La velocidad es importante para aprender español.

Speed is important for learning Spanish.

Breakdown of La velocidad es importante para aprender español.

• ser: to be
• aprender: to learn
• español: Spanish
• para: for

Questions & Answers about La velocidad es importante para aprender español.

What does velocidad mean and how is it pronounced?

Velocidad means “speed.” In Latin American Spanish it’s pronounced [beh-loh-see-ˈdahd], with the stress on the last syllable (because it ends in a consonant other than n or s).

Why is there a definite article la before velocidad?

Spanish often uses the definite article with abstract nouns when speaking in general. So la velocidad = “speed” as a concept, not one particular speed.

Why do we use es importante instead of está importante?

We use the verb ser (es) for inherent or defining qualities. Saying es importante treats importance as an essential characteristic. Estar importante would sound odd because estar expresses temporary states or locations.

How do we know to use para aprender and not por aprender?

Para + infinitive expresses purpose or goal: “in order to learn.” Por usually indicates cause, reason, or exchange (“because of” or “for something given”). To say “for the purpose of learning,” you need para.

Can I drop para and still keep the same meaning?