Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Brazil): Este casaco branco combina bem com a blusa colorida. - This white coat goes well with the colorful blouse.

In Portuguese, descriptive adjectives typically follow the noun they modify. This structure emphasizes the noun first, with the adjective providing its descriptive quality afterward. Although adjectives can sometimes precede nouns in Portuguese for stylistic reasons or to highlight an intrinsic quality, the common pattern is noun followed by adjective—as seen in “casaco branco” and “blusa colorida.”

How do the adjectives in the sentence agree with their respective nouns?

Portuguese adjectives must agree with the noun in gender and number. In the sentence, “casaco” is a masculine singular noun, so it takes the masculine singular adjective “branco.” Similarly, “blusa” is a feminine singular noun and is paired with “colorida,” which is in the feminine singular form.

What is the function of the verb “combina” in this sentence?

“Combina” is the third-person singular form of the verb “combinar,” meaning “to match” or “to go well with.” It functions as a linking verb, connecting the subject (the white jacket) with its complement (the colorful blouse), and indicates that the two items coordinate well in style or color.

What role does the adverb “bem” play in the sentence?

The adverb “bem” means “well” and modifies the verb “combina.” It adds detail about how the jacket and blouse complement each other, emphasizing that they go together in a pleasing or appropriate manner.

Why is the definite article “a” used before “blusa colorida” instead of an indefinite article?

The use of the definite article “a” specifies that the speaker is referring to a particular blouse, likely one that is known or identifiable in the given context. An indefinite article like “uma” would suggest any colorful blouse, whereas “a” points to a specific one being discussed.

How does the word order in this Portuguese sentence compare to typical English adjective placement?

In Portuguese, adjectives usually follow the noun they describe, as seen in “casaco branco” (literally, “jacket white”) and “blusa colorida” (literally, “blouse colorful”). In English, adjectives typically come before the noun (“white jacket” and “colorful blouse”). Recognizing this difference in word order is important for learners transitioning between the two languages.