Log inSign up

El charlatán este siempre es inoportuno.

El charlatán este siempre es inoportuno.
This charlatan is always inopportune.
From Lesson 435:Expressive demonstratives (el ... este)·Spanish (Latin America)

Breakdown of El charlatán este siempre es inoportuno.

ser
to be
siempre
always
este
this
el charlatán
the smooth talker
inoportuno
inopportune

Questions & Answers about El charlatán este siempre es inoportuno.

Why do we say 'El charlatán este' instead of just 'Este charlatán'?
Placing the demonstrative este after the noun, combined with the definite article el, adds a strong expressive tone. In this sentence, it adds a dismissive or annoyed flavor, making it sound more like 'This guy, the charlatan' or 'This annoying charlatan' rather than a neutral 'This charlatan.'
Does charlatán mean the same thing in Spanish as it does in English?
It can mean a fraud or a quack, but in everyday Spanish, a charlatán is frequently just someone who talks way too much or makes empty promises. It comes directly from the verb charlar (to chat).
Why use es instead of está with inoportuno if his interruptions happen at specific times?
Using the verb ser (es) tells us that this is a core characteristic of the person, not just a temporary state. Even though siempre points to specific repeated events, the sentence implies that having terrible timing is a fundamental part of his personality.
What is the most natural way to understand inoportuno when describing a person?
While 'inopportune' is the direct translation, when applied to a person, inoportuno usually means they lack tact, have terrible timing, or always manage to speak or show up at the worst possible moment.

Learn El charlatán este siempre es inoportuno 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
Start learning Spanish →