cantidad
/kahn-tee-DAHD/
amount
When cantidad refers to an amount, it indicates a general measure, like the liquid in this cup.
📝 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?
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Remember that 'cantidad' is always a feminine noun, so you must use feminine determiners like 'la' (the) or 'una' (a/an) before it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Gender
Mistake: "El cantidad de sal."
Correction: La cantidad de sal. ('Cantidad' is feminine.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'de' for what is measured
When you specify what the quantity is of, always use the preposition 'de': 'la cantidad de leche' (the amount of milk).
When cantidad translates to a lot, it signifies abundance or a large quantity.
cantidad(noun)
a lot
?signifying abundance/many
,plenty
?more than enough
mass
?figurative collection of people/things
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Replacing 'Mucho'
In informal contexts, especially when paired with 'una' (una cantidad de), this word functions as an intensifier, meaning 'lots of' or 'a huge number of,' similar to the simpler word 'mucho'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use 'buena' for Emphasis
To emphasize that the amount is large or significant, pair it with the adjective 'buena': 'una buena cantidad' (a good amount).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cantidad
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'cantidad' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
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).