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Questions & Answers about Hoje é a minha vez.
What is the role of hoje in the sentence "Hoje é a minha vez"?
Hoje is an adverb meaning "today" that sets the temporal context of the sentence. It tells us when the event (i.e., it being your turn) is taking place.
Why is the definite article a used before minha vez when we simply say "my turn" in English?
In Portuguese—particularly in Portugal—it’s standard to use a definite article with possessive adjectives. So, a minha vez is correct, whereas English does not require an article before the possessive "my."
What does the verb é signify in this sentence, and what tense is it?
É is the third-person singular form of the verb ser in the present indicative tense. It functions as a linking verb, meaning "is," which connects the time reference (hoje) with the state described by a minha vez.
Can the word order be altered without changing the meaning of the sentence?
Yes, it is possible to rearrange the sentence to A minha vez é hoje. Both constructions are grammatically correct. The choice of order can shift the emphasis—using hoje at the beginning highlights the day, while placing it at the end can emphasize that it is indeed your turn.
Is it acceptable in European Portuguese to say "Hoje é minha vez" without the article?
In European Portuguese, omitting the definite article with possessives (saying minha vez instead of a minha vez) is generally not preferred. Including the article is considered grammatically standard even though more casual contexts or Brazilian variants might sometimes drop it.