Eu aprendo a cantar.

I learn to sing.

Breakdown of Eu aprendo a cantar.

• eu: I
• aprender: to learn
• cantar: to sing
• a: to

Questions & Answers about Eu aprendo a cantar.

What is the English translation of Eu aprendo a cantar.?

It translates to "I learn to sing." Depending on context, it can also imply "I'm learning to sing," indicating that the speaker is in the process of acquiring the skill.

Why is the preposition a used before cantar?

In Portuguese, when a verb like aprender is followed by another verb in its infinitive form, the preposition a is typically used. This construction is similar to the English "learn to sing," where to introduces the action being learned.

What tense is used in the sentence, and how does it compare to English?

The verb aprendo is in the simple present tense. In Portuguese, the simple present can indicate habitual actions or ongoing activities. This is comparable to English, where "I learn to sing" may suggest a general truth or routine, while context might also imply "I'm learning to sing."

Is it necessary to include Eu in the sentence, or can it be omitted?

While the subject Eu (meaning I) can sometimes be omitted in Portuguese because the verb ending often makes it clear who is performing the action, including Eu makes the sentence explicit and emphasizes the subject. In this case, Eu aprendo a cantar clearly indicates that I am the one learning to sing.

Is the structure aprender a [infinitive] common in Brazilian Portuguese?

Yes, this structure is very common. Many verbs that express the idea of learning or beginning an activity require the preposition a before the following verb in its infinitive form. This pattern is a standard way to link the main verb with an action in Brazilian Portuguese.

Can the sentence be modified to express a more ongoing or progressive action?

Absolutely. To emphasize that the learning is happening right now, you can use the present continuous form: "Eu estou aprendendo a cantar." This variation clearly indicates that the process of learning to sing is currently in progress.