Questions & Answers about Es mejor no quedarse sin agua en la montaña.
Why is it quedarse sin and not just quedar sin?
Both exist, but they’re used a bit differently.
- Quedarse sin + noun is the most common, everyday way to say “to run out of / end up without.” It often highlights that the subject is affected by the loss: Nos quedamos sin agua.
- Quedar sin + noun also exists, especially with inanimate subjects or in a more formal/newsy style: Varios barrios quedaron sin agua. If in doubt, use quedarse sin, which is always natural in this meaning.
Could I say estar sin agua instead of quedarse sin agua?
Where does no go with an infinitive and a reflexive verb? Why no quedarse and not no se quedar?