como
adverb, conjunction, preposition
1. like, as
comparison or resemblance
Common combinations
- tan ... como — as ... as
- parecerse a alguien como dos gotas de agua — to look like two peas in a pod
- Es fuerte como un toro.He is as strong as an ox.
- Corre como su hermano.He runs like his brother.
- Tiene los ojos como su madre.She has eyes like her mother.
2. as, in the capacity of
role, profession, or function
Common combinations
- trabajar como — to work as
- servir como — to serve as
- usar como — to use as
- Trabaja como médico.He works as a doctor.
- Lo contrataron como asesor.They hired him as an adviser.
- Esta caja sirve como mesa.This box serves as a table.
3. as, the way that
manner of doing something
Common combinations
- como quieras — as you wish
- como siempre — as always
- como es debido — as it should be
- Hazlo como quieras.Do it as you wish.
- Cocina como lo hacía su madre.She cooks the way her mother did.
- No es como parece.It is not as it seems.
4. as, since
cause
- Como no vienes, me voy.Since you are not coming, I am leaving.
- Como estaba cansado, se acostó temprano.As he was tired, he went to bed early.
- Como no hay pan, compra arroz.Since there is no bread, buy rice.
5. about, approximately
approximate quantity or time
Common combinations
- como mucho — at most
- como mínimo — at least
- Vinieron como veinte personas.About twenty people came.
- Llegaré como a las ocho.I will arrive at about eight.
- El viaje dura como dos horas.The journey takes about two hours.
6. as if como si + subjuntivo
supposition or condition
Common combinations
- como si nada — as if nothing had happened
- como si fuera — as if it were
- Habla como si lo supiera todo.He talks as if he knew everything.
- Me mira como si estuviera enfadado.He looks at me as if he were angry.
- Actúa como si nada hubiera pasado.She acts as if nothing had happened.
Phrases with this word