Breakdown of Depois da caminhada longa, todos nós ficamos com sede.
com
with
todo
all
nós
we
longo
long
depois
after
a caminhada
the walk
ficar
to become
a sede
the thirst
AI Language TutorTry it ↗
“What's the best way to learn Portuguese grammar?”
Portuguese grammar becomes intuitive with practice. Focus on understanding the core patterns first — how sentences are structured, how verbs change form, and how words relate to each other. Our course breaks these concepts into small lessons so you can build understanding step by step.
Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor
Start learning PortugueseMaster Portuguese — from Depois da caminhada longa, todos nós ficamos com sede to fluency
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods.
- ✓ Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
- ✓ Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
- ✓ Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
- ✓ AI tutor to answer your grammar questions
More from this lesson
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.
Why does the sentence include "todos nós" instead of just "nós"?
The phrase "todos nós" means "all of us." Including "todos" emphasizes that every member of the group experienced the same outcome, adding clarity and emphasis. Simply saying "nós" (we) would be correct, but "todos nós" stresses that it applied to everyone without exception.
Are there alternative ways to express this sentence, such as changing the order of "longa" and "caminhada"? If so, is there any change in meaning?
Yes, you could also say "Depois da longa caminhada." Both "caminhada longa" and "longa caminhada" are grammatically correct. The choice between them is mostly stylistic, with only a subtle shift in emphasis. Placing the adjective before the noun may highlight the quality of the walk slightly more, but the overall meaning remains the same.
Is there any nuance between saying "ficamos com sede" and using an adjective form like "ficamos sedentos"?
While "ficamos sedentos" is grammatically correct, "ficamos com sede" is the more common idiomatic expression in Brazilian Portuguese to indicate that someone got thirsty. The expression "com sede" is typically used in everyday language, whereas "sedentos" might be seen as more formal or less natural in the context of describing an everyday physical need after an activity like a long walk.