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Questions & Answers about O Pedro tem o mesmo carro.
Why is the definite article "O" used before the name Pedro?
In European Portuguese, it’s common to use the definite article with proper names in informal contexts. “O Pedro” simply means Pedro; the article doesn’t change the meaning but reflects a typical stylistic norm in Portuguese.
What does "mesmo" mean in this sentence and what function does it serve?
In this context, mesmo means "the same." It modifies the noun "carro" to emphasize that the car is identical to one already known or previously mentioned within the conversation.
Why is there a definite article "o" before "carro"?
The article "o" before "carro" specifies that we’re talking about a particular car, much like "the car" in English. It indicates that both the speaker and listener are aware of which car is being referenced.
How is the verb "tem" conjugated and what does it indicate in this sentence?
Tem is the third-person singular form of the verb ter (to have) in the present tense. It shows that Pedro possesses the car, maintaining proper subject–verb agreement within the sentence.
Can the sentence be rephrased while keeping the same meaning?
Yes, the sentence could also be written without the article before the name, as in "Pedro tem o mesmo carro." However, in Portuguese (Portugal), including the article—as in "O Pedro tem o mesmo carro"—is a common and acceptable practice in everyday speech.