A-Level Spanish Literary & Translation Mechanics (Hard)

Front

Explain the usage of 'se' in passive reflexive sentences vs. impersonal sentences.

Back

In the **passive reflexive**, the subject receives the action (e.g., *Se vendió la casa* — The house was sold). In the **impersonal 'se'**, there is no specific subject; it focuses on the action itself (e.g., *Se vive bien aquí* — One lives well here). The passive reflexive agrees the verb with the singular/plural subject, while the impersonal is always singular.

Front

Translate 'subsidised' in the context of 'subsidised theatre productions' (Arts topic).

Back

**Subvencionado** (or *subvencionadas* for feminine plural). **Context:** *Las producciones teatrales subvencionadas por el gobierno...* (Theatre productions subsidised by the government...). **Pronunciation Note:** Focus on the 'v' sound, which in standard Castilian is a soft 'b' (bilabial fricative).

Front

Distinguish between *soler* + infinitive and *acostumbrar* + infinitive.

Back

**Soler** + infinitive means “to usually do” or “to tend to” (*suele leer* = he usually reads). **Acostumbrar** + infinitive (especially in Spain) is also used with the meaning “to usually do” or “to be in the habit of,” while **acostumbrarse** + infinitive means “to get used to” doing something.

Front

Translate: 'Unless the government intervenes, the crisis will worsen.' (Conditional context)

Back

**A menos que el gobierno intervenga, la crisis empeorará.** **Grammar Point:** *A menos que* triggers the **Subjunctive Mood** (intervenga) because it expresses a hypothetical condition/uncertainty. 'Unless' is almost always a subjunctive trigger.

Front

What is the 'futuro imperfecto' (simple future) used for besides indicating future time?

Back

1. **Conjecture/Present probability:** *¿Dónde estará?* (Where can he be? -> I wonder where he is). 2. **Rhetorical questions:** *¿Quién lo diría?* (Who would say it?). 3. **Formal commands/requests:** *Pasarán por la ventanilla seis* (You will go to window six).