Al hervir demasiado la carne, pasa de estar cruda a quedar muy cocida en poco tiempo, así que debemos agarrar con cuidado la olla.

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Breakdown of Al hervir demasiado la carne, pasa de estar cruda a quedar muy cocida en poco tiempo, así que debemos agarrar con cuidado la olla.

• en: in
• muy: very
• con: with
• estar: to be
• nosotros: we
• a: to
• el tiempo: the time
• de: from
• ,: comma
• demasiado: too much
• así que: so
• crudo: raw
• cocido: cooked
• agarrar: to hold
• al: when
• hervir: to boil
• la carne: the meat
• deber: to have to
• la olla: the pot

Questions & Answers about Al hervir demasiado la carne, pasa de estar cruda a quedar muy cocida en poco tiempo, así que debemos agarrar con cuidado la olla.

What does “al hervir demasiado la carne” mean, and how does the “al + infinitive” construction function here?

It means “when (or if) you boil the meat too much.” The “al + infinitive” construction in Spanish indicates that as soon as or when the action (in this case, boiling) occurs—particularly in an excessive manner—the result described later in the sentence follows.

What role does “demasiado” play in this sentence?

“Demasiado” modifies the verb “hervir,” emphasizing that the meat is being boiled to an excessive degree. This excess leads to the rapid change in the meat’s state, highlighting that too much boiling is detrimental.

How should we interpret the phrase “pasa de estar cruda a quedar muy cocida en poco tiempo”?

This phrase conveys that the meat rapidly changes from being raw (“estar cruda”) to becoming very cooked (“quedar muy cocida”) in a short time. It shows that overboiling quickly transforms the meat’s state, making it either overcooked or cooked beyond the desired level.

What is the significance of using “estar” for “cruda” and “quedar” for “muy cocida”?

“Estar” is used to describe the temporary state of the meat as raw, while “quedar” is employed to indicate the result or final state after the process—in this case, becoming very cooked. This contrast shows the transition from one condition to another as a consequence of overboiling.

Why is the caution “así que debemos agarrar con cuidado la olla” included in the sentence?

The caution highlights the potential danger or mishap that can occur due to the rapid change in the meat’s state when overboiled. It advises that, because boiling can quickly lead to unintended consequences, one must handle or grab the pot (“la olla”) with care—possibly to avoid burns or other accidents.

What does “agarrar con cuidado” imply, and is there any nuance in using “agarrar” in Spain?

“Agarrar con cuidado” means “to grab or handle carefully.” In this context, it implies that extra caution is needed when dealing with the pot containing the rapidly boiling meat. In Spain, “agarrar” is commonly used and understood to mean “to take” or “to grab,” and while it may have slight regional nuances compared to other Spanish-speaking areas, its meaning here is straightforward: act carefully to avoid danger.