Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Brazil): Meu primo não é muito polido, mas está tentando melhorar. - My cousin isn’t very polite, but he’s trying to improve.

"Meu primo" translates to "my cousin." In Portuguese, "primo" specifically refers to a male cousin; if you were talking about a female cousin, you would say "minha prima."

How is the negation structured in the phrase "não é muito polido"?

The negation is expressed by placing "não" before the verb "é." This follows the common Portuguese pattern where "não" negates the statement; thus, "não é muito polido" translates to "is not very polite."

What does the adjective "polido" indicate in this sentence?

In this context, "polido" means "polite" or "well-mannered." Although it can also mean "polished" in other scenarios (referring to the finish of an object), here it is used to describe someone's behavior or manners.

Why is the conjunction "mas" used in the sentence?

The word "mas" means "but" and serves to introduce a contrast. It connects the two parts of the sentence, emphasizing that while "my cousin is not very polite," he is nonetheless "trying to improve." This contrast highlights his efforts to change despite his current behavior.

How does "está tentando melhorar" express an ongoing action?

"Está tentando melhorar" combines the auxiliary verb "estar" (in the form "está") with the gerund "tentando" and the infinitive "melhorar." This construction is similar to the present continuous in English (as in "is trying to improve") and indicates that the action of trying to improve is currently in progress.

What role does "muito" play in the phrase "não é muito polido"?

The word "muito" functions as an adverb that intensifies the adjective "polido." It suggests that the degree of politeness is quite low—meaning "not very polite" rather than just "not polite."