casi tanto
/kasi tanto/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'almost as much' is expressed as casi tanto.
This phrase is used to indicate that an amount or degree is nearly equal to another.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of casi (almost) and tanto (so much/as much).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase must change depending on the noun being quantified. Use casi tanta if the noun is feminine. Use casi tantos if you are quantifying countable masculine plural nouns, and use casi tantas if you are quantifying countable feminine plural nouns.
Did you know?
- While casi tanto expresses a near equality, the phrase tanto monta is a famous historical motto meaning 'it is all the same'. It was used by the Catholic Monarchs to show that their roles in ruling were equal.
- In Spanish, the word tanto can be used as a noun to mean 'a goal' or 'a score' in sports. For example, a commentator might announce the tanto to signal a point has been scored.
- The word casi is a sibling of the English word 'quasi'. Both descend from the Latin word quasi, which means 'as if'.
Examples in context
- El proyecto requiere prácticamente la misma cantidad de tiempo que el anterior.The project requires almost as much time as the previous one.
- Él gana casi tanto como su hermano.He earns almost as much as his brother.
- Tengo casi tanta hambre como tú.I am almost as hungry as you.
- Ella gana casi tanto como él.She earns almost as much as him.
- Tengo casi tanto trabajo como tú.I have almost as much work as you.
Example conversation
María and Javier are comparing their monthly electricity bills.
- MaríaMi factura de luz es muy alta.My electricity bill is very high.
- JavierLa mía es casi tanto como la tuya.Mine is almost as much as yours.
- MaríaNo puedo creer que gastemos tanto.I can't believe we spend so much.
- JavierTenemos que ahorrar energía, María.We have to save energy, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries casi, tanto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
