In this lesson, we’ll take a look at quantificadores interrogativosinterrogative quantifiers . Interrogative quantifiers introduce questions related to quantities. These types of questions are invariably answered using another quantifier. The interrogative quantifiers include:
Quanto?How much?(masc.)
Quanta?How much?(fem.)
Quantos?How many?(masc.)
Quantas?How many?(fem.)
How much?
When used to question a quantity, quanto and quanta are the singular form equivalents to “how much” in English. (In an upcoming lesson, you’ll also learn about how quanto functions as a relative quantifier.)
Examples:
Quanto gastaste ontem?How much did you spend yesterday?
É precisa quanta lã para umas luvas?How much wool is needed for a pair of gloves?
How many?
Quantos and quantas are the plural forms of quanto and quanta, and they correspond to “how many” in English.
Examples:
Quantos amigos teus convidaste?How many of your friends did you invite?
São necessárias quantas folhas?How many sheets are needed?
Answering with a quantifier
As stated, a question using an interrogative quantifier is always answered with another quantifier, such as a number, as in the example below:
Quantos pãezinhos quer?How many rolls would you like?
Queria cinco, por favor.I’d like five, please.
Would this be a valid alternative to the example above?
Quantas folhas são necessárias?
Yes, it would. No difference at all.
And likewise as above could you then also put:
“Quanta la precisa para umas uvas?” For me that would sound more logical.
And then I guess I could say “um par de luvas” I hope, and then this at first incomprehensible phrase for me would make complete sense.
Really looking forward to your answer and thanks in advance.
Yes to both, Martin 🙂