como
“como” means “I eat” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
I eat
📝 In Action
Yo como una manzana todos los días.
A1I eat an apple every day.
Si tengo hambre, como algo ligero.
A2If I'm hungry, I eat something light.
Generalmente como en casa.
A1I usually eat at home.
like, as
Also: such as
📝 In Action
Tu perro es tan grande como un caballo.
A1Your dog is as big as a horse.
Ella trabaja como traductora.
A2She works as a translator.
Me gustan las frutas, como las fresas y las naranjas.
A2I like fruits, such as strawberries and oranges.
Hazlo como te enseñé.
B1Do it like / the way I showed you.
since, as
Also: because
📝 In Action
Como no tenía paraguas, me mojé.
A2Since I didn't have an umbrella, I got wet.
Como era tarde, decidimos volver a casa.
B1As it was late, we decided to go back home.
Como el restaurante estaba cerrado, fuimos a otro.
A2Since the restaurant was closed, we went to another one.
about, around
Also: like
📝 In Action
Llegaré como a las tres de la tarde.
B1I'll arrive at about three in the afternoon.
Había como cincuenta personas en la fiesta.
B1There were about fifty people at the party.
Cuesta como veinte euros.
A2It costs around twenty euros.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: como
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'como' to mean 'since' or to give a reason?
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📚 Etymology▼
The word 'como' has two separate origins. As a word for comparison ('like'/'as'), it comes from the Latin 'quomodo', meaning 'in what way'. The verb 'como' ('I eat') comes from the Latin verb 'comedere', meaning 'to eat up'. This is why they have such different meanings!
First recorded: 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'como' and 'cómo'?
The accent mark makes all the difference! 'Cómo' with an accent is a question word meaning 'How?'. For example, '¿Cómo estás?' (How are you?). 'Como' without an accent has many uses, like 'like/as' ('fuerte como un león'), 'since' ('Como llueve, no salgo'), or 'I eat' ('Yo como pan'). A simple rule: if you're asking 'how', use the accent.
When should I use 'como' and when should I use 'porque' for 'because'?
Great question! Use 'como' to give a reason at the beginning of a sentence: 'Como estaba cansado, me dormí.' (Since I was tired, I fell asleep). Use 'porque' to answer the question 'Why?' or to give a reason in the middle of a sentence: 'Me dormí porque estaba cansado.' (I fell asleep because I was tired).