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Questions & Answers about La ventana es de vidrio.
What does the sentence "La ventana es de vidrio" mean in English?
It means "The window is made of glass." The sentence tells us that the material used in the window is glass, emphasizing its composition.
What is the function of the preposition "de" in this sentence?
The preposition "de" is used to indicate composition. In this sentence, it connects the subject “la ventana” with the material “vidrio”, essentially meaning "made of".
Why is there no article before "vidrio" in “de vidrio”?
In Spanish, when describing what something is made of, you typically use "de" followed directly by the noun for the material without an article. This construction is standard and clearly communicates that the object (in this case, the window) is composed of that material.
Why is the verb "ser" used instead of "estar" in this sentence?
The verb "ser" is used to describe inherent, permanent characteristics. Since the material of the window is a fundamental quality (it is always made of glass), "ser" is appropriate. "Estar", on the other hand, is used for temporary states or conditions.
Can the sentence be rephrased to explicitly say “made of glass” in Spanish?
Yes, you can rephrase it as "La ventana está hecha de vidrio." This alternative uses "estar hecha de" (literally, "is made of") to place more visible emphasis on the process or result of the window’s construction while still indicating that glass is its material.