Learn how to say a bit/slightly in Spanish: un tanto/algo
Un tanto
"Un tanto" is an adverb that can be used with adjectives to indicate "a bit/slightly/somewhat [+ adjective]". It is a synonym of the more commonly used "un poco..."
Here are some examples:
No quiero entrar ahí; parece un lugar un tanto siniestro.I don't want to get in there; it seems like a bit of a sinister place.
Me gusta mi clase pero algunos estudiantes son un tanto revoltosos.I like my class but some some students are a bit unruly.
Algo
The word "algo" can also be used to express the same concept:a bit/slightly, for example:
Don't get confused with "tanto" when it's used as an indefinite adjective expressing so much, so many; when we use "un tanto" this is not an adjective but an invariable adverb expressing a "small quantity".
Careful! The adjectives that accompany "un tanto" or "algo" still need to agree with the noun they modify:
See also:
- Using demasiado, bastante, suficiente, poco, tanto and mucho to express quantity in Spanish (quantitative adjectives)
- Using demasiado, bastante, suficiente, poco, tanto and mucho to express quantity in Spanish (quantitative pronouns)
- Using tanto como with verbs and nouns to say as much/many ... as (comparatives)
- Using [verb] + tanto/a/os/as + [noun]+ que = [verb] so much/many...that...
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Examples and resources
Marcos conduce un tanto rápido y no quiero que me lleve a casa.Marcos drives a bit fast and I don't want him to take me home.
Aunque la película es algo lenta, merece la pena verla.Although the film is slightly slow, it is worth watching.
No quiero entrar ahí; parece un lugar un tanto siniestro.I don't want to get in there; it seems like a bit of a sinister place.
La fiesta se puso un tanto animada después de medianoche.The party became somewhat lively after midnight.
