Breakdown of Eu gosto de comparar os preços da conta antes de assiná-la.
eu
I
gostar de
to like
de
of
antes de
before
o preço
the price
comparar
to compare
a conta
the bill
assinar
to sign
Questions & Answers about Eu gosto de comparar os preços da conta antes de assiná-la.
What does "gosto de" mean in this sentence?
It means "I like". In this context, it's used to express a preference for an action, similar to how you would say "I like to compare" in English.
Why is the verb "comparar" in the infinitive form rather than conjugated?
In Portuguese, after expressions of preference like "gosto de" (I like), the following verb is used in its base/infinitive form. This construction is similar to English where we say, "I like to compare..." rather than "I like comparing..." with a conjugated verb.
What does "os preços da conta" literally translate to, and what does it mean in context?
Literally, "os preços da conta" translates to "the prices of the account". In context, "conta" usually refers to a bill (like at a restaurant or service invoice). So, the phrase implies "the prices on the bill", emphasizing the cost details.
How is the pronoun "la" functioning in "assiná-la"?
The pronoun "la" refers back to the feminine noun "a conta" (the bill). In European Portuguese, it is common to attach the object pronoun to the end of an infinitive verb with a hyphen. Thus, "assiná-la" means "to sign it", with "it" representing "a conta".
Why is there a hyphen in "assiná-la" instead of placing the pronoun before the verb?
In Portuguese, especially in European Portuguese, when an object pronoun follows an infinitive verb, it is attached to the end with a hyphen. This is why "assinar" becomes "assiná-la". Placing the pronoun before the verb is an alternative construction, but in this sentence the attached form is preferred.
What does "antes de assiná-la" mean?
It means "before signing it". The phrase "antes de" translates directly to "before", and when it is followed by an infinitive, it indicates an action that happens prior to another. Here, "assiná-la" (sign it) refers to signing the bill.
Are there any nuances in using the object pronoun with the infinitive in European Portuguese that learners should know?
Yes. European Portuguese often attaches object pronouns to the infinitive with a hyphen, as seen in "assiná-la". This differs from Brazilian Portuguese, where pronouns can either be attached to the verb or precede it, and the rules regarding clitic placement can vary with sentence structure. Understanding this helps learners correctly form sentences and avoid ambiguity.
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