Siempre queremos intercambiar ideas en clase, pero la maestra tiene que vigilar el tiempo.

We always want to exchange ideas in class, but the teacher has to watch the time.

Breakdown of Siempre queremos intercambiar ideas en clase, pero la maestra tiene que vigilar el tiempo.

• en: in
• nosotros: we
• la maestra: the teacher
• querer: to want
• el tiempo: the time
• la clase: the class
• siempre: always
• pero: but
• intercambiar: to exchange
• la idea: the idea
• tener que: to have to
• vigilar: to watch

Questions & Answers about Siempre queremos intercambiar ideas en clase, pero la maestra tiene que vigilar el tiempo.

Why is queremos used here instead of querer?

In Spanish, quiero, queremos, quieres, etc. are conjugated forms of the verb querer. Because queremos refers to “we want,” it must match the plural subject (e.g., nosotros). Using querer without inflection would be incorrect; you need the first-person plural form to show that it’s “we” who want.

Is it necessary to place siempre at the beginning of the sentence?

You can move siempre around without changing its meaning significantly. For example, Queremos siempre intercambiar ideas en clase is also acceptable. The position of siempre can emphasize different parts of the sentence, but it doesn’t alter the core meaning.

What is the difference between maestra and profesora?

Both maestra and profesora can be used to refer to a teacher. In some regions, maestra is more commonly used for elementary school teachers, while profesora often applies to higher-level education. However, usage varies by country, and many speakers use the terms interchangeably.

Why is it tiene que vigilar el tiempo instead of vigila el tiempo?

Tiene que expresses the idea of “has to” or “must,” implying an obligation or necessity. If you simply say vigila el tiempo, it states that she “watches the time,” but doesn’t convey the same sense of obligation or responsibility.

Does en clase always refer to being in a classroom?

Yes, in most contexts, en clase indicates “in class” or “during class time.” It communicates the setting of a learning environment. You can also say durante la clase, which is more explicitly “during the class.” Both are correct but have slightly different nuances.