Mi primo es muy amable.

to be

Breakdown of Mi primo es muy amable.

• mi: my
• muy: very
• el primo: the cousin
• amable: kind

Questions & Answers about Mi primo es muy amable.

Why is es used here instead of está?

We use es (from the verb ser) because it describes a permanent or characteristic quality of someone’s personality (being amable—kind). The verb estar (like está) usually refers to states or conditions that can change more easily, such as emotions or locations.

What does primo mean in English?

Primo means “cousin” in English, specifically a male cousin. If you were talking about a female cousin, you would use prima instead.

What does muy amable mean?

Muy amable translates to “very kind” or “very nice,” highlighting the cousin’s friendly or considerate nature.

Is the adjective amable always spelled the same way regardless of gender and number?

Yes, amable is one of those adjectives that doesn’t change form based on gender or number. Whether you’re describing a male, female, or multiple people, the word stays as amable.

Could I say Mi primo está muy amable? Would it mean the same thing?

You could say it, but está muy amable would sound more like you’re describing a temporary condition, suggesting he’s being kind in that particular moment or context. Usually, to describe someone’s general (and more permanent) characteristic, you’d use es muy amable.