cantidad
nounCEFR B2High frequency
What does “cantidad” mean in English?
quantity, amount — a measurable amount of something
quantity, amount — a measurable amount of something (una gran/pequeña cantidad; en grandes cantidades)
Example sentences
La cantidad de residuos plásticos vertidos al océano cada año supera los ocho millones de toneladas.
The quantity of plastic waste dumped in the ocean each year exceeds eight million tonnes.
Los médicos advierten de que consumir alcohol en cualquier cantidad conlleva riesgos para la salud.
Doctors warn that consuming alcohol in any quantity carries health risks.
Han donado una cantidad considerable de recursos a las comunidades afectadas por la sequía.
They have donated a considerable amount of resources to communities affected by the drought.
How to use it
La cantidad (noun, feminine) means 'quantity, amount' — a measurable portion of something. Core B2 collocations: una gran/pequeña/determinada cantidad de; en cantidades ingentes; cantidad de dinero/residuos; la cantidad total. The adjective is cuantitativo. Distinguish from número (a countable figure), cifra (a specific stated number), and volumen (volume, often used for business or trade amounts).
Common mistake
La cantidad de + verb = 'the number/amount of things that…' and often triggers singular verb agreement when used as a subject (la cantidad de errores que comete es alarmante). Don't use *cuantidad (common anglophone error). 'Quantity surveyor' = aparejador.