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Spanish Phrase

¿La biblioteca es ese gran edificio de piedra?

/la βiβli.oˈte.ka es ˈe.se ˈɡɾan eðiˈfi.θjo ðe ˈpjeðɾa/
Meaning"Is the library that big stone building?"
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Meaning

The speaker is asking for confirmation that the library is the large stone building they are pointing at. It emphasizes identity (what the building is) rather than location.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you see a big stone building and want to verify whether it houses the library, especially in a tour, a city walk, or when giving directions.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Labibliotecaesesegranedificiodepiedra?

1

Definite article agreement

The article "La" must agree in gender and number with the noun "biblioteca" (feminine singular).

2

Ser vs. Estar

Use "es" (ser) to identify what something is, not where it is; "está" would refer to location.

3

Demonstrative adjective "ese"

"Ese" points to something that is relatively farther from the speaker but close to the listener.

4

Adjective "gran" before a noun

When "gran" (great/big) precedes a noun, it drops the final "o" of "grande".

5

Noun phrase "edificio de piedra"

The prepositional phrase "de piedra" works like an adjective, describing the material of the building.

6

Question formation

Spanish questions are marked by inverted punctuation (¿) at the beginning and a regular question mark at the end.

🗨In Conversation

A

¿La biblioteca es ese gran edificio de piedra?

Is the library that big stone building?

Sí, la biblioteca está dentro de ese edificio.

Yes, the library is inside that building.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • ¿La biblioteca está ese gran edificio de piedra?

    Use "es" (ser) for identity; "está" would incorrectly ask about location.

  • ¿La biblioteca es este gran edificio de piedra?

    "Este" points to something close to the speaker; here the building is farther, so "ese" is correct.

  • ¿La biblioteca es ese grande edificio de piedra?

    Do not use "grande edificio"; when "grande" precedes a noun it becomes "gran".

↔Alternatives

  • ¿Ese gran edificio de piedra es la biblioteca?

    Is that big stone building the library?

  • ¿La biblioteca está en ese gran edificio de piedra?

    Is the library in that big stone building?

  • ¿Ese edificio de piedra es la biblioteca?

    Is that stone building the library?

es

Cultural Tip

In Spanish, "ser" is used for essential identity (what something is) while "estar" describes temporary states or locations. Also, "gran" is the shortened form of "grande" used only before a noun, which is a common source of confusion for learners. When pointing at something far from you but near the listener, "ese" is the appropriate demonstrative; "este" would be used for something close to you.