Question 1

Why is “jantar” used in the infinitive instead of being conjugated?

Accepted Answer

In Portuguese, when querer (and similar verbs) is followed by another verb, that second verb typically remains in the infinitive. So we say queremos jantar instead of conjugating jantar again.

Question 2

Why do we say “em casa” instead of “na casa”?

Accepted Answer

Em casa is a common expression that translates to “at home,” implying the general sense of one’s own home. If we used na casa, it would imply “in the house,” referring to a specific house.

Question 3

What does “Nós queremos” mean compared to “A gente quer”?

Accepted Answer

Nós queremos is a straightforward, more formal way to say “We want.” A gente quer is informal but very common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese; it literally means “People want” but is used as “We want.” In Portugal, both forms are understood, although nós might be more standard.

Question 4

Can I omit “Nós” and just say “Queremos jantar em casa”?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. In Portuguese, the verb ending usually indicates the subject, so Queremos jantar em casa would still be understood as “We want to have dinner at home.”

Question 5

Are there any pronunciation tips for “queremos”?

Accepted Answer

In European Portuguese, queremos often sounds like keh-reh-moosh with a slightly softer r in the middle and an ending that might be less fully pronounced, depending on the speaker. The first e is more open, and the stress falls on re.

Nós queremos jantar em casa.

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