tant

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/tɑ̃/

adverb

so much

so many

to such an extent

Il y a tant de monde dans le métro ce matin.

There are so many people in the metro this morning.

Synonyms:tellement, autant

conjunction

as long as

while

Tant que tu es là, on peut commencer.

As long as you're here, we can start.

Synonyms:aussi longtemps que, du moment que

Notes

GENERAL INFO

Tant is an adverb meaning "so much," "so many," or "as much/many." It expresses quantity or intensity and is invariable.

USAGE

It commonly precedes *de* + noun: *Il y a tant de travail* (There's so much work). It also forms the conjunction tant que ("as long as"), e.g., *tant que je peux* (as long as I can).

TRAPS

Avoid confusing tant with *tellement*. While similar, *tellement* directly precedes adjectives/adverbs. Remember fixed expressions like *tant pis* (too bad) and *tant mieux* (so much the better).