Spanish language Q&A Forum

The title of my question is only an example of several variations I've found on the same theme: when to use reflexive and when to use estar+participle? 

Me sorprendí cuando me propuso matrimonio

Estaba sorprendida cuando me propuso matrimonio

It seems to me that the reflexive above suggests more of an action (it surprised me...), while estar+participle suggests a state (being in a state of surprise).  

Could you explain and demonstrate by example how one might be chosen over the other?  

Also, the reflexive seems to be prompting me to add que+subjunctive (Me sorprendí que me propusiera matrimonio), but the participle version does not.

As you see, I'm a little confused and I wonder if my confusion comes from learning Latin American Spanish? The participle seems to occur more often when I read that variant. 

Saludos a todos

Why is una gata? I thought this is male noun un or el gato.

When using the de + infinitive construction, does the tense used in the main clause indicate the level of probability? Eg present = possible, future = less possible, conditional = very unlikely/impossible?

When is use of de + infinitive preferable to using the conditional si construction?

I find it interesting [and useful] that in the constructions described here, the *Present* Subjunctive is allowed - whereas we can never put a Present Subjunctive immediately after a "Si ...  " > (It usually has to be an *Imperfect* Subjunctive; or perhaps a Pluperfect one?) ... Perhaps we can say that the events in this lesson are more likely to happen than those in a "Si + Imperf. Subj." clause?

Hi teachers, 

(I know there are other lessons on this, which I've done, but I'm still confused) - Following on from Melissa's question below and using the same example for clarity; 

The relative pronoun 'el/la que' doesn't appear in this lesson, 

what would be the difference then, if we said 'El director del colegio, EL QUE trabaja duro, es respetado por todos?' 

I've always understood el/la que to mean 'THE ONE who/which', so I would think using 'el que' would imply there are two headteachers, one who works hard and is respected, and one who doesn't. 

But in a grammar book I have, it gives the example; 'Esta autora, que/quien/la cual/LA QUE vive en Brasil, va a visitar nuestra ciudad', (This author, WHO lives in Brasil...)

Please help me to understand. Thanks. 

In the lesson you give examples for estar deseando in imperfect, but not for tener ganas de. I feel pretty sure I could use tener ganas de in imperfect as well, but neither seems to fit well with preterite. 

Could you say more about how these two are used with other moods and tenses and what limitations, if any, exist.

EDIT: Sorry, I see you answered part of this in an earlier reply. However, could you indicate any other limitations that might apply. I wonder about subjunctive too.

Hello lovely Spanish speaking people, this comment is aimed at our lovely Kwiziq language content kings and queens.

The definite article, it's breaking me!  There seems to be a lot of micro learnings about the definite article through Kwiziq, and even some gems of information in this forum, but it's difficult.  I have a Spanish book that devotes 18 small font pages to when to use it and when not, but it won't stick.

Please could we consider a set of lessons (or the grouping of the current lessons) on how and when to use these tricky little items? I feel that it could be a subject all in itself.

I'm part way into level B1, so if they are in my future, I'm ok with that too.

Thanks