mero
“mero” means “mere” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
mere, right
Also: very, main
📝 In Action
Lo hice por el mero placer de viajar.
B1I did it for the mere pleasure of traveling.
Nos vemos en el mero centro de la plaza.
B2I'll see you right in the center of the square.
Él es el mero jefe de la empresa.
B1He is the main boss of the company.
grouper
📝 In Action
Pedí un filete de mero con limón.
B1I ordered a grouper fillet with lemon.
El mero es un pez que vive en aguas profundas.
B2The grouper is a fish that lives in deep waters.
Hay muchos meros en el arrecife.
B2There are many groupers on the reef.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: mero
Question 1 of 3
What does a Mexican friend mean if they say 'Ya mero llego'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'merus,' which described something pure or unmixed (like wine not diluted with water).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'mero' used the same way in Spain and Mexico?
No. In Spain, it's mostly used to mean 'mere' (insignificant) or the fish. In Mexico, it's much more common and is used to mean 'exact,' 'very,' or 'almost'.
Can 'mero' be feminine?
Yes! When it is an adjective, it changes to 'mera' to match feminine nouns, like 'la mera verdad' (the honest truth).
Does 'mero' ever mean 'only'?
Not exactly. It describes a thing as being 'mere' or 'simple,' but if you want to say 'only' as an adverb (only walking), use 'solo' or 'meramente'.