Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Portugal): Talvez seja melhor tirá-los para manter o chão limpo. - Maybe it’s better to take them off to keep the floor clean.

In Portuguese, words like talvez (maybe/perhaps) express uncertainty or doubt. When such expressions are used, the following verb is usually put in the subjunctive mood. Thus, seja (the subjunctive form of ser) is appropriate here instead of its indicative equivalent.

What does tirá-los mean, and how is it formed?

Tirá-los combines the infinitive tirar (meaning "to remove" or "to take out") with the clitic pronoun -los (meaning "them"). In European Portuguese, object pronouns are often attached to the infinitive with a hyphen, forming this compound.

Why is there an accent on tirá-los?

The accent mark in tirá-los is used to maintain the correct stress on the verb after the pronoun is attached. In such cases, the accent ensures that the pronunciation reflects the original stress of the verb before the clitic is added.

What is the function of the phrase para manter o chão limpo in the sentence?

The phrase para manter o chão limpo explains the purpose behind the action. It translates to "to keep the floor clean," indicating that the removal (of whatever is being referred to by -los) is intended to ensure that the floor stays clean.

Why is the infinitive used after melhor in this context?

In Portuguese, after expressions of advisability like "é melhor" (it is better), it is common to use the infinitive form of the verb. Here, using tirar in its attached form (tirá-los) suggests that it would be advisable to remove them as a means of achieving the intended result.