Oct
6
2009
Spanish: Pronombres al mínimo
Author: Johns SmithSpanish:Pronombres al mínimo
Pronunciation:Proh-nohm-brays ahl mee-nee-moh
Translation:Minimize pronouns
Function:Usage
“Keep the pronouns at a minimum” is a golden rule for foreigners talking or writing in Spanish. Remember that most of the time the verb is enough to tell male from female and plural from singular.
If the subject has been mentioned keep all pronouns and references to it out, until another subject comes around. You just don’t need it and keeps the phrasing from being unnecessarily repetitive.
Example:Gaia, la pequeña niñera, entró en el cuarto con paso ágil, haciendo sonar sus sandalias. Era casi una niña, como atestiguaba su pelo castaño claro y su alegre carita.
Translation:Gaia, the little nursemaid, came briskly into the nursery, her sandals clattering on the floor. She was hardly more than a child, with her light brown hair and merry face.
