Breakdown of Desculpa, mas preciso de sair rapidamente.
mas
but
precisar de
to need
desculpa
sorry
sair
to leave
rapidamente
quickly
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Questions & Answers about Desculpa, mas preciso de sair rapidamente.
What does "desculpa" mean, and in what context should it be used?
"Desculpa" translates to "sorry" or "excuse me" in English. It is the informal way of apologizing in Portuguese (Portugal). For more formal situations, you might use "desculpe."
What role does the conjunction "mas" play in this sentence?
"Mas" means "but" in English. It connects the apology with the explanation that follows, indicating that although an apology is being made, there is an urgent reason to leave.
Why is the subject omitted in the phrase "preciso de sair rapidamente"?
In Portuguese, subject pronouns are often dropped when the verb conjugation clearly indicates the subject. Here, "preciso" is in the first-person singular form, so it’s understood that the speaker means "I need to leave."
How is "preciso de sair" structured, and why is the preposition "de" used before the verb "sair"?
The structure "preciso de sair" follows a typical European Portuguese pattern where the verb "precisar" (to need) is followed by the preposition "de" and then an infinitive (in this case, "sair," meaning "to leave"). This construction is standard in expressing necessity or obligation in European Portuguese.
What does the adverb "rapidamente" add to the sentence, and could its position vary?
"Rapidamente" means "quickly" and functions as an adverb modifying the verb "sair." It indicates the manner in which the action should be performed — namely, that the departure should be done quickly. Although adverb placement in Portuguese can be flexible, placing it after the verb is common and natural in this context.