Question 1

Why use the phrase llegaremos a tener instead of just saying nunca tendremos (we will never have)?

Accepted Answer

Llegar a + infinitive is a culminating periphrasis. It emphasizes the process of getting to a result. While nunca tendremos simply states a future fact ("we will never have"), nunca llegaremos a tener means we will never "reach the point of having" or "manage to have."

Question 2

Since it translates to "manage to", could I use the verb lograr here instead?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You could say Nunca lograremos tener... and the meaning would be practically identical. Both express succeeding or managing to do something, though llegar a specifically highlights reaching the end of a long process or struggle.

Question 3

Why is quieres in the present indicative? Shouldn't it be subjunctive after si (if) because the outcome is uncertain?

Accepted Answer

No, in Spanish, si (if) is never followed by the present subjunctive. When talking about a likely or possible condition in the present or future (a "first conditional" sentence), you always use the present indicative after si. You only use the subjunctive with si for hypothetical or impossible situations (which requires the past subjunctive, like si tú no quisieras).

Question 4

I don't recognize the word duradera. How is it formed?

Accepted Answer

It's an adjective formed from the verb durar (to last). The suffix -dero or -dera is often added to verbs to describe something that is capable of doing that action. So, una paz duradera is a peace capable of lasting (a lasting peace).

Question 5

I thought the Spanish word for "to compromise" was comprometer. Why use transigir?

Accepted Answer

Comprometer (or comprometerse) is a classic "false friend." It usually means "to commit," "to jeopardize," or "to get engaged." When you mean "to compromise" in the sense of yielding, giving in, or finding a middle ground in an argument, transigir or llegar a un acuerdo are the correct terms.

Nunca llegaremos a tener una paz duradera si tú no quieres transigir.

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