Question 1

Why is it se acuesta instead of acuesta?

Accepted Answer

Because acostar is used reflexively in this context. Acostarse means “to put oneself to bed” or “to go to bed.” When you omit se, acuesta could mean “he puts someone else to bed,” which isn’t the intended meaning.

Question 2

What does adding se to the end of divertir do?

Accepted Answer

Divertirse is a pronominal form of the verb divertir. Here, se indicates that the action (having fun) is directed back at the person doing it. It’s similar to saying “to enjoy oneself.”

Question 3

Can I say Mi hermano se duerme tarde instead of se acuesta tarde?

Accepted Answer

You can say se duerme tarde, but it emphasizes the moment he actually falls asleep. Se acuesta tarde focuses on the time he goes to bed, whether or not he falls asleep right away.

Question 4

Is it necessary to specify con amigos after divertirse?

Accepted Answer

You could omit con amigos and just say cuando quiere divertirse, but mentioning con amigos clarifies that he specifically wants to have fun with his friends. It provides extra context.

Question 5

How can I place emphasis on cuando?

Accepted Answer

You can stress it verbally in speech, or rearrange slightly by saying something like: Es cuando quiere divertirse con amigos que mi hermano se acuesta tarde. This puts a stronger emphasis on the time element (cuando) in conversation, though such rearrangements are more common in writing or for stylistic emphasis.

Mi hermano se acuesta tarde cuando quiere divertirse con amigos.

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