tan dulce
/tan dulθe/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "so sweet" is tan dulce.
tan dulce is used to describe something with a sugary taste or someone with a very kind and endearing personality.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tan, which means "so" or "as" and dulce, which means "sweet".
Which one should you use?
While tan dulce emphasizes the degree of sweetness (so sweet), muy dulce is the more standard way to express that something is "very sweet".
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in number with the people or things being described. For example, use tan dulces for plural subjects. If you are describing an action using an adverb rather than a person or thing, use the form tan dulcemente.
How do you pronounce it?
/tan dulθe/
Did you know?
- While tan dulce is used for kindness, Spanish speakers might use the word meloso to describe someone who is so sweet it becomes cloying or annoying.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone tan dulce can sometimes feel overly precious or even patronizing if used with an adult you do not know well.
- The English word 'dulcet', often used to describe pleasant sounds, is a direct linguistic relative of the Spanish dulce.
Examples in context
- Eso es tan dulce.That's so sweet.This sentence shows how to use tan dulce to describe a thing.Tatoeba #1898704 by marcelostockle, translation #1897819 by CK
- ¡Eres tan dulce!You are so sweet!This sentence shows how to use tan dulce to describe a person.Tatoeba #1072424 by Shishir, translation #973766 by jakov
- Esa sorpresa que preparaste fue ¡re dulce!That surprise you prepared was super sweet!
- Esta fresa está tan dulce.This strawberry is so sweet.
Example conversation
Lucía gives Alejandro a small handmade gift.
- LucíaToma, Alejandro, hice esto para ti.Here, Alejandro, I made this for you.
- AlejandroMuchas gracias, Lucía. ¡Eres tan dulce!Thank you so much, Lucía. You are so sweet!
- LucíaDe nada, espero que te guste.You're welcome, I hope you like it.
- AlejandroMe encanta, es un detalle muy lindo.I love it, it's a very lovely gesture.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dulce, tan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
