Breakdown of La cordillera es muy escarpada y peligrosa.
ser
to be
y
and
muy
very
peligroso
dangerous
la cordillera
mountain range
escarpado
steep (rugged terrain)
Questions & Answers about La cordillera es muy escarpada y peligrosa.
How could we express that this mountain range is extremely dangerous using this lesson's "un/una + noun + de + noun" structure?
You could replace the standard adjectives and say es un peligro de cordillera. This structure takes a noun expressing an extreme quality (peligro) and links it to the subject with de, acting as a strong intensifier. It gives the feeling of saying "it's a danger of a mountain range." To express extreme difficulty, you could also say es una locura de cordillera.
Why do we use es instead of está for the physical condition of the mountains?
We use es because being steep (escarpada) and dangerous (peligrosa) are inherent, defining characteristics of this specific mountain range (cordillera). If we used está, it would imply a temporary state, such as the mountain being dangerous today specifically due to a recent snowstorm or bad weather.
Is there a difference between escarpada and empinada?
Yes! While both translate to "steep," they are used differently. Escarpada specifically describes rugged, craggy, and sheer terrain, like cliffs, ravines, or rocky mountainsides. Empinada simply refers to a high slope or incline, which is the word you would use for a steep city street or a grassy hill.
Since muy modifies both adjectives, do I ever need to repeat it and say muy escarpada y muy peligrosa?
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