Meaning
Indicating approximation or uncertainty.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'más o menos' is often replaced by 'regular' when talking about health. If you say 'Estoy regular,' it actually sounds slightly worse than 'más o menos.' Mexicans might use 'ahí más o menos' to add a bit of flavor. It's very common in markets when haggling over prices. In Argentina, the intonation is key. A rising 'más o menos' can be inquisitive, while a flat one is dismissive. They also use 'zafa' for things that are 'more or less' okay. In countries like Cuba or the Dominican Republic, 'más o menos' is often accompanied by a hand gesture (tilting the hand back and forth).
The Hand Tilt
When saying 'más o menos' to mean 'so-so', tilt your hand back and forth. It makes you look 100% more like a native speaker.
Avoid 'Así Así'
Seriously, stop using 'así así'. It's the biggest giveaway that you're using an outdated textbook.
Meaning
Indicating approximation or uncertainty.
The Hand Tilt
When saying 'más o menos' to mean 'so-so', tilt your hand back and forth. It makes you look 100% more like a native speaker.
Avoid 'Así Así'
Seriously, stop using 'así así'. It's the biggest giveaway that you're using an outdated textbook.
End of Sentence
For numbers, always put 'más o menos' at the end of the phrase for the most natural flow: 'Cuesta diez euros más o menos.'
Polite Rejection
Use 'más o menos' to avoid saying 'no' directly. It's a great way to be 'simpático' while still being honest.
Test Yourself
Choose the best response to the question.
—¿Cómo estuvo la fiesta de ayer?
'a' correctly uses the phrase to describe the quality/vibe of the party.
Fill in the blank to show approximation.
El examen dura dos horas, ___ ___ ___.
'Más o menos' is the standard way to show a time estimate.
Match the usage of 'más o menos' to the context.
Context: 'Tengo más o menos veinte dólares.'
The phrase is modifying the number of dollars.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: ¿Te gusta tu nuevo trabajo? B: __________, el sueldo es bajo pero los compañeros son simpáticos.
It perfectly captures the mixed feelings about the job.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Precision vs. Approximation
Practice Bank
4 exercises—¿Cómo estuvo la fiesta de ayer?
'a' correctly uses the phrase to describe the quality/vibe of the party.
El examen dura dos horas, ___ ___ ___.
'Más o menos' is the standard way to show a time estimate.
Context: 'Tengo más o menos veinte dólares.'
The phrase is modifying the number of dollars.
A: ¿Te gusta tu nuevo trabajo? B: __________, el sueldo es bajo pero los compañeros son simpáticos.
It perfectly captures the mixed feelings about the job.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it in almost any context, though in very formal writing, 'aproximadamente' is preferred.
Not exactly. Use 'casi' for 'almost'. 'Más o menos' is for 'approximately' or 'so-so'.
It exists in the language, but it's very old-fashioned or regional. 'Más o menos' is the modern standard.
No, it is invariable. It's always 'más o menos'.
Yes, it means 'reasonably well' or 'okay-ish'.
'Un poco' means 'a little'. 'Más o menos' means 'more or less'. You can be 'un poco cansado' (a little tired) or 'más o menos cansado' (somewhat tired).
Yes, it is one of the most universal phrases in the Spanish language.
Just add it after the time: 'A las cinco, más o menos.'
No, it is always an adverbial phrase.
In texting, some people use 'm o m', but it's not very common. Most people just type it out.
It can sound a bit short or dismissive if you don't follow up with a reason, especially if someone is asking how you are.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'exactamente' (exactly) or 'perfectamente' (perfectly) are the conceptual opposites.
Related Phrases
Aproximadamente
synonymApproximately
Por ahí
similarAround there
Ni fu ni fa
specialized formNeither one thing nor the other
Regular
similarSo-so / Not great
Casi
builds onAlmost
Tal vez
contrastMaybe
