cantidad
“cantidad” means “amount” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
amount, quantity
Also: sum
📝 In Action
Necesito la cantidad exacta de ingredientes para la receta.
A1I need the exact quantity of ingredients for the recipe.
La cantidad de tiempo que pasamos esperando fue increíble.
A2The amount of time we spent waiting was incredible.
¿Qué cantidad de dinero tienes en tu cuenta?
A1What amount of money do you have in your account?
a lot, plenty
Also: mass
📝 In Action
Había una cantidad de gente esperando para entrar al concierto.
B1There were masses of people waiting to enter the concert.
Tenemos una buena cantidad de trabajo pendiente para mañana.
B2We have a good deal of work pending for tomorrow.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cantidad
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'cantidad' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Late Latin word *quantitas*, which is directly related to the Latin root *quantus*, meaning 'how much' or 'how great'. It has always related to measurement and enumeration.
First recorded: Mid 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'cantidad' countable or uncountable?
'Cantidad' itself is countable (you can say 'dos cantidades diferentes' - two different amounts). However, it is often used to refer to both countable things ('la cantidad de libros') and uncountable things ('la cantidad de arena').
Is there a difference between 'cantidad' and 'número'?
Yes, 'número' specifically refers to a count of discrete, countable things (the number of students). 'Cantidad' is broader and can refer to a measurable total, whether countable or uncountable (the quantity of milk, the amount of people).