¿lo es?
In Spanish, "is it?" is translated as ¿lo es?
The phrase ¿lo es? is used to ask for confirmation about a quality, identity or a permanent characteristic that has been previously mentioned.
Which one should you use?
Use ¿lo es? when referring to qualities or identities, which utilizes the verb *ser*. If you are asking for confirmation about a temporary state or a location, you should use ¿lo está? instead.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase ¿Cierto? (meaning "Right?") is widely used in Latin America to seek confirmation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase ¿lo es? uses the verb *ser* to refer to defining characteristics. If the subject you are confirming is plural, the phrase changes to ¿lo son?
Did you know?
- While ¿lo es? is grammatically correct, native speakers in conversation often omit it entirely and simply use an ascending intonation on the last word of the previous sentence to ask 'is it?'
- In some Caribbean dialects, the 's' in es can be aspirated or dropped, making the phrase sound like ¿lo eh?, which can sound like a different word to learners.
- The pronoun lo functions as a neuter marker, a concept that has no direct grammatical equivalent in standard English.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, ¿es este el autobús para el centro de la ciudad?Excuse me, is this the bus to the city center?
- Profesor, ¿es correcto decirlo de esa manera?Professor, is it correct to say it that way?
- Terminamos todo el trabajo, ¿verdad?We finished all the work, right?
- Este lugar es increíble, ¿no?This place is amazing, isn't it?
- Hace calor hoy, ¿cierto?It's hot today, right?
- Es el mejor restaurante de la ciudad, ¿no es cierto?It's the best restaurant in town, isn't it?
- Es inteligente. ¿Lo es?He is intelligent. Is he?
- Dice que el examen es difícil, ¿lo es?He says the exam is difficult, is it?
- Afirman que el camino es peligroso, ¿lo es?They claim the path is dangerous, is it?
Example conversation
Mateo and María are talking about a new movie.
- MateoEsta película es muy aburrida.This movie is very boring.
- María¿Lo es? A mí me encantó.Is it? I loved it.
- MateoLa trama es demasiado lenta.The plot is too slow.
- MaríaCreo que es muy relajante.I think it is very relaxing.
