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"Al" is a form of "al", a contraction which is often translated as "to the". "Estar" is a copular verb which is often translated as "to be". Learn more about the difference between "estar" and "al" below.
estar(
ehs
-
tahr
)A copular verb links the subject of a clause to the predicate (e.g., My brother is tall).
a. to be
Estoy enojada porque me acaban de dar una multa de estacionamiento.I am angry because I just got a parking ticket.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to be on (vacation, trip, call)
Estaremos de vacaciones en Europa el verano entero.We're going to be on vacation in Europe all summer long.
c. to be working as
Está de recepcionista hasta que consiga un mejor trabajo.He's working as a receptionist until he finds something better.
6. (to feel)
7. (to appear)
8. (to visit)
9. (to be done)
10. (to exist)
a. to be
Luego está el trabajo que queda por hacer.Then there is the work that still needs to be done.
a. to be in the mood for
No estoy para tus estupideces a estas horas.I am not in the mood for your nonsense at this time of night.
13. (to fit)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
No quiero que camines sola por la noche, ¿está?I don't want you walking alone at night, understood?
Nos encontraremos a las siete para ir al cine, ¿estamos?We'll meet at seven to go to the movie, all right?
a. to be in favor of
Los estudiantes están por un aumento en ayuda financiera de parte de la universidad.The students are in favor of the university providing more financial aid.
a. to agree with
Estoy con Ana Sofía; no quiero escuchar más peleas entre ustedes.I agree with Ana Sofía. I don't want to hear anymore fighting between the two of you.
a. to be
¡El termómetro dice que está a 25 grados Fahrenheit pero que se siente como 6!The thermometer says it's 25 degrees Fahrenheit out but that it feels like 6!
a. to be
Mientras el hemisferio norte está en invierno, el hemisferio sur está en verano.It is winter in the Northern Hemisphere when it's summer in the Southern Hemisphere.
a. to be
El banco está a tres cuadras de la plaza central.The bank is three blocks from the town square.
a. to remain to be
Está por verse si lloverá en la tarde.It remains to be seen whether it will rain this afternoon.
a. to be going to
Las nubes en la distancia indican que estará por llover esta noche.The clouds in the distance indicate that it is going to rain tonight.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Tengo tres libros que están sin terminar.I have three books that I still have to finish reading.
Estoy sin comer desde temprano esta mañana.I haven't eaten anything since early this morning.
An auxiliary verb, or helper verb, is a conjugated verb that comes before a main verb and determines the main verb's tense, mood, or aspect (e.g., I have gone.).
a. to be
El cuarto está organizado, ¡así que no hagas desorden!The room is organized. Don't make a mess!
estarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
26. (to remain)
c. to keep
Diles a los niños que se estén callados un rato, que quiero escuchar las noticias.Tell the kids to keep quiet a minute; I want to listen to the news.
d. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Estate tranquilo; yo lo soluciono.Don't worry; I'll sort it out.
Estate atento porque solo llaman el número una vez.Pay attention because they only call out the number once.
al(
ahl
)A contraction is a shortened form of a word or group of words made by omitting a sound or letter (e.g., don't).
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¿Cuánto tardas en ir al trabajo?How long does it take you to go to work?
Este año no viajaremos al extranjero.We won't be going abroad this year.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Súbete al muro para ver mejor.Get up on the wall to get a better view.
Se subió al coche y se fue.He got in the car and left.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Me gusta hacer ejercicio al aire libre.I like exercising outdoors.
Nos sentamos al fondo de la sala.We sat at the back of the room.
A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
a. when
Al decirle que tenía que ponerse a trabajar, Josué se enfadó mucho con su hermana.When she told him he needed to get to work, Josue got really mad at his sister.
b. as
Al no poder encontrar trabajo, Mark decidió emigrar.As he couldn't find a job, Mark decided to emigrate.
c. by
Al nombrarme vocero del movimiento, Carlos me dejó ver que confía en mí.By appointing me spokesman of the movement, Carlos let me know he trusts me.
