ELONIO
Log inSign up

La maleta está casi lista, y además llevo un regalo especial para mi primo.

La maleta está casi lista, y además llevo un regalo especial para mi primo.
The suitcase is almost ready, and besides, I’m bringing a special gift for my cousin.
FromLesson 9inHardcore Spanish (Spain)

Questions & Answers about La maleta está casi lista, y además llevo un regalo especial para mi primo.

Why is la used instead of el when referring to maleta?
In Spanish, maleta (suitcase) is a feminine noun. All feminine nouns generally take the article la (e.g., la mesa, la casa, la maleta), whereas masculine nouns take el (e.g., el libro, el coche, el regalo).
Why do we use está casi lista and not es casi lista?
Estar (in está) describes a temporary or changing state, like being almost ready. Using ser (in es) would imply a more permanent characteristic. Here, the suitcase is almost ready for a trip, so está indicates a condition that can change.
How is además functioning in this sentence?
Además essentially means in addition or also. It works as a connector adding more information: in this case, after describing the suitcase’s status, the speaker emphasizes that they are also taking a special gift.
Why is llevo used here?
In this context, llevo comes from llevar, which commonly means to carry, to take, or to bring. Here, it indicates that the speaker is bringing the gift with them, carrying it along on their trip.
Why do we say para mi primo and not something else?
Para often indicates a recipient or purpose. In this sentence, the gift is destined for the cousin, so para mi primo means for my cousin. If we said a mi primo, it might suggest direction (e.g., giving something to him directly), but para mi primo highlights that the gift is intended for him.
AI Language TutorTry it ↗
“What's the best way to learn Spanish grammar?”
Spanish grammar becomes intuitive with practice. Focus on understanding the core patterns first — how sentences are structured, how verbs change form, and how words relate to each other. Our course breaks these concepts into small lessons so you can build understanding step by step.

Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor

Start learning Spanish

Master Spanish — from La maleta está casi lista, y además llevo un regalo especial para mi primo to fluency

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.

  • ✓Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
  • ✓Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
  • ✓Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
  • ✓ AI tutor to answer your grammar questions
Start learning Spanish→