Quando eles se deitam tarde, dormem menos, mas dizem que não se importam.

When they go to bed late, they sleep less, but they say they don’t mind.

Breakdown of Quando eles se deitam tarde, dormem menos, mas dizem que não se importam.

• mas: but
• eles: they
• tarde: late
• quando: when
• não: not
• que: that
• deitar-se: to go to bed
• dizer: to say
• dormir: to sleep
• menos: less
• importar-se: to mind

Questions & Answers about Quando eles se deitam tarde, dormem menos, mas dizem que não se importam.

What does the reflexive pronoun “se” indicate in “se deitam” and why is it necessary?

The reflexive pronoun “se” shows that the subject is performing the action on itself. In Portuguese, the verb “deitar-se” means “to go to bed” or “to lie down,” requiring the reflexive form. Omitting “se” would be unidiomatic and could change the intended meaning.

Why is “menos” placed after “dormem” and what does it modify?

“Menos” translates as “less” in English and it modifies the verb “dormem” (they sleep) to indicate that they sleep a smaller amount. Its placement immediately after the verb clearly conveys that the reduction applies to the quantity or degree of sleep.

How is the sentence structured in terms of clauses and their functions?

The sentence can be divided into three parts:

1. The temporal clause “Quando eles se deitam tarde” (“When they go to bed late”) sets the condition.
2. The result clause “dormem menos” (“they sleep less”) states the consequence.
3. The contrasting clause “mas dizem que não se importam” (“but they say that they don’t care”) expresses a contrasting attitude toward the consequence.

Why is the reflexive construction used in “não se importam” instead of simply “não importam”?

In Portuguese, verbs like “importar” require a reflexive construction when expressing care or concern. The phrase “não se importam” (literally “do not care about themselves”) is the standard way to say “don’t care” or “don’t mind.” Removing the reflexive pronoun would not convey the intended meaning and would sound incorrect.

What role does the conjunction “mas” play in the sentence?

“Mas” means “but” and is used to introduce a contrast between the two parts of the sentence. It contrasts the outcome of sleeping less with the subjects’ attitude—that even though they sleep less, they claim they do not mind.

How can the sentence be translated and broken down for clarity?

A clear translation of the sentence is: “When they go to bed late, they sleep less, but they say that they don’t care.”
Breaking it down:
• “Quando eles se deitam tarde” indicates the condition (going to bed late).
• “Dormem menos” describes the direct effect (sleeping less).
• “Mas dizem que não se importam” introduces a contrasting statement (expressing indifference despite the consequence).