such as
vs
such a

QUICK ANSWER

"Such as" is a preposition which is often translated as "como", and "such a" is a phrase which is often translated as "tal". Learn more about the difference between "such as" and "such a" below.

such as(

suhch

ahz

)

A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).

preposition

1. (general)

a. como

We visited several cities in the south of Spain, such as Granada, Almeria, and Seville.Visitamos varias ciudades en el sur de España, como Granada, Almería y Sevilla.

b. tal como

He has photographed many animals, such as deer, otters, and bats.Ha fotografiado muchos animales, tales como ciervos, nutrias y murciélagos.

such a(

suhch

)

A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).

phrase

1. (indicating kind)

a. tal

You went bowling underwater? I've never heard of such a thing.¿Jugaste al boliche bajo el agua? Nunca he escuchado de tal cosa.

2. (indicating degree)

a. tan