Breakdown of Para subir ao sótão, tens de carregar a lanterna, pois lá dentro é muito escuro.
ser
to be
muito
very
pois
because
para
to
ter de
to have to
subir
to go up
lá dentro
inside
o sótão
the attic
carregar
to carry
escuro
dark
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Questions & Answers about Para subir ao sótão, tens de carregar a lanterna, pois lá dentro é muito escuro.
What does "tens de carregar" mean, and how does it function grammatically in this sentence?
"Tens de carregar" translates to "you have to carry." It is formed from the verb "ter" (to have) used with the preposition "de" plus the infinitive "carregar" (to carry). In European Portuguese, "tens" is the informal second-person singular form (referring to "tu"), indicating an obligation that is imposed on the listener.
Why is the preposition "para" used before the infinitive "subir", and what does it express?
The preposition "para" is used with an infinitive to indicate purpose or intention. In the sentence, "para subir ao sótão" literally means "in order to go up to the attic" or simply "to go up to the attic". It sets the context for why you need to carry the lantern.
What does the contraction "ao" in "ao sótão" represent, and why is it used?
"Ao" is the contraction of the preposition "a" (to) and the definite article "o" (the). It is used to indicate a specific destination. Therefore, "ao sótão" translates to "to the attic."
What is the role of the word "pois" in this sentence?
"Pois" functions as a conjunction that means "because". It introduces a clause that provides the reason or explanation—for example, "pois lá dentro é muito escuro" means "because it is very dark in there"—justifying why it is necessary to carry the lantern.
Why is the subject not explicitly stated in the phrase "tens de carregar a lanterna," and how can I tell who it refers to?
In Portuguese it is common to drop the subject when the verb form makes it clear. The verb "tens" clearly corresponds to the informal second-person singular "tu". Thus, even though "tu" is omitted, it is understood that the instruction is directed at "you."
How does this sentence reflect differences between European and Brazilian Portuguese in expressing obligation?
This sentence uses "tens de," which is typical of European Portuguese, where the informal "tu" form is common. In Brazilian Portuguese, the construction would more likely be "você tem que carregar a lanterna" because "você" is preferred over "tu" and the corresponding verb forms differ. This difference in structure is one of the distinguishing features between the two variants.