Learn Spanish (Spain): El dispositivo es lento, así que lo actualizo.

El dispositivo es lento, así que lo actualizo.

The device is slow, so I update it.

Breakdown of El dispositivo es lento, así que lo actualizo.

so (introducing a result)

Questions & Answers about El dispositivo es lento, así que lo actualizo.

Why is it es lento instead of está lento?

Using es (from the verb ser) means being slow is a permanent or built-in characteristic of this device—it is just a slow model. If you said está lento (using estar), it would mean the device is temporarily acting slower than usual.

How does the phrase así que work here?

Así que is a very common connecting phrase that means "so" or "therefore". You use it to introduce the result of what you just said. Because the device is slow (the cause), you update it (the result).

Why is lo placed before the verb in lo actualizo?

The word lo is a direct object pronoun meaning "it" (replacing el dispositivo). In Spanish, these pronouns must go directly before a conjugated verb. You can only attach them to the very end of a verb if it is an infinitive, a gerund (-ing word), or an affirmative command.

Is the verb actualizar related to the English word "actual"?

They look similar, but they are classic "false friends." In Spanish, actual means "current" or "present-day," not "real." Therefore, the verb actualizar literally translates to "to make current," which is exactly why it means "to update."