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"Río" is a form of "río", a noun which is often translated as "river". "Ser una lástima" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to be a pity". Learn more about the difference between "ser una lástima" and "río" below.
ser una lástima(
sehr
 
oo
-
nah
 
lahs
-
tee
-
mah
)
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
intransitive verb phrase
a. to be a pity
La fiesta estuvo genial. Es una lástima que no hayas podido venir.The party was a blast. It's a pity you couldn't come.
b. to be a shame
Es una lástima que dejaras el violín. Tocabas muy bien.It's a shame that you gave up the violin. You played really well.
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el río(
rree
-
oh
)
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. river
Fuimos a pescar al río de la montaña.We went fishing in the mountain river.
a. stream
Salía un río de gente mientras terminaba la película.A stream of people was exiting as the movie ended.
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