Question 1

Why do we use mucha before ropa but muy before cara?

Accepted Answer

We use mucho or mucha (a lot of) before nouns, and it changes to match the noun. Since ropa (clothing) is a feminine singular noun, we use mucha. We use muy (very) before adjectives, like cara (expensive), and muy never changes its shape.

Question 2

Why does the English translation say "clothes" (plural), but the Spanish uses the singular word ropa?

Accepted Answer

In Spanish, ropa is a singular word that acts like a collective group for clothing. Because it is singular, we must use singular words with it: mucha ropa (a lot of clothes), never "muchas ropas".

Question 3

The English translation says "they are very expensive". Why does the Spanish say es muy cara instead of using son (they are)?

Accepted Answer

Since ropa is a singular noun in Spanish, you must use the singular verb es (is). Literally, the second half of the Spanish sentence says "it is very expensive", referring back to the singular word ropa.

Question 4

Why does the adjective cara end in an "a"?

Accepted Answer

cara is the adjective meaning "expensive". It must match the gender and number of the noun it describes. Because it describes ropa, which is feminine and singular, the adjective takes the feminine singular form cara instead of the masculine caro.

Question 5

Why is comprar left in its dictionary form instead of being conjugated?

Accepted Answer

When two verbs are used together for a single action, like Quiero comprar (I want to buy), only the first verb (Quiero) changes to match the person doing the action. The second verb (comprar) stays in its dictionary form, which is called the infinitive.

Quiero comprar mucha ropa, pero es muy cara.

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