basta
“basta” means “Enough!” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
Enough!
Also: Stop!, That's enough!
📝 In Action
¡Basta! No me grites más.
A1Enough! Don't shout at me anymore.
Mamá, ¿quieres más sopa? —No, gracias, basta.
A2Mom, do you want more soup? —No, thanks, that's enough.
¡Basta ya de quejas! Vamos a buscar una solución.
B1Enough with the complaints already! Let's find a solution.
it is enough
Also: it suffices
📝 In Action
Para hacer el pastel, basta con dos huevos.
A2To make the cake, two eggs are enough.
No me basta con una disculpa; quiero que arregles el problema.
B1An apology isn't enough for me; I want you to fix the problem.
Basta que me lo pidas y lo haré.
B2You only have to ask me and I'll do it.
basting stitch
Also: tack
📝 In Action
La modista hizo unas bastas para probar el largo de la falda.
C1The dressmaker made some basting stitches to test the length of the skirt.
Hay que quitar las bastas con cuidado para no dañar la tela.
C1You have to remove the basting stitches carefully so as not to damage the fabric.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "basta" in Spanish:
basting stitch→enough!→it suffices→stop it!→tack→that's enough!→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: basta
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'basta' to mean 'stop'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word 'basta' has two different origins. The common meaning ('enough') comes from the Latin verb 'bastāre', which meant 'to be sufficient' or 'to hold up'. The less common sewing term ('basting stitch') likely came into Spanish from a Germanic language, related to words about binding things together.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between '¡Basta!' and '¡Para!'?
They both can mean 'Stop!'. '¡Para!' (from the verb 'parar', to stop) is more for stopping a physical action, like telling a driver to stop the car. '¡Basta!' is more for stopping an annoying or ongoing situation, like telling someone to stop complaining. You use '¡Basta!' when you've had enough of something.
When do I use 'basta' and when do I use 'suficiente'?
They are very similar. 'Es suficiente' ('it is sufficient') is a common alternative to the verb 'basta'. As a standalone word, 'suficiente' means 'enough' ('Tengo suficiente dinero' - 'I have enough money'). You can't use 'basta' in that way. As an interjection, you must use '¡Basta!' or '¡Suficiente!'; you can't just say '¡Suficiente!' alone as a command.