Log inSign up

Eu quero a receita do bolo.

Eu quero a receita do bolo.
I want the cake recipe.
FromLesson 10inHardcore Portuguese (Portugal)

Breakdown of Eu quero a receita do bolo.

eu
I
o bolo
the cake
de
of
querer
to want
a receita
the recipe

Questions & Answers about Eu quero a receita do bolo.

What does the sentence "Eu quero a receita do bolo." mean in English?
It translates to "I want the recipe for the cake." Here, "Eu" means I, "quero" means want, "a receita" means the recipe, and "do bolo" means of the cake (with the contraction indicating of the cake or for the cake).
Why is the article a used before receita?
In Portuguese, every noun has a gender. The word receita is feminine, so it takes the feminine definite article a, which corresponds to the in English. Therefore, a receita means the recipe.
What does the contraction do in do bolo represent?
The contraction do is formed by combining the preposition de (meaning of or for) with the masculine singular article o (meaning the). Thus, do bolo translates literally as of the cake, which in context is understood as for the cake.
How is the sentence structured in comparison to English?
The sentence follows a subject-verb-object order similar to English. Eu is the subject (I), quero is the verb (want), and a receita do bolo functions as the object (the recipe for the cake).
What is the form and function of the verb quero?
Quero is the first-person singular present tense of the verb querer (to want). Its ending indicates that the subject is eu (I), even though the subject is explicitly mentioned. This verb form shows a direct desire or want.
Can the word receita have other meanings in Portuguese?
Yes, receita can also mean prescription or income (as in a source of earnings) in different contexts. However, in this sentence, since it is followed by do bolo, it clearly means recipe in the culinary sense.
Is it necessary to include the subject Eu in such sentences in Portuguese?
No, Portuguese is a pro-drop language, which means that subject pronouns are often omitted because the verb conjugation itself indicates who the subject is. In everyday speech, you might simply say "Quero a receita do bolo." Including Eu can add emphasis or clarity, especially for language learners.
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 Portuguese

Master Portuguese — from Eu quero a receita do bolo 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
Start learning Portuguese freeBrowse the full course