tales

/TAH-less/

such

A young child pointing definitively at a red toy train that is sitting on the floor next to a blue toy car, indicating the train is the specific one previously mentioned.

'Tales' means 'such' when referring to things or people previously mentioned.

tales(Adjective)

m/fB1

such

referring to things/people previously mentioned

such kinds of

indicating a type or nature

Also:

these

emphasizing the nature of the items

📝 In Action

Tienen muchos problemas financieros. Tales problemas requieren soluciones urgentes.

They have many financial problems. Such problems require urgent solutions.

Vimos leones y tigres. No había tales animales en el zoológico de antes.

We saw lions and tigers. There weren't such animals in the previous zoo.

Si tienes tales ideas, debes compartirlas con el equipo.

If you have such ideas, you must share them with the team.

Word Connections

Synonyms

semejantes (similar)
dichos (aforementioned (formal))

Common Collocations

tales cosas – such things
tales personas – such people

💡 Grammar Points

Always Plural

Remember 'tales' is the plural form of 'tal.' It can be used with both masculine and feminine plural nouns (e.g., 'tales libros' and 'tales casas').

Referring Back

This word works like a pointer, summarizing the qualities or type of noun you just mentioned, similar to saying 'these kinds of' in English.

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Use

Using 'tales' often sounds more formal or literary than simply repeating the noun or using a demonstrative like 'estos/esas.'

A row of five identical, simplistic human silhouettes. Two of the figures are subtly highlighted with a soft yellow glow, indicating they are 'certain' but unspecified individuals.

'Tales' means 'certain' when referring to particular but unspecified people or things.

tales(Adjective)

m/fB2

certain

unspecified or particular people/things

Also:

some

undetermined people/things

📝 In Action

El informe debe ser revisado por tales expertos en la materia.

The report must be reviewed by certain experts in the field (meaning 'some specific experts').

Dicen que tales acciones pueden tener consecuencias negativas.

They say that certain actions can have negative consequences.

Se requiere la presencia de tales testigos.

The presence of certain witnesses is required.

Word Connections

Synonyms

ciertos (certain)
algunos (some)

Common Collocations

tales efectos – certain effects
tales requisitos – certain requirements

💡 Grammar Points

Indefinite Reference

In this meaning, 'tales' signals that the noun (e.g., 'experts,' 'actions') is unspecified, perhaps known only to the speaker, acting like the English word 'certain.'

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Contexts

Use this meaning mainly when writing reports, academic papers, or speaking in highly formal situations.

A brown wicker basket overflowing with various items: specifically an apple, a banana, and an orange lying outside the basket, illustrating examples of a category.

'Tales como' translates to 'such as,' used for introducing examples.

tales(Adverbial Phrase Component)

n/aB1

such as

introducing examples

📝 In Action

Necesitamos frutas, tales como manzanas, peras y plátanos.

We need fruits, such as apples, pears, and bananas.

Hay muchos desafíos, tales como la falta de tiempo y recursos.

There are many challenges, such as the lack of time and resources.

Word Connections

Synonyms

como (like)
por ejemplo (for example)

💡 Grammar Points

Fixed Phrase

The expression 'tales como' is always used together to introduce a list of examples that fit the category you just mentioned.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: tales

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'tales' to introduce examples?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

tal(such (singular)) - adjective

tal vez(maybe) - adverb

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'tales' masculine, feminine, or both?

'Tales' is the plural form of 'tal,' and it works for both masculine plural nouns (e.g., 'tales hombres') and feminine plural nouns (e.g., 'tales mujeres').

Can I use 'tales' instead of 'estos' (these)?

Yes, but they have a slightly different flavor. 'Estos' simply points out the location ('these ones here'), while 'tales' points out the nature or type ('these kinds of ones'). 'Tales' is usually more formal.