Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Portugal): Falem com a professora antes de voltarem para casa, por favor. - Please speak with the teacher before you all return home.

“Falem” is the 2nd-person plural imperative of the verb falar. In Portuguese (Portugal), when giving a command to more than one person (or addressing someone formally in the plural), you use the plural form. If you were speaking to just one person informally, you would say “Fale.”

Why is “voltarem” used after “antes de” instead of the simple infinitive “voltar”?

After prepositions like antes de (“before”), Portuguese often requires the personal infinitive when the subject of the subordinate clause is explicit or understood from context. In this sentence, “voltarem” agrees with the implied subject vocês (you all). It makes it clear that the same group that is being commanded to “talk to the teacher” is also the one that should “return home.”

Why is the subject not explicitly mentioned in the sentence?

In Portuguese, verb conjugations clearly indicate the subject, so pronouns are usually omitted. Here, both “Falem” and “voltarem” imply that the command is directed to vocês (you all). This omission is normal and helps keep the sentence concise.

What does the phrase “com a professora” indicate and why is the preposition “com” necessary?

“Com a professora” means “with the teacher.” The preposition com (“with”) shows the relation of accompaniment or association, indicating that the conversation should be held with the teacher specifically. It clearly dictates whom to approach, avoiding any ambiguity.

What is the role of “por favor” at the end of the sentence?

“Por favor” translates as “please” and is added to make the command more polite. Even though the sentence is an imperative, appending “por favor” softens it, showing courtesy and making the request less abrupt.