When something sobra, it means there is more of it than you need or want. Think of it like having extra. For example, if you bake too many cookies, the cookies that are left over would sobrar.
It's often used with the indirect object pronoun 'me', 'te', 'le', etc., to show who has the excess. So, if I have too much food, I'd say 'Me sobra comida'. If you have too much time, you'd say 'Te sobra tiempo'.
When something "sobra" (so-brah), it means there's more than you need, or it's left over. Imagine you're cooking, and you have some ingredients left after preparing the meal. Those ingredients "sobran". Or, if you buy too much of something, the extra amount "sobra". It's a useful verb to talk about having a surplus or something being redundant.
When something sobra, it means there's more than enough of it, or it's extra. Think of it like having leftovers after a meal – that's comida que sobra. You can also use it to say someone has too much of something, for example, if someone has too much money, you could say le sobra dinero. It's often used with indirect object pronouns to indicate who has the excess.
When using the verb "sobrar" at a B2 level, it's important to understand its nuances beyond just "to be left over." You'll often see it used in contexts where something is superfluous or more than what is needed.
Consider its use with indirect object pronouns to indicate *who* has something in excess. For example, "Me sobra tiempo" means "I have time left over" or "I have more than enough time."
It can also imply that something is unnecessary or redundant, such as "Esa silla sobra aquí," meaning "That chair is superfluous/not needed here."
Pay attention to the construction "A alguien le sobra algo" for situations where someone has an abundance of something, often implying they don't need it or could do without it.
When we talk about something 'sobrando', we mean there's more of it than needed or expected. Imagine you're at a party and there's a lot of food left after everyone has eaten – that food 'sobra'.
It's often used impersonally with 'me', 'te', 'le', etc., to say 'I have too much of something' or 'there's too much for me'. For example, if you say 'Me sobra dinero', it means you have money left over or more money than you need.
Another common use is to express that something is unnecessary or redundant. If a comment 'sobra', it means the comment was not needed. It's a very practical verb for everyday situations.
When we talk about something being "left over" or "in excess" in Spanish, we use the verb sobrar. It's a really practical verb that you'll hear a lot in everyday conversations.
Think of it like this: if you have more of something than you need, that's where sobrar comes in. For example, if you made too much food, you'd say "La comida sobró" (The food was left over).
It often works similarly to verbs like "gustar," where the thing that is left over is the subject of the verb. So, if you have extra time, you might say "Me sobra tiempo" (I have time left over / I have extra time).
This verb is super useful for expressing quantities that exceed what's necessary or desired, whether it's food, time, money, or anything else.
sobrar en 30 secondes
- When you have too much of something, it 'sobra'.
- Often used impersonally with 'me', 'te', 'le', etc., to say 'I have too much'.
- Think of it as 'to be extra' or 'to remain'.
§ What 'Sobrar' Means and When to Use It
Let's talk about the Spanish verb 'sobrar'. At its core, 'sobrar' means 'to be left over' or 'to be in excess'. It's a really practical verb that you'll hear and use a lot in everyday conversations. Think about situations where you have more of something than you need, or when there's an extra amount of something.
The easiest way to understand 'sobrar' is to compare it to English phrases like 'to have leftovers' after a meal, or 'to have extra' money. It's often used when you're talking about quantities, whether it's food, time, money, or even people. It's about a surplus, something that isn't completely consumed or used up.
- DEFINITION
- To be left over; to be in excess.
You'll often hear 'sobrar' used in sentences where the 'leftover' item is the subject of the verb. This is a bit different from how we might phrase it in English. For example, instead of saying 'I have extra food', a Spanish speaker might say 'The food is left over to me'. Don't worry, we'll look at examples to make this clearer.
Let's dive into some common scenarios where 'sobrar' comes in handy:
- Talking about food: This is probably one of the most common uses. After a big meal, if there's food remaining, you use 'sobrar'.
- Referring to time: If you have more time than you need to complete a task, 'sobrar' is the verb.
- Regarding money: When you have extra money after paying all your expenses.
- About objects or items: If you have spare parts, extra clothes, or anything that's more than what's strictly necessary.
- With people: Less common, but you can use it if there are more people than required for a task or event, implying some are 'superfluous'.
The key is that 'sobrar' highlights the fact that something exists beyond what is needed or expected. It's about a surplus. It's not about lacking something; it's the opposite – having more than enough.
Después de la fiesta, sobró mucha comida. (After the party, a lot of food was left over.)
Here, 'mucha comida' (a lot of food) is the subject of 'sobró'. The food is what 'was left over'.
Me sobran veinte euros este mes. (Twenty euros are left over for me this month. / I have twenty euros extra this month.)
In this example, 'veinte euros' (twenty euros) is the subject. The 'me' indicates who has the extra money. It's a common construction in Spanish for verbs like 'gustar' (to like), and 'sobrar' often follows this pattern when referring to something being left over *for* someone.
Another common way to use 'sobrar' is to indicate that something is unnecessary or redundant. If something 'sobra', it means it shouldn't be there, or it's not needed.
Tu opinión aquí sobra. (Your opinion here is unnecessary / is out of place.)
This usage can be quite direct, sometimes even implying disapproval. It's saying that the opinion is 'in excess' of what's required or wanted.
So, when you're looking at a situation and trying to decide if 'sobrar' is the right verb, ask yourself: Is there more of this than needed? Is there an excess? If the answer is yes, then 'sobrar' is likely your word. It's a really versatile verb once you get the hang of its somewhat indirect construction compared to English.
Keep practicing with these examples, and you'll find 'sobrar' becoming a natural part of your Spanish vocabulary. It’s truly an A2 verb that opens up many common conversation topics.
§ Basic Use: What 'Sobra' Means
The verb 'sobrar' literally means 'to be left over' or 'to be in excess.' Think about when you have more of something than you need or want. That's when 'sobrar' comes in handy. It's an A2 level verb, so it's quite common and useful in everyday conversation.
- Definition
- To be left over, to be in excess.
§ Conjugation of 'Sobra'
'Sobra' is a regular -ar verb. However, it's often used similarly to 'gustar,' which means the thing that is in excess or left over is the subject, and the person who has too much is the indirect object. This is a crucial point to understand.
- Present Tense:
- (Yo) sobro - I have too much (of something implied)
- (Tú) sobras - You have too much
- (Él/Ella/Usted) sobra - He/She/You (formal) has too much
- (Nosotros) sobramos - We have too much
- (Vosotros) sobráis - You all (informal, Spain) have too much
- (Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes) sobran - They/You all (formal) have too much
§ 'Sobra' with Indirect Object Pronouns
This is where it gets interesting. Often, you'll use 'sobrar' with indirect object pronouns (me, te, le, nos, os, les) to indicate *who* has something left over or in excess. The structure is usually: Indirect Object Pronoun + Sobra/Sobran + Noun/Thing.
Me sobra tiempo. (I have too much time left over. / I have time to spare.)
Nos sobran tres sillas. (We have three chairs left over. / There are three chairs in excess for us.)
¿Te sobra un bolígrafo? (Do you have a pen to spare? / Is there a pen left over for you?)
§ 'Sobra' without an Indirect Object Pronoun
You can also use 'sobrar' without an indirect object pronoun, especially when the context of who has the excess is clear or irrelevant. In this case, it simply means 'to be left over' or 'to remain.'
Después de la fiesta, sobró mucha comida. (After the party, a lot of food was left over.)
Si sobran galletas, las llevaré a casa. (If there are cookies left over, I'll take them home.)
§ Common Phrases with 'Sobra'
Here are some useful phrases that often incorporate 'sobrar':
- Sobrar decir que... (It goes without saying that...) - This is an impersonal expression.
- Lo que sobra... (What's left over... / The excess...) - Used to refer to the remainder.
- Sobrar espacio (To have space left over / To have plenty of space)
Sobra decir que debes estudiar para el examen. (It goes without saying that you should study for the exam.)
Con lo que me sobra de dinero, compraré un libro. (With the money I have left over, I'll buy a book.)
En esta habitación sobra espacio. (In this room, there's plenty of space.)
§ Avoiding Common Mistakes
A common mistake is to confuse 'sobrar' with 'faltar' (to be lacking/missing). While they are opposites, their grammatical structure is very similar (both use indirect object pronouns when referring to a person). Just remember: 'sobrar' for too much, 'faltar' for not enough.
Me sobran dos euros. (I have two euros left over/extra.)
Me faltan dos euros. (I'm missing two euros. / I need two more euros.)
Mastering 'sobrar' will significantly improve your ability to talk about quantities and availability in Spanish. Pay attention to the subject-verb agreement and the use of indirect object pronouns, and you'll be using it like a native in no time.
§ What 'Sobrar' Means
- Spanish Word
- sobrar (verb)
- CEFR Level
- A2
- Definition
- To be left over, to be in excess.
The verb 'sobrar' is super useful in Spanish, especially when you're talking about things being extra or more than needed. It's not about being 'left' in the sense of physically departing, but rather about quantities or items remaining after something else has been used or accounted for.
Think of it as 'to be in surplus' or 'to be redundant.' It's a common word you'll hear in daily conversations, so let's break down where and how you'll encounter it.
§ At Work
In a work setting, 'sobrar' comes in handy when discussing resources, supplies, or even time. Imagine you're managing a project or inventory.
Después de terminar el proyecto, sobraron muchas horas de trabajo. (After finishing the project, many work hours were left over.)
Si sobra material, podemos usarlo para el próximo encargo. (If there's excess material, we can use it for the next order.)
§ At School
In a school context, 'sobrar' might refer to leftover supplies, extra time during an exam, or even too many students for a group activity.
Me sobran quince minutos para revisar el examen. (I have fifteen minutes left over to review the exam. / Fifteen minutes are in excess for me to review the exam.)
Siempre sobran algunos lápices al final del año escolar. (There are always some pencils left over at the end of the school year.)
You might also hear it in a slightly more figurative sense, like when someone has an abundance of a particular quality or trait:
A él le sobra confianza. (He has plenty of confidence. / Confidence is in excess for him.)
§ In the News
News reports often use 'sobrar' when discussing economic surpluses, unused resources, or even an abundance of certain problems.
El país tiene un excedente porque le sobra petróleo. (The country has a surplus because it has excess oil.)
Según el informe, sobran viviendas vacías en la ciudad. (According to the report, there are many empty homes left over in the city.)
§ Common Phrases and Uses
Here are some other common ways you'll hear 'sobrar':
Me sobra dinero: I have money left over / I have too much money.
Le sobran palabras: He talks too much / He has words to spare.
¿Qué te sobra? What do you have left over? (Often used when offering something you don't need.)
Remember, 'sobrar' is about having an excess or something remaining. It's a simple verb once you get the hang of its indirect structure. Pay attention to what is 'sobrando' and who it is 'sobrando to' (using the indirect object pronoun).
§ Don't Confuse 'Sobrar' with 'Dejar' or 'Salir'
Many learners mistakenly try to use 'dejar' (to leave something behind) or 'salir' (to leave, to come out) when they actually mean 'sobrar'. While these verbs can sometimes be used in situations involving something being 'left', they don't carry the specific meaning of being 'in excess' or 'left over' in the same way 'sobrar' does. 'Sobrar' implies an abundance or an amount that isn't needed.
Correct: Nos sobraron tres pasteles. (Three cakes were left over for us.)
Incorrect (for 'left over' in excess): Dejamos tres pasteles. (We left three cakes. - This implies we chose to leave them, not that they were extra.)
Incorrect (for 'left over' in excess): Salieron tres pasteles. (Three cakes came out. - This means they emerged, not that they were in excess.)
§ Getting the Subject-Verb Agreement Wrong
Since 'sobrar' often functions like 'gustar' (to like), where the thing that is 'left over' is the grammatical subject, learners sometimes struggle with agreement. The verb 'sobrar' must agree with the item or items that are in excess, not the person for whom they are in excess.
Correct: Me sobra tiempo. (I have time left over / Time is left over for me.) - 'Tiempo' is singular.
Correct: Nos sobran dos sillas. (Two chairs are left over for us.) - 'Sillas' is plural.
Incorrect: Me sobran tiempo. (Incorrect agreement; 'tiempo' is singular.)
§ Overusing 'Sobrar' for Simple 'Having Too Much'
While 'sobrar' means to be in excess, you don't always need it to express having too much of something. Sometimes, a simpler construction with 'tener demasiado' (to have too much) is more natural, especially when you are emphasizing the quantity rather than the idea of being a surplus after a need is met.
Natural: Tenemos demasiada comida. (We have too much food.)
Less common/More formal: Nos sobra comida. (Food is left over for us.) - This implies we had enough and now there's extra.
§ Incorrect Use with Direct Objects
'Sobrar' does not take a direct object in the same way many English verbs do. Instead, the person or thing experiencing the excess is indicated by an indirect object pronoun (me, te, le, nos, os, les).
Correct: Te sobran ganas. (You have plenty of desire / Desire is left over for you.)
Incorrect: Tú sobras ganas. (Grammatically incorrect.)
§ Using 'Sobrar' for 'Spare' or 'Free Time'
While 'sobrar' can relate to having extra time, directly translating 'spare time' or 'free time' with 'tiempo que sobra' isn't always the most natural or common expression. More typical phrases exist for these concepts.
- DEFINITION
- Tiempo libre: Free time, leisure time.
- DEFINITION
- Rato libre: A bit of free time, a spare moment.
More natural: ¿Tienes tiempo libre este fin de semana? (Do you have free time this weekend?)
Using 'sobrar' for time implies having more than needed for a specific task: Nos sobra una hora para terminar el proyecto. (We have an hour left over to finish the project.)
§ When to use 'sobrar' vs. 'quedar' or 'restar'
Alright, let's talk about 'sobrar' and some other words that might seem similar at first glance. While 'sobrar' means 'to be left over' or 'to be in excess,' there are other verbs like 'quedar' and 'restar' that can also imply something remaining. It's important to understand the subtle differences to use them correctly.
Think of 'sobrar' as specifically highlighting an *excess* – more than what is needed or wanted. It often implies that something is superfluous.
- Spanish Word
- Sobra
This is our main word. It means 'to be left over' in the sense of being in excess or more than enough.
Si te sobra tiempo, ayúdame con esto. (If you have extra time, help me with this.)
La comida que sobró la guardamos para mañana. (The food that was left over we saved for tomorrow.)
§ 'Quedar': To remain, to be left
Now let's look at 'quedar'. This verb is much broader and can mean 'to remain', 'to be left', 'to fit', 'to stay', and even 'to look' (as in how clothes look on someone). When it comes to things being 'left over', 'quedar' often implies a simple remaining quantity, without necessarily emphasizing excess.
- Spanish Word
- Quedar
This verb is very versatile. In the context of 'remaining,' it's about what is left from an initial amount, not necessarily an excess.
Solo quedan dos manzanas. (Only two apples remain.)
¿Cuánto dinero te queda? (How much money do you have left?)
§ 'Restar': To remain (after subtraction)
'Restar' is more mathematical. It means 'to subtract' or 'to remain' after a subtraction has taken place. You'll typically see this in contexts where numbers or quantities are being reduced.
- Spanish Word
- Restar
This verb is often used when calculating what's left after something has been taken away.
Después de pagar las cuentas, nos restan cien euros. (After paying the bills, one hundred euros remain for us.)
Si a diez le restas tres, te quedan siete. (If you subtract three from ten, you are left with seven.)
§ Key Differences Summarized
To make it super clear, here's a quick rundown of when to use each:
- Sobrar: Use this when something is *in excess* or *more than needed*. It implies a surplus.
- Quedar: Use this for general 'remaining' or 'being left'. It doesn't necessarily imply excess, just what is left after some action or passage of time.
- Restar: Use this when talking about what *remains after subtraction*, often in a more formal or mathematical context.
How Formal Is It?
"La cantidad de datos excede nuestras expectativas."
"Sobran dos sillas en la sala de reuniones."
"Me quedan cinco euros después de pagar."
"Hay muchos caramelos, ¡muchos de verdad!"
"Se me pasa el tiempo volando."
Le savais-tu ?
The 'super-' prefix in Latin often implies 'over' or 'above', which helps connect to 'being left over' or 'in excess'.
Guide de prononciation
- Rolling the 'r' too hard or not enough.
- Misplacing the stress on the first syllable (SO-brar).
Niveau de difficulté
short
short
short
short
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Use 'sobrar' with an indirect object pronoun to indicate who has an excess of something. For example, 'Me sobran dos manzanas' (I have two apples left over / I have an excess of two apples).
A ellos les sobra tiempo para terminar el proyecto. (They have plenty of time left to finish the project.)
'Sobrar' can be used impersonally with 'hay' to say 'there is too much' or 'there is an excess'. For example, 'Hay mucha comida que sobra' (There is a lot of food left over).
En la fiesta, había tanta gente que sobraban sillas. (At the party, there were so many people that there were chairs left over.)
When referring to money, 'sobrar' means 'to have money left over'. For example, 'Me sobra dinero después de comprar el libro' (I have money left over after buying the book).
Si te sobra cambio, puedes guardarlo. (If you have change left over, you can keep it.)
'Sobrar' can also express that something is unnecessary or redundant. For example, 'Tu comentario sobra' (Your comment is unnecessary/superfluous).
Ese adorno sobra en la pared, ya hay muchos. (That ornament is superfluous on the wall, there are already many.)
When using 'sobrar' with quantities, the quantity often comes before the verb. For example, 'Tres días sobran para ese viaje' (Three days are more than enough for that trip).
Dos horas nos sobran para llegar a tiempo. (Two hours are plenty for us to arrive on time.)
Exemples par niveau
Hay mucha comida, va a sobrar.
There is a lot of food, it is going to be left over.
Me sobra un euro.
I have one euro left over. (Literally: One euro is left over to me.)
This construction is common for 'to have X left over'.
¿Sobró pastel de la fiesta?
Was there cake left over from the party?
Si sobra tiempo, podemos ir al parque.
If there is time left over, we can go to the park.
No me sobra energía para salir hoy.
I don't have enough energy to go out today. (Literally: Energy is not left over to me.)
Nos sobran dos sillas en la mesa.
We have two extra chairs at the table. (Literally: Two chairs are left over to us.)
Esta ropa me sobra, es muy grande.
These clothes are too big for me. (Literally: These clothes are left over to me.)
Con tanto trabajo, me sobran las ganas de descansar.
With so much work, I really want to rest. (Literally: The desire to rest is left over to me.)
Después de la fiesta, sobró mucha comida.
After the party, a lot of food was left over.
Here, 'sobró' is used impersonally, meaning 'there was food left over'.
¿Quieres más? Creo que sobra un poco de pastel.
Do you want more? I think there's a little cake left.
'Sobra' is used to indicate that an excess of something exists.
Me sobra tiempo para terminar el proyecto.
I have enough time (more than needed) to finish the project.
Used with an indirect object pronoun ('me'), it means 'I have time to spare'.
Si te sobra algo de dinero, ¿podrías prestarme un poco?
If you have some money left over, could you lend me a little?
'Te sobra' means 'you have some left over'.
No te preocupes por el espacio, nos sobra sitio en el coche.
Don't worry about the space, we have plenty of room in the car.
Similar to 'me sobra tiempo', 'nos sobra sitio' means 'we have space to spare'.
Esos pantalones te sobran, son muy grandes.
Those pants are too big for you.
Used with an indirect object pronoun and a plural subject, it means 'they are too big/much for you'.
Con todo lo que ha comido, la verdad es que la cena le sobra.
With all he's eaten, the truth is that dinner is too much for him.
Similar to the previous example, indicating an excess for someone.
No sobra decir que su trabajo fue excelente.
It goes without saying that his work was excellent.
This is an idiomatic expression, 'no sobra decir', meaning 'it's not necessary to say'.
Después de la fiesta, sobraron muchas patatas fritas.
After the party, many chips were left over.
Here, 'sobrar' is used impersonally with the plural subject 'muchas patatas fritas'.
Me sobró un poco de tiempo antes de la reunión, así que leí un libro.
I had a little time left over before the meeting, so I read a book.
'Me sobró' means 'I had left over' or 'there was left over for me'.
Si te sobra dinero al final del mes, puedes ahorrarlo.
If you have money left over at the end of the month, you can save it.
Used conditionally, 'si te sobra' indicates 'if there is left over for you'.
Sobran razones para visitar este hermoso país.
There are plenty of reasons to visit this beautiful country.
'Sobran razones' implies 'reasons abound' or 'there are more than enough reasons'.
No quiero que sobre comida, así que cocina solo lo necesario.
I don't want food to be left over, so cook only what's necessary.
Used in the subjunctive ('que sobre') due to the expression of desire.
Esta pieza de madera me sobra; no la necesito para el proyecto.
This piece of wood is in excess for me; I don't need it for the project.
'Me sobra' here means 'I have too much of' or 'it's extra for me'.
Si te sobra un asiento en el coche, ¿me puedes llevar?
If you have a spare seat in the car, can you give me a ride?
Refers to an extra or available seat.
Aunque algunos creen que estas leyes sobran, son importantes para la seguridad.
Although some believe these laws are unnecessary, they are important for safety.
'Sobran' in this context means 'are superfluous' or 'are not needed'.
Después de la fiesta, sobró mucha comida.
After the party, a lot of food was left over.
Here, 'sobrar' is used impersonally with 'comida' as the subject.
Nos sobraron dos entradas para el concierto, ¿quieres ir?
We had two tickets left over for the concert, do you want to go?
Used with an indirect object pronoun 'nos' to indicate 'we had left over'.
Si te sobra tiempo, podrías ayudarme con esto.
If you have some extra time (if time is left over for you), you could help me with this.
Used with 'te' to mean 'if you have extra time'.
No quiero que sobre nada, así que come todo lo que puedas.
I don't want anything to be left over, so eat all you can.
Used in the subjunctive mood to express desire or negation.
El dinero que me sobró lo guardé para un viaje.
The money that was left over for me I saved for a trip.
Used in the past tense to describe money that remained.
Creo que este ingrediente está sobrando en la receta, no es necesario.
I think this ingredient is in excess in the recipe, it's not necessary.
Used in the present participle 'sobrando' to describe an ongoing state of being in excess.
¿Crees que nos sobrará arroz si cocinamos tanto?
Do you think we'll have rice left over if we cook so much?
Used in the future tense with 'nos' to ask about a future excess.
Aunque limpió mucho, siempre le sobraban algunas tareas.
Even though he cleaned a lot, he always had some tasks left over.
Used in the imperfect tense to describe a recurring situation in the past.
Souvent confondu avec
This is a common idiom meaning 'to have plenty of' or 'to have more than enough'. It emphasizes the abundance.
Similar to 'sobrar' when referring to items remaining for someone, but 'quedar' doesn't necessarily imply an excess, just what is left.
A more direct, though less idiomatic, way to say something is 'extra'. 'Sobrar' is generally more natural for things 'being left over' or 'being in excess'.
Modèles grammaticaux
Facile à confondre
'Sobrar' is often confused because it doesn't have a direct one-to-one translation in English that covers all its nuances. Learners might overthink how to express 'to be left over' or 'to be in excess' and resort to more complicated phrases.
It implies that there is more than needed or expected. It's about an 'excess' or something 'remaining' after a need is met or a quantity is specified. It often uses an indirect object pronoun to indicate for whom or what something is in excess.
Me sobra dinero. (I have money left over / I have too much money.) | Nos sobraron dos sillas. (We had two chairs left over.) | Esta tela sobra. (This fabric is extra/left over.)
While 'sobrar' means 'to be in excess', 'faltar' means 'to be lacking' or 'to be missing'. They are often confused because both use similar grammatical structures with indirect object pronouns.
'Faltar' is the opposite of 'sobrar'. It means there isn't enough of something, or something is missing. Like 'sobrar', it often uses an indirect object pronoun.
Me falta dinero. (I need money / I'm short on money.) | Nos faltan dos sillas. (We are missing two chairs.) | Esta tela falta. (This fabric is missing/not enough.)
'Quedar' can also mean 'to be left' or 'to remain', leading to confusion with 'sobrar', especially when talking about remaining items.
While 'sobrar' specifically implies an excess, 'quedar' is more general and just means 'to remain' or 'to be left'. It doesn't necessarily carry the connotation of 'too much'.
Quedan tres galletas. (Three cookies are left.) | Después de la fiesta, quedaron muchos vasos. (After the party, many glasses were left.)
'Restar' means 'to subtract' or 'to remain', which can overlap with the idea of 'what is left over' from 'sobrar'.
'Restar' is primarily about subtraction (mathematically) or about something 'remaining' after a part has been taken away. It's less about an initial excess and more about what's left after a process of reduction.
Si restas cinco de diez, restan cinco. (If you subtract five from ten, five remain.) | ¿Cuánto dinero te resta? (How much money do you have left? [after spending])
'Exceder' directly translates to 'to exceed', which seems very close to 'sobrar's' meaning of 'to be in excess'.
'Exceder' is more formal and often implies going over a limit or a specific quantity. 'Sobrar' is more commonly used in everyday speech to express having more than what's needed or remaining items.
La cantidad excede el límite permitido. (The quantity exceeds the permitted limit.) | No excedas la velocidad. (Don't exceed the speed.)
Structures de phrases
Hay X que sobra(n).
Hay comida que sobra. (There is food left over.)
X me/te/le/nos/os/les sobra(n).
Me sobra una manzana. (I have an apple left over / an apple is in excess for me.)
Sobran X.
Sobran dos sillas. (Two chairs are left over.)
No me/te/le/nos/os/les sobra nada.
No me sobra nada. (I have nothing left over.)
Sobra decir que...
Sobra decir que estoy contento. (It goes without saying that I am happy.)
Sobrar dinero/tiempo/comida.
Siempre me sobra tiempo. (I always have time left over.)
Tener algo que sobra.
Tengo un poco de energía que me sobra. (I have a little energy left over.)
La cantidad que sobra.
La cantidad de comida que sobra es grande. (The amount of food left over is large.)
Comment l'utiliser
Use sobrar to talk about having more of something than is needed or expected. It often implies an excess or surplus. Think of it like saying 'there is something left over' or 'something is in excess.' You can also use it to express that someone has more of something than they need.
Examples:
- Nos sobró comida. (We had food left over.)
- Me sobra dinero este mes. (I have extra money this month.)
- Sobran asientos en el cine. (There are plenty of seats left at the cinema. / There are seats in excess at the cinema.)
A common mistake is confusing sobrar with faltar, which means 'to be lacking' or 'to be missing.' They are opposites. Another mistake is trying to use it like 'to remain' in the sense of staying somewhere, for which you would use quedar.
Incorrect: Yo sobro aquí. (Meaning: I remain here.)
Correct: Yo me quedo aquí. (I remain/stay here.)
Incorrect: Tenemos sobrante tiempo. (Trying to use it as an adjective directly.)
Correct: Nos sobra tiempo. (We have time left over. / We have extra time.)
Astuces
Basic use of 'sobrar'
Think of 'sobrar' as meaning 'to be left over'. For example, if you have food left over after a meal, you can use 'sobrar'.
Conjugation practice
'Sobrar' is a regular -ar verb. Practice its conjugations in common tenses. For example, 'sobra' (it is left over), 'sobraron' (they were left over).
Using with indirect object pronouns
Often, 'sobrar' is used with indirect object pronouns to indicate who has the excess. 'Me sobra' means 'I have too much' or 'it is left over for me'.
Expressing 'too much' or 'more than enough'
When something 'sobra', it means there's more than enough of it. This can be food, money, time, etc.
Example: Money
If you have extra money, you could say: 'Me sobra dinero.' (I have money left over.)
Example: Food
After a big meal, you might say: 'Sobró mucha comida.' (A lot of food was left over.)
Example: Time
If you finish early, you could say: 'Nos sobró tiempo.' (We had extra time.)
Distinguish from 'faltar'
Remember that 'sobrar' is the opposite of 'faltar' (to be missing, to lack). 'Me sobra dinero' (I have money left over) vs. 'Me falta dinero' (I lack money).
Common phrases
A common phrase is 'Eso sobra' meaning 'That's unnecessary' or 'That's too much'.
Practice with sentences
Create your own sentences using 'sobrar' to describe situations where something is in excess or left over in your daily life.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of 'sobrar' sounding a bit like 'SO BRR! It's so cold, I have SO MANY layers left over to put on!'
Association visuelle
Imagine a big, overflowing plate of food, with so much left over that it's literally spilling off the plate. This visual represents 'sobrar' – there's more than enough, it's in excess.
Word Web
Défi
Describe a recent meal where you had too much food. What 'sobró'? Write two sentences in Spanish using 'sobrar' to talk about what was left over.
Origine du mot
Latin 'superare'
Sens originel : to overcome, surmount, remain over
Indo-European, Italic, RomanceContexte culturel
<p>Understanding 'sobrar' is useful in everyday Spanish conversations, particularly when discussing food, time, or resources. It's often heard in contexts like 'Me sobra tiempo' (I have time left over) or 'Sobró comida' (There was food left over).</p>
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Food and drink portions
- Me sobra comida. (I have food left over.)
- No te preocupes, sobra mucho. (Don't worry, there's plenty left.)
- ¿Quieres lo que sobra? (Do you want what's left over?)
Time management
- Me sobra tiempo hoy. (I have extra time today.)
- Siempre le sobra tiempo para sus pasatiempos. (He always has time left over for his hobbies.)
- No nos sobra el tiempo. (We don't have time to spare.)
Money and resources
- Este mes me sobra dinero. (This month I have money left over.)
- Nos sobran recursos para el proyecto. (We have resources left over for the project.)
- No nos sobra nada. (We don't have anything left over.)
Things that are unnecessary or unwanted
- Ese sofá nos sobra en la sala. (That sofa is extra in our living room / We don't need that sofa in the living room.)
- Tu opinión aquí sobra. (Your opinion is not needed here / Your opinion is superfluous here.)
- Hay gente que sobra en la fiesta. (There are too many people at the party / There are people who are not wanted at the party.)
Counting and quantities
- Sobra uno. (One is left over.)
- Si sobran manzanas, dámelas. (If there are apples left over, give them to me.)
- Cuando sobran sillas, las guardamos. (When there are extra chairs, we store them.)
Amorces de conversation
"¿Siempre te sobra comida cuando pides en un restaurante?"
"¿Qué haces cuando te sobra tiempo libre en un día de trabajo?"
"¿Qué cosas tienes en casa que te sobran y deberías donar o vender?"
"¿Alguna vez te sientes que tu opinión sobra en una conversación?"
"Cuando compras algo, ¿calculas bien o siempre te sobra algo?"
Sujets d'écriture
Describe una situación reciente en la que te sobró algo (comida, tiempo, dinero). ¿Qué hiciste con ello?
Piensa en algo que tienes en exceso y te gustaría reducir. ¿Cómo podrías hacerlo?
Escribe sobre una experiencia donde sentiste que te sobraba en un grupo o situación. ¿Cómo te sentiste y qué hiciste?
Si te sobrara una gran cantidad de dinero inesperadamente, ¿cuáles serían las tres primeras cosas que harías con él?
Reflexiona sobre cómo manejas las cosas que te sobran en tu vida (ropa, información, tareas). ¿Eres bueno optimizando o acumulas?
Teste-toi 174 questions
Hay mucha comida. Creo que va a ___.
If there is a lot of food, it means there will be some left over.
Compré diez manzanas, pero solo necesito cinco. Las otras van a ___.
If you buy more than you need, the extra items are left over.
Después de la fiesta, siempre ___ mucha basura.
After a party, there is usually a lot of trash left over.
Tenemos demasiado tiempo. Nos va a ___.
If you have too much time, it means you will have some left over.
Si pones mucho azúcar en el café, el azúcar va a ___.
If you add too much sugar, some of it will be left over at the bottom.
Compré muchas galletas. Van a ___.
If you buy a lot of cookies, it's likely some will be left over.
Choose the best translation for 'Me sobra dinero.'
'Sobrar' means to be left over or to be in excess. So, 'Me sobra dinero' means 'I have extra money.'
Which sentence uses 'sobrar' correctly?
'No me sobran amigos' means 'I don't have friends to spare' or 'I don't have too many friends.' The other options are grammatically incorrect in this context.
If you have too many cookies, what would you say?
'Me sobran galletas' means 'I have extra cookies' or 'I have too many cookies.'
If something 'sobra', it means there isn't enough of it.
If something 'sobra', it means there is an excess of it, or it is left over.
'Me sobran dos manzanas' means 'I have two apples left over.'
Correct. 'Me sobran dos manzanas' translates to 'I have two apples left over' or 'I have two extra apples.'
You can use 'sobrar' to talk about having extra time.
Yes, you can say 'Me sobra tiempo' to mean 'I have extra time.'
Listen for how many apples are left over.
Listen for what there is an excess of.
Listen to find out if there is any food left.
Read this aloud:
Sobran tres libros.
Focus: so-bran, tres, li-bros
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Me sobra dinero.
Focus: me, so-bra, di-ne-ro
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
No le sobra espacio.
Focus: no, le, so-bra, es-pa-cio
Tu as dit :
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Imagine you have too many apples. Write a short sentence in Spanish saying you have apples left over.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Me sobran muchas manzanas.
You made too much food. Write a simple Spanish sentence about having food left over.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
La comida sobra.
Your friend gave you too many pencils. Write a sentence in Spanish saying pencils are left over for you.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Me sobran los lápices.
¿Cuántas galletas le sobran a la persona?
Read this passage:
Tengo cinco galletas y solo quiero comer tres. Me sobran dos galletas.
¿Cuántas galletas le sobran a la persona?
The passage states 'Me sobran dos galletas' (Two cookies are left over for me).
The passage states 'Me sobran dos galletas' (Two cookies are left over for me).
¿Sobran sillas en la clase?
Read this passage:
Hay diez estudiantes en la clase, pero solo tenemos ocho sillas. Las sillas no sobran.
¿Sobran sillas en la clase?
The passage says 'Las sillas no sobran' (The chairs are not left over).
The passage says 'Las sillas no sobran' (The chairs are not left over).
¿Qué le sobra a la persona?
Read this passage:
Compré muchos libros para la escuela. Ahora me sobran libros en casa.
¿Qué le sobra a la persona?
The passage states 'me sobran libros' (books are left over for me).
The passage states 'me sobran libros' (books are left over for me).
The verb 'sobrar' comes first, then the quantity 'mucha' and finally the noun 'agua'.
The verb 'sobrar' comes first, then the quantity 'mucha' and finally the noun 'comida'.
The verb 'sobran' (plural) comes first, then the number 'tres' and finally the noun 'libros'.
Si pides mucha pizza, te va a ___.
The context implies having too much pizza, so 'sobrar' (to be left over) is the correct verb.
No necesito más dinero, de hecho, me ___ un poco.
The speaker doesn't need more money, indicating an excess, so 'sobra' (is left over/in excess) is correct.
Después de la fiesta, ___ mucha comida en la mesa.
The past tense of 'sobrar' (sobró) is used here to indicate that food was left over after the party.
Con solo dos personas, este pastel es muy grande, va a ___.
A very large cake for two people means there will be an excess, hence 'sobrar'.
Siempre que cocino para la familia, me ___ un poco de arroz.
The pattern of cooking for family often results in having some rice left over, so 'sobra' is appropriate.
Si tienes cinco manzanas y solo necesitas tres, te ___ dos.
If you have more than you need, the excess 'sobran' (are left over).
If you have more food than you need, what does that mean?
'Sobrar' means to be left over or to be in excess. So if food is 'sobrando', it means there's too much.
Which sentence correctly uses 'sobrar'?
This sentence means 'I have time left over to finish the work,' indicating an excess of time.
What is the opposite of 'sobrar'?
If something 'sobra', you have an excess. If something 'falta', you lack it.
If money 'sobra', it means you don't have enough money.
If money 'sobra', it means you have an excess of money, more than you need.
When you say 'Me sobran dos manzanas', it means you have two apples remaining.
This phrase translates to 'I have two apples left over' or 'I have two extra apples'.
You can use 'sobrar' to talk about having too many shoes.
Yes, you can say 'Me sobran muchos zapatos' (I have too many shoes) to express an excess of shoes.
The speaker is talking about food quantity.
Someone is asking about available seats.
The condition for going to the park.
Read this aloud:
Nos sobraron tres manzanas.
Focus: sobraron
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
No me sobra dinero para eso.
Focus: sobra, dinero
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Siempre le sobra energía.
Focus: sobra, energía
Tu as dit :
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Imagine you're cooking for friends and you made too much food. Write a sentence in Spanish saying that there is a lot of food left over.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ha sobrado mucha comida.
You bought too many apples. Write a sentence in Spanish indicating that you have apples left over.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Me sobran algunas manzanas.
You are organizing a party and you realize you have too many chairs. Write a sentence in Spanish saying that there are chairs left over.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Sobran muchas sillas para la fiesta.
¿Qué le sobra a María?
Read this passage:
María fue al supermercado y compró demasiada leche. Ahora, tiene mucha leche que le sobra en la nevera. No sabe qué hacer con toda ella.
¿Qué le sobra a María?
The passage clearly states 'tiene mucha leche que le sobra', meaning she has a lot of milk left over.
The passage clearly states 'tiene mucha leche que le sobra', meaning she has a lot of milk left over.
¿Qué hace la madre con las verduras que sobran?
Read this passage:
Después de la cena, siempre sobran algunas verduras. Mi madre las guarda para hacer una sopa al día siguiente. Así no se desperdicia nada.
¿Qué hace la madre con las verduras que sobran?
The text says 'Mi madre las guarda para hacer una sopa al día siguiente.'
The text says 'Mi madre las guarda para hacer una sopa al día siguiente.'
¿Cuántos ejercicios les sobraron a los estudiantes?
Read this passage:
El profesor dio diez ejercicios de matemáticas, pero los estudiantes solo tuvieron tiempo de hacer ocho. Les sobraron dos ejercicios para el día siguiente.
¿Cuántos ejercicios les sobraron a los estudiantes?
The passage states 'Les sobraron dos ejercicios para el día siguiente.'
The passage states 'Les sobraron dos ejercicios para el día siguiente.'
'Me sobra dinero.' means 'I have money left over.' or 'I have extra money.'
'No sobran asientos aquí.' means 'There are no seats left here.' or 'There are no extra seats here.'
'Nos sobró comida ayer.' means 'We had food left over yesterday.'
Si pides mucha pizza, siempre ___ un poco.
The subject 'un poco' (a little) is singular, so the third person singular form 'sobra' is correct.
Después de la fiesta, ___ muchas bebidas sin abrir.
The subject 'muchas bebidas' (many drinks) is plural and the action is in the past, so the third person plural preterite 'sobraron' is correct.
No te preocupes, si ___ tiempo, podemos ir al parque.
The phrase 'si sobra tiempo' means 'if there is time left over'. 'Tiempo' is singular, so 'sobra' is the correct form.
Siempre le ___ la energía para seguir trabajando.
The subject 'la energía' (the energy) is singular, so the third person singular 'sobra' is correct. This sentence implies an abundance of energy.
Si ___ dinero, lo podemos donar a una causa benéfica.
The subject 'dinero' (money) is singular, so 'sobra' is the correct form. This refers to money being left over.
Después de cortar el pastel, ___ solo una porción pequeña.
The action is in the past and refers to a singular portion ('una porción pequeña'), so the third person singular preterite 'sobró' is correct.
Choose the best translation: 'Me sobra tiempo.'
'Sobrar' means to be left over or to be in excess. In this context, it means there is an excess of time.
Which sentence correctly uses 'sobrar'?
The sentence indicates an excess of food, which is the correct usage of 'sobrar'.
If you have 'dinero que sobra', what does that mean?
'Dinero que sobra' directly translates to 'money that is left over' or 'extra money'.
If you say 'La comida sobró', it means there was not enough food.
'La comida sobró' means there was food left over, implying an excess, not a lack.
When you have too many clothes, you can say 'Me sobra ropa'.
This is a correct usage of 'sobrar' to indicate an excess of clothes.
If something 'sobra', it means it is missing.
If something 'sobra', it means there is an excess, the opposite of missing.
The speaker is talking about extra chairs.
The speaker is referring to extra time.
The speaker is indicating there's a lot of food.
Read this aloud:
Después de la cena, siempre sobra mucha comida.
Focus: so-bra
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
No quiero que sobre nada de dinero al final del mes.
Focus: que so-bre na-da
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
¿Crees que nos sobra tiempo para ir al cine?
Focus: nos so-bra tiem-po
Tu as dit :
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You cooked too much pasta for dinner. Describe what happened and what you will do with the leftovers. Use 'sobrar' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Anoche cociné demasiada pasta. Sobró mucha y no pudimos comerla toda. La voy a guardar en la nevera para el almuerzo de mañana.
You are organizing a charity event and have more volunteers than you need. Write a short email thanking them and explaining that some will not be needed, using 'sobrar' appropriately.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Estimados voluntarios, Muchas gracias por su entusiasmo. Hemos tenido una respuesta increíble y ahora nos sobran voluntarios para el evento. Agradecemos su apoyo y esperamos contar con ustedes en el futuro. Saludos.
Describe a situation where you had more of something than you needed, and what you did with the excess. Use 'sobrar' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Compré demasiadas manzanas en el supermercado y me sobraron muchas. Decidí hacer un pastel de manzana y regalar algunas a mis vecinos para no desperdiciarlas.
¿Qué pasó con la comida que no se comió en la fiesta?
Read this passage:
El fin de semana pasado fui a una fiesta de cumpleaños. La comida estaba deliciosa, pero había tanta que al final de la noche sobraron muchos pasteles y bocadillos. La anfitriona los empaquetó para que los invitados pudieran llevarlos a casa.
¿Qué pasó con la comida que no se comió en la fiesta?
El pasaje indica que 'la anfitriona los empaquetó para que los invitados pudieran llevarlos a casa'.
El pasaje indica que 'la anfitriona los empaquetó para que los invitados pudieran llevarlos a casa'.
¿Por qué le gusta a María que sobre comida?
Read this passage:
María siempre cocina de más para que siempre sobre comida. A ella le gusta tener sobras para el día siguiente porque así no tiene que cocinar otra vez. Sus amigos a veces se ríen, pero admiten que la comida recalentada de María es siempre deliciosa.
¿Por qué le gusta a María que sobre comida?
El texto dice que 'A ella le gusta tener sobras para el día siguiente porque así no tiene que cocinar otra vez'.
El texto dice que 'A ella le gusta tener sobras para el día siguiente porque así no tiene que cocinar otra vez'.
¿Qué hace el dueño de la panadería con los productos que sobran?
Read this passage:
En la panadería, al final del día, siempre sobran algunos panes y pasteles. El dueño tiene una política de donar estos productos a un refugio local para personas sin hogar. Es una buena manera de evitar el desperdicio y ayudar a la comunidad.
¿Qué hace el dueño de la panadería con los productos que sobran?
El pasaje especifica que 'El dueño tiene una política de donar estos productos a un refugio local para personas sin hogar'.
El pasaje especifica que 'El dueño tiene una política de donar estos productos a un refugio local para personas sin hogar'.
No te preocupes por la comida, siempre ___ algo para la cena.
The verb 'sobrar' conjugates to 'sobra' for 'it' (la comida). 'No te preocupes por la comida, siempre sobra algo para la cena.' (Don't worry about the food, there's always some left over for dinner.)
Si terminamos el proyecto temprano, ___ tiempo para revisar todo con calma.
The future tense 'sobrará' (will be left over) is appropriate for a conditional statement about the future. 'Si terminamos el proyecto temprano, sobrará tiempo para revisar todo con calma.' (If we finish the project early, there will be time left to review everything calmly.)
Después de la fiesta, ___ muchas bebidas y aperitivos sin consumir.
The past tense 'sobraron' (were left over) is correct for 'bebidas y aperitivos' (plural). 'Después de la fiesta, sobraron muchas bebidas y aperitivos sin consumir.' (After the party, many drinks and appetizers were left unconsumed.)
Me gusta cocinar en exceso para que siempre ___ comida para el día siguiente.
The subjunctive 'sobren' (be left over) is used after 'para que' (so that) to express purpose. 'Me gusta cocinar en exceso para que siempre sobren comida para el día siguiente.' (I like to overcook so that there's always food left over for the next day.)
No creo que nos ___ dinero después de pagar todas las facturas.
The subjunctive 'sobre' (be left over) is used after 'no creo que' (I don't believe that) to express doubt. 'No creo que nos sobre dinero después de pagar todas las facturas.' (I don't believe we'll have any money left over after paying all the bills.)
Siempre ___ pan del almuerzo, podemos usarlo para hacer tostadas.
The present tense 'sobra' (is left over) is correct for a habitual action or a general truth. 'Siempre sobra pan del almuerzo, podemos usarlo para hacer tostadas.' (There's always bread left over from lunch, we can use it to make toast.)
Choose the best translation for "Me sobra tiempo."
The verb 'sobrar' indicates an excess. 'Me sobra tiempo' literally means 'Time is left over for me,' implying an abundance.
Which sentence correctly uses 'sobrar' to express that something is not needed?
The correct construction for 'sobrar' with an indirect object pronoun is 'something + me/te/le/nos/os/les + sobra/sobran'.
If you have too many chairs for a party, what would you say?
'Nos sobran sillas' means 'We have chairs left over' or 'We have too many chairs.'
The sentence 'El dinero no me sobra' means 'I have too much money.'
'El dinero no me sobra' means 'I don't have money to spare' or 'I don't have an excess of money.'
If a piece of clothing 'le sobra' to someone, it means it is too big for them.
When referring to clothing, 'le sobra' indicates that it is too large or there is excess material, meaning it doesn't fit well.
You can use 'sobrar' to say that something is unnecessary or redundant.
Beyond physical excess, 'sobrar' can also mean something is superfluous or not needed, similar to 'estar de más'.
What happened to the leftover food?
What is the speaker worried about regarding money?
What should the listener do if there is leftover fabric?
Read this aloud:
Aunque cociné demasiado, no sobró nada porque todos tenían mucho apetito.
Focus: sobró
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Siempre que hay una reunión familiar, a mi madre le encanta que sobre comida para el día siguiente.
Focus: que sobre
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
¿Crees que nos sobrará tiempo para visitar el museo después de la conferencia?
Focus: nos sobrará
Tu as dit :
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Imagine you are hosting a dinner party and you cooked too much food. Write a short message to a friend inviting them over to help you eat the leftovers, using the verb 'sobrar'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
¡Hola! ¿Qué tal? Cociné demasiada comida para la cena anoche y ahora me ha sobrado un montón. ¿Te apetece venir a cenar conmigo esta noche para ayudarme a terminarla?
You are trying to be more environmentally friendly and reduce waste. Describe a situation where you had an excess of something (e.g., clothes, books, materials) and what you did with the things that were 'left over', using 'sobrar'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Siempre intento no desperdiciar nada. Por ejemplo, hace poco revisé mi armario y me di cuenta de que me sobraba mucha ropa que ya no usaba. Decidí donarla a una organización benéfica en lugar de tirarla.
You're planning a trip and calculating your expenses. You want to make sure you have enough money, but also that you don't overspend. Write about a situation where you hope to have money 'left over' after your trip, and what you would do with it.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Cuando planifico un viaje, siempre intento ser muy cuidadoso con mi presupuesto. Mi objetivo es que me sobre algo de dinero al final para poder ahorrarlo o para comprarme un recuerdo especial del viaje.
¿Cuál es la principal preocupación de la persona con las manzanas que le sobran?
Read this passage:
Ayer compré demasiadas manzanas en el mercado. Ahora me sobran muchas y no sé qué hacer con ellas. Quizás podría hacer un pastel o un poco de compota. No me gusta que la comida se eche a perder.
¿Cuál es la principal preocupación de la persona con las manzanas que le sobran?
La frase 'No me gusta que la comida se eche a perder' indica que la persona no quiere que las manzanas se estropeen.
La frase 'No me gusta que la comida se eche a perder' indica que la persona no quiere que las manzanas se estropeen.
¿Qué suele pasar con el tiempo que 'sobra' en las reuniones de la empresa?
Read this passage:
En la empresa, a menudo tenemos reuniones muy largas. Después de una hora, la mayoría de los puntos ya están discutidos y el tiempo que nos sobra es para repasar detalles o para socializar. Deberíamos ser más eficientes.
¿Qué suele pasar con el tiempo que 'sobra' en las reuniones de la empresa?
El pasaje menciona que el tiempo que sobra es 'para repasar detalles o para socializar'.
El pasaje menciona que el tiempo que sobra es 'para repasar detalles o para socializar'.
¿Qué hizo la persona con el huevo que le 'sobró'?
Read this passage:
La receta pedía dos huevos, pero por error rompí tres. Me sobró un huevo y lo usé para hacer una tortilla pequeña. Así no se desperdicia nada y se aprovecha todo.
¿Qué hizo la persona con el huevo que le 'sobró'?
El texto dice 'Me sobró un huevo y lo usé para hacer una tortilla pequeña'.
El texto dice 'Me sobró un huevo y lo usé para hacer una tortilla pequeña'.
This sentence means 'There is always a lot of food left over at parties.' The verb 'sobrar' is used to indicate an excess of something.
This sentence translates to 'This month I don't have any money left over.' 'Me sobra' means 'I have left over' or 'I have in excess'.
This means 'He has too much clothing.' 'Le sobra' indicates that he has an excess of something.
Después de la fiesta, ___ mucha comida.
The verb 'sobrar' conjugates in the third person singular for 'mucha comida' (a lot of food).
Si te ___ dinero, puedes comprar un postre.
The conditional clause 'si te sobra dinero' (if you have money left over) uses the present tense of 'sobrar' for a present or future possibility.
No te preocupes, siempre ___ tiempo para un café.
The future tense 'sobrará' indicates that there will always be time left over.
Con tantos invitados, ___ asientos.
Since 'asientos' is plural, the future tense of 'sobrar' must also be plural: 'sobrarán'.
Me parece que te ___ ganas de quedarte.
The plural 'ganas' (desire/will) requires the plural form of 'sobrar': 'sobran'.
No sé por qué, pero la verdad es que me ___ las explicaciones redundantes.
The plural subject 'explicaciones redundantes' (redundant explanations) demands the plural verb form 'sobran'.
Choose the most appropriate meaning of 'sobrar' in this sentence: 'Si sobra tiempo, podemos ir al parque.'
'Sobrar' here means 'to be left over' or 'to be in excess', so 'extra time' is the best fit.
Which sentence correctly uses 'sobrar' to express an excess of something?
'Me sobra dinero' means 'I have money left over' or 'I have more than enough money', indicating an excess.
In the context of a meal, what does 'Sobró mucha comida' imply?
'Sobró' in this context means 'was left over', implying an excess of food after the meal.
If someone says 'Te sobra talento', they are implying you are lacking in talent.
'Te sobra talento' actually means 'You have talent to spare' or 'You have an excess of talent', indicating a lot of talent, not a lack.
The phrase 'sobrar' can be used to describe an unnecessary or superfluous item.
Yes, 'sobrar' can imply something is redundant or not needed, thus being superfluous.
When you have just enough of something, you would use 'sobrar'.
'Sobrar' implies an excess, more than what is needed or used. If you have just enough, you would not use 'sobrar'.
The speaker is reassuring someone about the amount of food available.
This is a promotional offer related to buying multiple items.
The character is reflecting on what was plentiful and what was scarce after an event.
Read this aloud:
Imagina que estás en una reunión y hay mucha comida. ¿Cómo le dirías a alguien que hay más que suficiente?
Focus: so-BRAH-rah
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Estás organizando un viaje con amigos y tienes un asiento extra en el coche. ¿Cómo lo expresarías usando 'sobrar'?
Focus: un a-SIEN-to so-BRAHN-te
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Un amigo te pregunta si te gusta tu nuevo trabajo y tú sientes que tienes más responsabilidades de las que puedes manejar. ¿Cómo usarías 'sobrar' para describir esta situación de exceso de trabajo?
Focus: me so-BRAH el tra-BAH-jo
Tu as dit :
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You are organizing a large event and realize you have ordered too many chairs. Write an email to the rental company explaining the situation and asking if you can return the excess chairs. Use 'sobrar' at least twice.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Estimados Señores, Les escribo en relación con el pedido de sillas para nuestro evento. Al hacer el recuento final, nos hemos dado cuenta de que nos van a sobrar unas cuantas sillas. ¿Sería posible devolver el exceso de sillas que nos sobran y ajustar la factura? Agradezco de antemano su pronta respuesta. Atentamente, [Tu Nombre]
Describe a scenario where having too much of something (e.g., money, time, food) unexpectedly causes a problem. Use the verb 'sobrar' at least once in your description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Mi amigo Juan siempre se jactaba de que le sobraba el tiempo libre. Sin embargo, este exceso de tiempo lo llevó a una profunda rutina de procrastinación, lo que terminó afectando seriamente su motivación y sus proyectos personales. Al final, se dio cuenta de que incluso el tiempo, cuando sobra en demasía, puede ser perjudicial.
Imagine you are giving advice to a friend who is constantly feeling overwhelmed by too many responsibilities. Write a short message advising them to delegate tasks or simplify their life to avoid having responsibilities 'sobrar'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
¡Hola [Nombre del Amigo]! Me preocupa que te sientas tan abrumado. Creo que te están sobrando demasiadas responsabilidades y que no puedes con todo. Quizás deberías considerar delegar algunas tareas o, al menos, simplificar tu agenda para que no te agobien tanto.
¿Qué hicieron los anfitriones con la comida que les sobró?
Read this passage:
El banquete nupcial fue un éxito rotundo, con una abundancia de platillos exquisitos. Al finalizar la celebración, los anfitriones se encontraron con que les sobraba una cantidad considerable de comida. Decidieron donar todo lo que les había sobrado a un refugio local para personas sin hogar, asegurándose de que nada se desperdiciara y que su generosidad beneficiara a quienes más lo necesitaban.
¿Qué hicieron los anfitriones con la comida que les sobró?
El pasaje indica claramente que 'Decidieron donar todo lo que les había sobrado a un refugio local para personas sin hogar'.
El pasaje indica claramente que 'Decidieron donar todo lo que les había sobrado a un refugio local para personas sin hogar'.
¿Según el texto, cuál es un posible problema de que nos 'sobre' información en la era digital?
Read this passage:
En la era digital, la información nos sobra por doquier. Tenemos acceso instantáneo a datos, noticias y opiniones de todo el mundo. Sin embargo, esta sobrecarga de información puede ser contraproducente, dificultando la distinción entre lo relevante y lo trivial, y generando a veces una sensación de fatiga cognitiva. Es crucial aprender a filtrar lo que realmente nos sirve.
¿Según el texto, cuál es un posible problema de que nos 'sobre' información en la era digital?
El pasaje menciona que 'esta sobrecarga de información puede ser contraproducente, dificultando la distinción entre lo relevante y lo trivial'.
El pasaje menciona que 'esta sobrecarga de información puede ser contraproducente, dificultando la distinción entre lo relevante y lo trivial'.
¿Qué consecuencia negativa se menciona cuando el tiempo empieza a 'sobrar' para los puntos importantes en una reunión?
Read this passage:
A menudo, en las reuniones de equipo, la discusión sobre temas secundarios se extiende tanto que el tiempo empieza a sobrar para los puntos más importantes de la agenda. Esta dinámica puede llevar a decisiones apresuradas o a posponer asuntos críticos. Una gestión eficiente del tiempo es fundamental para asegurar que cada minuto sea productivo y que no nos sobren minutos para lo esencial.
¿Qué consecuencia negativa se menciona cuando el tiempo empieza a 'sobrar' para los puntos importantes en una reunión?
El texto dice que 'Esta dinámica puede llevar a decisiones apresuradas o a posponer asuntos críticos'.
El texto dice que 'Esta dinámica puede llevar a decisiones apresuradas o a posponer asuntos críticos'.
This sentence structure emphasizes the contrast between a limited budget and the availability of extra money for indulgences.
The order reflects the consequence of having a large quantity of leftover food after a big party.
This sentence presents a conditional situation where the availability of a leftover seat would lead to an invitation.
Después de la fiesta, ___ mucha comida.
The verb 'sobrar' conjugates in the third person singular when referring to an uncountable noun like 'comida' (food) or when the subject is singular. In this context, 'mucha comida' acts as a singular unit.
Si terminamos el proyecto antes, ___ tiempo para revisar.
This sentence expresses a future possibility or certainty. 'Sobrara' is the future tense conjugation of 'sobrar' for the third person singular, agreeing with 'tiempo'.
A pesar de nuestras precauciones, ___ dificultades inesperadas.
The past tense 'sobraron' (preterite) is used here to describe difficulties that 'were left over' or 'existed' in the past. 'Dificultades' is plural, so the verb must also be plural.
No te preocupes por el dinero, siempre nos ___ algo para emergencias.
The present tense 'sobra' is appropriate here because it describes an ongoing or habitual situation: 'something always remains for emergencies'. 'Algo' (something) is singular.
Si no eres cuidadoso con tus recursos, nada te ___.
This sentence uses a conditional clause ('Si no eres cuidadoso') followed by a future consequence. 'No te sobrará' means 'nothing will be left over for you'.
Con tantos invitados, espero que no nos ___ comida.
The subjunctive mood ('espere que no nos sobre') is used after expressions of hope or desire. In this case, 'que no nos sobre comida' means 'that we don't run out of food' or 'that food doesn't not remain for us'.
Choose the best synonym for 'sobrar' in the context of having too much of something.
'Abundar' is the most fitting synonym as it implies having a large or excessive quantity, similar to 'sobrar' when referring to an excess.
Which sentence correctly uses 'sobrar' to express that a certain amount of time is available after completing a task?
In this context, 'sobrar' is used with the indirect object pronoun 'me' to indicate that two hours are left over for the speaker to complete the project.
In a formal culinary context, how would you best express that there's an excess of a specific ingredient?
While 'abunda' is close, 'sobra' specifically highlights the idea of an excess, implying it's more than what's needed or intended.
The phrase 'sobrar dinero' always implies a negative financial situation.
No, 'sobrar dinero' means to have money left over or in excess, which is generally a positive financial situation. It implies having more money than what is needed.
If you say 'Me sobran los motivos', you are expressing that you have plenty of reasons.
Exactly. 'Me sobran los motivos' literally means 'the reasons are left over to me,' conveying that you have more than enough reasons for something.
The verb 'sobrar' can be used interchangeably with 'faltar' without changing the meaning of the sentence.
Absolutely not. 'Sobar' means to be left over or in excess, while 'faltar' means to be lacking or missing. They are antonyms and convey opposite meanings.
The speaker is talking about having some room left for dessert.
The speaker is talking about drinks being left over after a party.
The speaker is talking about having extra time.
Read this aloud:
Siempre sobra algo de comida cuando cocino para toda la familia.
Focus: sobra
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
No te preocupes por el dinero, me sobra para invitarte.
Focus: sobra
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Creo que sobra decir que su talento es innegable.
Focus: sobra
Tu as dit :
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Imagine you've hosted a large dinner party. Describe what happened with the leftover food, using 'sobrar' at least twice in different contexts. Focus on describing the quantities and what you decided to do with the excess.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Después de la cena, sobró una cantidad considerable de paella y de ensalada. Decidimos guardar la paella para el día siguiente y la ensalada la repartimos entre los invitados para que no se desperdiciara. Siempre me aseguro de que no sobre nada que se pueda aprovechar.
Write a short paragraph about a situation where you felt 'sobrar' in a metaphorical sense, meaning you felt out of place or unnecessary. Describe the context and your feelings using advanced vocabulary.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
En la reciente reunión de la junta directiva, a pesar de mi preparación, sentí que mis aportaciones sobraban. Las decisiones ya estaban tomadas de antemano y mi presencia se percibía como una mera formalidad. Fue una sensación de redundancia bastante desoladora, como un engranaje que no encaja en la maquinaria.
You are a chef planning a menu for a large event. Discuss how you will manage ingredients to avoid excess or shortage, specifically using 'sobrar' to refer to potential leftovers and how to repurpose them creatively.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Para el banquete, la planificación de las porciones es crucial para que no nos sobren ingredientes caros. Si por ejemplo, nos sobra carne asada, la transformaremos en unas croquetas gourmet para el personal. El excedente de verduras frescas se convertirá en una crema del día. La clave es la anticipación para que nada se pierda y todo tenga un nuevo propósito.
¿Qué idea fundamental transmiten los que sostienen que los recursos ya 'les empiezan a sobrar'?
Read this passage:
El debate sobre la superpoblación y el consumo excesivo siempre resurge en círculos académicos. Algunos argumentan que, aunque los recursos de la Tierra son finitos, nuestra capacidad de innovación es ilimitada, lo que nos permitiría generar soluciones a medida que los problemas surjan. Sin embargo, otros sostienen que la evidencia actual de la escasez de agua potable y la deforestación mundial indica que los recursos ya nos empiezan a sobrar. La cuestión es si podemos revertir esta tendencia antes de que sea irreversible.
¿Qué idea fundamental transmiten los que sostienen que los recursos ya 'les empiezan a sobrar'?
En este contexto, 'los recursos ya nos empiezan a sobrar' se refiere a que estamos consumiendo más de lo que la Tierra puede proveer, dejando un déficit en el futuro, no un excedente.
En este contexto, 'los recursos ya nos empiezan a sobrar' se refiere a que estamos consumiendo más de lo que la Tierra puede proveer, dejando un déficit en el futuro, no un excedente.
Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es el efecto de que la información 'sobre' en la era digital?
Read this passage:
En la era digital, la información fluye sin cesar, a menudo en cantidades abrumadoras. Para muchos, la capacidad de discernir lo relevante de lo superfluo se ha convertido en una habilidad invaluable. Si no se filtra adecuadamente, el exceso de datos puede 'sobrar' en el sentido de que nos paraliza, impidiendo la toma de decisiones efectiva. La paradoja es que, a pesar de la aparente abundancia, la verdadera sabiduría es cada vez más esquiva.
Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es el efecto de que la información 'sobre' en la era digital?
El pasaje indica que el exceso de datos 'nos paraliza, impidiendo la toma de decisiones efectiva'.
El pasaje indica que el exceso de datos 'nos paraliza, impidiendo la toma de decisiones efectiva'.
¿Cuál es la principal razón por la que el director no quiere que 'nada sobre en el escenario'?
Read this passage:
El director teatral, conocido por su minimalismo, instruyó al elenco a despojarse de cualquier adorno innecesario. 'No quiero que nada sobre en el escenario; cada elemento debe tener un propósito claro y contribuir a la narrativa', enfatizó. Su filosofía era que la verdadera belleza reside en la economía de medios, y que el exceso distrae al espectador de la esencia dramática. Esta aproximación garantizaba una experiencia inmersiva y sin redundancias visuales o conceptuales.
¿Cuál es la principal razón por la que el director no quiere que 'nada sobre en el escenario'?
El director enfatiza: 'cada elemento debe tener un propósito claro y contribuir a la narrativa', y 'el exceso distrae al espectador de la esencia dramática'.
El director enfatiza: 'cada elemento debe tener un propósito claro y contribuir a la narrativa', y 'el exceso distrae al espectador de la esencia dramática'.
This sentence structure demonstrates a nuanced understanding of 'sobrar' in a conditional context, followed by a logical consequence.
This sentence uses 'sobrar' in a more abstract, economic context, indicating an excess amount of funds.
This sentence uses 'sobrar' to refer to remaining topics or issues, indicating an incomplete discussion.
/ 174 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 'sobrar' to express that something is left over, in excess, or more than what is needed.
- When you have too much of something, it 'sobra'.
- Often used impersonally with 'me', 'te', 'le', etc., to say 'I have too much'.
- Think of it as 'to be extra' or 'to remain'.
Basic use of 'sobrar'
Think of 'sobrar' as meaning 'to be left over'. For example, if you have food left over after a meal, you can use 'sobrar'.
Conjugation practice
'Sobrar' is a regular -ar verb. Practice its conjugations in common tenses. For example, 'sobra' (it is left over), 'sobraron' (they were left over).
Using with indirect object pronouns
Often, 'sobrar' is used with indirect object pronouns to indicate who has the excess. 'Me sobra' means 'I have too much' or 'it is left over for me'.
Expressing 'too much' or 'more than enough'
When something 'sobra', it means there's more than enough of it. This can be food, money, time, etc.
Contenu associé
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Plus de mots sur general
a causa de
A2For the reason of; owing to.
a condición de que
B2On condition that, provided that, or given that.
a dónde
A1To what place or destination?
a lo mejor
A2Maybe; perhaps.
a menos que
B1Unless.
a no ser que
B2Unless; should it not be that.
a pesar de
B1In spite of; despite.
a_pesar_de
B2In spite of; notwithstanding; despite.
a propósito
B2By the way, on purpose; incidentally; or intentionally.
a raíz de
B2As a result of; following directly from.
