As explained in our introduction to Spanish past participles, such participles have characteristics of both verbs and adjectives. This dual nature can be seen most clearly in cases where the past participle is the first word of a phrase that acts like an adjective.
Such phrases are frequently used in Spanish. Here are two examples:
- El "brunch" americano es un desayuno comido a la hora de almuerzo. The American brunch is a breakfast eaten at lunchtime. (Here the phrase beginning with comido or "eaten" acts like an adjective to affect the meaning of desayuno or "breakfast.")
- Hay muchas mujeres juzgadas por el color de su piel. There are many women judged by the color of their skin. (Here the phrase beginning with juzgadas or "judged" acts as an adjective to affect the meaning of mujeres or "women.")
As you can see in these examples, the past participle in such phrases must agree in number and gender with the noun it refers to, just like adjectives do. On the other hand, it also has some of the characteristics of verbs.
Very often, past participles are used the same way in both English and Spanish. Here are two more examples:
- Este estudio analiza la distribución de la población de hispanos nacidos en el extranjero. This study analyzes the distribution of the population of Hispanics born abroad.
- Compré los tres libros recomendados por el artículo. I bought the three books recommended by the article.
Even so, there are differences in the way that past participles can be used in Spanish and English. While the past-participle examples given above in Spanish could be translated word by word to English, that isn't always the case. As the following examples show, the past participle can be used quite flexibly in Spanish to begin phrases. If translating to English, you may need to be a bit creative:
- Hoy queremos compartirles la receta para hacer las fresas cubiertas de chocolate. Today we want to share with you the recipe for making chocolate-covered strawberries.
- Tengo tres amigas muertas por anorexia. I have three friends who have died of anorexia.
- Llegados a la Playa de Navia, nos acercaremos al bonito mirador. When we arrive at Navia Beach, we will approach the pretty viewpoint.
- Además, una vez construida la casa, existe también un importante ahorro económico en sistemas de climatización. Furthermore, once the house is constructed, there are important economic savings from the climate-control systems.
- Después de comprendida la verdad, sabrá lo que hacer. After he understands the truth, he will know what to do.
