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Questions & Answers about El tren subterráneo es rápido.
Why is the definite article el used in this sentence?
The definite article el indicates that the noun tren is masculine and is being referred to in a specific or general sense. In Spanish, definite articles are used to speak about well-known or clearly defined items—in this case, a particular type of train (the underground train).
Why is the verb es used instead of está?
The verb es comes from ser, which is used to describe inherent, permanent qualities. Since the sentence states that the underground train is fast as a characteristic quality, ser (es) is appropriate. In contrast, estar would be used for temporary states or conditions.
Why is the adjective subterráneo placed after the noun tren?
In Spanish, descriptive adjectives typically follow the noun they modify. In el tren subterráneo, subterráneo comes after tren to describe what kind of train it is (one that runs underground). While adjectives can sometimes precede the noun for added emphasis or stylistic reasons, the standard position for descriptive adjectives is after the noun.
Do native speakers in Latin America always say tren subterráneo, or is there another more common term?
While tren subterráneo is grammatically correct and clearly describes an underground train, many Latin American speakers often use the term metro when referring to a subway system. Both terms are acceptable, but usage can vary depending on the region and context.
How does the adjective rápido change with gender and number in Spanish?
Adjectives in Spanish must agree with the noun they modify. Here, rápido is in the masculine singular form to match tren. If you were describing a feminine noun, you would use rápida; for plural nouns, you’d say rápidos (masculine plural) or rápidas (feminine plural).
Why do words like rápido and subterráneo include accent marks, and what do those accents indicate?
Accent marks in Spanish signal deviations from standard stress rules. Normally, words ending in a vowel are stressed on the penultimate syllable. In rápido, the accent on the á shows that the stress falls on the first syllable instead. Similarly, the accent in subterráneo indicates the proper syllable to emphasize. These accents ensure correct pronunciation even when the natural stress rule would suggest otherwise.