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Questions & Answers about Tu corres depressa na corrida.
What does the word tu mean in this sentence?
Tu is the informal second-person singular pronoun in Portuguese, equivalent to "you" when speaking in a casual or familiar context.
Why is the verb form corres used here?
Corres is the present tense form of the verb correr (to run) that agrees with the subject tu. In European Portuguese, when addressing someone informally as tu, the verb is conjugated with an -es ending in the present tense.
What role does the adverb depressa play in the sentence?
Depressa acts as an adverb modifying the verb corres. It describes the manner in which one runs, meaning "quickly" or "fast".
What does the prepositional phrase na corrida mean?
Na corrida translates to "in the race". The word na is a contraction of em (in) and a (the), and corrida means race.
Why is the adverb depressa placed after the verb?
In Portuguese, it is common to place adverbs after the conjugated verb to directly specify how the action is performed. The placement of depressa after corres naturally indicates the manner (quickly/fast) in which the running occurs.
Is the use of tu typical in European Portuguese?
Yes, using tu is standard in European Portuguese for informal address. It contrasts with Brazilian Portuguese, where você is more commonly used in casual situations.
Could the structure of the sentence be altered without changing its meaning?
Yes, the sentence elements can sometimes be rearranged for emphasis. For example, saying "Depressa, tu corres na corrida" puts more emphasis on the speed. However, the original order is the most natural in everyday speech.
How does depressa compare with other adverbs like rapidamente when expressing the idea of speed?
While both depressa and rapidamente can express the idea of running fast, depressa is more colloquial and commonly used in spoken language. Rapidamente is more formal and might be preferred in written or formal contexts.