Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Portugal): É bom sentir alegria quando falamos com a família inteira. - It’s good to feel happiness when we talk with the whole family.

É bom translates as It is good. In this context, it serves as an impersonal expression that evaluates the action that follows without explicitly naming a subject—the equivalent of stating a general truth in English.

Why is the infinitive sentir used right after É bom?

In Portuguese, when expressing general evaluations or remarks with adjectives like bom, it is common to follow them with an infinitive. Here, sentir (meaning to feel) immediately connects to É bom, forming a structure similar to It is good to feel… in English.

How is the subject of falamos understood without an explicit pronoun?

Portuguese is a pro-drop language, which means that subject pronouns are often omitted. The verb falamos is conjugated in the first-person plural, clearly indicating we speak. Thus, the subject nós (we) is implied by the verb ending.

What is the meaning and role of com a família inteira in the sentence?

Com a família inteira translates to with the entire family. The adjective inteira emphasizes that all members of the family are included in the conversation. It underlines the completeness and collective nature of the interaction.

Could the phrase a família inteira be expressed differently in Portuguese, and if so, how?

Yes, an alternative is toda a família, which also means the whole family. While both are correct, inteira is especially common in European Portuguese and carries a subtle nuance of totality and unity.