Inklingo

How to Say "multitude" in Spanish

English → Spanish

multitud

mool-tee-TOOD/multiˈtuð/

nounC1general
Use 'multitud' when referring to a large number or abundance of abstract things, problems, or concepts, rather than a literal crowd of people.
A massive, overflowing pile of hundreds of brightly colored apples covering a grassy field, symbolizing a great number or abundance of things.

Examples

El proyecto enfrentó una multitud de problemas técnicos.

The project faced a multitude of technical problems.

Hay una multitud de razones por las que debemos actuar ahora.

There is a host of reasons why we must act now.

Formal Usage

This meaning is often used in writing or formal speech, similar to how 'a host of' or 'a multitude of' is used in English.

batallón

/ba-ta-YOHN//bataˈjon/

nounB2informal
Choose 'batallón' when you want to emphasize a very large, almost overwhelming crowd of people, often with a slightly informal or figurative tone.
A large, diverse crowd of people walking together in the same direction.

Examples

Un batallón de fans esperaba al cantante en el aeropuerto.

An army of fans was waiting for the singer at the airport.

Necesitaremos un batallón de limpieza después de esta fiesta.

We'll need a whole cleaning crew (army) after this party.

Using it Figuratively

Just like in English we say 'an army of ants,' Spanish uses 'batallón' to emphasize that a group is very large and perhaps a bit overwhelming.

regimiento

/rre-hee-myen-toh//rexiˈmjento/

nounC1general
Use 'regimiento' to describe a large group of people, especially volunteers or participants working together towards a common goal.
A large crowd of colorful people standing together in a park.

Examples

Un regimiento de voluntarios limpió la playa en un día.

A regiment of volunteers cleaned the beach in one day.

Necesitaremos un regimiento de cocineros para esta boda.

We will need an army of cooks for this wedding.

Using 'de' for groups

When using this to mean 'a group of,' always use the word 'de' followed by the plural noun (e.g., 'un regimiento de niños').

Crowds vs. Abstract Numbers

Learners often confuse 'multitud' with 'batallón' or 'regimiento'. Remember that 'multitud' is best for abstract quantities or problems, while 'batallón' and 'regimiento' are more suited for large groups of people.

Related Translations

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