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Questions & Answers about Minha opinião é importante.
Why is the possessive adjective minha used instead of meu in this sentence?
Minha means “my” and is used here because the noun opinião (opinion) is feminine. In Portuguese, possessive adjectives must agree in gender with the noun they modify; thus, you use minha (feminine) rather than meu (masculine).
What role does the verb é play in the sentence?
É is the third person singular form of the verb ser, which means “to be.” In this sentence, it acts as a linking verb that connects the subject, minha opinião, to the adjective importante, much like the English “is” in “My opinion is important.”
Does the adjective importante change form when describing different genders or numbers?
No, importante is invariant with respect to gender. Whether the noun it describes is masculine or feminine, importante remains the same. However, if referring to multiple opinions, you would pluralize it as importantes to match a plural noun.
In Portuguese, should we always include a definite article before possessive adjectives? Why is it just minha opinião here and not a minha opinião?
In European Portuguese, it is common to include a definite article before a possessive adjective (e.g., a minha opinião), but in many contexts, especially in informal or stylistic choices, the article can be omitted, resulting in minha opinião. Both forms are acceptable, so the choice often depends on regional usage or the speaker’s preference.
How should I pronounce opinião, particularly considering the tilde on the ã?
The word opinião is pronounced roughly like “oh-pee-nee-OWN,” with the ão at the end indicating a nasalized vowel sound. The tilde over the ã signals that it should be pronounced nasally. Listening to native speakers and practicing will help you master this nasal sound.
What is the overall sentence structure of Minha opinião é importante, and how does it compare to English?
The sentence follows a simple subject–verb–adjective pattern. Minha opinião serves as the subject, é is the linking verb, and importante acts as the predicate adjective. This structure mirrors the English sentence “My opinion is important,” making it easier for English speakers to grasp the formation of basic Portuguese sentences.