Breakdown of Mi sobrina quiere que le enseñe a hornear un pastel para su cumpleaños.
querer
to want
un
a
mi
my
para
for
a
to
que
that
el cumpleaños
the birthday
su
her
hornear
to bake
la sobrina
the niece
le
to her
enseñar
to teach
el pastel
the cake
Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Spanish grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Mi sobrina quiere que le enseñe a hornear un pastel para su cumpleaños.
Why is the verb enseñar followed by a before hornear?
In Spanish, when you use enseñar (to teach) followed by another verb, you typically include a before the infinitive. For example, enseñar a cantar, enseñar a nadar, etc. It signals what skill or action is being taught.
Why does the sentence use the subjunctive form enseñe instead of enseño?
After verbs like querer (to want) that express a wish or desire, Spanish requires the subjunctive mood in the subordinate clause. That is why quiere que yo le enseñe uses enseñe, the present subjunctive, rather than the indicative enseño.
What is the function of le in this sentence?
Le is an indirect object pronoun referring to mi sobrina. In Spanish, you often include an indirect object pronoun even when the actual indirect object (in this case, the niece) is mentioned elsewhere in the sentence. It indicates that the action (teaching how to bake) is directed to or for someone (the niece).
Why is it un pastel and not una tarta, if we are talking about a birthday cake?
In Spain, both pastel and tarta can refer to a cake. Pastel often emphasizes a type of pastry or cake that can be baked. Tarta is also correct and common. The choice can depend on regional preferences or personal style, but both are understood as a sweet baked item.
Is there any difference between para su cumpleaños and para el cumpleaños de ella?
Both expressions are correct. Para su cumpleaños is more concise. Para el cumpleaños de ella makes it clear that we are talking about her birthday, but it’s more verbose and not as commonly used in everyday speech. Since su already matches mi sobrina, there’s usually no confusion.
Your questions are stored by us to improve Elon.io
You've reached your AI usage limit
Sign up to increase your limit.