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El puente es ancho.

El puente es ancho.
The bridge is wide.
FromLesson 18inHardcore Spanish (Latin America)

Breakdown of El puente es ancho.

ser
to be
el puente
the bridge
ancho
wide

Questions & Answers about El puente es ancho.

Why do we use el before puente?
In Spanish every noun has gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural). Puente is a masculine singular noun, so you need the masculine singular definite article el.
Why is the verb es used instead of está?
Spanish uses ser (here es) for essential characteristics or inherent qualities. Describing width is considered an inherent property, so you use ser. Estar (e.g., está) indicates temporary states or locations.
Why does the adjective ancho come after the noun?
Descriptive adjectives typically follow the noun in Spanish (noun + adjective). So puente ancho is the standard order. Placing an adjective before the noun can add emphasis or a poetic tone.
What happens to ancho if the noun is feminine or plural?

Adjectives must agree in gender and number with their noun: • Feminine singular: la calle ancha
• Masculine plural: los puentes anchos
• Feminine plural: las calles anchas

Can I use amplio instead of ancho?
Yes, but there’s a subtle difference. Ancho focuses on physical width (distance from one side to the other). Amplio implies a sense of spaciousness or broad extent.
How do I ask How wide is the bridge? in Spanish?

You can say:
• ¿Qué tan ancho es el puente? (very common in Latin America)
• ¿Cuán ancho es el puente? (more formal)
To ask for a measurement: ¿Cuánto mide de ancho el puente?

What are common synonyms or antonyms for ancho?

Synonyms:
• espacioso (spacious)
• amplio (broad, roomy)
Antonyms:
• angosto / estrecho (narrow)

How is ancho pronounced?
It’s pronounced [ˈan.tʃo], with stress on the first syllable AN-cho, and ch like the English sound in cheese.
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Spanish verbs change form based on the subject, tense, and mood. Regular verbs follow predictable patterns depending on whether they end in ‑ar, ‑er, or ‑ir. For example, "hablar" (to speak) becomes "hablo" (I speak), "hablas" (you speak), and "habla" (he/she speaks) in the present tense.

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