Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Portuguese grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Eu consigo comprar pão.
What is the translation of "Eu consigo comprar pão" in English?
It translates to "I can buy bread" or "I am able to buy bread". The sentence expresses that the speaker has the capability to purchase bread.
Why is the verb conseguir used instead of poder?
Both conseguir and poder express ability, but conseguir often carries the nuance of managing or succeeding in doing something, sometimes implying that there was an effort or an obstacle involved. In this context, it emphasizes that the conditions enable the speaker to buy bread.
Why isn’t there a definite article before pão?
In Portuguese, when you refer to things like food items in a general sense, it is common to omit the definite article. Here, pão is used to mean bread in general rather than a specific kind or loaf of bread.
Is the subject pronoun Eu necessary in this sentence?
No, it isn’t strictly necessary because Portuguese is a pro-drop language where the verb conjugation already indicates the subject. However, including Eu adds clarity and emphasis, especially for language learners who are still mastering the nuances of subject pronouns in Portuguese.
What is the role of the infinitive verb comprar following consigo?
After modal verbs like conseguir, it’s common in Portuguese to use the main verb in the infinitive form. In this sentence, comprar functions as the action that the speaker is able to carry out—much like in English where we say "I can buy bread," with buy remaining in its base form.