How to Say Almost in Spanish | MostUsedWords.com
As of 2026, mastering everyday vocabulary is essential for effective communication in any language. If you are wondering how to say almost in Spanish, the answer is simple: it's "casi". This versatile term is widely used across the Spanish-speaking world to indicate something that is nearly but not completely achieved or finished.
2,500 most common Spanish words with IPA pronunciation & bilingual example sentences
The Word for Almost in Spanish
"Casi (IPA:/ˈkasi/)" refers to a state of proximity to a specific outcome or condition. It expresses the notion of being very close to accomplishing or experiencing something without fully reaching it.
Usage in Different Tenses and Contexts
Want to improve your Spanish?
The Spanish Frequency Dictionary series covers the 10,000 most common Spanish words — ranked by how often native speakers actually use them, with IPA pronunciation, English translations, and bilingual example sentences at every level.
Browse all 4 volumes →"Casi" can be used in various tenses to express different nuances:
- Past tense: Casi llegué tarde a la reunión. (I almost arrived late to the meeting.)
- Present tense: Casi termino mi tarea. (I am almost finishing my task.)
- Future tense: Voy a casi completar el proyecto para mañana. (I will almost complete the project by tomorrow.)
Comparison with Other Languages
In English, "almost" is used similarly to its Spanish counterpart. However, in other languages like French ("presque") and German ("fast"), there are slight differences in usage and connotation.
Sample Sentences Using "Casi"
To help you understand how to use "casi", here are five sample sentences:
- Casi llegué tarde a la reunión. (I almost arrived late to the meeting.)
- Casi termino mi tarea. (I am almost finishing my task.)
- Voy a casi completar el proyecto para mañana. (I will almost complete the project by tomorrow.)
- No pude comer, estaba casi lleno. (I couldn't eat; I was almost full.)
- Casi no me enteré de la noticia. (I almost didn’t hear about the news.)
Regional Variations and Synonyms
While "casi" is widely used across Spanish-speaking regions, there are some regional variations:
- Aproximadamente (IPA: /apɾoksiˈmadamente/): Approximately, roughly. Example: Llegaremos aproximadamente a las 6 de la tarde.
- Prácticamente (IPA: /pɾakˈtikamen̪te/): Practically, virtually. Example: Prácticamente todos los estudiantes aprobaron el examen.
- Cercano/a (IPA: /θeɾˈkano/a/): Close, near. Example: Mi casa está muy cercana a la playa.
- Cuasi (IPA: /ˈkwas̺i/): Quasi, almost. Example: Es un cuasi hermano para mí, aunque no seamos de sangre.
- Apenas (IPA: /aˈpen̪as/): Barely, hardly. Example: Apenas pude dormir anoche debido al ruido.
- Grosso modo (IPA: /ˈgɾoso ˈmoðo/): Roughly, in broad terms. Example: Grosso modo, el proyecto tomará alrededor de seis meses.
- Por poco (IPA: /poɾ ˈpoko/): Almost, narrowly. Example: Por poco me pierdo el tren; llegué justo a tiempo.
Build Your Spanish Vocabulary Systematically
The fastest way to grow your Spanish vocabulary is to start with the words you'll actually encounter every day. The Spanish Frequency Dictionary covers the 2,500 most common Spanish words, each with IPA pronunciation, an English translation, and bilingual example sentences.
Browse the full range of Spanish frequency dictionaries to find the volume that matches your level.