tantos
“tantos” means “so many” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
so many, as many
Also: too many
📝 In Action
Hay tantos libros que no puedo elegir uno.
A1There are so many books that I can't choose one.
No tengo tantos amigos como mi hermano.
A2I don't have as many friends as my brother.
Hemos recibido tantos correos que la bandeja está llena.
B1We have received so many emails that the inbox is full.
so many, that many
Also: a large amount (of masculine things)
📝 In Action
¿Cuántos correos tienes? Tengo tantos.
B1How many emails do you have? I have so many (of them).
Tú solo compraste diez. Yo compré el doble, tantos.
B2You only bought ten. I bought double that, that many.
No te preocupes por los problemas; hay muchos, pero no son tantos.
B2Don't worry about the problems; there are many, but not that many.
points, goals
Also: score
📝 In Action
El equipo local lleva tres tantos a cero.
B2The home team is leading three points to zero.
Faltan cinco minutos y necesitamos más tantos para empatar.
C1There are five minutes left and we need more points to tie.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tantos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'tantos' to agree with the noun?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *tantus*, meaning 'of such a size' or 'so much.' It is closely related to *quanto* ('how much') and *aliquanto* ('a certain amount').
First recorded: Around the 10th century in early Spanish texts.
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'muchos' and 'tantos'?
'Muchos' simply means 'many.' 'Tantos' means 'so many,' implying a degree of surprise, comparison, or emphasis on the quantity (e.g., 'I didn't think there would be tantos!').
How do I know whether to use 'tanto', 'tanta', 'tantos', or 'tantas'?
It depends on the noun you are describing: use 'tanto' for masculine singular nouns, 'tanta' for feminine singular nouns, 'tantos' for masculine plural nouns, and 'tantas' for feminine plural nouns. The word must always match the noun's gender and number.