tan poco
vs
tanto

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"Tan poco" is a phrase which is often translated as "so little", and "tanto" is an adverb which is often translated as "so much". Learn more about the difference between "tan poco" and "tanto" below.

tan poco(

tahn

poh

koh

)

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

phrase

1. (general)

a. so little

Anoche dormí tan poco que hoy casi me duermo en clase.Last night I slept so little that I almost fell asleep in class today.

tanto(

tahn

toh

)

An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).

adverb

1. (expressing quantity)

a. so much

Te quiero tanto.I love you so much.

An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).

adjective

2. (expressing quantity)

a. so much (singular)

Todavía tengo tanto trabajo para hacer.I have so much work still to do.

b. so many (plural)

Había tantos pasteles que nos llevamos algunos a casa.There were so many cakes that we took some home.

A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).

pronoun

3. (expressing quantity)

a. so much (singular)

Tanto que hacer y tan poco tiempo.So much to do, so little time.

b. so many (plural)

Solo guarda una fotografía que no se necesitan tantas.Just keep one photo as you don't need so many.

A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).

masculine noun

4. (sports)

a. point

Nuestro equipo acabó el torneo con 50 tantos.Our team finished the tournament with 50 points.

b. goal

El ídolo colombiano marcó dos tantos en el primer tiempo.The Colombian star scored two goals in the first half.

tantos

An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).

adjective

A word or phrase that is plural (e.g., los libros).

(plural)

(expressing quantity)

a. so many

A word or phrase that is plural (e.g., los libros).

(plural)

¿Realmente crees que necesitemos tantos globos para la fiesta? Es un lugar pequeño.Do you really think we need so many balloons for the party? It's a small venue.

A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).

pronoun

A word or phrase that is plural (e.g., los libros).

(plural)

(expressing quantity)

a. so many

A word or phrase that is plural (e.g., los libros).

(plural)

Es deprimente ver a un niño botar la comida cuando tantos pasan hambre.It's heartbreaking to see a child waste food when so many are hungry.

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