así
/ah-SEE/
'Así' can show *how* something is done, just like demonstrating the correct way to do something.
así (Adverb)
📝 In Action
Tienes que poner la mesa así.
A1You have to set the table like this.
Me gusta mi café así, con mucha leche.
A1I like my coffee this way, with a lot of milk.
No me hables así.
A2Don't talk to me like that.
⭐ Usage Tips
Show, Don't Just Tell
This 'así' is often paired with a gesture. You can point, mime an action, or show an example while you say it. It makes your Spanish much more natural.
'Así' can connect a cause to its effect, like one domino knocking over the next in line.
así (Adverb)
📝 In Action
Llovía mucho, así que decidimos quedarnos en casa.
A2It was raining a lot, so we decided to stay home.
No estudió, y así suspendió el examen.
B1He didn't study, and so he failed the exam.
El vuelo se canceló, así que tendremos que buscar un hotel.
B1The flight was canceled, so we will have to look for a hotel.
💡 Grammar Points
Meet 'Así que'
The phrase 'así que' is a powerful combo that almost always means 'so' or 'therefore'. Use it to connect a situation to its direct result. It's a key phrase for storytelling.
When you say something is 'así de grande' (this big), 'así' works with your hands to show the size or degree.
así (Adverb)
📝 In Action
Nunca he visto un pastel así de grande.
B1I've never seen a cake so big.
¿Por qué estás así de enfadado?
B1Why are you this angry?
No sabía que el problema era así de complicado.
B2I didn't know the problem was that complicated.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'así de' Pattern
This use of 'así' almost always appears right before 'de' and an adjective (a describing word). The pattern is 'así de [adjective]' to mean 'this [adjective]'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Add a Gesture
Like the first meaning, this one is perfect for gestures. When you say 'así de alto' (this tall), you can raise your hand to show the height.
The phrase 'así así' is a simple way to say you're feeling 'so-so'—not great, but not bad either.
así (Expression)
📝 In Action
- ¿Cómo estás? - Así así.
A1- How are you? - So-so.
- ¿Qué tal la película? - Así así, no era muy buena.
A1- How was the movie? - So-so, it wasn't very good.
⭐ Usage Tips
A More Common Alternative
While everyone will understand 'así así', many native speakers prefer to say 'más o menos' (more or less) or 'regular' to mean 'so-so'. Try using them too!
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: así
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'así' to mean 'so' or 'therefore'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'así' and 'así que'?
Think of 'así' as the base word, often meaning 'like this'. 'Así que' is a specific two-word phrase that almost always means 'so' or 'therefore', used to connect a cause and its result. For example, 'Hazlo así' (Do it like this) vs. 'Estaba cansado, así que me fui a dormir' (I was tired, so I went to sleep).
Can I use 'así' to mean 'like that'?
Yes, absolutely. 'Así' can mean both 'like this' (referring to something close to you) and 'like that' (referring to something someone else did or said). The context makes it clear. For example, if someone is rude, you can say 'No se habla así' (One doesn't speak like that).