con tal de

as long as, just to

→ con

phrase Rare #46,993

as long as Often followed by “que” and a subjunctive verb when introducing a condition. It can also mean “just to” or “in order to” when expressing what someone is willing to do to achieve something.

SP: Puedes usar mi coche con tal de que lo devuelvas mañana.

EN: You can use my car as long as you return it tomorrow.

Cómo escriben lo que sea con tal de vender.

They’ll write anything just to make a sale.

— Pacto de sangre (1944)

Con tal de salvar a Pepe.

Just as long as Pepe is saved.

— Nosotros los pobres (1948)

Con tal de mantenerse en el poder, hacen cualquier cosa.

They’ll do anything to stay in power.

No me importa, con tal de que seas feliz.

I don't mind, as long as you're happy.

Con tal de que llegue hasta el valle.

As long as it reaches the valley.

— Nausicaä del Valle del Viento (1984)

phrase Rare #54,097

just to Often emphasizes what someone is willing to do to achieve something. With “que” followed by a subjunctive verb, “con tal de que” means “provided that.”

SP: Haría cualquier cosa con tal de verte.

EN: I'd do anything just to see you.

Con tal de que no le importe a tu novio.

As long as your boyfriend doesn't mind.

— Realmente amor (2003)

Llegó hasta a mentirle a su mejor amigo con tal de no ir.

He even lied to his best friend to avoid going.

Las mujeres hacemos cualquier cosa, con tal de no estar solas.

Women will do anything to avoid being alone.

— Todo sobre mi madre (1999)

Aunque vale la pena, con tal de dejar mi casa.

It's worth it, though—anything to leave my house.

— 飲食男女 (1994)