Learn Hardcore Spanish (Spain): El profesor es muy amable con el estudiante nuevo. - The teacher is very kind to the new student.

In Spanish, ser (the verb “to be”) is typically used to talk about inherent or long-lasting characteristics, whereas estar often indicates temporary or changing states. Since being “amable” (kind) is seen as part of the professor’s character, es is used instead of está.

Why do we say “amable” in the singular form when referring to the professor?

In Spanish, adjectives must agree in number and gender with the noun they modify. The word amable is an invariable adjective in terms of gender; it doesn’t change to amabla. However, it can change to plural (amables) if describing multiple people. Because we’re describing one professor, we stay with the singular amable.

Why do we use “con” after “amable”?

The preposition con means “with” and is used after adjectives like amable to indicate whom someone is kind to. It functions similarly to saying “kind to” in English, as in “He’s very kind to the new student.”

Why is the adjective “nuevo” masculine here?

Adjectives in Spanish match the gender of the noun they describe. Since estudiante can be masculine or feminine depending on the person, the phrasing often defaults to masculine if the student’s gender is male or not specified. Hence, el estudiante nuevo.

What does “muy” modify in this sentence and why?

Muy means “very” and it intensifies the adjective amable. So, muy amable means “very kind.” It doesn’t affect the form of the adjective, just the degree of intensity of the kindness.