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Questions & Answers about Eu estou de pé no jardim.
What does de pé mean in this sentence?
De pé translates to standing. It indicates that the subject is in an upright position on their feet rather than sitting, lying down, or adopting another posture.
Why is the verb estar used instead of ser in the sentence?
In Portuguese, estar expresses a temporary state or condition, which fits the context of physically standing at that moment. Using ser would imply a more permanent characteristic, which isn’t appropriate for describing a temporary posture like standing.
What does the contraction no signify in no jardim?
No is a contraction of em (meaning in or on) and o (the masculine singular definite article for the). Therefore, no jardim literally means in the garden, indicating the location where the action is taking place.
Is it necessary to include de pé? What difference does it make if I omit it?
Yes, including de pé is important because it specifies your physical posture. Without it, Eu estou no jardim would simply tell someone that you are in the garden, without clarifying whether you are standing, sitting, or doing something else. De pé precisely communicates that you are standing.
Can the sentence structure be rearranged without changing its meaning?
Yes, the sentence can be slightly rearranged for emphasis. For example, No jardim, eu estou de pé still conveys the same overall meaning. However, the original order—Eu estou de pé no jardim—is clear and follows a typical subject-verb-complement structure commonly used in Portuguese.