Mi hermano esconde sus dulces en el armario para que nadie los encuentre.

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Breakdown of Mi hermano esconde sus dulces en el armario para que nadie los encuentre.

• mi: my
• para: to
• que: that
• el hermano: the brother
• el armario: the closet
• encontrar: to find
• esconder: to hide
• sus: his
• nadie: nobody
• los: them

Questions & Answers about Mi hermano esconde sus dulces en el armario para que nadie los encuentre.

Why is the subjunctive form encuentre used in “para que nadie los encuentre”?

In Spanish, when a subordinate clause is introduced by purpose expressions like para que, the verb in that clause must be in the subjunctive mood. This signals that the outcome (nobody finding them) is desired or hypothetical rather than a guaranteed fact.

What does the possessive adjective sus indicate in “sus dulces”?

The adjective sus means “his,” “her,” or “their” and shows ownership. In this sentence, it clarifies that the sweets belong to the speaker’s brother (as identified by mi hermano).

What is the meaning of the word armario in this sentence?

In Spanish (Spain), armario typically refers to a closet, wardrobe, or cupboard. Here, it denotes the place where the sweets are hidden.

Why is nadie used in “para que nadie los encuentre” and what effect does it have?

Nadie means “nobody” or “no one” and emphasizes that the intention is for absolutely no person to find the sweets. It reinforces the idea of complete secrecy in the purpose clause.

How does the verb esconde agree with the subject in the sentence?

Esconde is the third-person singular form of the verb esconder (to hide). It agrees with the singular subject mi hermano (my brother), indicating that he is the one performing the action of hiding.

How does the structure of the sentence express the idea of purpose?

The sentence consists of a main clause—Mi hermano esconde sus dulces en el armario—followed by a purpose clause introduced by para que. This structure shows that the action of hiding the sweets is undertaken with the specific aim of preventing anyone from finding them, which in turn requires the subjunctive in the purpose clause.

Can para que be replaced with a similar phrase to express purpose, and what would be the result?

Yes, para que can be replaced with phrases like a fin de que. For example, Mi hermano esconde sus dulces en el armario a fin de que nadie los encuentre conveys the same meaning, still requiring the subjunctive in the subordinate clause due to the expression of purpose.