varios
/ˈbaɾjos/
The English word 'various' is translated into Spanish as varios.
varios is used to describe an eclectic range of things. While the English 'various' can imply a sense of diversity, the Spanish varios is frequently used to simply denote an unspecified number, functioning similarly to the English word 'several'.
Meaning: an eclectic range of (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 'various' in English can imply diversity, 'varios' in Spanish is often used simply to denote an unspecified number, similar to 'several'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word múltiples is often used to convey the meaning of 'various'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use varios for masculine nouns or for groups that contain both masculine and feminine members. Use varias when referring to feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbaɾjos/
Did you know?
- In many Latin American legal and accounting documents, you might see the heading varios used to categorize 'miscellaneous' or 'sundry' items. This is a specialized administrative use that moves beyond the word's everyday meaning of 'several'.
- In Spanish, the word varios can function as an indefinite pronoun to mean 'several people', whereas in English, 'various' is almost always an adjective that must describe a noun.
- The word varios shares a root with the Spanish verb variar, which describes not just a change in number but a change in quality or state, similar to how English uses 'variable'.
Examples in context
- Hay varios tipos de café.There are various kinds of coffee.This sentence uses varios to show the different kinds of coffee available.Tatoeba #1179249 by marcelostockle, translation #573115 by CK
- Había varios tipos de dulces.There were various kinds of sweets.This sentence uses varios to describe different kinds of sweets in the past tense.Tatoeba #940462 by hayastan, translation #65800 by sundown
- Tengo varios libros en inglés.I have various books in English.This sentence uses varios to indicate a number of books owned in English.Tatoeba #858720 by manufrutos, translation #9168952 by Nylez
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are discussing their hobbies at a cafe.
- Elena¿Qué haces en tu tiempo libre?What do you do in your free time?
- AlejandroHago varios deportes, como tenis y natación.I do various sports, like tennis and swimming.
- Elena¡Qué bueno! Yo prefiero leer.That's great! I prefer reading.
- AlejandroElena, ¿qué tipo de libros te gustan?Elena, what kind of books do you like?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “various” translations and entries varios, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
