Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Portuguese grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Eu quero usar calça vermelha.
What does the verb usar mean in this sentence?
In this context, usar means to wear. While it can also mean “to use” in other situations, when referring to clothing the intended meaning is “to wear.”
Why does the adjective appear as vermelha rather than vermelho?
Portuguese adjectives must agree in gender and number with the nouns they modify. Since calça (pants) is a feminine singular noun, the adjective takes the feminine singular form vermelha.
How is the sentence structured in terms of grammar?
The sentence follows a common pattern: Subject + Conjugated Verb + Infinitive Verb + Noun Phrase. Here, Eu is the subject (“I”), quero is the first person singular form of querer (“to want”), usar is the infinitive (“to wear”), and calça vermelha forms the noun phrase (“red pants”).
Why is the verb usar in its infinitive form after quero?
In Portuguese, when expressing a desire or intention using querer (“to want”), it is standard to follow it with another verb in the infinitive form. This construction tells us what the subject wants to do without needing to conjugate the second verb.
Is it acceptable to include an article before calça vermelha, for example, saying a calça vermelha?
Yes, including an article is acceptable. Both Eu quero usar calça vermelha and Eu quero usar a calça vermelha are grammatically correct. Using the article might indicate a specific pair of red pants, while omitting it gives a more general or informal tone.
How does the placement of adjectives in Portuguese differ from that in English?
In Portuguese, adjectives typically follow the noun they modify—as seen in calça vermelha—whereas in English adjectives generally come before the noun (e.g., red pants). This is one of the key structural differences between the two languages.