La cebolla y la zanahoria dan sabor a la sopa cuando las hierves.

Onion and carrot give flavor to the soup when you boil them.

Breakdown of La cebolla y la zanahoria dan sabor a la sopa cuando las hierves.

• cuando: when
• a: to
• y: and
• dar: to give
• el sabor: the flavor
• la sopa: the soup
• hervir: to boil
• la cebolla: the onion
• la zanahoria: the carrot
• las: them

Questions & Answers about La cebolla y la zanahoria dan sabor a la sopa cuando las hierves.

Why is "las" used in "cuando las hierves"?

"Las" is a feminine plural direct object pronoun referring to both "la cebolla" and "la zanahoria." Although each noun is singular, when you combine them with "y," they form a plural group; thus, "las" agrees in gender (feminine) and number (plural) with the vegetables being boiled.

Why is the verb "hierves" conjugated in the second person singular, even though the main clause’s subject is plural?

The verb "hierves" is in the second person singular because the implied subject of the subordinate clause is "tú" (you). The sentence explains that when you boil the vegetables, they impart flavor to the soup. Although "la cebolla y la zanahoria" are the ones giving flavor, the act of boiling is directed toward them by you, so the verb is conjugated to match the person doing the action.

What does the phrase "dan sabor a la sopa" mean, and what role does it play in the sentence?

"Dan sabor a la sopa" translates as "they give flavor to the soup." This main clause states the effect that the onion and carrot have on the soup, indicating that these ingredients enhance or enrich its taste. It forms the core assertion of the sentence, with the subordinate clause specifying the condition under which this effect occurs.

Why is the subordinate clause "cuando las hierves" placed at the end of the sentence?

Placing "cuando las hierves" at the end serves to specify the condition under which the vegetables contribute flavor. In Spanish, it’s common to present the main idea first and follow it with an adverbial or conditional clause that adds context, such as the timing or circumstances of an action. This structure clarifies that the vegetables impart flavor only when you boil them.

Is it typical to use the present tense, like "hierves," when giving cooking instructions in Spanish?

Yes, using the present tense is very common in Spanish for giving cooking instructions or stating general facts. The present tense conveys habitual actions or general truths—similar to how recipes or instructions are communicated in English—making "hierves" appropriate in this context.

Why do we include the definite article before both "cebolla" and "zanahoria" instead of only using it once for the combined subject?

In Spanish, when listing two distinct items, it’s customary to use the definite article with each noun. Saying "la cebolla y la zanahoria" emphasizes that you are referring to two separate ingredients—a specific onion and a specific carrot—and ensures clarity in the compound subject.