Breakdown of É fundamental ser pontual nas reuniões, especialmente quando estamos a candidatar-nos a um novo emprego.
ser
to be
um
a
estar
to be
nós
we
novo
new
em
in
quando
when
a reunião
the meeting
o emprego
the job
pontual
punctual
fundamental
crucial
especialmente
especially
candidatar-se
to apply for
Questions & Answers about É fundamental ser pontual nas reuniões, especialmente quando estamos a candidatar-nos a um novo emprego.
What does é fundamental mean in this sentence?
It means "it's essential" or "it's crucial." This phrase emphasizes that being punctual holds significant importance, especially in professional situations like meetings and job applications.
Why is the infinitive ser used right after é fundamental?
In Portuguese, impersonal phrases like é fundamental are typically followed by an infinitive. This structure expresses a general principle or recommendation—here, the idea that punctuality is inherently important.
What does pontual translate to in English?
Pontual translates directly to "punctual." It describes someone who is on time or adheres strictly to a schedule.
What is the meaning of the contraction nas reuniões?
Nas reuniões is a contraction of “em” (in/at) and “as reuniões” (the meetings). It means "in the meetings" or "at the meetings."
How is the phrase estamos a candidatar-nos constructed, and what does it convey?
This phrase uses a common European Portuguese construction for the present continuous. It combines the verb estar with a plus an infinitive (candidatar) and attaches the reflexive pronoun (nos) at the end. Together, it translates to "we are applying" (for a new job), indicating an action in progress.
Why is there a hyphen in candidatar-nos, and what role does it play?
The hyphen in candidatar-nos links the reflexive pronoun nos to the infinitive candidatar. This usage is common in Portuguese to ensure that the pronoun is properly attached to its verb, maintaining the correct pronominal form.
How might this sentence be expressed differently in Brazilian Portuguese?
In Brazilian Portuguese, the progressive action is often expressed using a gerund. So, the sentence would likely be: "É fundamental ser pontual nas reuniões, especialmente quando estamos nos candidatando a um novo emprego." Notice that here the reflexive pronoun nos appears before the gerund candidatando, contrasting with the European Portuguese construction.
More from this lesson
AI Language TutorTry it ↗
“What's the best way to learn Portuguese grammar?”
Portuguese grammar becomes intuitive with practice. Focus on understanding the core patterns first — how sentences are structured, how verbs change form, and how words relate to each other. Our course breaks these concepts into small lessons so you can build understanding step by step.
Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor
Start learning PortugueseMaster Portuguese — from É fundamental ser pontual nas reuniões, especialmente quando estamos a candidatar-nos a um novo emprego to fluency
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods.
- ✓ Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
- ✓ Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
- ✓ Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
- ✓ AI tutor to answer your grammar questions