Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Portugal): É melhor ferver mais água se formos preparar café para todos. - It’s better to boil more water if we are going to make coffee for everyone.

É melhor translates to “it’s better” in English. It introduces a recommendation or suggestion, indicating that the following action (boiling extra water) is advisable given the circumstances.

Why is the infinitive ferver used after É melhor?

In Portuguese, after expressions like É melhor, the infinitive form of the verb is used to state the recommended action. This is equivalent to saying “it’s better to boil” in English, where the infinitive indicates what should be done.

How is the conditional aspect expressed in the sentence, particularly with se formos preparar café para todos?

The conditional aspect is shown by the use of se, meaning “if”. The verb formos is the future subjunctive form of ir, which is used in Portuguese for conditions relating to future events. So, se formos preparar café para todos means “if we are going to prepare coffee for everyone,” linking the condition to the recommendation.

Why is the future subjunctive form formos used instead of a simple future tense?

In European Portuguese, when referring to a condition that deals with future possibilities, the future subjunctive is required. Formos is the appropriate form for a situation like “if we are going to prepare,” which shows that the action (preparing coffee) is not certain but depends on a future event.

What role does mais play in ferver mais água?

Mais means “more” and indicates an increase in quantity. In this context, it implies that you should boil extra water than you normally would, because you’re preparing coffee for everyone. It highlights that a larger amount is necessary to meet the needs of all those present.