en tanto que
Lemma Details
Translation: while; as long as; insofar as; to the extent that
Part of Speech: conjunction
Etymology: This phrase combines several Spanish elements: 'en' (in), 'tanto' (so much, as much), and 'que' (that). Together they form a conjunction expressing simultaneity or condition. 'Tanto' derives from Latin 'tantus' meaning 'so great, so much', which shares roots with English words like 'tantamount' and 'tantalize'.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Voy a leer en tanto que tú preparas la cena.
I'm going to read while you prepare dinner.
Te ayudaré en tanto que me prometas hacer tu parte después.
I'll help you as long as you promise to do your part afterward.
El proyecto tendrá éxito en tanto que todos colaboremos.
The project will succeed to the extent that we all collaborate.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'tanto' as 'as much' and 'que' as 'that' - together they mean 'as much as that' or 'while that'.
- Connect 'en tanto que' with the English phrase 'in as much as' which has a similar meaning and construction.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This conjunction is commonly used in both written and spoken Spanish, particularly in formal contexts like academic writing, legal documents, and literary works. It's slightly more formal than alternatives like 'mientras que'.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'En tanto que' can express both temporal simultaneity and condition, while 'mientras que' primarily expresses temporal simultaneity or contrast.
This word:
Te esperaré en tanto que termines tu trabajo.
I'll wait for you as long as you finish your work.
Notes: 'En tanto que' is slightly more formal and can have conditional implications that 'mientras que' doesn't always carry.
Mnemonic: 'En tanto que' contains 'tanto' (so much) suggesting measurement or extent; 'mientras que' contains 'mientras' (while) suggesting time.
Explanation: 'En tanto que' means 'while' or 'as long as', whereas 'en cuanto' means 'as soon as'.
Notes: Both are conjunctions but express different temporal relationships.
Mnemonic: 'Tanto' suggests duration (as long as), while 'cuanto' suggests immediacy (as soon as).