Comments on: Apenas http://www.transparent.com/spanish/apenas/ Language and Culture of the Spanish-Speaking World Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:38:53 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: david carmona http://www.transparent.com/spanish/apenas/#comment-1389 david carmona Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:33:49 +0000 http://www.transparent.com/spanish/apenas/#comment-1389 In the last comment I explained the differences in usage on both sides of the Atlantic. I also mentioned in my first comment that not all of the senses of "apenas" are archaic, and certainly not everywhere. Many expressions that have changed in Spain are still widely used in LAm. That is a common phenomenon in language evolution. Obviously, the communities that still use "apenas" in those senses cannot see any archaism in it, but it is important to note that it will be perceived and used differently depending on the linguistic region. It is also important to clarify when some uses, like the first example quoted by Andrés, are unnecessary. In the last comment I explained the differences in usage on both sides of the Atlantic. I also mentioned in my first comment that not all of the senses of “apenas” are archaic, and certainly not everywhere. Many expressions that have changed in Spain are still widely used in LAm. That is a common phenomenon in language evolution. Obviously, the communities that still use “apenas” in those senses cannot see any archaism in it, but it is important to note that it will be perceived and used differently depending on the linguistic region.
It is also important to clarify when some uses, like the first example quoted by Andrés, are unnecessary.

]]> By: Erica http://www.transparent.com/spanish/apenas/#comment-1387 Erica Mon, 20 Apr 2009 02:04:31 +0000 http://www.transparent.com/spanish/apenas/#comment-1387 I have lived in South America and Central America. Apenas is widely used and in no way archaic. I have lived in South America and Central America. Apenas is widely used and in no way archaic.

]]> By: david carmona http://www.transparent.com/spanish/apenas/#comment-1360 david carmona Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:33:51 +0000 http://www.transparent.com/spanish/apenas/#comment-1360 In the first example, "apenas" is completely redundant, since the meaning of "having just performed the action" is conveyed by "acabo de". In that sense, "apenas" would be perceived as an archaic use in Spain, although I understand that in some Latin American countries it may be more acceptable, and used more frequently. In the second example there is also a difference in usage between Spain and LAm. "Apenas" would be perceived as archaic again, and the adverb "solo/solamente" would be used instead. Common usage of "apenas" in Castilian Spanish: -Hace apenas cinco minutos que se fue. (He left barely five minutes ago). -Apenas uso mi taladradora. (I barely ever use my power drill). In the first example, “apenas” is completely redundant, since the meaning of “having just performed the action” is conveyed by “acabo de”. In that sense, “apenas” would be perceived as an archaic use in Spain, although I understand that in some Latin American countries it may be more acceptable, and used more frequently.
In the second example there is also a difference in usage between Spain and LAm. “Apenas” would be perceived as archaic again, and the adverb “solo/solamente” would be used instead.
Common usage of “apenas” in Castilian Spanish:
-Hace apenas cinco minutos que se fue. (He left barely five minutes ago).
-Apenas uso mi taladradora. (I barely ever use my power drill).

]]> By: Andres B http://www.transparent.com/spanish/apenas/#comment-1354 Andres B Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:40:26 +0000 http://www.transparent.com/spanish/apenas/#comment-1354 Actually apenas is widely used. I wouldn't say its meaning is archaic when you refer to just having done something. Maybe not as recurrent but it's still valid. An example of both uses. Apenas acabo de terminar mi tarea. (I just finished my homework) Ud. necesita apenas 50 centavos para comprar dulces. (You just need 50 cents to buy candy) Actually apenas is widely used. I wouldn’t say its meaning is archaic when you refer to just having done something. Maybe not as recurrent but it’s still valid.

An example of both uses.

Apenas acabo de terminar mi tarea.
(I just finished my homework)

Ud. necesita apenas 50 centavos para comprar dulces.
(You just need 50 cents to buy candy)

]]> By: rachel http://www.transparent.com/spanish/apenas/#comment-1031 rachel Fri, 06 Feb 2009 02:13:45 +0000 http://www.transparent.com/spanish/apenas/#comment-1031 It is widely used in Mexico that is what led me to search for the meaning and uses so I could understand what everyone is saying. It is widely used in Mexico that is what led me to search for the meaning and uses so I could understand what everyone is saying.

]]> By: David http://www.transparent.com/spanish/apenas/#comment-37 David Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:50:25 +0000 http://www.transparent.com/spanish/apenas/#comment-37 The use of "apenas" in that sense is archaic and found mostly in literary language. In everyday Spanish, "apenas" means "barely". Also bear in mind it's not a very common expression, so you won't come across it very often. The use of “apenas” in that sense is archaic and found mostly in literary language. In everyday Spanish, “apenas” means “barely”. Also bear in mind it’s not a very common expression, so you won’t come across it very often.

]]> By: Evan Quinlan http://www.transparent.com/spanish/apenas/#comment-36 Evan Quinlan Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:12:44 +0000 http://www.transparent.com/spanish/apenas/#comment-36 How do the various uses of "apenas" relate to the use of "acabar de," the verb meaning "to have just [done something]?" When would you use one versus the other? How do the various uses of “apenas” relate to the use of “acabar de,” the verb meaning “to have just [done something]?” When would you use one versus the other?

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