tal cual
/ˌtal ˈkwal/
The English phrase 'as is' can be translated into Spanish as tal cual.
Tal cual is used to describe something in its existing state, without any changes or repairs. In more formal, technical or legal contexts, you might use the phrases En su estado actual to mean 'in its current state' or Sin cambios to mean 'without changes.'
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase tal cual is invariable, meaning it does not change its form to match the gender or number of the noun it describes.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌtal ˈkwal/
Did you know?
- While tal cual means 'as is' for objects, it is also used to describe someone who is completely honest and authentic, meaning they show themselves exactly as they are without pretense.
- While tal cual means 'as is', the related phrase tal para cual describes two people who are perfectly matched, often because they are equally flawed.
- The word cual originates from the Latin word quālis, which is the same ancestor that gave English the word 'qualitative'.
Examples in context
- El contrato debe ser firmado tal cual se presenta.The contract must be signed as is.
- Aceptamos el producto en su estado actual.We accept the product as is.
- Me tomaron la foto tal cual estaba.They took my picture as is.
- Cómpralo como está en la tienda.Buy it as is at the store.
- Firmé el contrato en su estado actual, sin realizar modificaciones.I signed the contract as is, without making any modifications.
- La comida se sirvió tal cual la prepararon en la cocina.The food was served as it was prepared in the kitchen.
- El pintor retrató el paisaje como está en la naturaleza.The painter depicted the landscape as it is in nature.
- Lo compré tal cual.I bought it as is.
- Lo quiero tal cual es.I want it exactly as it is.
- Vendí el coche tal cual.I sold the car as is.
- Déjalo tal cual está.Leave it just as it is.
Example conversation
Daniel is asking Sofia about a piece of old furniture.
- Sofía¿Vas a arreglar la silla?Are you going to fix the chair?
- DanielNo, la voy a vender tal cual.No, I am going to sell it as is.
- SofíaPero necesita una reparación.But it needs a repair.
- DanielPrefiero que la compren tal cual.I prefer that they buy it as is.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tal cual, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cual, tal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
