Question 1

Why is there a no before the verb if we are already using ni... ni (neither... nor)?

Accepted Answer

In Spanish, if a negative word like ni comes after the verb, you must put a no (or another negative word) before the verb. English avoids double negatives like "I can't digest neither...", but Spanish requires them!

Question 2

Could I change the word order and start the sentence with Ni la cebolla ni la comida picante?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can! If you put the negative subjects before the verb, you must drop the no. The sentence becomes: Ni la cebolla ni la comida picante puedo digerir. The meaning is the same, though the original version is a bit more common in everyday speech.

Question 3

Why are we using the word la before cebolla and comida if the English translation doesn't say "the"?

Accepted Answer

In Spanish, when you talk about things in a general sense, like onions in general or spicy food as a broad category, you must use the definite article (el, la, los, or las). English usually drops "the" for general categories.

Question 4

The English translation says "onions" (plural), but cebolla is singular here. Could I say ni las cebollas?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you could use the plural las cebollas, but in Spanish, it is very common to use the singular form of a vegetable, fruit, or meat to refer to it as an ingredient or general food category. Saying la cebolla translates perfectly to the general concept of "onions."

No puedo digerir ni la cebolla ni la comida picante.

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