Breakdown of Aproximar-se de alguém novo na escola era uma escolha difícil para mim.
ser
to be
novo
new
em
in
para
for
difícil
difficult
uma
a
aproximar-se de
to approach
alguém
someone
a escola
the school
a escolha
the choice
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Questions & Answers about Aproximar-se de alguém novo na escola era uma escolha difícil para mim.
What does aproximar-se mean in this sentence?
It means “to approach” or “to get close to” someone. The reflexive form (with -se) indicates that the verb naturally expresses the idea of initiating contact or drawing nearer in a personal or interpersonal context.
Why is the reflexive pronoun -se attached to aproximar?
In Portuguese, many verbs require a reflexive pronoun to express nuances in meaning. “Aproximar-se” is a pronominal verb, meaning that the action inherently involves a reflexive element—here, it emphasizes the act of approaching in a self-directed, interpersonal context. Without -se, the meaning would change and might not convey the same idea of initiating an interaction.
How does the phrase "de alguém novo na escola" function in the sentence?
This phrase serves as the complement to the verb. “De alguém novo” specifies the person being approached, while “na escola” sets the contextual location of the action. Together, they complete the idea of what or whom the subject was attempting to get close to.
What is the grammatical structure of this sentence?
The sentence uses an infinitive phrase—“aproximar-se de alguém novo na escola”—as its subject. This is a common construction in Portuguese, where an action expressed in the infinitive functions as a noun. The remaining part of the sentence, “era uma escolha difícil para mim,” is the predicate, describing the state or opinion regarding that action.
Why is the verb era (the imperfect form of ser) used here instead of a simple past form like foi?
“Era” is in the imperfect tense, which is used to describe an ongoing or habitual past state rather than a single completed action. In this sentence, it expresses that approaching someone new at school was generally considered a difficult choice by the speaker over a period of time, rather than referring to one isolated event.
What does the phrase "para mim" contribute to the meaning of the sentence?
“Para mim” translates to “for me”, indicating that the speaker is expressing a personal sentiment or opinion. It underlines that, according to the speaker's own experience, deciding to approach someone new in school was a notably challenging or difficult choice.