nomás
/no-MAHS/
only / just
A single apple on a table represents the limiting meaning of 'nomás' as 'only' or 'just'.
nomás(adverb)
only / just
?limiting something to a specific amount or person
simply
?to describe something as easy or uncomplicated
📝 In Action
Vine por dos días nomás.
A2I came for only two days.
Dime nomás qué necesitas.
B1Just tell me what you need.
💡 Grammar Points
Placement
Unlike the English word 'only,' which usually comes before the number or object, 'nomás' almost always comes after the word it is describing.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using it in Spain
Mistake: "Using 'nomás' in a formal meeting in Madrid."
Correction: In Spain, people usually say 'nada más' or 'solo.' 'Nomás' will sound very Latin American to them.
⭐ Usage Tips
Casual Vibes
Use this word to sound more like a local when traveling in Mexico or Argentina. It makes your sentences feel softer and more natural.
A welcoming gesture illustrates 'nomás' used to encourage someone to 'go ahead'.
📝 In Action
Pase nomás, la puerta está abierta.
B1Go right in, the door is open.
Siéntate nomás, el café ya casi está listo.
B1Go ahead and sit down, the coffee is almost ready.
💡 Grammar Points
The Softener
When added after an instruction or a 'command' form of a verb, it makes the request sound friendly and welcoming rather than bossy.
⭐ Usage Tips
Hospitality Tip
If you are hosting guests, add 'nomás' after your invitations (like 'Coman nomás' - 'Go ahead and eat') to show warmth.
The bird leaving as the door opens represents 'nomás' as 'the moment' or 'as soon as' an action occurs.
📝 In Action
Nomás llegar a casa, se puso a cocinar.
B2As soon as he got home, he started cooking.
Nomás lo vio, supo que algo andaba mal.
B2The moment she saw him, she knew something was wrong.
💡 Grammar Points
Timing Actions
In this context, 'nomás' is used at the beginning of the thought to show that the second action happened without any delay.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: nomás
Question 1 of 2
What does 'Pase nomás' most likely mean?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'nomás' one word or two?
It can be written as one word ('nomás') or two ('no más'). When written as one word, it usually acts as the adverb meaning 'only' or 'just.' When written as two, it often literally means 'no more' (e.g., 'No más café, gracias').
Is 'nomás' considered slang?
It is not exactly slang, but it is very informal. You will hear it in everyday conversations, movies, and songs, but you might avoid it in a formal academic essay.