Breakdown of O Pedro pergunta se a Ana está feliz.
Ana
Ana
Pedro
Pedro
estar
to be
feliz
happy
se
if
perguntar
to ask
Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Portuguese grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about O Pedro pergunta se a Ana está feliz.
Why is there a definite article before the names Pedro and Ana in this sentence?
In Portuguese, it is common to use definite articles with proper names—especially in an informal or familiar context. For instance, O Pedro (with O for masculine) and A Ana (with A for feminine) are standard. This differs from English, where we typically omit articles before names.
What is the function of se in the sentence "O Pedro pergunta se a Ana está feliz"?
Se acts as a subordinating conjunction that introduces an indirect yes/no question. It is equivalent to the English word if or whether, linking the main clause (O Pedro pergunta) to the subordinate clause (a Ana está feliz).
Why does the sentence end with a period instead of a question mark, even though it involves a question?
The sentence is reporting an indirect question rather than posing a direct question. Although it conveys a question (Pedro is asking about Ana’s happiness), the overall structure is declarative, which is why it ends with a period instead of a question mark.
How is the verb perguntar conjugated in this sentence, and why?
The verb is conjugated as pergunta, which is the third-person singular form. Since O Pedro is the singular subject, the verb must match in number and person, according to Portuguese grammatical rules.
How does the word order in an indirect question like "se a Ana está feliz" differ from a direct question in Portuguese?
In indirect questions—such as "se a Ana está feliz"—the clause maintains a standard declarative word order (subject followed by verb and complement). In direct questions, however, the structure often changes (sometimes with inversion or different punctuation) to clearly signal an interrogative form. This declarative order in indirect questions helps embed the question within a larger statement.