Mi alquiler es caro.

to be

Breakdown of Mi alquiler es caro.

• mi: my
• el alquiler: the rent
• caro: expensive

Questions & Answers about Mi alquiler es caro.

What part of speech is alquiler and what gender is it?

Alquiler is a masculine noun meaning rent. You pair it with masculine articles and adjectives: • el alquiler
• un alquiler caro

Why is it mi alquiler and not el mi alquiler?

Spanish does not combine a definite article with a possessive adjective. Once you have mi (my), you drop el: • Correct: mi casa, mi coche, mi alquiler
• Incorrect: el mi casa, el mi coche, el mi alquiler

Why does the adjective caro come after the noun?

In Spanish, the normal order is noun + adjective for a neutral description: • alquiler caro
Putting the adjective before adds emphasis or a subjective tone: • caro alquiler

Why is the verb es (from ser) used instead of está (from estar)?

Ser is used for essential qualities or characteristics. Price is considered a defining characteristic of your rent: • Mi alquiler es caro
Use estar for temporary states or locations: • Mi casa está limpia

Could I use a synonym for caro?