Breakdown of Eu tenho bastante trabalho hoje, mas também preciso de tempo para descansar.
eu
I
hoje
today
também
also
mas
but
precisar de
to need
descansar
to rest
ter
to have
para
to
o tempo
the time
o trabalho
the work
bastante
quite a lot
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Questions & Answers about Eu tenho bastante trabalho hoje, mas também preciso de tempo para descansar.
What does bastante mean in this sentence, and how can it be translated?
In this context, bastante means "a lot of" or "plenty of." It qualifies trabalho (work) by indicating a large quantity. (Note: Depending on its placement, bastante can sometimes mean "enough," but before a noun as in this sentence, it stresses abundance.)
Why is the preposition de used after preciso, as in preciso de tempo?
In Portuguese, the verb precisar (to need) is typically followed by the preposition de when it is linked to a noun. So preciso de tempo literally translates to "I need time," with de serving as a connector between the verb and its object, much like certain prepositional structures in other Romance languages.
Why isn’t the subject Eu repeated in the second clause after mas?
Portuguese is considered a pro-drop language, meaning that once the subject is established, it can be omitted in subsequent clauses as long as it remains clear. Since Eu (I) is already introduced in the first clause, the second clause mas também preciso de tempo para descansar naturally implies the same subject without needing a repetition.
What is the function of the infinitive phrase para descansar in this sentence?
The phrase para descansar serves as an expression of purpose. It explains why time is needed, translating to "to rest." Here, the preposition para introduces an infinitive verb and indicates the intended outcome or purpose of the action.
What role does hoje play in the sentence, and why is its placement significant?
Hoje means "today" and functions as an adverb of time. Its placement at the end of the first clause helps specify when the action is taking place—that is, the abundance of work is specific to today. In Portuguese, such adverbs can be flexibly positioned, and here it clearly contextualizes the timing.
How do the conjunctions mas and também work together in this sentence?
Mas means "but" and introduces a contrast between the two parts of the sentence: having a lot of work versus needing time to rest. Também means "also" and adds an additional, balancing detail to the statement. Together, they connect the contrasting ideas by acknowledging that despite a heavy workload, there is an equally important need for rest.