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Questions & Answers about Ele vem connosco ao mercado.
What does "vem" mean in this sentence?
"Vem" is the third person singular form of the verb "vir," which means "to come." So when you see "Ele vem," it translates as "He comes" or "He is coming."
What does "connosco" mean, and why is it spelled with two n’s?
"Connosco" means "with us." In European Portuguese, the form "connosco" is standard and features a double n. (In contrast, Brazilian Portuguese often uses "conosco" without the double n.) It is used to indicate inclusion or accompaniment along with the speaker(s).
Why is the contraction "ao" used before "mercado"?
In Portuguese, the preposition "a" (meaning "to") combines with the masculine definite article "o" (meaning "the") to form "ao." Since "mercado" (meaning "market") is masculine, the contraction "ao mercado" correctly translates as "to the market."
Is the word order in "Ele vem connosco ao mercado" similar to English?
Yes, the word order is quite similar. The sentence follows a structure that translates directly to "He comes with us to the market" in English. Each element — the subject, verb, and phrases indicating accompaniment and direction — is arranged in a straightforward, comparable order in both languages.
Why is the subject "Ele" explicitly included?
Including the subject "Ele" (meaning "He") helps clarify who is performing the action. Although Portuguese often allows for subject omission when the verb ending clearly indicates the subject, explicitly stating "Ele" adds clarity and emphasis, which is especially useful for learners.
Are there alternative ways to say "with us" in Portuguese?
Yes, alternatives do exist, particularly in Brazilian Portuguese where people might say "com a gente" to mean "with us." However, in European Portuguese, "connosco" is the standard and most formal way to express this idea.