La salida del estacionamiento está cerrada porque hubo un problema técnico.

The exit of the parking lot is closed because there was a technical problem.

Breakdown of La salida del estacionamiento está cerrada porque hubo un problema técnico.

• estar: to be
• cerrado: closed
• porque: because
• el problema: the problem
• un: a
• la salida: the exit
• el estacionamiento: the parking lot
• haber: there was
• técnico: technical

Questions & Answers about La salida del estacionamiento está cerrada porque hubo un problema técnico.

Why do we say "del" in "la salida del estacionamiento" instead of "de el"?

In Spanish, "del" is the contraction of "de el" when "el" is the masculine article. So instead of saying "la salida de el estacionamiento", we contract it to "la salida del estacionamiento".

Why is it "está cerrada" instead of "está cerrado"?

"Salida" is a feminine noun in Spanish (it ends in -a and takes the article "la"). Adjectives and past participles, including "cerrada", must agree in gender and number with the noun they describe. Hence, "está cerrada" matches "la salida" (feminine, singular).

What is the difference between "hubo" and "había"?

Both come from the verb "haber", but "hubo" is the preterite, indicating a completed event in the past. "Había" is the imperfect, describing an ongoing or repeated event in the past. Here, "hubo un problema técnico" suggests that the problem happened at a specific time and is now over.

Why is "porque" used instead of "por qué"?

"Porque" is a conjunction meaning "because", used to introduce the reason or cause of something. "Por qué" (with the space and the accent) is an interrogative phrase meaning "why" and is used in questions.

Is "estacionamiento" always used in Latin America?

In many parts of Latin America, "estacionamiento" is the common word for "parking area". In Spain, you might also hear "aparcamiento". Both terms are understood, but usage depends on the region.