Breakdown of Para ser aficionado, él es igual de veloz que un profesional.
ser
to be
él
he
de
from / of
un
a, an (masculine)
para
for
que
that / than
profesional
professional
igual
equal
veloz
fast (swift)
el aficionado
the amateur
Questions & Answers about Para ser aficionado, él es igual de veloz que un profesional.
Why is the verb ser used here? Can't I just say Para un aficionado?
While English says "For an amateur," Spanish frequently uses para + ser (literally "for being") to set up a standard of comparison or to express a surprising contrast. You are pointing out that his speed is unexpected specifically because of his status of being an amateur.
Why is it Para ser aficionado instead of Para ser un aficionado?
In Spanish, when you state someone's profession, occupation, or status (like being an amateur) directly after the verb ser, you usually drop the indefinite article (un or una). You only include the article if you add a descriptive adjective, such as Para ser un aficionado nuevo (For being a new amateur).
Why does the phrase use que instead of como in igual de veloz que?
When you use the specific comparison formula igual de + [adjective] (equally as...), it always pairs with que. If you wanted to use como, you would need to use the other common formula for equality: tan + [adjective] + como (tan veloz como), which translates directly to "as fast as".
Could I use rápido instead of veloz here?
Yes, absolutely! Rápido and veloz are synonyms meaning "fast" or "quick". Veloz is sometimes used to add a slightly more expressive or dramatic emphasis on speed, but they are completely interchangeable in this context.
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