Spanish
Contributed by Elena Gorbova (Academia.edu profile )
Elena Gorbova provided the data in 2012. She used the Russian version of the questionnaire.
How to cite
Gorbova, Elena. 2022. Bivalent patterns in Spanish.
In: Say, Sergey (ed.). BivalTyp:
Typological database of bivalent verbs and their encoding frames.
St. Petersburg: Institute for Linguistic Studies, RAS.
(Data first published on April 14, 2022; last revised on June 20, 2024.)
(Available online at https://www.bivaltyp.info , Accessed on )
Basic info
Coordinates: 40.0, -4.0 .
Genealogy (as given in WALS ). Family: Indo-European, genus: Romance.
Macro-area: Europe.
Grammar notes
Basic clause structure and the transitive construction
Spanish generally displays the nominative-accusative alignment. The subject (A- or S- argument) is unflagged, while the direct object (P-argument) is usually indicated only by word order (SVO) in case of nouns (but see the “Differential object marking” section). However, pronominal arguments differentiate between subjects and direct objects. Besides, clauses with personal pronouns as direct objects normally display the SOV pattern. The person and number of the subject are indexed on the verb, depending on the combination of tense and aspect. Spanish is a pronounced pro-drop language.
Case system
Spanish has no morphological case on nouns. Personal pronouns (except for the polite pronouns Usted and Ustedes ) have three case-like forms: subject form, direct object form, and indirect object form. Pronominal forms used with prepositions formally coincide with the subject form.
Differential object marking
Spanish has differential object marking that is realized by means of the preposition a before the direct object. Significantly simplifying the situation, the preposition a is used only with animate direct objects (that is why it is glossed as DIR.OBJ.ANM), as in (1). Importantly, the same preposition a is also used to signal indirect objects, as in (2).
(1) Pedro respet-a a María
PN[SG.M] respect-PRS.3SG DIR.OBJ.ANM PN[SG.F]
‘Pedro respects Maria.’
(2) Pedro se parec-e a María
PN[SG.M] REFL.3SG resemble-PRS.3SG NDIR.OBJ PN[SG.F]
‘Pedro resembles Maria.’
Copulae ser and estar
As most other languages of Iberia (Portuguese, Catalan, and others), Spanish features two copula verbs, viz. ser and estar . The verb ser is generally used to describe inherent, permanent, and habitual characteristics of a subject, while estar is used to encode temporary characteristics. These copulae can be contrasted, cf. (3) and (4):
(3) Pedro es loc-o
PN(M) be_HAB.PRS.3SG crazy-M
‘Pedro is crazy (in general).’
(4) Pedro está loc-o
PN(M) be_PROG.PRS.3SG crazy-M
‘Pedro is being/acting crazy.’
Verb lemmas
Verbs are shown in the infinitive form. For reflexive verbs, the citation form with the enclitical reflexive pronoun is used.
Glossing abbreviations
1, 3 — 1st, 3rd person; ANM — animate; ART — article; AOR — aorist; AUX — auxiliary; DEF — definite; DIR — direct; F — feminine; GER — gerund; HAB — habitual; IMP — imperative; IMPF — imperfect; INF — infinitive; M — masculine; NDEF — indefinite; NDIR — indirect; OBJ — object; PL — plural; PN — person name; PRF — perfect; PROG — progressive; PRS — present; PTCP — participle; REFL — reflexive; SG — singular.
Data
Subset examples by valency pattern
Any
NA
DO_SBJ
NDIR.OBJ_SBJ
SBJ_a
SBJ_con
SBJ_contra
SBJ_de
SBJ_en
SBJ_NDIR.OBJ
SBJ_por.culpa.de
SBJ_PRED
TR
Subset examples by locus
Any
*
TR
X
Y
Valency pattern:
NDIR.OBJ_SBJ
X: NDIR.OBJ
Y: SBJ
Locus: X
a
Pedro
le
duel-e
la
cabeza
ndir
.
obj
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
he.
ndir
.
obj
ache-
prs
.3
sg
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
head[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro has a headache.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
tien-e
la
gripe
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
have-
prs
.3
sg
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
flu[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro has a flu.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
tem-e
a=l
perro
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
fear-
prs
.3
sg
dir
.
obj
.
anm
=
art
.
def
.
sg
.
m
dog[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro is afraid of the dog.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ha
tira-do
una
piedra
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
throw-
ptcp
:
prf
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
f
stone[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro threw a stone.’
Valency pattern:
NDIR.OBJ_SBJ
X: NDIR.OBJ
Y: SBJ
Locus: X
a
Pedro
le
alcanz-a
el
dinero
ndir
.
obj
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
he.
ndir
.
obj
reach-
prs
.3
sg
art
.
def
.
sg
.
m
money[
sg
.
m
]
‘Now Pedro has enough money.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_NDIR.OBJ
X: SBJ
Y: NDIR.OBJ
Locus: Y
Pedro
se
parec-e
a
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
refl
.3
sg
resemble-
prs
.3
sg
ndir
.
obj
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro resembles Maria.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_NDIR.OBJ
X: SBJ
Y: NDIR.OBJ
Locus: Y
Pedro
cre-e
a
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
believe-
prs
.3
sg
ndir
.
obj
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro believes Maria.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ha
cogi-do
un
libro
de=l
estante
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
take-
ptcp
:
prf
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
m
book[
sg
.
m
]
from=
art
.
def
.
sg
.
m
shelf[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro took a book from the shelf.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ve
una
casa
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
see[
prs
.3
sg
]
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
f
house[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro sees a house.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_en
X: SBJ
Y: en
Locus: Y
la
edad
influy-e
en
la
memoria
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
age[
sg
.
f
]
influence-
prs
.3
sg
in
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
memory[
sg
.
f
]
‘Age influences memory.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_con
X: SBJ
Y: con
Locus: Y
Pedro
se
ha
encontra-do
con
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
refl
.3
sg
aux
.
3
sg
encounter-
ptcp
:
prf
with
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro encountered Maria.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_en
X: SBJ
Y: en
Locus: Y
Pedro
ha
entra-do
en
la
casa
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
enter-
ptcp
:
prf
in
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
house[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro entered the house.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ha
gana-do
a
María
a=l
ajedrez
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
win-
ptcp
:
prf
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
to=
art
.
def
.
sg
.
m
chess[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro won over Maria at chess.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_de
X: SBJ
Y: de
Locus: Y
Pedro
sali-ó
de
casa
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
go_out-
aor
.3
sg
from
house[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro went out of the house.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
arre-a
a
la
vaca
a
los
pastos
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
drive-
prs
.3
sg
dir
.
obj
.
anm
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
cow[
sg
.
f
]
to
art
.
def
.
m
.
pl
pasture[
pl
.
m
]
‘Pedro is driving the cow to the pasture.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ha
encorva-do
una
rama
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
bend-
ptcp
:
prf
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
f
branch[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro bent the branch.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_NDIR.OBJ
X: SBJ
Y: NDIR.OBJ
Locus: Y
Pedro
ha
dich-o
a
María:
ven
a
ver-me
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
tell-
ptcp
:
prf
ndir
.
obj
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
come.
imp
to
see.
inf
-
dir
.
obj
.1
sg
‘Pedro told Maria: come to my place!’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
tien-e
un
libro
en
la-s
mano-s
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
have-
prs
.3
sg
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
m
book[
sg
.
m
]
in
art
.
def
.
f
-
pl
hand[
sg
.
f
]-
pl
‘Pedro is holding a book in his hands.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ha
alcanza-do
a
Maria
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
reach-
ptcp
:
prf
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro caught up with Maria.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ordeñ-ó
la
vaca
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
milk-
aor
.3
sg
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
cow[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro milked the cow.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
alcanz-ó
la
orilla
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
reach-
aor
.3
sg
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
bank[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro reached the coast.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
toc-ó
la
pared
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
touch-
aor
.3
sg
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
wall[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro touched the wall.’
Valency pattern:
NA
X: *
Y: *
Locus: *
Pedro
y
Maria
se
están
pega-ndo
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
and
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
refl
.3
pl
be_
prog
.
prs
.3
pl
stick-
ger
:
prog
‘Pedro is fighting with Maria.’
Note: Not included in the database because X and Y are expressed as a coordinate NP.
Valency pattern:
NA
X: *
Y: *
Locus: *
Pedro
es
amigo
de
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
be_
hab
.
prs
.3
sg
friend[
sg
.
m
]
from
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro is friends with Maria.’
Note: Not included in the database because Y is expressed as an NP-internal modifier.
Valency pattern:
SBJ_en
X: SBJ
Y: en
Locus: Y
Pedro
está
pensa-ndo
en
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
be_
prog
.
prs
.3
sg
think-
ger
:
prog
in
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro is thinking about Maria.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
se
ha
comi-do
una
manzana
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
refl
.3
sg
aux
.3
sg
eat-
ptcp
:
prf
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
f
apple[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro ate an apple.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ha
frei-do
pescado
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
fry-
ptcp
:
prf
fish[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro fried the fish.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
esper-a
a
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
wait-
prs
.3
sg
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro is waiting for Maria.’
Valency pattern:
DO_SBJ
X: DO
Y: SBJ
Locus: X
a
Pedro
se
lo/le
olvid-ó
el
otr-o
camino
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
refl
.3
sg
he.
dir
.
obj
forget-
aor
.3
sg
art
.
def
.
sg
.
m
other-
sg
.
m
road[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro forgot about the other way.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_de
X: SBJ
Y: de
Locus: Y
la
memoria
depend-e
de
la
edad
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
memory[
sg
.
f
]
depend-
prs
.3
sg
from
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
age[
sg
.
f
]
‘Memory depends on age.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
entonces
Pedro
llam-ó
a
María
then
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
call-
aor
.3
sg
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro called Maria.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
conoci-ó
a
María
hac-e
un
año
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
know-
aor
.3
sg
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
make-
prs
.3
sg
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
m
year[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro got to know Maria a year ago.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
conoc-e
a
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
know-
prs
.3
sg
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro knows Maria.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
toc-a
la
guitarra
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
touch-
prs
.3
sg
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
guitar[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro is playing the guitar.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
evit-a
a
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
avoid-
prs
.3
sg
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro avoids Maria.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ha
fabrica-do
una
bomba
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
make-
ptcp
:
prf
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
f
bomb[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro made a bomb.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_de
X: SBJ
Y: de
Locus: Y
Pedro
se
burl-a
de
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
refl
.3
sg
make_fun-
prs
.3
sg
from
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro is making fun of Maria.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
tien-e
coche
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
have-
prs
.3
sg
car[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro has a car.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
busc-a
la-s
llave-s
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
look_for-
prs
.3
sg
art
.
def
.
f
-
pl
key[
sg
.
f
]-
pl
‘Pedro is looking for his keys.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ha
pinta-do
la
valla
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
paint-
ptcp
:
prf
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
fence[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro painted the fence.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
un
perro
mordi-ó
a
Pedro
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
m
dog[
sg
.
m
]
bite-
aor
.3
sg
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
‘A dog bit Pedro.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ha
perdi-do
su
casa
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
lose-
ptcp
:
prf
one’s[
sg
.
f
]
house[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro lost his house.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
trat-a
de
coge-r
a=l
gato
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
try-
prs
.3
sg
from
grasp-
inf
dir
.
obj
.
anm
=
art
.
def
.
sg
.
m
cat[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro is trying to catch the cat.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ha
roto
un
palo
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
break.
ptcp
:
prf
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
m
stick[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro broke the stick.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
lisonje-a
a
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
flatter-
prs
.3
sg
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro is flattering Maria.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
quier-e
a
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
love-
prs
.3
sg
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro loves Maria.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
agit-a
un
pañuelo
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
wave-
prs
.3
sg
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
m
handkerchief[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro is waving a handkerchief.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_con
X: SBJ
Y: con
Locus: Y
Pedro
sueñ-a
con
un
coche
nuev-o
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
dream-
prs
.3
sg
with
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
m
car[
sg
.
m
]
new[
sg
]-
m
‘Pedro is dreaming of a new car.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ha
lava-do
una
taza
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
wash-
ptcp
:
prf
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
f
cup[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro washed the cup.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
se
ha
pues-to
un
pantalón
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
refl
.3
sg
aux
.3
sg
put-
ptcp
:
prf
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
m
trousers[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro put on his trousers.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_PRED
X: SBJ
Y: PRED
Locus: Y
est-e
instrumento
se
llam-a
brújula
this-
m
instrument[
sg
.
m
]
refl
.3
sg
call-
prs
.3
sg
compass[
sg
.
f
]
‘This instrument is called a compass.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ha
castiga-do
a
su
hijo
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
punish-
ptcp
:
prf
dir
.
obj
.
anm
one’s[
sg
]
son[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro punished his son.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
un
oso
atac-ó
a=l
pescador
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
m
bear[
sg
.
m
]
attack-
aor
.3
sg
dir
.
obj
.
anm
=
art
.
def
.
sg
.
m
fisherman[
sg
.
m
]
‘A bear attacked the fisherman.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_de
X: SBJ
Y: de
Locus: Y
el
cubo
se
llen-ó
de
agua
art
.
def
.
sg
.
m
bucket[
sg
.
m
]
refl
.3
sg
fill-
aor
.3
sg
from
water[
sg
.
f
]
‘The bucket filled up with water.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ha
encontra-do
la-s
llave-s
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
find-
ptcp
:
prf
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
-
pl
key[
sg
.
f
]-
pl
‘Pedro found the keys.’
Valency pattern:
NDIR.OBJ_SBJ
X: NDIR.OBJ
Y: SBJ
Locus: X
a
Pedro
le
falt-a
dólar
ndir
.
obj
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
he.
ndir
.
obj
lack-
prs
.3
sg
dollar[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro is one dollar short.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
odi-a
a
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
hate-
prs
.3
sg
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro hates Maria.’
Valency pattern:
NDIR.OBJ_SBJ
X: NDIR.OBJ
Y: SBJ
Locus: X
a
Pedro
le
gust-a
est-a
camisa
ndir
.
obj
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
he.
ndir
.
obj
like-
prs
.3
sg
this-
f
shirt[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro likes this shirt.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
necesit-a
dinero
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
need-
prs
.3
sg
money[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro needs money.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
la-s
muralla-s
rode-an
la
ciudad
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
-
pl
wall[
sg
.
f
]-
pl
surround-
prs
.3
pl
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
city[
sg
.
f
]
‘The walls surround the city.’
Valency pattern:
NDIR.OBJ_SBJ
X: NDIR.OBJ
Y: SBJ
Locus: X
a
Pedro
le
ha-n
queda-do
diez
dólar-es
ndir
.
obj
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
he.
ndir
.
obj
aux
.3-
pl
remain-
ptcp
:
prf
ten
dollar[
sg
.
m
]-
pl
‘Pedro has ten dollars left.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_NDIR.OBJ
X: SBJ
Y: NDIR.OBJ
Locus: Y
Pedro
contest-ó
a=l
profesor
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
answer-
aor
.3
sg
ndir
.
obj
=
art
.
def
.
sg
.
m
teacher[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro answered the teacher.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ha
abier-to
una
lata
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
open-
ptcp
:
prf
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
f
can[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro opened the can.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_de
X: SBJ
Y: de
Locus: Y
mi
camisa
es
diferente
de
la
tuy-a
my[
sg
.
f
]
shirt[
sg
.
f
]
be_
hab
.
prs
.3
sg
different[
sg
.
f
]
from
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
your-
sg
.
f
‘My shirt is different from yours.’
Note: Non-verbal predicate.
Valency pattern:
SBJ_de
X: SBJ
Y: de
Locus: Y
Pedro
se
qued-ó
atrás
de
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
refl
.3
sg
remain-
aor
.3
sg
behind
from
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro fell behind Maria.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ar-a
el
campo
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
plough-
prs
.3
sg
art
.
def
.
sg
.
m
field[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro is ploughing the field.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_a
X: SBJ
Y: a
Locus: Y
mi-s
mano-s
huele-n
a
gasolina
my-
pl
hand[
sg
.
f
]-
pl
smell-
prs
.3
pl
to
gasoline[
sg
.
f
]
‘My hands smell of gasoline.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
cruz-ó
la
calle
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
cross-
aor
.3
sg
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
street[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro crossed the street.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
cant-ó
una
canción
muy
bonit-a
pn
[
sg
]
sing-
aor
.3
sg
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
f
song[
sg
.
f
]
very
beautiful[
sg
]-
f
‘Pedro sang a very beautiful song.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
escribi-ó
una
carta
pn
[
sg
]
write-
aor
.3
sg
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
f
letter[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro wrote a letter.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
se
ha
toma-do
la
leche
pn
[
sg
]
refl
.3
sg
aux
.3
sg
take-
ptcp
:
prf
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
milk[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro drank the milk.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
fundi-ó
un
trozo
de
plomo
pn
[
sg
]
melt-
aor
.3
sg
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
m
piece[
sg
.
m
]
from
lead[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro melted a piece of lead.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_con
X: SBJ
Y: con
Locus: Y
est-e
cinturón
qued-a
bien
con
mi
vestido
this-
sg
.
m
belt[
sg
.
m
]
remain-
prs
.3
sg
well
with
my[
sg
.
m
]
dress[
sg
.
m
]
‘This belt goes well with my dress.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ha
abandona-do
su
ciudad
natal
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
leave-
ptcp
:
prf
one’s[
sg
.
f
]
town[
sg
.
f
]
native[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro left his native city.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
la
alfombra
cubr-e
tod-o
el
suelo
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
carpet[
sg
.
f
]
cover-
prs
.3
sg
all-
sg
.
m
art
.
def
.
sg
.
m
floor[
sg
.
m
]
‘The carpet covers the whole floor.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
recuerd-a
muy
bien
la
casa
en
que
se
cri-ó
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
remember-
prs
.3
sg
very
well
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
house[
sg
.
f
]
in
which[
sg
.
f
]
refl
.3
sg
grow-
aor
.3
sg
‘Pedro remembers the house where he grew up well.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ayud-ó
a
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
help-
aor
.3
sg
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro helped Maria.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
entiend-e
el
francés
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
understand-
prs
.3
sg
art
.
def
.
sg
.
m
f
rench[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro understands French.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_en
X: SBJ
Y: en
Locus: Y
el
rayo
cay-ó
en
una
casa
art
.
def
.
sg
.
m
lightning[
sg
.
m
]
fall-
aor
.3
sg
in
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
f
house[
sg
.
f
]
‘The lightning struck the house.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_con
X: SBJ
Y: con
Locus: Y
Pedro
se
ha
corta-do
con
una
navaja
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
refl
.3
sg
aux
.3
sg
cut-
ptcp
:
prf
with
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
f
razor[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro cut himself with the razor.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_a
X: SBJ
Y: a
Locus: Y
el
vaso
se
ha
pega-do
a
la
mesa
art
.
def
.
sg
.
m
glass[
sg
.
m
]
refl
.3
sg
aux
.3
sg
stick-
ptcp
:
prf
to
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
table[
sg
.
f
]
‘The glass got stuck to the table.’
Valency pattern:
NA
X: *
Y: *
Locus: *
Pedro
ha
perdi-do
una
partida
de
ajedrez
con
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
lose-
ptcp
:
prf
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
f
game[
sg
.
f
]
from
chess[
sg
.
m
]
with
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro lost a game of chess with Maria.’
Note: Not included in the database because Y is expressed as an NP-internal modifier.
Valency pattern:
SBJ_de
X: SBJ
Y: de
Locus: Y
Pedro
se
alegr-ó
de
la
carta
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
refl
.3
sg
rejoice-
aor
.3
sg
from
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
letter[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro was glad about the letter.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_con
X: SBJ
Y: con
Locus: Y
Pedro
habla-ba
con
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
speak-
impf
.3
sg
with
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro was talking to Maria.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
María
ha
teni-do
un
hijo
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
aux
.3
sg
have-
ptcp
:
prf
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
m
son[
sg
.
m
]
‘Maria gave birth to a son.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
dej-ó
caer
un
vaso
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
allow-
aor
.3
sg
fall[
inf
]
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
m
glass[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro dropped a glass.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
gobiern-a
nuestr-o
pueblo
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
govern-
prs
.3
sg
our-
sg
.
m
village[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro runs our town.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ech-a
de
menos
a
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
throw-
prs
.3
sg
from
less
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro misses Maria.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
sigu-e
a
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
follow-
prs
.3
sg
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro follows Maria.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_de
X: SBJ
Y: de
Locus: Y
Pedro
se
ape-ó
de=l
caballo
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
refl
.3
sg
dismount-
aor
.3
sg
from=
art
.
def
.
sg
.
m
horse[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro got down from the horse.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
escuch-a
la
radio
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
listen-
prs
.3
sg
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
radio[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro is listening to the radio.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
obedec-e
a
la
madre
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
obey-
prs
.3
sg
dir
.
obj
.
anm
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
mother[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro obeys his mother.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
oy-e
la
música
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
hear-
prs
.3
sg
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
music[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro hears the music.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_con
X: SBJ
Y: con
Locus: Y
la
miel
se
ha
mezcla-do
con
la
leche
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
honey[
sg
.
f
]
refl
.3
sg
aux
.3
sg
mix-
ptcp
:
prf
with
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
milk[
sg
.
f
]
‘The honey got mixed with the milk.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
mir-a
la-s
nube-s
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
look-
prs
.3
sg
art
.
def
.
f
-
pl
cloud[
sg
.
f
]-
pl
‘Pedro is looking at the clouds.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
se
ha
quita-do
la
camisa
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
refl
.3
sg
aux
.3
sg
put_off-
ptcp
:
prf
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
shirt[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro took off his shirt.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_con
X: SBJ
Y: con
Locus: Y
Pedro
sueñ-a
con
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
dream-
prs
.3
sg
with
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro is dreaming about Maria.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_con
X: SBJ
Y: con
Locus: Y
Pedro
se
pus-o
de
acuerdo
con
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
refl
.3
sg
put-
aor
.3
sg
from
agreement[
sg
.
m
]
with
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro agreed with Maria.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_con
X: SBJ
Y: con
Locus: Y
Pedro
riñ-ó
con
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
quarrel-
aor
.3
sg
with
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro had a quarrel with Maria.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
est-a
taza
cuest-a
un
dólar
this-
sg
.
f
cup[
sg
.
f
]
cost-
prs
.3
sg
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
m
dollar[
sg
.
m
]
‘This cup costs one dollar.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_contra
X: SBJ
Y: contra
Locus: Y
Pedro
dispar-ó
contra
un
pájaro
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
shoot-
aor
.3
sg
against
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
m
bird[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro shot at a bird.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ech-ó
azúcar
a
la
taza
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
throw-
aor
.3
sg
sugar[
sg
.
m
]
to
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
cup[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro poured some sugar into the cup.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ha
perdi-do
la-s
llave-s
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
lose-
ptcp
:
prf
art
.
def
.
f
-
pl
key[
sg
.
f
]-
pl
‘Pedro lost the keys.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_en
X: SBJ
Y: en
Locus: Y
el
leño
se
hundi-ó
en
el
agua
art
.
def
.
sg
.
m
log[
sg
.
m
]
refl
.3
sg
sink-
aor
.3
sg
in
art
.
def
.
sg
.
f
water[
sg
.
f
]
‘The log sank in the water.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ha
mata-do
a
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
kill-
ptcp
:
prf
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro killed Maria.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_NDIR.OBJ
X: SBJ
Y: NDIR.OBJ
Locus: Y
Pedro
ha
da-do
un
golpe
a
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
give-
ptcp
:
prf
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
m
strike[
sg
.
m
]
ndir
.
obj
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro hit Maria.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_NDIR.OBJ
X: SBJ
Y: NDIR.OBJ
Locus: Y
Pedro
ha
da-do
un
beso
a
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
give-
ptcp
:
prf
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
m
kiss[
sg
.
m
]
ndir
.
obj
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro kissed Maria.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
ha
leí-do
un
libro
interesante
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
aux
.3
sg
read-
ptcp
:
prf
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
m
book[
sg
.
m
]
interesting[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro read an interesting book.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
movi-ó
un
dedo
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
move-
aor
.3
sg
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
m
finger[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro moved a finger.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
respet-a
a
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
respect-
prs
.3
sg
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro respects Maria.’
Valency pattern:
DO_SBJ
X: DO
Y: SBJ
Locus: X
a
Pedro
lo/le
repugn-an
lo-s
plato-s
suci-o-s
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
he.
dir
.
obj
.
anm
nauseate-
prs
.3
pl
art
.
def
.
m
-
pl
dish[
m
]-
pl
dirty-
m
-
pl
‘Pedro is squeamish about dirty dishes.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_con
X: SBJ
Y: con
Locus: Y
Pedro
está
content-o
con
su
hijo
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
be_
prog
.
prs
.3
sg
content-
sg
.
m
with
one’s[
sg
.
m
]
son[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro is content with his son.’
Note: Non-verbal predicate.
Valency pattern:
SBJ_de
X: SBJ
Y: de
Locus: Y
Pedro
se
enamor-ó
de
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
refl
.3
sg
fall_in_love-
aor
.3
sg
from
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro fell in love with Maria.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_en
X: SBJ
Y: en
Locus: Y
Pedro
confí-a
en
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
trust-
prs
.3
sg
in
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro trusts Maria.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
compadec-e
a
su
madre
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
sympathise-
prs
.3
sg
dir
.
obj
.
anm
one’s[
sg
.
f
]
mother[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro sympathises with his mother.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
envidi-a
a
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
envy-
prs
.3
sg
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro envies Maria.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_con
X: SBJ
Y: con
Locus: Y
Pedro
está
furios-o
con
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
be_
prog
.
prs
.3
sg
angry[
sg
]-
m
with
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro is angry with Maria.’
Note: Non-verbal predicate.
Valency pattern:
DO_SBJ
X: DO
Y: SBJ
Locus: X
a
Pedro
lo/le
ha
sorprendi-do
el
regalo
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
he.
dir
.
obj
.
anm
aux
.3
sg
surprise-
ptcp
:
prf
art
.
def
.
sg
.
m
gift[
sg
.
m
]
‘This gift surprised Pedro.’
Note:
Valency pattern:
NDIR.OBJ_SBJ
X: NDIR.OBJ
Y: SBJ
Locus: X
a
Pedro
le
gust-a
el
té
ndir
.
obj
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
he.
ndir
.
obj
like-
prs
.3
sg
art
.
def
.
sg
.
m
tea[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro loves tea.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_de
X: SBJ
Y: de
Locus: Y
Pedro
disfrut-a
de=l
té
caliente
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
enjoy-
prs
.3
sg
from=
art
.
def
.
sg
.
m
tea[
sg
.
m
]
hot[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro enjoys hot tea.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
quier-e
un
teléfono
movil
nuev-o
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
want-
prs
.3
sg
art
.
ndef
.
sg
.
m
telephone[
sg
.
m
]
mobile[
sg
.
m
]
new[
sg
]-
m
‘Pedro wants a new mobile phone.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_con
X: SBJ
Y: con
Locus: Y
Pedro
se
enfad-a
con
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
refl
.3
sg
make_angry-
prs
.3
sg
with
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro has a grudge against Maria.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_con
X: SBJ
Y: con
Locus: Y
Pedro
está
disgusta-do
con
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
be_
prog
.
prs
.3
sg
irritate-
ptcp
.
sg
.
m
with
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro took offence at Maria.’
Note: Non-verbal predicate (passive).
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
afligi-ó
mucho
a
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
upset-
aor
.3
sg
very
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro greatly upset Maria.’
Valency pattern:
DO_SBJ
X: DO
Y: SBJ
Locus: X
a
Pedro
lo/le
sorprendi-ó
est-a
ciudad
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
he.
dir
.
obj
.
anm
surprise-
aor
.3
sg
this[
sg
]-
f
town[
sg
.
f
]
‘This city surprised Pedro.’
Valency pattern:
TR
X: SBJ
Y: DO
Locus: TR
Pedro
despreci-a
a
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
despise-
prs
.3
sg
dir
.
obj
.
anm
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro despises Maria.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_por.culpa.de
X: SBJ
Y: por.culpa.de
Locus: Y
Pedro
se
afligi-ó
por
culpa
de
su
hijo
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
refl
.3
sg
upset-
aor
.3
sg
for
fault[
sg
.
f
]
from
one’s[
sg
.
m
]
son[
sg
.
m
]
‘Pedro got upset because of his son.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_con
X: SBJ
Y: con
Locus: Y
Pedro
se
irrit-a
con
su
hija
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
refl
.3
sg
irritate-
prs
.3
sg
with
one’s[
sg
.
f
]
daughter[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro is getting irritated with his son.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_con
X: SBJ
Y: con
Locus: Y
Pedro
simpatiz-a
con
María
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
be_fond-
prs
.3
sg
with
pn
[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro is fond of Maria.’
Valency pattern:
SBJ_de
X: SBJ
Y: de
Locus: Y
Pedro
se
avergüenz-a
de
su
estatura
pn
[
sg
.
m
]
refl
.3
sg
shame-
prs
.3
sg
from
one’s[
sg
.
f
]
height[
sg
.
f
]
‘Pedro is shy about his height.’