tantos
/ˈtantos/
The English phrase "so many" is translated into Spanish as tantos.
tantos is an adjective used to express that a quantity is very numerous.
Meaning: very numerous (adj)
Which one should you use?
Use tantos/as when referring to countable nouns, such as tantos gatos (so many cats). For uncountable nouns, such as water, you would use tanto/a (so much) instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form tantos is used when the noun being quantified is masculine and plural. For feminine plural nouns, use the form tantas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtantos/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, tanto can function as a noun meaning 'score' or 'point' in a sporting match. For example, marcar un tanto means 'to score a goal'.
- The word tanto is the root of the English word 'tantamount', which means equivalent in value or intensity.
- While English uses 'so many' to express quantity, in Spanish, tantos can be used in an exclamation like ¡Tantos problemas! to express a sense of being overwhelmed or exaggerated, often carrying a nuance of frustration.
Examples in context
- Han pasado tantos años.It's been so many years.This example shows how to use tantos with a time period.Tatoeba #1617605 by Shishir, translation #1615172 by Spamster
- ¿Por qué tienes tantos gatos?Why do you have so many cats?This example demonstrates how to use tantos with a countable noun.Tatoeba #2093409 by Shishir, translation #1572916 by fanty
- No sabía que Tom tenía tantos gatos.I didn't know that Tom had so many cats.This example shows how to use tantos to describe a quantity of animals.Tatoeba #7980816 by pchamorro, translation #6241460 by CK
- Había tantos libros en la biblioteca.There were so many books in the library.
- Recibieron una gran cantidad de premios por su trabajo.They received so many awards for their work.
- Había montones de gente en la fiesta.There were so many people at the party.
- Tenemos un montón de problemas que resolver.We have so many problems to solve.
- Tantas personasSo many people – feminine plural
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a crowded street market.
- Elena¿Por qué hay tantos turistas aquí?Why are there so many tourists here?
- AlejandroEs porque hay una fiesta hoy.It's because there is a party today.
- Elena¡Es verdad! Alejandro, ¡son tantos!It's true! Alejandro, there are so many!
- AlejandroSí, el mercado está muy lleno.Yes, the market is very full.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tantos, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
