Learn Hardcore Spanish (Latin America): Para colgar ese cuadro, necesito un martillo y un clavo resistente; luego los guardaré en el cajón. - To hang that picture, I need a hammer and a sturdy nail; then I will store them in the drawer.

"Para" is used to introduce purpose. In this sentence, it means "in order to" or simply "to," explaining that the speaker needs the items for the purpose of hanging the picture.

Why is "colgar" in its infinitive form instead of being conjugated?

In Spanish, when expressing purpose with "para," the verb that follows is typically left in its infinitive form. So "colgar" (to hang) remains in its base form to indicate the intended action.

What does the pronoun "los" refer to in "luego los guardaré en el cajón"?

The pronoun "los" replaces the two masculine objects mentioned earlier—"un martillo" and "un clavo resistente." It functions as a direct object pronoun meaning "them," referring to both items that will later be stored in the drawer.

Why does the adjective "resistente" come after "clavo"?

In Spanish, adjectives commonly follow the noun they modify. "Un clavo resistente" translates as "a sturdy nail," and the placement of "resistente" after "clavo" is the natural word order in Spanish for descriptive adjectives.

What is the role of the semicolon in this sentence?

The semicolon separates two closely related clauses. The first clause explains what is needed to hang the picture, and the second clause states what will happen afterward (the items will be stored). It serves to link these connected ideas while providing a clear pause between them.

Why is "guardaré" in the future tense?

"Guardaré" (I will store) is in the future tense because it indicates that the action of storing the items will occur later, after the initial use of the hammer and nail. This shows a planned sequence of actions.