Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Portuguese grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about O Pedro está distraído hoje.
Why is there a definite article O before Pedro?
In European Portuguese it’s common to use a definite article with first names. O Pedro doesn’t translate to “the Pedro” in English but reflects a conventional way of referring to someone, much like saying “Pedro” in a familiar or contextually specific sense.
Why is the verb está used instead of é in this sentence?
The verb estar is used for describing temporary states or conditions. In the sentence, O Pedro está distraído hoje, it indicates that Pedro is distracted today—a temporary condition. If you were referring to a permanent characteristic, you would use ser (as in Pedro é distraído).
What exactly does the adjective distraído mean and can it have different nuances?
Distraído translates to “distracted” or “absent-minded” in English. It suggests that Pedro’s focus is elsewhere at the moment. In other contexts, it can imply that someone is preoccupied or not fully attentive. Its nuance often depends on the situation but generally points to a temporary lapse in concentration.
Why is the adverb hoje placed at the end of the sentence?
In Portuguese, placing time adverbs like hoje (“today”) at the end of the sentence is quite common. It clearly indicates when the state applies, following the establishment of the subject’s condition. Although the word order can be flexible, this placement is standard in many statements about current conditions.
Would removing the article and saying Pedro está distraído hoje still be acceptable?
While the sentence without the article is understandable, omitting O is less typical in European Portuguese when referring to someone by their first name. Using O Pedro is considered more standard in this variety of Portuguese, even though many speakers might drop it in very informal contexts.