Inklingo
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tantas

tan-tas/ˈtan.tas/

so many, so much

Also: that many
A massive, dense cloud or swarm composed entirely of brightly colored butterflies, illustrating a very large quantity.

📝 In Action

¡Hay tantas flores hermosas en el jardín!

A2

There are so many beautiful flowers in the garden!

Necesité responder tantas preguntas que me cansé.

B1

I needed to answer so many questions that I got tired.

¿Por qué tienes tantas cosas inútiles?

A2

Why do you have so many useless things?

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • muchas (many)
  • numerosas (numerous)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • Tantas veces – So many times
  • Tantas gracias – So many thanks (or often used sarcastically)

as many

Two separate, distinct groups of flowers. The group on the left consists of red roses, and the group on the right consists of yellow roses. Both groups contain the exact same number of flowers, demonstrating equality in quantity.

📝 In Action

Ella tiene tantas pulseras como yo.

A2

She has as many bracelets as I do.

No puedes tener tantas excusas como tu hermana.

B1

You can't have as many excuses as your sister.

Compramos tantas telas como nos permitía el presupuesto.

B2

We bought as many fabrics as the budget allowed us.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • igual número de (equal number of)

Common Collocations

  • Tantas... como – As many... as

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "tantas" in Spanish:

as many→that many→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: tantas

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'tantas'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
mantasplantas
📚 Etymology▼

Comes directly from the Latin word *tantus* meaning 'so great,' 'so much,' or 'as much.' Spanish simply made it agree in gender and number with the noun it refers to.

First recorded: Old Spanish texts (circa 11th century)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: tantasItalian: tante

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Frequently Asked Questions

If I am describing 'so many books' (libros), should I use 'tantas'?

No. 'Libros' (books) is masculine plural, so you must use the masculine plural form: 'tantos libros.' Remember, 'tantas' is only for feminine plural nouns.

What is the difference between 'tan' and 'tantas'?

'Tan' is an adverb meaning 'so' and goes before adjectives or adverbs (e.g., 'tan rápido'). 'Tantas' is a determiner meaning 'so many' and goes before feminine plural nouns (e.g., 'tantas estrellas').