Pitman's Commercial Spanish Grammar (2nd ed.)

Chapter V: Part 5

Text size

The use of the correct preposition according to the verb it follows is best learnt by practice. In the second part of the grammar, the student will be helped with a list of the most characteristic differences between the two languages. The Spanish construction is not quite so rigid in this respect as is the English.

Difference between _de_ and _desde_ both translating "from"--=De= mark the origin only, as:

Esta seda viene de Italia: This silk comes from Italy--it is Italian silk.

=Desde= calls attention to distance of time or space, as--

Desde el 1 deg. de Enero se establecio en comercio por cuenta propia: From the 1st of January, he started in business on his own account.

He viajado desde Londres hasta Calcuta en tantos dias: I travelled from London to Calcutta in so many days.

The chief difficulty in the employment of the Spanish prepositions is the use of _Por_ and _Para_--

=Por= is used--

1. To denote agency = by[165]; as--

Es tenido en gran cuenta por sus amigos: He is thought much of by his friends.

Este establecimiento fue fundado por mi bisabuelo: This establishment was founded by my great-grandfather.

[Footnote 165: After the passive voice of verbs denoting mental action when formed by _ser_, _Por_ is elegantly substituted by _De_, as: Son amados por _or_ de sus padres (they are loved by their parents). But: Se aman por sus padres.]

2. To denote the _motive_ of an action, as--

Lo hizo por envidia: He did it for (out of) envy.

3. To denote equivalency of any kind, as--

Cinco peniques por libra: Fivepence for a pound--per pound.

Trocar un producto por otro: To exchange one product for another.

Considerar a uno bueno por L1,000: To consider somebody as good for L1,000.

Por mejor le envie yo como viajante: I sent you to travel, holding you for a better man.

Tienda por tienda, prefiero esta: Of the two shops I prefer this.

4. To denote distribution, as--

Vinieron cinco por cinco: They came five by five.

=Para= is used--

1. To denote the object of an action (generally "to" or "in order to"), as--

Trabajo para ganarme la vida: I work to (in order to) earn my living.

2. To denote destination (or direction), as--

El tren sale para Valencia: The train leaves for Valencia.

Esta cedula es para el Sr. Fulano: This warrant is for Mr. So-and-So.

Voy para casa: I am going towards home.

Many idiomatic uses of _Por_ and _Para_ must be learnt by practice.

VOCABULARY.

=abogar=, to plead =acceder=, to accede =afanarse=, to exert oneself, to take much trouble =ahorrar=, to save =ajuste=, adjustment =a la verdad=, really =altos hornos=, blast furnaces, foundries =amarillo=, yellow, buff =amistad=, friendship =aparentar=, to show outwardly =aprovecharse=, to take advantage of, to avail oneself =aproximarse=, to approach, to draw near =automovil=, motor-car =azadas=, hoes =azadones=, pick-axes =azuelas=, adzes =bultos=, packages =cizallas=, shears =croquis=, sketch =disenador=, draughtsman =*disponer=, to dispose, to arrange =echar al correo=, to (throw into the) post =empeoramiento=, deterioration =en blanco=, blank =estancia=, stay =(un) fardin, un cuarto=, a farthing, a trifling amount =*forzar=, to force, to strain =hachuelas=, hatchets =hilar=, to spin =largo de talle=, full, complete =lingotes de hierro=, pig-iron =martillo=, hammer =molestia=, trouble =moratoria=, extension of time (for payment) =palas=, shovels =para= (=estar=), (to be) on the point of ... =picos=, picks =plomo=, slate, lead colour =por= (=estar por escribir=), to be (yet) unwritten =prevision=, foresight =los sintomas=, the symptoms =suspender los pagos=, to stop payments =tejer=, to weave =tenazas=, tongs =textil=, textile =*trocar=, to barter, to exchange =yerno, hijo politico=, son-in-law

EXERCISE 1. (57)

Translate into English--

1. De Espana nos vienen las ricas uvas y las jugosas (juicy) naranjas, ademas de minerales--de hierro y cobre.

2. El viaje por mar desde Espana a Inglaterra tarda de cuatro a seis dias.

3. Desde el ano 1900 hasta el 1910 aumento mucho la poblacion del Reino Unido.

4. Los Altos Hornos de Bilbao se han construido para la produccion de lingotes de hierro.

5. La Sociedad reune poderosos elementos (commands great resources) para la fabricacion de toda clase de maquinaria para la hiladura y la tejeduria del algodon.

6. Los bultos se embarcaron directamente por los fabricantes mismos.

7. El empaque y el transporte cuestan lo mismo y precio por precio preferimos ahorrarnos molestias.

8. Por un falso sentido de honor aquella casa forzo su credito para no tener que pedir moratorias, dando esto por resultado el empeoramiento de su posicion.

9. Compre un automovil por L1,000 mas lo troque con este que vale a la verdad L1,500 dando solo L200 por la diferencia.

10. Disponga V. las piezas tantas por parte.

11. A una veintena por vez colocamos aquellos picos, palas, azadas, azadones, hachuelas, azuelas, martillos, cizallas, y tenazas.

12. Se presento por su yerno, abogo por el por una hora larga de talle, todo por su hija, pues por el chico (young man, lit., child) maldita la gana que tendria (he would not have liked the idea) de afanarse tanto por el.

13. Hare por colocar sus driles blancos, plomo, y amarillos (buff) para los cuales me dio orden verbal su Sr. hijo durante su estancia aqui y que se despacharan por (_or_ por la via de) Burdeos y Cartagena.

14. Nuestro mercado sigue muy encalmado sin que por el momento presente sintomas de mejora.

15. La primera carta esta para echarse al correo pero la segunda y la tercera quedan aun por escribir.

EXERCISE 2 (58).

Translate into Spanish--

1. He offers a loan to avoid all risk that the house should fall.

2. It would not be possible for it to fall unless the Textile Bank should stop payments.

3. His office is opposite ours and we have him thus under our eyes.

4. With all the weight of the evidence (las pruebas) you have collected (recogido), it would be very risky to proceed against him from such a distance.

5. Between one thing and the other I did not know what to choose, so I left them to settle the matter between themselves.

6. These sketches have been made by our draughtsman for our customers, the owners of the Sugar Mill in Parahyba.

7. He did the work for the pleasure of it but would not (no quiso) charge a farthing for it.

8. The packets arrived two by two.

9. I accede willingly for the sake of old friendship (por la antigua amistad que nos une).

10. As the time of the year is drawing near when your firms effect their purchases in this country, we beg to address you to renew the offer of our services.

11. We shall be extremely glad if you will avail yourselves of our offers and send us orders for some of your requirements.

12. The adjustment of the average per S.S. "Nile" is still hanging fire (todavia pendiente), but we are pushing the Insurance Co. to our utmost (todo lo posible) for a speedy settlement.

13. For a (para) foreigner he understands English methods very well indeed.

14. Being (por ser) so young he shows a good deal of (mucho) tact and foresight.

LESSON XXX.
(Leccion trigesima.)

THE CONJUNCTIONS AND INTERJECTIONS.

Conjunctions join sentences together; also independent words.

The principal conjunctions are--

*A menos que (unless) A pesar de (in spite of) Asi como (just as) Asi que, de suerte que (so that) *Afin de que, *Para que (that--in order that) Aunque, bien que, si bien (although, even if) *Bien ... bien (whether ... or) Como (as) *Con tal que (provided) Con que (so) *Cuando (if) Mas, pero, empero[166] (but) Sino (but--after a negative[167]) Ni ... ni (neither ... nor) No sea que* (lest, also perhaps) No obstante (nevertheless) O ... o[168] (either ... or) Ora ... ora[168] (now ... now--with indic. mood) Porque, porque (why, because) Portanto (therefore) Puesto que[169] (seeing that) Pues (since) Que (that) Si (if, whether) Sin embargo (however, notwithstanding) Segun (according) Siquiera (at least, even) Y[170] (and) Ya ... ya[171] (whether ... or--with subj. mood) Ya que (since, seeing that)

[Footnote 166: _Empero_ is used same as _pero_ at the beginning of a sentence.]

[Footnote 167: Unless a _finite_ verb follows, as: No tengo dinero pero gozo de buena reputacion (I have no money but I enjoy a good reputation).]

[Footnote 168: Before words commencing with _o_ or _ho_, it changes into _u_.]

[Footnote 169: In old Spanish it had the meaning of "even if."]

[Footnote 170: Before words commencing with _i_, also _hi_ not followed by a vowel, use _e_, as: "Padre e hijo," but "Nieve y hielo."]

[Footnote 171: "Ora ... ora" and "ya ... ya" both mean "now ... now" (with indic. mood), and "whether ... or" (with subj. mood).]

The conjunctions marked with an asterisk are always followed by a verb in the Subjunctive Mood.

The English "either" is generally left understood, as--

Exportaciones o importaciones: Either exports or imports.

"Either" following a negative--_tampoco_, as--

No quiero comprar Titulos de Gobierno ni Obligaciones de Ferrocarriles tampoco: I do not wish to buy Government Stock, nor Railway Stocks either.

=Interjections=, being mere exclamations, do not stand in grammatical relation to any other word in the sentence.

They are elliptical sentences, as--

iOh! (I am surprised, etc.).

The principal Interjections in Spanish are the following--

caramba, caspita (these express practically all kinds of emotions) ay[172] (oh! grief or threat) bah, ca, quia (humph!) ce, hola, ola (I say!) chito, chiton (shut up!) cuidado, iojo! (attention! look out!) ea (come!) he (hey) huy (oh! physical pain) ojala (oh, that) por Dios (for heaven's sake) tate, zape (what! (surprise)) tonterias (nonsense!) uf (oh! weariness or fatigue)

[Footnote 172: This can govern a noun or pronoun, as--iAy de mi! Woe to me! iAy de Pedro! Woe to Peter!]

As well as _Ah_ or _Ha_, _Oh_ or _O_ as in English, and many words used as exclamations, as--

iSilencio! icalle! icalle la boca (silence! hush! shut your mouth!) ivamos! (much used), (come! come now!) ique lastima! (what a pity!) ipoco a poco! (gently, Sir!) iheteme[173] aqui! (here I am!) ihetelos[173] aqui! (here they are, etc.)

[Footnote 173: _Te_--ethical dative.]

VOCABULARY.

=aficionado (a)=, fond of =aflojar=, to relax =ansioso=, eager =*apetecer=, to desire, to covet =bastante bien=, fairly well =berzas, coles= (f.), cabbages =buscar=, to look for, to search =buscarse=, to bring upon oneself =cauteloso, cauto=, cautious =conexiones=, connections, couplings (machinery) =contrincante=, neighbour, competitor =detenidamente=, fully =disturbado, transtornado=, disturbed, upset =engranajes=, gearings =escala=, scale =hortelano=, fruit gardener =inquilino=, tenant =ir a=, to lead to =llantas=, tyres =*moler=, to grind =operaciones=, operations, dealings =perro=, dog =plaza=, market place, square, place =*poner al corriente=, to inform =refran=, proverb =repentino=, sudden =resortes=, springs (mach.) =sosa=, soda =tambores=, drums =traspapelado=, mislaid (of papers)

EXERCISE 1 (59).

Translate into English--

1. A menos que los giros vengan acompanados de los conocimientos y facturas comerciales y consulares (invoices and consular invoices) no los recogeremos.

2. Le remito poder en forma (regular power of attorney) para que V. pueda representarme y hacer mis veces ahi.

3. Cuando me pague lo que me debe veremos lo que proceda hacer (what ought to be done).

4. V. no hace mencion en su atenta de los engranajes, conexiones, llantas y resortes de nuestro pedido 2 del que rige, no sea que se haya traspapelado nuestra orden.

5. Para comprar barato no hay sino que pagar puntualmente sus facturas.

6. Aunque es hombre muy dificil de tratar, sus ordenes son muy apetecidas de los fabricantes porque su palabra una vez empenada (pledged) es oro molido (as good as gold).

7. Aunque me pagara mas no se lo daria pues ya tengo empenada mi palabra.

8. Asi como le vio le puso al corriente de las circunstancias.

9. Con tal que el mercado afloje un tantico procurare plazar su orden para 50 tambores de sosa, a su limite.

10. Con que nuestros contrincantes se porten con lealtad no tenemos derecho de quejarnos de su competencia.

11. Segun lo prueba la experiencia mas vale ir cautelosos en aquellos mercados.

12. No deseo buscarme molestias ni meterme en camisa de once varas (meddle in other people's business).

13. Hace como el perro del hortelano que no come las berzas ni las deja comer.

14. iCaramba! ?Se viene V. con refranes en una gramatica comercial?

15. iCalle, hombre! Todos los caminitos van a la plaza (all roads lead to Rome); los espanoles son muy aficionados a los refranes.

EXERCISE 2 (60).

Translate into Spanish--

1. These 200 pieces will not go in that case, it is too small.

2. I do not think they will, either.

3. I cannot say anything before I see the result, but I shall be able to tell you something definite to-morrow.

4. Not being able to compete, he has withdrawn from the market.

5. I could not confirm the agreement last week.

6. I believe I could buy a parcel of wheat cheaper to-day unless there should be a sudden rise.

7. In spite of all his efforts, he was obliged to file his petition.

8. Although the market here is firm, we have hopes (esperamos) that prices will relax in view of the bearish tone (tendencia a la baja) shown in the Liverpool market yesterday.

9. The enclosed pattern is rather (algo) poor; still, as it appears to sell well in Central Africa, I should be glad if you would see your way (decidirse) to manufacture it at our price.

10. The new presses (prensas) work fairly well; there is, however, room (lugar) for improvement, and our engineer will write you fully on some proposed modifications.

11. He signed the documents without even (siquiera) reading them, so upset was he by the news the mail had just brought him; therefore we shall be obliged if you will kindly send them back for his perusal and return (para que los examine y se los envie otra vez).

12. Provided you take a lease of these premises (tome en arriendo este local) for a period of ten years, I shall make the necessary alterations, since I am very eager to have you as a tenant.

13. Although the demand for money is no longer so strong, the market is still under the control (dominio) of the Bank of England, to which it is now indebted for (debe) a considerable amount, and dealings are but on a comparatively small scale.

PART II

LESSON XXXI.
(Leccion trigesima primera.)

THE ARTICLE.

The =Definite Article= is used in Spanish and not in English (besides rules given in Lesson II)--

1. Before the seasons of the year--

2. Before the hour of the day (with the words _hora, horas,_ understood), as--

Es la una: It is one o'clock. Son las dos y cuarto: It is a quarter past two. Son las tres y cinco: It is five minutes past three. Son las cuatro menos diez: It is ten minutes to four. Las cinco y media: Half-past five.

3. Optionally, before the proper name of a woman used colloquially, as--

La Maria (Mary, our Mary).

4. Optionally, before the days of the week, especially when preceded by "on" in English, as--

Vendre el sabado: I shall come on Saturday.

5. Before the names of the following countries--

El Peru, La India, El Japon.

And some towns to be learnt by practice, as--

La Coruna, El Havre, El Cairo, El Ferrol, etc.

Although found sometimes before the names of countries in general, this example should not be followed.

The Definite Article is used in English and not in Spanish--

1. Before numbers following names of sovereigns, etc., as--

Carlos I (primero), Charles I (the first) Alfonso XIII (trece), Alphonso XIII (the thirteenth)

2. In titles of books, headings, etc., as--Historia de la Inquisicion (The History of the Inquisition).

3. Before words in apposition, as--Madrid, capital de Espana (Madrid, the capital of Spain).

But--

Alfonso el Sabio (Alphonso the Wise) Juana la Loca (Jane the Mad) because these are "titles."

The =Indefinite Article= is used in English and not in Spanish (besides rules in Lesson II)--

1. Before words in apposition, as-- Rubio y Cia., casa importantisima de la Habana: Rubio & Co., a most important firm in Havana.

2. In titles of books, headings, etc., as-- Lista de los generos pedidos: A list of goods required.

3. In "such a," "so ... a," as-- Tal amigo: Such a friend. Tan buen amigo: So good a friend, such a good friend.

4. In "a half" (medio), "a quarter" (cuarto), "a third" (tercio), in the case of an integer preceding, as-- Uno y medio (1-1/2) Cinco y tercio (penknife/3) Dos y cuarto (2-1/4)

Occasionally the article is omitted before other fractions.

5. Before _otro_, as-- Otra quiebra: Another bankruptcy.

Before weights and measures the definite article is used in Spanish instead of the indefinite used in English, as--

Dos chelines la libra: Two shillings a pound. Cinco pesetas el metro _or_ por metro: 5 pesetas a metre.

The =Definite Article= is omitted before _casa_ and _palacio_ when they are spoken of as places usually frequented by the person in question--

Ire a casa del ingeniero: I shall go to the engineer's house. El Rey volvio ayer a palacio: The King returned yesterday to the palace.

The article must not be employed before a noun used after a preposition in an adjectival capacity, as--

Una viga de hierro (_not_ del hierro): An iron beam.

The tendency of the Spanish language is to omit the indefinite article whenever, by such omission the sense is not obscure, as--

Tengo intencion de marcharme: I have a mind to go. Vino con dolor de cabeza: He came with a headache. Le dio cuenta de lo sucedido: He gave him an account of all that had happened. Este caballero tiene mucho _or_ grande ingenio: This gentleman has a great talent.

The =Neuter= article _lo_ cannot precede a noun used _as such,_ but it may (elegantly) precede a noun used adjectively, as--

Todo me gusta en el, lo amigo, lo ciudadano, lo caballero:

I like everything in him: the friend, the citizen, the gentleman.

VOCABULARY.

administrador, manager anteriormente, previously anunciar, to advertise apacible, mild armadura, frame, framing (mach.) atajo, short cut buen exito, success comprometerse, to undertake edificio, building empresa, undertaking experimentar, to experience grabados (generos), embossed (goods) hilado, yarn intentar,*tener intencion, to intend junto a, coupled with practico, practical *proponerse, to have in view (a) rayas, striped (goods) recto, straightforward riqueza, wealth sencillo, plain suceder, to succeed, to happen tenedores, holders (of securities, etc.) tratar, to conduct (business) vara, Spanish yard.

EXERCISE 1 (61).

Translate into English--

1. Eran las doce y media del domingo antepasado (before last), apacible dia, que, aunque estamos en otono, parecia mas dia de primavera, la Maria me acompanaba, aquella Senora del Peru que ha viajado tanto en la India y el Japon y cuyo marido y el mio eran tan amigos.

2. Ibamos a casa de la Senora.

3. La Coruna es ciudad de Galicia.

4. Carlos V., Emperador de Alemania es el mismo monarca que reino en Espana con el titulo de Carlos I desde 1517 a 1551.

5. Luis XIV de Francia no tenia sino cinco anos de edad cuando sucedio a su padre Luis XIII en 1643.

6. El principio de su reinado fue dirigido por Mazarin, italiano muy fino (shrewd), y astuto conocedor de los hombres.

7. ?Que dice ese papel?

8. Lista de los accesorios que se dan con cada maquina.

9. Tan ventajosas condiciones no se hallan en ningunas otras Companias para el seguro de la vida.

10. Tales administradores, valen un tesoro (are worth their weight in gold); de ellos depende el buen exito de las empresas.

11. Otro dependiente como el Sr. Arboleda no lo hallaran entre mil.

12. Estos cuadritos y rayas cuestan 45 centimos el metro, y estos mercerizados y grabados valen 40 centimos la vara.

13. ?Que es la vara?

14. Es medida espanola que equivale a =835= milimetros y 9 decimas o cerca de =33= pulgadas inglesas.

EXERCISE 2 (62).

Translate into Spanish--

1. An "iron framing" is a framing made of iron, but a "steam engine" (maquina a vapor) is an engine moved by steam.

2. I had the intention of giving more such examples but I believe one is enough.

3. In the construction of this building the architect had in view both the beautiful and the practical.

4. Yes, see how (cuan) elegant and at the same time how solid these columns are!

5. Business conducted through us (por nuestro medio) is different from the many advertised systems and promised short cuts to wealth which are dangled before the eyes of the (con que se deslumbra al) public.

6. Our plan is a plain (sencillo), straightforward method of operating by which we undertake to implicitly carry out (cumplir con) the instructions of our customers.

7. Our best advice and service are always at your command (a su disposicion).

8. "Kaffirs" have resorted to (han llegado) a state of idleness (inercia) coupled with steadily (mas y mas) sagging (aflojados) prices.

9. Holders of spot cotton have again experienced quite a brisk inquiry (una demanda muy activa) from spinners, who have freely (abundantemente) covered forward sales (para sus entregas futuras) of yarn.

10. They also took up large lines (grandes cantidades) of cotton previously contracted for (contratadas).

11. The total turnover (las ventas totales) was not quite as good as expected.

LESSON XXXII.
(Leccion trigeima segunda.)

THE NOUN.

1. The gender of names of countries, provinces, and towns is according to their termination (Lesson III), but those ending in _d_ are generally masculine.

Exceptions are found, the names "ciudad" or "pueblo" being then understood.

2. Names of trees are masculine, those of fruits are feminine.

EXCEPTIONS--

And a few more.

3. A masculine article is used with other parts of speech whole sentences used substantively, as--

Quiero un si o un no claro: I want a clear (decisive) yes or no.

El aprender es util: Learning is useful.

El que lo haya hecho sin consultarme no puede serme de grande gusto: That he did it without consulting me is certainly not pleasing to me.

A list of principal exceptions to the rule given on Spanish gender by termination is given in Appendix I.

To the rules for the formation of the plural (Lesson III) we shall add--

1. Family names ending in _z_ unstressed do not change--

Juan Fernandez But--El Sr. Ruiz Los Senores Fernandez Los Senores Ruices

2. The names of the vowels pluralize in _es_-- Las aes, las ees, las ies, las oes, las ues.

3. Some Latin words used in Spanish, as--Accessit, deficit, fiat, ultimatum, agnus dei, etc., do not change for the plural, except--Album--albumes.

For other peculiarities of number see Appendix II. Collective nouns in Spanish are generally followed by the verb in the singular, as--La gente piensa: People think.

But after a collective noun, indefinite in its meaning, the verb may follow in the plural, as--Una cantidad de generos se vendio, _or_ vendieron en subasta: A quantity of goods was or were sold by auction.

N.B.--The tendency of the language is in favour of the singular.

=Poner= (to put, to place).

_Past Part.,_ Puesto. _Pres. Indic.,_ Pongo.[174] _Imper. Mood,_ Pon ... poned ...[175] _Past Def.,_ Puse, pusiste, puso, pusimos, pusisteis, pusieron. _Future Indic.,_ Pondre, pondras, pondra, pondremos, pondeis, pondran.

=Querer= (to want a thing or person, to love a person, to be willing).

_Pres. Indic.,_ Quiero, quieres, quiere,--,--, quieren. [176] _Past Def.,_ Quise, quisiste, quiso, quisimos, quisisteis, quisieron. _Fut. Indic., _Querre, querras, querra, querremos, querreis, querran.

[Footnote 174: Verbs which are irregular in the Pres. Indic. 1st person singular only, have the same irregularity in the present subj. all through.]

[Footnote 175: The 1st person pi. and 3rd pers. sing. and pl. of the Imperative Mood are taken from the Subj. Mood.]

[Footnote 176: Verbs which in the pres. indic. are irregular in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd pers. sing. and 3rd pers. pl. have the same irregularities in the pres. subj. in the same persons.]

=Saber= (to know).

_Pres. Indic., _Se, . . . _Pres. Subj., _Sepa, sepas, sepa, sepamos, sepais, sepan. _Past Def., _Supe, supiste, supo, supimos, supisteis, supieron. _Fut. Indic., _Sabre, sabras, sabra, sabremos, sabreis, sabran.

VOCABULARY.

=apuro=, straits, embarrassment =armas blancas=, side arms =armas de fuego=, fire-arms =*atravesar=, to traverse, to cross =campos=, fields =cierre=, lock-out =compensar=, to compensate, to make good =*darse a partido=, to yield, to submit =disturbio=, disturbance =enfurecido, furioso=, furious (enfuriated) =ensenanza=, teaching =*escarmentar=, to take warning =fracaso=, failure =la fuente=, the fountain, source =fuerza motriz=, motive power =fundarse en=, to base upon =huelga=, strike (of workmen) =huerta=, orchard =infinidad (una)=, an infinite number =interior=, interior, inland =limitar=, to confine, to limit =mejorar=, to improve =minero=, miner =obrero=, workman =orillas=, banks of a river =palmera=, date palm =poblacion=, villa, town =poliza de seguro=, insurance policy =prescindir de=, to dispense with =regadio=, irrigation =rieles=, rails =tal cual= (of goods), as they are, as they were =tomar en consideracion=, to take into consideration, to entertain =turba=, crowd (motley) =virtualmente=, practically, virtually

EXERCISE 1 (63).

Translate into English--

1. La palmera., el pistacho, y la higuera crecen en Andalucia pero los datiles, los pistachos y los higos que se venden en el mercado ingles provienen principalmente de Berberia, de Grecia y Esmirna (Smyrna).

2. En los recientes disturbios en la provincia de Champana muchas vinas se han destruido por las turbas enfurecidas.

3. Expliqueme V. el como y el cuando del asunto (all about the affair) y luego (then) considerare yo el pro y el contra.

4. A mi no me importa el que diran (what people will say).

5. La industria del hierro es una de las principales fuentes de riqueza del Reino Unido.

6. Las maquinas de toda especie, los buques de vapor, los rieles de ferrocarriles, las herramientas mecanicas y agricolas, las armas blancas y de fuego y una infinidad de otros objetos se deben a esa industria.

7. En el norte de Espana, especialmente en Bilbao se trabaja el hierro en grande escala.

8. El rio que atraviesa dicha poblacion presta (gives) fuerza motriz a varias fabricas situadas en sus orillas, y sirve tambien al regadio de los campos y huertas.

9. Escarmentados por el fracaso de la huelga de los mineros, los obreros hiladores se dieron a partido admitiendo las condiciones ofrecidas por los patronos, evitando asi el cierre.

10. Patronos y obreros deberian trabajar armoniosamente y fundados en la justicia; el capital y el trabajo no pueden prescindir el uno del otro.

EXERCISE 2 (64).

Translate into Spanish--

1. The steamer ran aground on the Spanish coast but the crew were saved.

2. People are apt to forget (se olvida facilmente de) the teachings of history (historia).

3. His action has put me in a serious embarrassment.

4. I put it as a condition that the bills be drawn against delivery of B/L and insurance policy.

5. They placed all their trust in their agent.

6. I do not mean to say that they wanted to deceive him.

7. When prices improve we shall be willing (estaremos dispuestos) to sell.

8. I do not know what effect this had on the market.

9. If I knew, I should be able to act accordingly (de conformidad).

10. I do not think he knows (_subj._) what suits him best.

11. The Directors are not in the least (absolutamente) disposed to launch upon (lanzarse a) a large foreign trade, so that the operations of the concern (compania _or_ casa) remain confined practically to the inland market.

12. We received a claim on our last shipment but we refused to (rehusamos de) entertain it as the goods were jobs (generos imperfectos) and were sold as they were with all faults (imperfecciones).

13. We are sorry our customers should have suffered any loss, but we cannot make it good, and we shall stand our ground (insistiremos en eso).

LESSON XXXIII.
(Leccion trigesima tercera.)

AUGMENTATIVE AND DIMINUTIVE TERMINATIONS

(see also Appendix IV).

Examples in English--

Ball, balloon Book, booklet Lad, laddie Man, manikin

These terminations are frequent in Spanish, especially the diminutive.

_On_ (_m._), _ona_ (_f._)[177] denote augmentation, as--

Libro, book Libron, large book

[Footnote 177: Feminine nouns, however, generally take =on= and become masculine, as--

Un mujeron: A tall woman.
Except when ambiguity might arise, as:

Un muchachon: A tall or big boy Una muchachona: A tall or big girl.]

_ito_ (_m._), _ita_ (_f._), _ico_ (_m._), _ica_ (_f._)

Denote diminution (to which an idea of endearment is always attached which is natural in Spanish when speaking of little objects in the ordinary way.)

If for any reason disparagement or insignificance is suggested then _illo, illa, uelo, uela_, are used instead.

Other terminations less used are _azo, acho, onazo, achon, ote, astro, aco_, and a few others (augmentative, suggesting (generally) disparagement); _ete, in, ino, itito, itico, itillo_, and a few others (diminutive). If a noun ends in a vowel, this is elided[178] before adding the termination.

[Footnote 178: If a noun ends in _n_ (except proper names like "Juan") or _r, ito, ico, illo, uelo_, change into =cito, cico, cillo, zuelo=. If a noun of one syllable ends in a consonant, or a noun of two syllables ends in _e_ or _io_, or contains a diphthong, _ito, ico_, etc., change into =ecito, ecico=, etc. If a noun of one syllable ends in a vowel, _ito, ico_, etc., become =ececito, ececico=, etc. Other slight changes occur also.]

The Augmentative and Diminutive terminations have no determinate meaning: they are vague and indefinite and consequently when preciseness is required we must use the adjectives "grande," "pequeno," etc. (which can be employed conjointly with the terminations), as--

Me dio dos librones gruesos y tres libritos delgados: He gave me two heavy big books and three small ones.

Students should use the terminations _on_ and _ito_ but no others until they become familiar with them with reading, as they cannot be used indiscriminately with all nouns.

The termination _azo_ serves also to indicate an injury or explosion from a weapon, as--

Un sablazo (a sabre-cut) Un punetazo (a blow with the fist) Un navajazo (a stab with a knife) Un canonazo (a cannon-shot)

With some weapons some other terminations are used--

Una cuchillada (same as navajazo) Una paliza (a thrashing with a stick)

=Traer= (to bring).

_Pres. Part._, Trayendo (_i_ unstressed between two vowels always changes into _y_). _Pres. Indic._, Traigo. _Past Def._, Traje, trajiste, trajo, trajimos, trajisteis, trajeron.

VOCABULARY.

=actitud=, actitude =agiotista=, stock-jobber =alejarse=, to go away =aludir a=, to allude, to hint =apurado de dinero=, short of money =apurar=, to purify, to exhaust =calcular=, to calculate, to reckon =callar=, to keep silent, to omit speaking =cambiar=, to change, to alter =consignar=, to consign, to record =contrato social=, articles of partnership =cordoban=, morocco leather =despacio=, slowly =despreciable=, despicable =dinero efectivo=, cash =discutir=, to discuss =especulacion=, speculation, venture =garrote=, cudgel, stick =*impedir=, to hinder, to preclude =ladron=, thief =(el) matiz=, shade =*mover=, to move, to actuate =mozalbete=, beardless youth =*quebrantamiento=, breakage, break down =reflejo=, reflection =*seguir=, to pursue =sin ton ni son=, without rhyme or reason =sombrero de copa=, silk hat =vejete=, diminutive old man =vocablo=, vocable, word

EXERCISE 1 (65).

Translate into English--

1. El agiotista que V. ve alli, aquel hombron con el sombrerote de copa, ha hecho un fortunazo en sus especulaciones bursatiles (stock exchange speculations).

2. Aquel vejete que le acompana con ese mozalbete su hijo me ha vendido una partidilla de Cordoban muy baratita.

3. Librazo, libraco, librote, libracho son todos variaciones de "libro," como tambien librito, librillo, libreto, librete, libretin, librejo que son sus formas diminutivas.

4. Libreta es diminutive de "libra"; se usa tambien por pan de una libra; "libreto" es el de una opera; el cuadernito de papel de fumar es "librillo."

5. Estas graduaciones o matices del sentido se deben aprender con la practica y se deben usar naturalmente sin afectacion como reflejo del profundo conocimiento de la lengua, y no copiados de un diccionario "sin ton ni son" como se dice en espanol.

6. Por ejemplo, "librazo, libracho, y librote" se refieren mas al aspecto del libro. "Libracos" mas a los despreciables por su contenido.

7. Tambien se debe notar que algunas terminaciones convienen a ciertos vocablos y a otros no, por ejemplo hay "libraco" y "pajarraco" pero esta terminacion no puede tomarla el sustantivo "hombre."

8. En fin con lo dicho y con lo consignado en el apendice IV el estudiante tiene bastante por ahora.

9. Con la Republica en Portugal acabadita de proclamar, nos vemos apuradillos de dinero pues los clientes portugueses van despacito en sus remesas.

10. Callandito se vino el ladronzuelo y se alejo sin ser visto.

11. Cuchilladas, pistolazos, revolveradas, y aun garrotazos son raros en Inglaterra; el Ingles se bate a punetazo limpio (with his fist) cuando es de la hampa (a rough), y cuando es caballero no se bate aunque si llega el caso es muy capaz de dar muy buena cuenta de si.

EXERCISE 2 (66).

Translate into Spanish--

1. If you cannot command (no puede disponer de) cash, we shall have to alter our price lists as our prices will have to be reckoned on a different basis; they will be a little dearer.

2. I am bound to say that there is some very strong opinion on this side (de este lado) against the course your Government intends to pursue in the matter.

3. The situation has been complicated by the breakdown of the arrangement we had made with our carriers (agentes de transporte).

4. I believe that the reason actuating Mr. Melero's attitude (mueve al Sr. M. en su) towards us, a reason which he hinted more than once in his correspondence, is that his articles of partnership with his friends in Rosario preclude him from entertaining (tomar en consideracion) any new ventures.

5. At the monthly meeting of the Council of the Chamber of Commerce (Consejo de la Camara de Comercio) the Japanese tariff was discussed on a (tras) communication from the Board of Trade ("Board of Trade," Ministerio de Comercio).

LESSON XXXIV.
(Leccion trigesima cuarta.)

THE ADJECTIVE.

The position of qualifying adjectives is generally after the noun, especially

1. Those denoting physical qualities, as--

Un hombre ciego: A blind man. Una mesa redonda: A round table. Pano negro: Black cloth.

2. Those denoting nationality, as--

Quincalla inglesa: British hardware.

3. Those derived from verbs, as--

Mercancia averiada: Damaged goods.

The above rule is subject to many exceptions for the sake of euphony or to give more than the ordinary prominence to the adjective or the noun; however, the following rule will be found a reliable general one, and it is in fact the informing principle of all special rules given in the various grammars--

An adjective used as an epithet should precede the noun; if used as a distinguishing word it should follow.

By an adjective used as an epithet, we mean one calling to mind a quality known (or supposed) to belong to the noun, as--

No perdio el aliento el valiente general: The brave general did not lose courage.

By a distinguishing word we mean one used to indicate the quality of a noun as compared with another of the same species, as--

Quiero comprar maquinaria barata: I wish to buy cheap machinery.

The Partitive Adjectives "some" and "any" are left out in translation when they do not convey the idea of limited quantity. When they do, "algun," "un poco de" (_sing._), "algunos" and "unos" (_pl._) are used.

"Un poco de" and "unos" convey the idea of a more limited quantity or number than "alguno" and "algunos."

The following few examples are calculated to make it clear as regards the various shades of meaning--

?Tiene V. alfombras? Have you any carpets?

Tengo algun azucar para vender: I have some sugar to sell.

?Quiere V. un poco de papel? Will you have some paper?

Yo tengo algunas obligaciones: I have some debentures.

He recibido algunos cigarros, le reservare unas cajas de los mejores: I received some cigars; I shall reserve for you some boxes of the best quality.

One adjective preceding two or more nouns agrees in gender and number with the first only, as--

La nueva caldera y accesorios gusto (_or_ gustaron) mucho al cliente: The new boiler and accessories pleased the customer very much.

N.B.--If a verb intervenes the adjective is generally plural, and in case of different genders is pl. masc., as--

Adjuntos remitimos factura y conocimiento: Enclosed we send invoice and bill of lading.

When the adjective follows two or more nouns, it is put in the plural, as--

El trigo y el maiz estan sostenidos: Wheat and maize are firm.

If the nouns are of different genders, the adjective is pl. masc., as--

El encaje y las guarniciones han salido caros: The lace and trimmings came out dear.

EXCEPTION--

When all the several nouns preceding the adjective are in the plural, and all referring to things (not persons), the adjective _may_ be made to agree in gender with the noun last mentioned, as--

Los tornillos y las tuercas estan bien ajustados (_or_ ajustadas): The screws and nuts are well adjusted. It is better to avoid this construction

(1) By saying "las tuercas y los tornillos estan bien ajustados."

(2) By using an adjective having the same termination for masculine and feminine.

(3) By giving a different turn to the sentence, as: "Son de buen ajuste".

Adjectives that qualify the fem. _nada_ (nothing) are always used in the masculine--

Nada bueno espero de el: I expect nothing good from him.

Adjectives referring to titles of individuals are placed in the gender of the persons bearing those titles, as--

V. (contraction of Vuestra Merced) es muy buen amigo: You are a very good friend.

Adjectives of colour derived from a noun, as "violeta" (violet), "rosa" (pink), "chocolate" (chocolate), etc., do not take the mark of the plural, the words "color de" being understood before them, as--

Guantes crema: Cream gloves.

=Valer= (to be worth).

_Pres. Indic._, Valgo. _Fut. Indic._, Valdre, valdras, valdra, valdremos, valdreis, valdran. _Imper. Mood_, Val _or_ vale....

VOCABULARY.

=aceite=, oil =aflojar=, to slacken =ajuste de averia=, average adjustment =almacenes fiscales=, bonded ware houses =carne en salmuera=, pickled beef =comarca=, region =conceder=, to grant, to allow =cosecha=, crop, harvest =cueros=, hides =exiguo=, small, insignificant, slender =incluir=, to include, to enclose =incluso=, included =incluyendo=, including =integro=, upright, integer, whole =interino=, interim =juicioso=, sensible =linones, olanes=, lawns =manteca de puerco, lardo=, lard =pieles=, skins =productos accesorios=, by-products =sebo=, tallow =tarjeta=, card =tasajo=, jerked beef =tierno=, tender =viajante=, commercial traveller[179]

[Footnote 179: Traveller (passenger, tourist)--Viajero.]

EXERCISE 1 (67).

Translate into English--

1. Beneficas lluvias han caido en toda la comarca, y las tiernas plantas prometen abundante cosecha si siguen favorables las condiciones climatologicas (climatic).

2. Las compras baratas no resultan siempre lo que se llama "gangas" (bargains) pues es necesario tambien que sean de calidad conveniente y adecuada para el mercado a que se las destine.

3. He recibido una consignacion de carne en salmuera, lenguas en latas (canned tongues), tasajo, sebo, margarina, manteca de puerco (_or_ lardo), y productos accesorios que espero poder colocar bien.

4. Me enviaron tambien un poco de aceite de margarina, heces de sebo (tallow greaves), hueso molido (bone-meal) y tripas de buey (ox casings) baratas.

5. ?Ha vendido V. algo de estas?

6. No, pero he vendido un poco de sebo.

7. ? No ha recibido V. cueros y pieles?

8. No, estos no pertenecen a mi ramo de negocios (line of business).

9. Ha entrado mucho te este mes en los almacenes fiscales y ademas algun cafe de Costa Rica.

10. La magnifica coleccion de muestras y tarjetas para reclamo (advertisement) que nos trajo ese viajante nos han gustado muchisimo.

11. El ajuste de averia y el cheque por la indemnizacion concedida van inclusos.

12. Tanto los provechos como las perdidas son exiguos (_or_ exiguas).

13. No hay nada (de) extraordinario en que afloje el mercado.

14. V. es hombre integro y su Senora es mujer juiciosa.

15. Le tomare algunas piezas de prueba de estos linones rosa y crema pero nada de estos estampados chocolate.

EXERCISE 2 (68).

Translate into Spanish--

1. We have to acknowledge the receipt of your esteemed letter of the 1st inst., which brought us L640 on L. & Sons, payable August 10th.

2. Carried forward (a la vuelta). Brought forward (de la vuelta).

3. Brown sugars have been rather brisk for some time (desde algun tiempo).

4. The manufacturer has discontinued making the old article.

5. The Directors of the Z Company announce an interim (provisorio) dividend for the first six months of the current year at the rate of 10 per cent. per annum.

6. Reuter's Paris correspondent telegraphs that earnest representations are being made by the British Chamber of Commerce in Paris to the French Customs Administration (Administracion de Aduanas) concerning the recent change in the classification of yarns wound on bobbins (en bobinas), a matter which seriously affects Lancashire interests.

7. The great object (objeto principal) the meeting had in view was the promotion of further (el abrir nuevas vias al) progress and (y a la) civilisation. That necessarily implied fewer appeals to the arbitrament of the sword (que deberian disminuir los casos de apelar a la espada) and (y ser) more frequent appeals to the remedy of reason.

LESSON XXXV.
(Leccion trigesima quinta.)

THE ADJECTIVE (_contd._).

=Degrees of Comparison=.

"As ... as" and "so ... as" are translated "tan ... como," "as much ... as" and "so much ... as" are translated "tanto-a,-os-as ... como" or "cuanto."

N.B.--_Cuan_ may be used instead of _como_ before an adjective as--

Tan razonable en precio cuan apreciado por la buena calidad: As reasonable in price as it is appreciated for its good quality.

"The more ... the more" is translated "cuanto mas ... tanto mas"; also "mas ... mas" (without the article).

"Than whom," "than which" is translated as follows--

Sedas floreadas italianas que no las hay mejores en el mercado: Italian flowered silks, than which there are no better on the market.

Adjectives ending in _io_ (not _io_) drop the whole diphthong before adding _isimo_, as--

Amplio--Amplisimo (very ample).

EXCEPT Agrio--Agriisimo (very sour).

Those ending in _z_ change of course the _z_ into c, as--

Feliz--felicisimo[180] (very happy).

[Footnote 180: _Z_ should not occur before _e_ and _i_ in modern Spanish.]

The irregular superlatives _optimo, pesimo, maximo, minimo, infimo_ and _supremo_ are used very sparingly, but they are found both as superlative absolute and superlative relative, as--

Esta es una cantidad infima: It is an infinitesimal amount.

El precio minimo[181]: The minimum price.

[Footnote 181: Although improperly, we often find "mas minimo" (mas infimo, etc.).]

El supremo bien de la vida es hacer a otros felices: The highest blessing of life is to make others happy.

The irregular comparatives _mejor_ and _peor_ are in general use.

_Mayor_ and _menor_ refer more generally to age (older, elder, and younger).

"_Inferior_" and "_superior_" are generally used as their English equivalents.

The expressions "a larger building," "a higher tree," etc., are generally rendered "un edificio mas grande," "un arbol mas alto," etc.

Irregular superlatives--

Acre (sour) Acerrimo Amigo (friendly) Amicisimo Antiguo (ancient) Antiquisimo Aspero (harsh) Asperrimo Benefico (beneficent) Beneficentisimo Benevolo (benevolent) Benevolentisimo Celebre (celebrated) Celeberrimo Fiel (faithful) Fidelisimo Integro (upright) Integerrimo Libre (free), Liberrimo Magnifico (magnificent) Magnificentisimo Misero (miserable) Miserrimo Munifico (munificent) Munificentisimo Pobre (poor), Pauperrimo, _and_ Pobrisimo (more used) Sabio (wise) Sapientisimo Sagrado (holy) Sacratisimo Salubre (healthy) Saluberrimo Simple (simple) Simplicisimo --Uberrimo (most fruitful)

Some of the best modern authors write "buenisimo," "nuevisimo," etc., regularly without substituting the diphthong by the pure vowel, as "bonisimo," "novisimo," notwithstanding the shifting of the stress.[182]

[Footnote 182: See Note 47.]

Substantives used as adjectives admit of comparison, as--

Es tan caballero _or_ mas caballero que sus contrincantes: He is as (or more) gentlemanly as (than) his neighbours (competitors).

"Than" followed by a number, unless the sentence be negative, is translated by _de_.

"Than" followed by a finite verb is _de lo que_, as--

Cumple mas de lo que promete: He accomplishes more than he promises.

But--

Hablar Espanol es mas dificil que escribirlo: To speak Spanish is more difficult than to write it.

The following expressions are translated--

El le lleva seis anos: He is older than you by six years.

Esta tela cuesta cinco peniques menos la yarda: This cloth is cheaper by five pence a yard.

Esta casa es diez anos mas antigua: This firm is older by ten years.

Es tan poderoso que domina el mercado: He is so powerful as to control the market.

=Ver= (to see). _Past Part._, Visto. _Pres. Indic._, Veo[183] ...

[Footnote 183: It forms the pres. subj., Vea, veas, etc. _Imperf. Indic._, Veia, veias, veia, veiamos, veiais, veian.]

VOCABULARY.

=acaudalado=, rich, wealthy =*advertir=, to notice =alcalde=, mayor =alfombrada=, carpeting =anadir=, to add =apagarse=, to go out (fire) =atraicionar=, to betray =boticario=, chemist =caja fuerte=, safe =calorifero=, stove =carbon (de piedra)=, coal =carbon (vegetal)=, charcoal =carpeta=, writing-pad =casillero=, pigeon-holes =certificar=, to certify, to register (in the post) =chimenea=, chimney =contestar=, to answer =echar al correro=, to post =ensartar=, to string (beads), to file (papers) =escano=, stool =estante=, book-shelf =franqueo=, postage =guardafuego=, fender =guardapapeles, ensartapapeles=, paper files =humear=, to smoke (chimney) =lacre=, sealing wax =legajo=, bundle (of papers) =librarse=, to get rid of =mano de papel secante=, quire of blotting-paper =pupitre=, writing desk =sello=, seal =el sobre=, the envelope =sujeta papeles=, paper fasteners

EXERCISE 1 (69).

Translate into English--

1. La casa de Rioja a y Cia. es tan respetable por su buena fama (name) como por lo acaudalados que son sus propietarios.

2. Si, es mas estimada que cualquiera otra.

3. Dicen que tiene mas de L150,000 de capital.

4. Es muy rica en efecto, pero no creo que su capital ascienda a mas que L100,000.

5. Cuanto mas corriente en sus tratos es un negociante, tanto mejor le resultan sus transacciones.

6. Estas son alfombradas de Bruselas que no las hay mejores en todo el mundo.

7. Tenemos un campo (field) amplisimo para nuestras operaciones, las cuales hasta aqui han tenido felicisimo resultado.

8. Nuestros generos son todos de optima calidad y a precios infimos.

9. Es de interes supremo para nosotros el dar los mejores productos a precios minimos.

10. La cantidad maxima no ha de exceder 500 kilogramos.

11. El hermano mayor es notario y alcalde del pueblo, el menor es boticario.

12. La ciudad de Cadiz es antiquisima; fundose en el siglo XV antes de la era vulgar por los Fenicios.

13. El clima de Valparaiso es salubirrimo.

14. Fidelisimo criado, no quiso atraicionar a su amo que habia sido beneficentisimo para con el.

15. Euclides fue celeberrimo geometra.

EXERCISE 2 (70).

Translate into Spanish--

1. I wish to straighten (poner en orden) the desk on (en) my table.

2. My pad is full of papers; I must get rid (librarme) of them.

3. Will you put all those answered letters in that shelf; You will find the pigeon-holes alphabetically arranged, put each letter in the proper bundle.

4. These others are filed away in that letter-file, alphabetically also.

5. Put the file in the safe; we always keep it under lock and key (bajo llave).

6. Now give me a quire of blotting-paper, pens, nibs (puntitas), paper-fasteners and the stamp-rack (porta-estampillas).

7. These envelopes go into the waste-paper basket (cestilla).

8. Fetch that stool, please; place it before that desk (banco).

9. See to the (hacer atencion al) fire, it is going out, poke it (removerlo) a little and add some coal.

10. This is the coal scuttle (caja del carbon), the shovel (la pala) and the poker (atizador) are near the fender.

11. Hot-water pipes (tubos) are preferable to fires or stoves.

12. Yes, our chimney always smokes; it is a nuisance (ique fastidio! ique barbaridad!).

13. Post these letters. Stamp them (pongales los sellos) and notice there are some to be registered (para certificar).

14. Do not forget to put the stamp of the firm (casa).

15. If any weigh in excess (demasiado), it does not matter (no importa); put the excess postage.

16. Seal that envelope; here are the seal and sealing-wax.

LESSON XXXVI.
(Leccion trigesima sexta.)

THE ADJECTIVE (_contd_.).

The adjective _grande_ (great, large) may _precede_ or follow a noun.

If it precedes it _may_ drop the final syllable. When _grande_ (or _gran_) precedes it generally refers more to quality than to size, but this rule is not strict _at all_, as much is left to the tone of the voice and also to gesture.

When "Santo" means "holy" it is always written in full. When "Santo" means "saint" it drops the "to" before the name following.

EXCEPTIONS--

Santo Tomas (or Tome), Santo Domingo, and Santo Torribio.

But--La isla de San Tomas (the Island of St. Thomas, West Indies).

Some adjectives alter their meaning according as they precede or follow a noun, as--

Cierto hombre: A certain man. (Not "un cierto.") Una noticia cierta: A certain (sure) news.

Un pobre escritor: A poor writer--of little worth. Un escritor pobre: An impecunious writer.

Un simple favor: A simple favour. Un favor simple: A simple favour.

Un simple soldado: A simple (plain) soldier. Un hombre simple: A simple man, a simpleton.

"One" and "ones" after an adjective are always left untranslated. "Man" and "woman" in the majority of cases are also omitted, as--

Tengo algunos buenos: I have some good ones. Un frances, una francesa: A Frenchman, a Frenchwoman.

Numeral adjectives used for measurement are translated as follows--

Una plataforma de 30 pies de largo y seis pies de ancho (_also_ de 30 pies por seis): A platform 30 feet long by six feet wide.

Este tanque tiene 16 pies de profundidad: This tank is 16 feet deep.

"In" after a superlative relative is rendered by _de_, as--

Es el negociante mas prospero de la ciudad: He is the most successful merchant in the city.

The proportional adjectives are--

El doble (the double) El triple (3 fold) El cuadruplo (4 fold) El quintuple (5 fold) El sextuple (6 fold) El decuplo (10 fold) El centuplo (100 fold) Siete veces tanto (7 fold) Ocho veces tanto (8 fold). Etc., etc.

The adjective is used also adverbially, oftener in Spanish than in English, as--

Hablar claro, alto, bajo, fuerte: To speak clearly, loudly, softly, strongly.

Comprar caro, barato: To buy dear, cheap.

Ir derecho: To go straight.

Tener fuerte: To hold fast.

Exclamo ufano, cortes, enfadado, bondadoso: He proudly, courteously, angrily, kindly exclaimed.

Justo ha llegado una carta: A letter has just arrived.

Adjectives have a governing power through a preposition and then the preposition to be used belongs to the "idiom" of the language. Practice will make perfect.

The following are some examples in which the construction differs from the English--

Afable a, _or_ con, _or_ para con todos: Affable to all. Agradecido a los beneficios: Grateful for the favours. Agudo de ingenio: Sharp-witted. Ajeno de la verdad: Foreign to truth. Alegre de cascos: Light-headed. Blanco de tez: fair-complexioned. Cargado de espaldas: Round-shouldered. Codicioso, deseoso de dinero: Greedy, wishing for money. Cercano a su fin: Nearing his end. iDesdichado de mi!: Unhappy me! Dificil de comprender: Hard to understand. Dotado de buenas partes: Endowed with good parts. Duro de cabeza (de mollera), de corazon: Hard-headed, hard-hearted. Evidente para todo el mundo: Evident to all. Facil de explicar: Easy to explain. Falto de juicio: Lacking in judgment. Hermoso de ver: Beautiful to see. Lleno de cerveza, de vino: Full of (or with) beer, wine. Mayor _or_ Menor de edad: Of age, under age. Pequeno de tamano: Small in size. Rico de virtudes: Rich in virtues. Seco (enjuto) de carnes: Spare in flesh. Sorprendido de la noticia: Surprised at the news. Tardo a comprender: Slow in understanding. Triste de aspecto: Sad in countenance.

VOCABULARY.

=a la par=, at the same time =las Antillas=, the West Indies =atropellar por=, to infringe, to trample upon, also to run down (vehicles, etc.) =blando=, gentle, soft =chaconada=, jacconet =ciencia=, science, wisdom =corto=, short, brief =desarme=, disarmament =deseoso=, wishful, eager =dique=, dock =doctrina=, doctrine, knowledge =equivocarse=, to make a mistake =fletar=, to freight, to charter =forros estampados=, printed linings =hidalguia=, chivalry, nobleness, gentlemanly principles =imponerse a=, to command =inconveniencia=, unsuitability, impropriety =el inconveniente=, inconvenience =ladrillos refractarios=, firebricks =lastima=, pity, compassion =nivel=, level =principal=, principal, chief, leading =quejarse (de)=, to complain =responsable=, responsible =rizados, crespolinas=, crimps =tio=, uncle, also a coarse fellow[184] *=tropezar=, to stumble =ufano=, proud, full of dignity =velero=, sailing vessel, sailer

[Footnote 184: Also used before names instead of "Senor" among country folks.]

EXERCISE 1 (71).

Translate into English--

1. Gran lastima es, si lastima grande que las grandes naciones no se pongan de acuerdo para proclamar el desarme general.

Previous Next

Comments

Pitman's Commercial Spanish Grammar (2nd ed.)Chapter V: Part 5

0%36 min left in chapter