Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Brazil): Quando você sente fome, prefere cozinhar ou pedir comida? - When you feel hungry, do you prefer to cook or order food?

“Sente” comes from the verb sentir (to feel) and emphasizes the sensation of hunger. Although a native speaker might often say “estar com fome” (to be hungry), using “sente” implies actively experiencing the feeling of hunger.

What does the phrase “prefere cozinhar ou pedir comida” mean?

It translates to “do you prefer to cook or order food?” In this question, prefere means “do you prefer,” cozinhar means “to cook,” and pedir comida means “to order food.” The sentence is asking about your usual choice when hungry.

What role does the conjunction “ou” play in the sentence?

“Ou” means “or” in English. It is used to present two alternatives—cooking at home or ordering food—and asks you to choose your preferred option.

Is the sentence written in a specific tense, and what does that indicate?

Yes, both “sente” and “prefere” are in the present indicative tense, which indicates habitual actions or general truths. The sentence is asking about your typical behavior when you feel hungry, rather than referring to one particular moment.

In what contexts might a Brazilian use “pedir comida”?

In Brazilian Portuguese, “pedir comida” usually refers to ordering food from a restaurant, whether by phone or online for delivery. It contrasts with cooking at home, highlighting everyday choices about meal preparation.

How is the overall sentence structured grammatically?

The sentence starts with a subordinate clause, “Quando você sente fome” (setting the condition), followed by the main clause, “prefere cozinhar ou pedir comida?” (presenting the choice). This common structure helps to clearly associate the condition (being hungry) with the decision of whether to cook or order food.