Mi primo es poderoso.

to be

Breakdown of Mi primo es poderoso.

• mi: my
• el primo: the cousin
• poderoso: powerful

Questions & Answers about Mi primo es poderoso.

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

In Spanish, ser expresses inherent or permanent characteristics, while estar is for temporary states or locations. Saying Mi primo es poderoso describes a defining quality (he is powerful by nature or position). If you used estar, it would imply a temporary condition, which doesn’t fit with a stable attribute like power or influence.

Why isn’t there an article before poderoso?

When an adjective follows a verb like ser, it acts as a predicate adjective and doesn’t need an article.
• Mi primo es poderoso. = “My cousin is powerful.”
If you insert an article (un/una), you turn the adjective into a noun phrase:
• Mi primo es un poderoso. → “My cousin is a powerful person,” often implying membership in a power elite.

How does poderoso agree in gender and number?

Adjectives in Spanish must match the noun they describe:

• Masculine singular: poderoso
• Feminine singular: poderosa
• Masculine plural: poderosos
• Feminine plural: poderosas
  Example: Mis primas son poderosas. (“My cousins (female) are powerful.”)

Could I say Mi primo es un poderoso to mean the same thing?