tan
so, such, as
A degree marker used before adjectives and adverbs, clipped from tanto
Encoding Strategies:
repetition
Tan means so and is a clipped form of tanto0 (so much0). It marks the degree0 of an adjective or adverb — how much of a quality something has.
tan
so, such
Marks how much of a quality something has — to this degree.
Estaba tan cansado que se durmió enseguidaHe was so tired that he fell asleep right away.
¡Qué cena tan buena!What such a good dinner!
tan... como
as... as
Tan sets a degree, and como ('like') locks it onto something else at the same level — 'so tall... like his brother' → 'as tall as his brother.'
Es tan alto como su hermanoHe is as tall as his brother.
Corre tan rápido como el vientoShe runs as fast as the wind.