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Questions & Answers about El libro viejo es interesante.
Why is the adjective viejo placed after the noun libro in this sentence?
In Spanish, many adjectives typically come after the noun, especially when describing basic factual qualities like "old". Certain adjectives can be placed before the noun for stylistic or nuanced meanings, but the standard, neutral position is after.
Is there a difference in meaning between El libro viejo and El viejo libro?
Sometimes placing viejo before the noun can imply a more figurative sense, like "longtime" or "former". El libro viejo usually just describes a book that is old in age or condition, while El viejo libro can sometimes evoke a more sentimental or nostalgic connotation.
Why do we use es instead of está here?
In Spanish, es (from the verb ser) is used for inherent or long-lasting qualities, like being interesting in general. Está (from the verb estar) is used for states or conditions that can change (e.g., emotions, locations, temporary conditions).
How do I know libro is masculine and takes el?
Many nouns ending in "-o" in Spanish are masculine. Over time, you learn common exceptions, but libro is straightforwardly masculine. Therefore, it requires the masculine article el and forms adjectives in the masculine form (e.g., viejo).
Why does interesante remain the same and not change to interesanta for feminine?
Adjectives ending in "-e" (like interesante) don’t change based on the noun’s gender. They stay the same whether describing a masculine or a feminine noun. If it were plural, you would simply add an "s" (e.g., interesantes).