El café es fuerte, sobre todo en la mañana.

Coffee is strong, especially in the morning.

Breakdown of El café es fuerte, sobre todo en la mañana.

• ser: to be
• en: in
• la mañana: the morning
• el café: the coffee
• fuerte: strong
• sobre todo: especially

Questions & Answers about El café es fuerte, sobre todo en la mañana.

Why does the sentence use the verb es instead of está?

In Spanish, the verb ser (here conjugated as es) is used to express inherent or defining qualities that are considered permanent or characteristic. When describing the coffee as "strong" (fuerte), you're stating an essential property, so ser is appropriate rather than estar, which would imply a temporary state.

What does the adjective fuerte mean in this context?

In this sentence, fuerte translates to "strong" in the sense of having a robust, intense flavor. It implies that the coffee is potent or has a bold taste, which is a common way to describe coffee when its flavor is noticeable and concentrated.

What does the phrase sobre todo mean, and how is it used here?

The phrase sobre todo means "especially" or "above all." It is used to emphasize that the characteristic of the coffee being strong is most noticeable or significant during a particular time—in this case, in the morning. It highlights a contrast between general strength and a specific time when the strength is more pronounced.

Why is en la mañana used instead of por la mañana?

The choice between en la mañana and por la mañana can depend on regional preferences. In Latin America, en la mañana is commonly used to refer to the morning period. While in other regions, such as Spain, por la mañana might be preferred, both expressions are correct; here, en la mañana aligns with Latin American usage.

What is the role of the comma before sobre todo en la mañana?

The comma helps to set off the additional detail provided by the phrase sobre todo en la mañana. It signals a slight pause and clarifies that this phrase is an extra comment emphasizing when the coffee is especially strong. This punctuation reflects a natural break in the sentence and aids in clarity for the reader.