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Depois do jantar, nós voltamos para casa.

Depois do jantar, nós voltamos para casa.
After dinner, we return home.
FromLesson 4inHardcore Portuguese (Portugal)

Breakdown of Depois do jantar, nós voltamos para casa.

nós
we
o jantar
the dinner
depois de
after
para
to
voltar
to return
a casa
the home

Questions & Answers about Depois do jantar, nós voltamos para casa.

What is the function of the contraction do in the phrase Depois do jantar?
Do is a contraction of the preposition de and the masculine definite article o. In this sentence, it combines with jantar (dinner) to form do jantar, establishing a connection that means “of the dinner” in the context of “after dinner.”
Why is the subject pronoun nós explicitly included even though Portuguese often allows subjects to be dropped?
Portuguese is a pro-drop language, meaning that the subject is usually omitted because the verb ending already indicates who is performing the action. However, including nós can add emphasis, clarity, or contrast. In this sentence, it clearly stresses that “we” are the ones returning home.
What tense is used in the verb voltamos and what does it indicate?
The verb voltamos is in the simple past tense (pretérito perfeito), which indicates that the action of returning home was completed in the past.
Why is casa used without an article in para casa?
When referring to one’s home in Portuguese, casa is commonly used without an article. This is similar to the English expression “go home” instead of “go to the house.” The omission of the article is an idiomatic usage when talking about one’s own home.
What role does the adverbial phrase Depois do jantar play in the sentence?
Depois do jantar functions as a temporal adverbial phrase. It specifies when the action took place, letting the listener know that the return happened after dinner. This placement at the beginning of the sentence also helps set the time frame for the event.
Can the sentence be restructured without changing its meaning?
Yes, the sentence can be rearranged. For instance, you could say Nós voltamos para casa depois do jantar with the same meaning. The position of the temporal phrase is flexible, and while it may slightly shift the emphasis, the overall answer and meaning remain unchanged.
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