Definition of Copulative Verb in Spanish

Copulative verbs are among the most useful verbs in Spanish. Unlike verbs that are used to express an action, copulative verbs are used to indicate that a noun coming before the verb is equal to or has characteristics of the word or words following the verb. Definition of Copulative Verb A copulative verb is one that connects the subject of a sentence with a noun (or noun phrase) that is the equivalent of the subject or an adjective that describes the subject. Copulative verbs denote a state of being and, with the exception of verbs such as to become that express a change in state of being, usually dont express action. You can think of a copulative verb as something like an equals sign: What comes before the verb refers to the same person or thing that comes after it. Note that in Spanish, the subject of a verb doesnt have to be explicitly stated. In the sentence, the subject in Nosotros estamos felices (We are happy) can be deleted without any change in meaning, making Estamos felices. The copulative verb for both sentences is estamos. A copulative verb is also known as a linking verb, copular verb, or copula. The equivalent terms in Spanish are verbo copulativo or verbo de unià ³n. The Three Main Copular Verb of Spanish In Spanish, traditionally the three main copulative verbs are ser, estar and parecer. Ser and estar are usually translated as to be, while parecer usually means to seem. Both be and seem often are copulative in English as well. These verbs are copulative verbs only when they performing a linking purpose. All three, especially estar, have other uses as well. Copulative verbs can be used in all tenses and moods. Examples of the three verbs being used as copulas: Mi hermana es estudiante. (My sister is a student.)No somos una repà ºblica bananera. (Were not a banana republic. In this example, the subject nosotros isnt explicitly stated.)Los mexicanos fueron superiores a nosotros. (The Mexicans were superior to us.)Espero que la comida està © sabrosa. (I hope the food will be tasty.)Mi madre estuvo casada. (My mother was married.)Estamos muy agradecidas. (Were very grateful.)La casa parece triste y vacà ­a sin ella. (The house seems sad and empty without her.)Me parece muy difà ­cil. (It seems very difficult to me. The subject is not explicitly stated.)Pablo me parecà ­a muy guapo. (Pablo seemed very handsome to me.) Other Copulative Verbs Other verbs, such as those that express feelings, appearances, or the action of becoming, can also act as copulas: Sus ojos semejan los de un perro. (Its eyes resemble those of a dog.)Los pobres permanecen pobres y los ricos permanecen ricos. (The poor stay poor and the rich stay rich.)Me siento enojado cuando no me hablas. (I feel angry when you dont speak to me.)El senador se mostraba complaciente. (The senator seemed complacent.)A los 40 aà ±os, Elena se volvià ³ doctora. (At the age of 40, Elena became a doctor.)La oruga se convirtià ³ en mariposa. (The caterpillar became a butterfly.)