Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Portugal): Eu desafio‑te a cozinhar um prato novo hoje. - I challenge you to cook a new dish today.

“Desafio‑te” translates to “I challenge you.” In European Portuguese, it is common to attach the object pronoun directly to the end of the verb (a process called enclisis), which is why “te” is connected with a hyphen instead of appearing before the verb.

Why is there an “a” before the infinitive “cozinhar”?

In Portuguese, when you challenge or invite someone to do something, you typically use the structure verb + object pronoun + a + infinitive. Here, “a cozinhar” means “to cook.” The preposition “a” is necessary to link the challenge with the action to be carried out.

How does the adjective placement in “um prato novo” differ from English word order?

In this sentence, “novo” (new) comes after the noun “prato” (dish), which is typical in Portuguese. In English, adjectives usually precede the noun (as in “new dish”). This difference in adjective placement is a common point of interest for learners.

What role does the adverb “hoje” play in the sentence?

“Hoje” means “today” and functions as an adverb modifying the entire action. It specifies when the challenged action is to take place, emphasizing that the new dish should be cooked on the same day.

How does the structure of this sentence compare to similar challenge statements in English?

Both languages convey a similar challenge: in English you might say “I challenge you to cook a new dish today.” The differences lie in the use of clitic pronoun placement in Portuguese (“desafio‑te” instead of “I challenge you”) and the need for the preposition “a” before the infinitive verb. These structural elements are key features of Portuguese syntax that learners often inquire about.