bastantes
/bahs-TAHN-tehs/
quite a few
Visualizing 'quite a few' (a large number) with a basket full of apples.
bastantes(Adjective)
quite a few
?a large number
,many
?similar to 'muchos'
enough
?sufficient quantity
📝 In Action
Hay bastantes estudiantes en la clase de español hoy.
A2There are quite a few students in the Spanish class today.
Compré bastantes manzanas para hacer el pastel.
A2I bought enough apples to make the pie.
¿Tienes bastantes sillas para todos los invitados?
B1Do you have enough chairs for all the guests?
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural with Nouns
Since you are using 'bastantes' (plural), it must always go with a plural noun (e.g., 'bastantes libros,' not 'bastante libro').
Placement
Like most words that describe quantity, 'bastantes' almost always goes directly before the plural person or thing it describes.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Bastante' and 'Bastantes'
Mistake: "Hicimos bastante errores."
Correction: Hicimos bastantes errores. (Since 'errores' is plural, the word describing the quantity must also be plural.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Implied Quality
While it means 'many,' 'bastantes' often suggests the quantity is satisfactory or sufficient, whereas 'muchos' just means a high number.
This image shows 'enough' (the sufficient quantity of pancakes).
bastantes(Pronoun)
enough
?when standing alone, referring to things
,quite a few
?referring to objects already mentioned
plenty
?referring to a sufficient amount
📝 In Action
¿Necesitas más patatas? No, gracias, ya tengo bastantes.
B1Do you need more potatoes? No, thank you, I already have enough (of them).
De los tres desafíos, enfrentamos bastantes.
B2Of the three challenges, we faced quite a few (of them).
💡 Grammar Points
Replacing the Noun
As a pronoun, 'bastantes' stands alone and takes the place of a plural person or thing that has already been mentioned, so you don't have to repeat the noun.
⭐ Usage Tips
Answering Questions
This form is perfect for short answers when the quantity is sufficient: '¿Tienes dudas?' (Do you have doubts?) 'Sí, bastantes.' (Yes, quite a few.)
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: bastantes
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'bastantes'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'bastantes' and 'muchos'?
Both mean 'many' or 'a lot,' but 'bastantes' often carries the idea of sufficiency or adequacy ('enough, and maybe a little more'), while 'muchos' simply means a high quantity. For example, 'Tengo bastantes libros' suggests you have a satisfying collection, while 'Tengo muchos libros' just states the high number.
When should I use the singular form 'bastante'?
You use the singular form 'bastante' if the noun is singular (e.g., 'bastante dinero') or if the word is describing a verb or adjective (acting as an adverb), in which case it never changes form (e.g., 'Comen bastante rápido').