Breakdown of Este capricho ridículo es insoportable.
ser
to be
este
this
el capricho
the whim
ridículo
ridiculous
insoportable
unbearable
Questions & Answers about Este capricho ridículo es insoportable.
Why do we use es instead of está here? Isn't being unbearable a subjective feeling?
We use ser (es) because being ridiculous and unbearable are presented as core, defining characteristics of this specific whim. Even though it is an opinion, you use ser when describing the fundamental nature or traits of a person, thing, or idea.
I recognize the English word 'support' in insoportable. Is that what it means?
No, it actually means 'unbearable' or 'intolerable.' It comes from the verb soportar, which is a false friend. Soportar means 'to bear,' 'to tolerate,' or 'to put up with.' If you want to say 'to support' someone, you would use apoyar (for emotional or physical support) or mantener (for financial support).
Why is the word for 'this' Este instead of Esto?
Este is the masculine singular demonstrative adjective, used right before a masculine noun like capricho. Esto is the neuter pronoun. It is only used when standing alone to refer to an abstract idea, a general situation, or an unknown object (for example, ¿Qué es esto? meaning 'What is this?'). You never put esto directly before a noun.
Learn Este capricho ridículo es insoportable and more in Spanish
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free