Tanto

Today’s Spanish word of the day is “tanto” in the masculine form, or “tanta” in the feminine form. It can be used as an adverb, adjective or pronoun meaning “so much”.

For example:

• Trabajas tanto. – You work so much.

The plural (“tantos”/“tantas”) translates as “so many”. For example:

• Había tantas arañas detras del sofá. – There were so many spiders behind the sofa.

The word is shortened to “tan” before adjectives and adverbs. In these contexts, it translates as “so”. For example:

• Estoy tan aburrido. – I’m so bored.

The word “tanto” comes from Latin tantus, which also meant “so much” or “so many”.

Common phrases using the word “tanto”

“Tanto” is used in a number of common expressions, including the following:

Al tanto

Meaning: Up to date.

Example: No estoy al tanto de lo que está pasando en la oficina. – I’m not up to date with what’s going on in the office.

Por lo tanto

Meaning: Therefore.

Example: Estudié mucho. Por lo tanto, pasé el examen. – I studied a lot. Therefore, I passed the exam.

Mientras tanto

Meaning: Meanwhile.

Example: Ella fue al supermercado. Mientras tanto, yo preparé la cena. – She went to the supermarket. Meanwhile, I prepared dinner.

Example sentences