Spanish Phrase
¿La cocina está limpia?
Meaning
This is a direct question used to inquire about the current state of cleanliness of a kitchen. It uses the verb 'estar' because being clean is considered a temporary condition or a result of an action.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to verify if cleaning tasks are finished or if the space is ready for cooking. It is common in household chores or professional restaurant environments.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Lacocinaestálimpia?
La cocina
'Cocina' is a feminine noun, which is why it takes the feminine article 'la'.
Está
The third-person singular form of 'estar', used here to describe a temporary state or condition.
Limpia
This adjective must agree with the feminine noun 'cocina'. If the noun were masculine, it would be 'limpio'.
🗨In Conversation
¿La cocina está limpia?
Is the kitchen clean?
Sí, la limpié esta mañana.
Yes, I cleaned it this morning.
✕Common Mistakes
¿La cocina es limpia?
Use 'estar' for temporary states like cleanliness; 'ser' is for inherent characteristics.
¿La cocina está limpio?
The adjective must match the gender of the noun; 'cocina' is feminine, so use 'limpia'.
↔Alternatives
¿Está limpia la cocina?
Is the kitchen clean? (Inverted order)
¿Ya limpiaste la cocina?
Did you already clean the kitchen?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the kitchen is the focal point of the home. Asking if it is clean is often a functional question before starting a communal activity like preparing a large family meal.