adverbdeterminer

tan

so · as

Se usa para comparar dos cosas y decir que tienen el mismo grado o cantidad de algo.

Definition & meaning

Tan means “so” or “as,” depending on the construction. It intensifies an adjective or adverb, or compares qualities.

So: Es tan amable. — “She is so kind.”
As … as: Es tan alto como su hermano. — “He is as tall as his brother.”

Grammar & Word origin

Tan is an invariable adverb, generally placed before an adjective or another adverb. It is a shortened form of tanto , which comes from Latin tantus (“so great” or “such”).

Use tan before adjectives and adverbs, but tanto before nouns or on its own: tan rápido (“so fast”), but tanto tiempo (“so much time”).

Synonyms & antonyms

muy — “very.” It intensifies a quality without the implied comparison or consequence often associated with tan.
menos — “less.” It can express a lower degree, though it is not a direct antonym in every use.

Common phrases & collocations

tan … como — “as … as”: tan rápido como tú (“as fast as you”).
tan … que — “so … that”: tan cansado que no podía caminar (“so tired that he couldn’t walk”).