Hello - my question isn't about numbers as pronouns but about the following example listed in the details...

MeghanB2Kwiziq community member

Hello - my question isn't about numbers as pronouns but about the following example listed in the details...

¿Cuántos euros te quedan en la cartera? -Me quedan ochenta.
How many euros do you have left in your purse? -I have eighty left. 

The above is using preterite translated to present perfect. This is a subject I have some trouble understanding. Wondering if quedar is one of those examples of language that doesn't translate exactly and have to accept it as an expression used and not over think it?

Asked 5 years ago
InmaKwiziq team member

Hi Meghan

I am not quite sure what you mean, sorry. Quedar is used in the present tense, not the preterite or the present perfect. Quedar is in fact a "special verb" as it doesn't have a straight forward translation. It means "to have left" (this "left" is not the participle of "leave" by the way. That may be where your confusion comes from?)

In English you say "to have left" as in "remain". For us it is simply one word, "quedar" accompanied by an indirect pronoun (me, te, le...).

Say you have 10 euros, and buy a necklace that costs 8 euros. You then would say:

"Me quedan 2 euros" --> I have 2 euros left. --> I have 2 euros remaining.

Verb quedar is one that works the same way gustar works. The order in the sentence is different:

Indirect object + queda/quedan + subject

           Me       +      quedan       + 2 euros

         To me     +      remain        + 2 euros

I hope this clarifies your doubts.

Inma

MeghanB2Kwiziq community member
Ah, yes,Thank you! I see my confusion now. There was no preterite or present perfect in either sentence. Quedar is a verb I should get "to know" better. Thanks again for your reply.

Hello - my question isn't about numbers as pronouns but about the following example listed in the details...

¿Cuántos euros te quedan en la cartera? -Me quedan ochenta.
How many euros do you have left in your purse? -I have eighty left. 

The above is using preterite translated to present perfect. This is a subject I have some trouble understanding. Wondering if quedar is one of those examples of language that doesn't translate exactly and have to accept it as an expression used and not over think it?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your Spanish level for FREE

Test your Spanish to the CEFR standard

Find your Spanish level
Getting that for you now...