Breakdown of Al fin y al cabo, el significado de la moral es distinto para todos.
ser
to be
de
from / of
para
for
la
the (feminine)
todo
all / everything
distinto
different
al fin y al cabo
after all / in the end
el significado
meaning
la moral
morality
Questions & Answers about Al fin y al cabo, el significado de la moral es distinto para todos.
How exactly does al fin y al cabo work here, and can I use it like 'after all' in English?
It translates perfectly to 'after all' or 'at the end of the day.' You use it as a conclusive discourse marker to introduce a final conclusion, a bottom line, or an ultimate truth that overrides previous arguments. It works just like 'after all' in English when summarizing a point or justifying a statement.
Why is it la moral and not just moral to match the English word 'morality'?
In Spanish, abstract nouns require a definite article (el, la, los, las) when you are talking about them in a general, universal sense. Since this sentence discusses the broad concept of morality, la moral is required.
Why do we use es distinto instead of está distinto? Isn't a meaning that changes from person to person a temporary state?
We use es (from ser) because we are describing a fundamental, defining characteristic of this specific meaning. Even though the definition varies depending on the person, the fact that it is different is a permanent, objective quality of the concept itself.
Why is it para todos instead of por todos?
Here, para is used to express perspective or opinion. It translates to 'for everyone' in the sense of 'in everyone's view' or 'according to everyone.' If you used por todos, it would sound like the meaning was created or executed by everyone.
Learn Al fin y al cabo, el significado de la moral es distinto para todos 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