Yo reviso el mapa antes de viajar.

I review the map before traveling.

Breakdown of Yo reviso el mapa antes de viajar.

• yo: I
• viajar: to travel
• antes de: before
• revisar: to review
• el mapa: the map

Questions & Answers about Yo reviso el mapa antes de viajar.

Why do we use "Yo" here if it can often be omitted in Spanish?

In Spanish, subject pronouns (like yo, tú, él, etc.) are usually optional because the verb ending indicates who is performing the action. However, using yo can give extra emphasis or clarity. You might see Reviso el mapa antes de viajar (dropping the pronoun), which is also correct.

How come "mapa" is masculine if it ends in -a?

Words like el mapa, el día, and el planeta are exceptions in Spanish, retaining their masculine article el despite ending in -a. It’s a matter of historical usage and doesn’t follow the typical pattern of feminine endings.

What does "antes de viajar" literally mean, and why do we need "de"?

Antes de viajar translates literally to before travelling in English. Spanish requires the preposition de after antes when it’s followed by an infinitive. Without de, the sentence would be ungrammatical.

Why is the verb "reviso" in the present tense if the traveling might happen in the future?

In Spanish, the simple present tense (reviso) can express habitual actions or planned activities. It implies that checking the map is a regular (or certain) step you do prior to traveling, even if the trip will happen later.

Can we use "checar" or "verificar" instead of "revisar"?

Yes! Depending on the region, you might hear checar, verificar, or repasar in place of revisar. They’re slightly different synonyms meaning “to check,” “to verify,” or “to go over.” The preference often comes down to local usage and personal choice.