adverb which is often translated as "more". "Más bien" is a phrase which is often translated as "rather". Learn more about the difference between "más bien" and "más" below.
más bien(
mahs
byehn
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
b. more like
No es un avión. Más bien es una nave espacial.It's not an airplane. It's more like a spacecraft.
c. actually
No me decepcionó la obra. Más bien me gustó, y mucho.I wasn't disappointed by the play. Actually, I quite liked it.
d. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
No soy médico, más bien terapeuta.I'm not so much a doctor as a therapist.
No estoy enojado, más bien aburrido.I'm not so much angry as bored.
2. (colloquial) (used to emphasize)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. so well
Tienen que oír a su hermanita pequeña. ¡Canta más bien!You should listen to his little sister. She sings so well!
más(
mahs
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a. more (with adjective)
Es más guapo que su hermano.He is more handsome than his brother.
Es mucho más simpática cuando la conoces bien.She is much nicer when you get to know her.
b. more (with verb)
No te preocupes más. Yo me encargaré de todo.Don't worry any more. I'll take care of everything.
¿Quieres más?Would you like some more?
d. more (after a noun)
Necesito dos huevos más para la receta.I need two more eggs for the recipe.
Solo me voy a comer un chocolate más.I'm only going to eat one more chocolate.
a. most (with adjective)
Quiero el teléfono más caro de la tienda.I want the most expensive telephone in the shop.
b. most (with verb)
Es la que más trabaja de la empresa.She is the one who works the most at the company.
3. (intensity)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¡Qué chico más listo!¡What a clever guy!
¿Conoces a Pablo? ¡Es más guapo!Do you know Pablo? He's so good looking!
A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
4. (addition)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).