Learn how to emphasise a quality or defect in Spanish using de lo más
We use the following structure in Spanish when we want to emphasise a quality or defect of a person, a thing or a situation.
Verb ser + de lo más + adjective
Here are some examples:
Este libro es de lo más interesante. Lo he leído tres veces.This book is incredibly interesting. I've read it three times.
Este viaje ha sido de lo más aburrido. No pienso volver jamás.This trip was incredibly boring. I have no intention of returning ever again.
With "de lo más" we accentuate the adjective. It would be like saying "something/someone is incredibly [adjective]".
Notice that the adjective in all the examples above is used in the singular masculine form (be aware that the adjective "hortera" exists only in that form, hortero does not exist) despite some of the subjects being plural (gemelos, chicas). This is the predominant gender and number, but the adjective could also agree with the noun. "Lo" remains invariable though.
This is incorrect:
Mi amiga es de la más simpática.
Using de lo mejor/peor
You can also use adjectives mejor (better/best) and peor (worse/the worst) with "de lo", for example:
Again, even if you have a plural subject, it is more common to use the masculine singular adjective but you can also use the plural:
Estos músicos son de lo peor. (more common)
Estos músicos son de lo peores. (less common)
"Parecer" + de lo más
The verb "parecer" (to seem) is also used the same way as "ser" in this context, often accompanied by an indirect object pronoun. See these examples:
"Estar" + de lo más
The verb estar can also be used with de lo más if we are talking about states of mind or results. For example:
Don't forget the written accent on más when you use "de lo más..." in this context.
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Examples and resources
Tus gemelos son de lo más adorable. ¿Cuántos años tienen?Your twins are extremely adorable. How old are they?
Ese hombre es de lo peor. Ha cometido varios delitos.That man is the worst. He has committed several offenses.
Este libro es de lo más interesante. Lo he leído tres veces.This book is incredibly interesting. I've read it three times.
Nuestros productos son de lo mejor que usted encontrará en el mercado.Our products are the best you will find on the market.
Ellos estaban de lo más cansados después de ese viaje tan largo.They were incredibly tired after such a long trip.
