bastante
/basˈtante/
The Spanish word bastante means enough.
Depending on the context, bastante can be translated as enough, rather, quite or a lot. It is used to indicate that there is a sufficient quantity of something or a large amount.
Which one should you use?
In many contexts, bastante can convey two different nuances: it can mean something is sufficient (enough) or it can mean there is a large amount (a lot), depending on the tone and the context of the conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word's form changes depending on its grammatical function. When used as an adverb to modify an adjective or another adverb, the form remains invariable as bastante (meaning enough, quite or fairly). However, when used as an adjective meaning enough, many or quite a lot, the form must agree in number with the noun it modifies, such as in the form bastantes.
How do you pronounce it?
/basˈtante/
Did you know?
- The root of bastante traces back to the Ancient Greek word bastázō, which means 'to carry' or 'to bear'.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, if someone says ¡Ya basta!, they are not just saying 'enough', but are often forcefully demanding that an action stop immediately.
- While bastante can mean 'a lot', using it with a positive adjective like es bastante bueno often actually softens the meaning to 'fairly' or 'quite' rather than 'very'.
Examples in context
- La película era bastante interesante.The movie was quite interesting.
- Hay bastante comida en la nevera.There is enough food in the fridge.
- Mis amigos llegaron bastante tarde a la fiesta.My friends arrived quite late to the party.
- Esta camiseta es bastante cara.This shirt is rather expensive.
- Necesito estudiar bastante para el examen de mañana.I need to study a lot for tomorrow's exam.
- Hay bastantes libros.There are quite a few books.
- Es bastante difícil.It is quite difficult.
- Hay bastante comida en la mesa.There is plenty of food on the table.
- Tengo bastante trabajo este mes.I have a lot of work this month.
- Hemos caminado bastante hoy.We have walked a lot today.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are at a restaurant.
- Mateo¿Quieres más agua, María?Do you want more water, María?
- MaríaNo, gracias, tengo bastante.No, thank you, I have enough.
- MateoPerfecto, entonces pediremos la cuenta.Perfect, then we will ask for the bill.
- MaríaSí, la cena estuvo muy buena.Yes, the dinner was very good.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bastante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bastante, CC BY-SA 4.0.
