Breakdown of Depois do jantar, eu bebo chá.
eu
I
beber
to drink
o jantar
the dinner
depois de
after
o chá
the tea
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Questions & Answers about Depois do jantar, eu bebo chá.
What is the function of the phrase Depois do jantar in this sentence?
It works as a time adverbial, setting the scene by indicating when the action takes place. In this case, Depois do jantar means “after dinner,” letting us know that the tea-drinking occurs following dinner.
How is the contraction do in do jantar formed, and why is it used here?
The contraction do comes from combining the preposition de with the definite article o. Since jantar (dinner) is a masculine noun, de + o jantar becomes do jantar. This structure shows that the dinner being referred to is understood as a specific event without needing an extra article in English.
Why is the subject pronoun eu included even though the verb form already indicates the subject?
Portuguese often drops subject pronouns because the verb ending (in this case, bebo) makes it clear who is performing the action. However, eu may be included for emphasis, clarity, or stylistic reasons.
What does the verb form bebo tell us grammatically?
Bebo is the first-person singular present tense form of the regular verb beber (to drink). Its ending clearly indicates that the speaker (I) is the one drinking tea.
Why is there no article before chá in the sentence?
When expressing general habits or preferences with beverages like tea, Portuguese commonly omits the definite article. So eu bebo chá means “I drink tea” as a general statement, without specifying a particular cup or type of tea.
Could the time phrase Depois do jantar be placed elsewhere in the sentence, and would the meaning change?
Yes, you could reposition the time adverbial. For example, you might say Eu bebo chá depois do jantar. While both versions communicate the same idea, placing the adverbial at the beginning (as in the original sentence) can emphasize when the action occurs.