Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Spanish grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Viajar a Madrid vale la pena.
What does the idiomatic expression “vale la pena” mean and how is it used in this sentence?
Vale la pena is an idiomatic way of saying “is worth it” or “is worthwhile.” In the sentence, it indicates that the action of traveling to Madrid is rewarding despite any effort or expense involved. The phrase is commonly used in Spanish to express that the benefits of something outweigh its potential drawbacks.
Why is the verb “viajar” in its infinitive form instead of being conjugated?
In Spanish, an infinitive can function as a noun and act as the subject of a sentence. Here, viajar a Madrid (traveling to Madrid) is treated as a single, abstract idea. Because of this, it remains in the infinitive form, and the main verb vale is conjugated in the third person singular to agree with this singular subject.
Why is the preposition “a” used before “Madrid”?
The preposition a is used in Spanish to indicate direction or destination. In this sentence, viajar a Madrid tells us that the travel is directed toward Madrid. This usage is standard in Spanish when referring to movement toward a place.
What is the subject of the sentence, and how does subject-verb agreement work here?
The subject of the sentence is the entire infinitive phrase viajar a Madrid. Even though it’s composed of multiple words, it functions as a singular noun phrase referring to the action of traveling. The verb vale is correctly conjugated in the third person singular to agree with this non-finite subject.
Could the sentence be structured differently, for example using “ir” instead of “viajar,” and what would be the nuance?
Yes, you might also encounter a sentence like "Ir a Madrid vale la pena." Using ir (to go) can slightly shift the focus from the broader concept of traveling (which might include various aspects of the journey) to simply going somewhere. Viajar emphasizes the experience of travel itself, while ir tends to be more about the act of going from point A to point B. Both express that the destination is worthwhile, but the nuance lies in the aspect of the journey being highlighted.