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"El mejor" is a phrase which is often translated as "the best", and "lo" is a pronoun which is often translated as "it". Learn more about the difference between "el mejor" and "lo" below.
el mejor(
ehl
 
meh
-
hohr
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
1.
A word or phrase that is masculine (e.g., el libro).
(masculine)
(used as adjective)
a. the best (superlative)
Este es el mejor carro que he tenido nunca.This is the best car I've ever had.
b. the better (comparative)
El mejor reloj de los dos es también el más caro.The better watch of the two is also the more expensive one.
2.
A word or phrase that is masculine (e.g., el libro).
(masculine)
(used as pronoun)
a. the best (superlative)
Hay muchos jugadores de tenis buenos, pero yo creo que Nadal es el mejor.There are many good tennis players, but I think Nadal is the best.
b. the best one (superlative)
De todos estos celulares, ¿cuál es el mejor?Of all these cellphones, which is the best one?
c. the better one (comparative)
Entre los años 2017 y 2018, me quedo con el 2018, fue el mejor.Between years 2017 and 2018, I'd chose 2018, it was the better one.
d. the better (comparative)
Este es el mejor de los dos equipos. Estoy segura de que ganará.This is the better of the two teams. I'm sure it'll win.
e. better (comparative)
¿Cuál de los dos cafés es el mejor? - El colombiano.Which of the two coffees is better? - The Colombian one.
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lo(
loh
)
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
pronoun
a. it
¿Qué hago con el lomo de cerdo? - Cocínalo despacio.What should I do with the pork loin? - Cook it slowly.
b. him
¿Te dije que me encontré a Jonás durante las vacaciones? Lo vi en Roma.Did I tell you I bumped into Jonas over break? I saw him in Rome.
c. you
Lo admiro, señor Presidente. Usted es todo un héroe para este país.I admire you, Mr. President. You're a hero to this country.
a. stuff
No encuentro lo de tu hermana.I can't find your sister's stuff.
b. things
Lo mío está bajo el escritorio.My things are under the desk.
a. what
Lo que no me gusta de este restaurante es el servicio.What I don't like about this restaurant is the service.
b. the thing
¿Qué fue lo que más te gusto de Oaxaca?What was the thing you liked most about Oaxaca?
A definite article is a word that identifies a noun as specific or known to the speaker (e.g., the girl).
definite article
a.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
(before an adjective)
Lo raro es que nunca he visto a Bruce durante el día.The weird thing is that I've never seen Bruce during the day.
No te puedes imaginar lo increíble que es Palenque.You can't imagine how incredible Palenque is.
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