Breakdown of Essa calça preta é perfeita para eventos formais.
ser
to be
o
the
para
for
essa
that
preto
black
perfeito
perfect
evento
event
formal
formal
Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Portuguese grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Essa calça preta é perfeita para eventos formais.
What does essa mean in the sentence?
Essa is a feminine singular demonstrative pronoun that translates to “this” (or sometimes “that,” depending on context). It specifically points to the item—in this case, the pair of pants—that is being discussed.
Why is the noun calça considered feminine, even though in English we often refer to "pants" as a plural item?
In Portuguese, every noun has a grammatical gender that is independent of whether the object itself is singular or plural in English. Calça is inherently a feminine noun in Brazilian Portuguese, so adjectives and articles referring to it must also be in the feminine form, regardless of the fact that in English “pants” looks plural.
How do the adjectives preta and perfeita agree with the noun in this sentence?
Both adjectives, preta (black) and perfeita (perfect), are in the feminine singular form to match the noun calça. In Portuguese, adjectives must agree with the noun they describe in both gender and number. That’s why you see “calça preta” and “é perfeita.”
Why are the adjectives positioned after the noun in the phrase calça preta and after the verb in é perfeita, unlike in English where adjectives typically come before the noun?
In Portuguese, the typical order is for adjectives to follow the noun they modify. Thus, calça preta literally translates to “pants black.” However, when using a linking verb (as in é perfeita), the adjective follows the verb, describing the subject. This different word order is a common feature of Portuguese syntax compared to English.
What role does the phrase para eventos formais play in the sentence, and what does it mean?
The phrase para eventos formais translates to “for formal events.” It functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the purpose or suitability of the pants. The preposition para means “for,” linking the quality of the pants (being perfect) to the context or situation in which they are best worn.
What is the function of the verb é in this sentence, and how is it conjugated?
The verb é is the third person singular present form of the verb ser, which is used to describe essential or inherent qualities. In the sentence, é perfeita means “is perfect”—stating a defining characteristic of the pants rather than a temporary state.