Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Portugal): Talvez eu deva selecionar outro casaco, porque este já está a rasgar-se. - Maybe I should select another coat, because this one is already tearing.

Talvez translates to “perhaps” or “maybe” in English. In Portuguese, it expresses uncertainty, which is why the verb that follows – here deva – is in the subjunctive mood rather than the indicative.

Why is the subjunctive form deva used instead of the indicative devo?

Because talvez implies possibility rather than certainty, Portuguese grammar requires the verb to be in the subjunctive mood. That’s why eu deva (“I should” or “I might”) is used instead of the more definite eu devo (“I do”).

What is the rationale behind using selecionar instead of a more common verb like escolher?

Both selecionar and escolher can mean “to choose,” but selecionar tends to sound more formal or deliberate. In this context, it suggests a careful or specific process of choosing another coat.

What does the demonstrative adjective este refer to in the sentence?

Este means “this” or “this one” and is used here to point to the particular coat that is already showing signs of damage. It contrasts with outro casaco, indicating that the speaker is considering a different coat from the one currently in question.

How is the ongoing action expressed in está a rasgar-se, and why is this construction used?

In European Portuguese, the continuous aspect is formed with estar a followed by the infinitive (here, rasgar-se), which conveys that an action is in progress—similar to saying “is tearing” in English. This differs from Brazilian Portuguese, where the gerund (e.g., “está rasgando”) is commonly used.

Why is the verb rasgar used in its reflexive form as rasgar-se?

The reflexive pronoun se indicates that the coat is undergoing the action by itself—in other words, it is tearing on its own. This reflexive structure is common in Portuguese to describe an object experiencing an action or change, such as damage developing over time.