Unit 9.1
Non-Universal Quantifiers
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Introduction
Quantifiers [cuantificadores] are words that indicate a quantity of the subject or object.
They are classified as universal, non-universal, numeral, non-numeral, and gradational (or degree).
Non-universal quantifiers [cuantificadores no universales] indicate that something is true for all individuals and express quantity, diversity, equality, or quality in the sentence.
Form
Non-universal quantifiers can be affirmative or negative.
Affirmative quantifiers have the following characteristics:
- they are variable, i.e., they usually agree with the noun in gender and number;
| Singular | Plural |
| poco/a | pocos/as |
| mucho/a | muchos/as |
| demasiado/a | demasiados/as |
- The quantifier bastante agrees only in number.
| Singular | Plural |
| bastante | bastantes |
Example
- Queda poca leche en el frigo;
- Hay pocos desayunos nutritivos;
- Sale mucha agua del grifo;
- Vendemos muchos tipos de pan;
- En la tienda hay demasiada cerveza;
- Nunca hay demasiados barriles de vino tinto;
- Tenemos bastante agua para dos días;
- Compramos bastantes bocadillos de lomo.
Use
Non-universal quantifiers indicate an indeterminate quantity of the noun to which they refer. They can express quantity, diversity, equality, or quality:
- poco/-a/-os/-as is used to express a small amount, quality, or intensity sometimes considered insufficient (opposed to mucho);
- mucho/-a/-os/-as is used to speak of a large, abundant quantity;
- bastante(s) is used to express an indeterminate quantity between algunos (s) and mucho(s) or to have the meaning of suficiente(s);
- demasiado/-a/-os/-as is used to describe an amount that exceeds what is necessary or desirable.
Summary
In Spanish, quantifiers are words used to emphasise qualities of the noun to which they refer:
- Poco: agree in gender (poca) and number (pocos/pocas) ro refer to a scarce quanttiy;
- Mucho: agree in gender (mucha) and number (muchos/muchas) to refer to a large quantity;
- Bastante: agree only in number (bastantes) and is used for a sufficient quantity.
For example:
— «Me queda poco dinero.» = Poco agrees in gender and number with dinero;
— «Tengo mucha hambre.» = Mucha agrees in gender and number with hambre;
— «Tengo bastantes cosas que hacer.» = Bastantes agrees in number with cosas.
Check the contents of the {Form} section. Then move on to the {Example} section, which shows you the usage in context.
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