tal
/ˈtal/
The English word 'such' can be translated into Spanish as tal.
In Spanish, you can translate 'such' using different words depending on how it functions in a sentence. Use tal when it acts as an adjective to refer to a person or thing that has already been mentioned or is about to be described. Use tan when 'such' functions as an adverb to amplify an adjective or adverb. Finally, use the phrase como tal to translate 'as such', indicating that something is being considered in its presented form.
Which one should you use?
The choice between forms depends on the grammatical role. tal refers to the specific quality or type of a noun previously mentioned. In contrast, tan is used to mean 'so' when it modifies an adjective, such as in the phrase tan grande for 'so big'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form tal is used with singular nouns. When you need to refer to multiple things, use the plural form tales.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtal/
Did you know?
- The phrase a tal palo, tal astilla is a common Spanish proverb using tal to mean 'such'. It literally translates to 'such a stick, such a splinter' and is the equivalent of the English 'chip off the old block'.
- While tal refers to 'such', it is also the root of the common Spanish expression ¿Qué tal?, which is used to ask 'How are you?' or 'How is it going?'
- Using tal para cual describes two people who are perfectly matched, usually because they share the same negative traits. It translates to 'such for such', effectively meaning 'two of a kind'.
Examples in context
- Tom no hará tal cosa.Tom won't do such a thing.This sentence demonstrates how to use tal to describe an action or thing.Tatoeba #1826423 by Shishir, translation #1140841 by CK
- Yo no he dicho tal cosa.I have said no such thing.This sentence shows the use of tal in a negative statement.Tatoeba #1326934 by marcelostockle, translation #914064 by Jane_Austen
- ¿Qué la hizo hacer tal cosa?What made her do such a thing?This sentence illustrates a question involving the use of tal.Tatoeba #1616934 by marcelostockle, translation #25041 by CH
- Nunca he visto un atardecer tan hermoso.I have never seen such a beautiful sunset.
- Ella me dio un regalo tan encantador.She gave me such a lovely gift.
- ¡Fue un examen tan difícil!It was such a difficult exam!
- La empresa podría quebrar. Como tal, debemos estar preparados.The company may go bankrupt, as such, we need to be prepared.
- El informe no ha sido revisado por un experto y como tal, no se debe confiar en él.The report has not been reviewed by an expert and should not be relied upon as such.
- No quiero tales problemas.I don't want such problems.
- 146 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are discussing a strange rumor they heard.
- DanielHeard that he lost all his money.I heard that he lost all his money.
- ElenaNo creo que tal historia sea cierta.I don't think such a story is true.
- DanielPero lo dijo un amigo cercano.But a close friend said it.
- ElenaAun así, me parece muy improbable.Even so, it seems very unlikely to me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
