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margojean

Aug 15, 2006, 8:16 AM

Post #1 of 8 (3351 views)

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I need a phrase...

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I am writing a note to my gardener. I use "usted" in addressing him. If I say "Esta buen jardinero" it sounds to me like "It is.. " rather than "You are..." If I say Usted esta buen..." it sounds redundant. What is the correct form for saying "you are a good gardener" ?

Margot
margojean

esperanza

Aug 15, 2006, 8:18 AM

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Re: [margojean] I need a phrase...

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Qué buen jardinero es usted.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

margojean

Aug 15, 2006, 8:29 AM

Post #3 of 8 (3348 views)

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Re: [esperanza] I need a phrase...

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Gracias, Esperanza. I wasn't even close.

Margot
margojean

jerezano

Aug 15, 2006, 12:44 PM

Post #4 of 8 (3337 views)

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Re: [margojean] I need a phrase...

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Hello Margojean,

Esperanza as usual came up with an excellent reply for you. But you need to note that in no way did she use the Estar verb since being a good jardinero is a characteristic of the person and she used the Ser verb. The estar verb would give the impression that he appeared to be a good jardinero--but, sarcastically, just might not be. A good lesson to note.

Adiós. jerezano.

esperanza

Aug 15, 2006, 1:49 PM

Post #5 of 8 (3332 views)

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