Depois da caminhada longa, todos nós ficamos com sede.

After the long walk, we all got thirsty.

Breakdown of Depois da caminhada longa, todos nós ficamos com sede.

• com: with
• todo: all
• nós: we
• longo: long

Questions & Answers about Depois da caminhada longa, todos nós ficamos com sede.

What does "Depois da" mean, and why is "da" used in this sentence?

"Depois" means "after" in English. The word "da" is a contraction of "de + a", which is used because "caminhada" is a feminine noun. So, "Depois da caminhada longa" translates literally to "After the long walk."

Why is the adjective "longa" placed after "caminhada" instead of before it like in English?

In Portuguese, adjectives can either precede or follow the noun. Often when the adjective describes an inherent or objective characteristic—like the length of a walk—it naturally comes after the noun. Although English prefers "long walk," the order "caminhada longa" is common and natural in Portuguese. Note that saying "longa caminhada" is also correct, but it can subtly shift the emphasis.

What does "ficamos com sede" mean, and why is the verb "ficar" used here instead of verbs like "ser" or "ter"?

The phrase "ficamos com sede" means "we became thirsty" or "we got thirsty." The verb "ficar" is used to indicate a change of state or condition—in this case, transitioning into being thirsty. Using "ser" wouldn’t convey this sense of becoming, and while "ter sede" (to have thirst) exists, "ficar com sede" is the more common idiomatic expression in Brazilian Portuguese to describe the onset of thirst.