Question 1

Why does nos come before dejó instead of being attached to the end of beber?

Accepted Answer

In causative constructions (using verbs like hacer or dejar to make or let someone do something), the object pronoun almost always goes before the conjugated verb. While attaching a pronoun to the infinitive is common with other verb pairs, putting it before the main causative verb like nos dejó beber is the standard rule for this specific structure.

Question 2

I learned that dejar means 'to leave'. Why does it translate to 'let' here?

Accepted Answer

The verb dejar has a few different meanings depending on the context. When it is followed by a noun, it means 'to leave' (like leaving your jacket at home). However, when it is used directly with an infinitive verb, like dejar beber (to let drink), it means 'to let' or 'to allow'.

Question 3

Why isn't there a connecting word like a or que between dejó and beber?

Accepted Answer

Unlike some verbs that require a preposition before an infinitive (like empezar a or terminar de), the causative verb dejar connects directly to the infinitive. You do not need any linking words between them.

Question 4

Could I use the subjunctive here and say no dejó que bebiéramos agua?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use dejar que followed by the past subjunctive to mean the exact same thing. However, using dejar plus the infinitive is generally much more common and concise in everyday Spanish, especially when dealing with object pronouns like nos.

El entrenador no nos dejó beber agua.

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