How to Say "is unnecessary" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “is unnecessary” is “sobra” — A2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
Si sobra pastel, lo guardamos para mañana.
If there is cake left over, we'll save it for tomorrow.
No te preocupes, el tiempo nos sobra.
Don't worry, we have plenty of time (time is in excess for us).
Creo que esa silla ya sobra en esta oficina.
I think that chair is unnecessary/extra in this office now.
Using 'Sobra' like 'Gustar'
Like 'gustar' (to like), 'sobrar' often uses indirect object pronouns (me, te, le, nos, les) to show who has the excess. Example: 'Me sobra café' means 'I have too much coffee.'
Direct Translation Error
Mistake: “Saying 'Yo sobro dinero' (I am left over money).”
Correction: The subject is the thing that is left over, not the person. Say 'Me sobra dinero' (Money is left over for me).
Related Translations
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