tal cual
/ˌtal ˈkwal/
The English phrase 'just like that' can be translated into Spanish as tal cual.
tal cual is used to describe something that is exactly as it is or in its original state.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tal (such) and cual (which/as), literally meaning 'such as it is'.
Which one should you use?
tal cual means 'exactly as it is' (referring to state), it is different from así de repente which means 'just like that' in the sense of 'suddenly'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, así nomás can be used to express 'just like that'. In Mexico, así de fácil can be used to express 'just like that'. Additionally, así de fácil is an informal way to say 'just like that' in Spanish.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase tal cual is invariable and does not change for gender or number, even when referring to plural or feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌtal ˈkwal/
Did you know?
- The word cual is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'quality', as both stem from the Latin 'qualis' which asks about the nature or kind of a thing.
- Unlike most Spanish adjectives that must agree in gender and number with the noun they describe, tal cual is completely invariable. It remains the same whether it refers to one man, one woman, or a group of people.
Examples in context
- Puedes resolverlo así de fácil.You can solve it just like that.
- Lo hice así de fácil.I did it just like that.
- Lo dejó todo tal cual estaba.He left everything just like it was.
- Déjalo tal cual está.Leave it just like it is.
- Lo quiero tal cual me lo dijiste.I want it exactly as you told me.
- La situación sigue tal cual la dejamos.The situation is still just as we left it.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are looking at a piece of furniture in a room.
- Daniel¿Quieres que mueva la mesa?Do you want me to move the table?
- ElenaNo, déjala tal cual.No, leave it just like that.
- DanielEstá bien, no la tocaré.Alright, I won't touch it.
- ElenaGracias, Daniel.Thanks, Daniel.
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.
