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"Ser" is a copular verb which is often translated as "to be", and "pastel de chocolate" is a phrase which is often translated as "chocolate cake". Learn more about the difference between "ser" and "pastel de chocolate" below.
ser(
sehr
)A copular verb links the subject of a clause to the predicate (e.g., My brother is tall).
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to be made of
El casillero antiguo de mi abuela es de roble.My grandma's antique dresser is made of oak.
a. to root for
Yo soy del mejor equipo del mundo: FC Barcelona.I root for the best team in the world: FC Barcelona.
An impersonal verb is a verb with no apparent subject (e.g., Llueve en España.).
a. to be
Son las siete de la mañana.It is seven in the morning.
Era de noche cuando llegaron.It was night when they arrived.
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 edificio fue diseñado por un equipo de arquitectos.The building was built by a team of architects.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
pastel de chocolate(
pahs
-
tehl
deh
choh
-
koh
-
lah
-
teh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (culinary)
a. chocolate cake
Pedí un trozo de pastel de chocolate y una taza de café.I had a slice of chocolate cake and a cup of coffee.
b. chocolate pie (with a pastry crust)
Mi madre siempre cocinaba un pastel de chocolate para mi cumpleaños.My mother would always bake a chocolate pie for my birthday.