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Questions & Answers about Esta semana é longa.
What is the literal translation of Esta semana é longa into English?
It translates directly as "This week is long." The sentence is used to indicate that the week feels long or extended.
Why is the article "esta" used instead of "este" in the sentence?
"Esta" is the feminine form of the demonstrative adjective "this." Because "semana" (week) is a feminine noun in Portuguese, the adjective must agree in gender, hence "esta" is used instead of the masculine "este."
How does the verb "é" function in this sentence?
The verb "é" is the third person singular form of "ser" (to be). It acts as a linking verb that connects the subject "esta semana" to the predicate adjective "longa," establishing a characteristic of the week.
Why does the adjective "longa" end in -a?
In Portuguese, adjectives must agree in gender and number with the nouns they modify. Since "semana" is a feminine noun, the adjective takes the feminine ending -a to become "longa" rather than "longo."
Is the placement of "longa" after the verb "é" significant?
Yes, the adjective "longa" is used as a predicate adjective, which is why it follows the linking verb "é." This placement is typical in both Portuguese and English when describing a characteristic of the subject.
Does the sentence imply a literal measurement of time or a subjective impression?
While the literal translation is "This week is long," the sentence is often used to express a subjective feeling—that the week seems to drag on, possibly due to anticipated challenges or a busy schedule—even though the actual length of the week remains the same.