Spanish language learning forums

Spanish language learning forums (http://forums.tomisimo.org/index.php)
-   Practice & Homework (http://forums.tomisimo.org/forumdisplay.php?f=20)
-   -   The word 'do' (http://forums.tomisimo.org/showthread.php?t=22082)

brock May 07, 2017 09:39 AM

The word 'do'
 
I've read that there is no Spanish translation for the word 'do'. It can be represented with an inverted question mark. Is it true?

Rusty May 07, 2017 10:58 AM

The verb 'to do' does exist, but the auxiliary 'do' does not exist (and I just used the auxiliary twice).
In English grammar, the negation of a verb uses a form of the auxiliary 'do'. We also use it when we ask questions and when we affirm, or make emphasis.

I know. (no emphasis)
I do know. (emphasis, or affirmation)
I don't know. (negation)

Lo sé. (no emphasis)
(Yo) sí lo sé. (emphasis, or affirmation)
No lo sé. (negation)


You know the answer. ((affirmed) statement)
You don't know the answer. (negated statement)
Do you know the answer? (question)
Don't you know the answer? ((negated) question)

Sabes la respuesta. ((affirmed) statement)
No sabes la respuesta. (negated statement)
¿Sabes la respuesta? (question)
¿No sabes la respuesta? ((negated) question)

AngelicaDeAlquezar May 07, 2017 09:08 PM

I agree with Rusty. I would just like to underline that all questions must start with an inverted question mark (¿), and all exclamations must start with an inverted exclamation mark (¡). Question and exclamation marks always go in pairs. :)


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:34 PM.

Forum powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.