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"Sobra" is a form of "sobra", a noun which is often translated as "excess". "Basta" is a form of "basta", an interjection which is often translated as "enough". Learn more about the difference between "sobra" and "basta" below.
la sobra(
soh
-
brah
)
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
feminine noun
a. excess
En este país hay sobra de ideas que no conducen a nada.In this country there's an excess of ideas that go nowhere.
b. surplus
La sobra de maíz hizo que bajara el precio del cereal.The surplus of corn brought the price of cereal down.
las sobras
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
plural noun
a. leftovers
Voy a comer las sobras de ayer.I'm going to eat the leftovers from yesterday.
a. remnants
Aproveché las sobras de la tela para hacerle un vestido a la muñeca de mi hija.I used the remnants of the cloth to make a dress for my daughter's doll.
4. (coffee remains)
Regionalism used in Mexico
(Mexico)
a. dregs
Hay gente que sabe leer las sobras del café para adivinar el futuro.There are people who can read coffee dregs to predict the future.
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basta, la basta(
bahs
-
tah
)
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
interjection
a. enough
¡Basta! Ya te dije que no te voy a comprar ese juguete.Enough! I already told you I'm not going to buy you that toy.
b. stop it
Basta. No estoy de humor para que me hagas cosquillas.Stop it. I'm not in the mood for tickles.
c. that's enough
Basta. Estoy hasta las narices de tus quejas.That's enough. I'm fed up with your complaining.
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
feminine noun
a. basting stitch
Voy a usar una basta hasta que tenga tiempo para arreglar los pantalones.I'm going to use a basting stitch until I have time to mend the pants.
b. tacking stitch
La costurera cortó la tela siguiendo la línea de la basta.The seamstress cut the fabric along the tacking stitch.
c. basting
Vamos a usar una basta antes de hacerle el dobladillo a esta falda.We're going to use a basting before hemming this skirt.
d. tacking
Oye, el sastre se olvidó de quitar la basta de tu blazer.Hey, the tailor forgot to remove the tacking from your blazer.
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