Learn Spanish (Latin America): Al ver los naipes, se quedaron pálidos. - Upon seeing the playing cards, they went pale.

Al ver los naipes, se quedaron pálidos.

Upon seeing the playing cards, they went pale.

Breakdown of Al ver los naipes, se quedaron pálidos.

ver

to see / to look / appear

quedarse

to stay / to end up / become

upon / when (+ infinitive)

pálido

pale

Questions & Answers about Al ver los naipes, se quedaron pálidos.

Why is se quedaron used here to mean they "went" pale?

In Spanish, quedarse (which normally means "to stay" or "to remain") is often used as a verb of change to describe a new state that is the direct result of an event. Here, the shock of seeing the cards left them in a resulting state of being pale (pálidos).

Could I use se pusieron instead of se quedaron in this sentence?

Yes, se pusieron pálidos is also correct and very common. Ponerse is used for sudden physical or emotional changes. Using quedarse just places a bit more focus on the lasting aftermath or the resulting state they were "left" in after the shock.

How does Al ver translate to "Upon seeing"?

Combining the word al (which is a + el) with an infinitive verb is a very common Spanish shortcut that means "upon doing" something or "when doing" something. Here, al ver is a quick way to say "upon seeing" rather than using a longer phrase like Cuando vieron (When they saw).

Why does the sentence use naipes instead of cartas for cards?

While cartas is very common and can definitely mean playing cards, it is also a broader word that means letters you send in the mail or restaurant menus. Naipes refers specifically to playing cards, avoiding any confusion.