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Questions & Answers about O Pedro é injusto.
Why is the definite article O used before Pedro?
In European Portuguese, it is very common to use the definite article before a person’s first name. Here, O (the masculine form of “the”) is added to Pedro as a conventional way of referring to him, often conveying familiarity or informality. While you might sometimes see the name used without the article, including it is a natural and widespread practice in Portugal.
What role does the verb é play in this sentence?
É is the third-person singular present tense form of ser, which translates to “to be.” In this sentence, it links the subject, O Pedro, to the adjective injusto, indicating that being unjust is an inherent characteristic of Pedro. Using ser emphasizes a stable, defining quality rather than a temporary state.
How does the adjective injusto agree with the subject in this sentence?
In Portuguese, adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they describe. Since Pedro is a masculine singular noun, the adjective takes its masculine singular form—injusto. If the sentence were about a female subject, the adjective would need to be changed to injusta.
Why is the verb ser used instead of estar?
Portuguese distinguishes between ser and estar based on the nature of the characteristic being described. Ser is used for permanent, defining, or inherent qualities, while estar describes temporary conditions or states. Since injusto is portrayed as an enduring trait of Pedro’s character, ser is the appropriate choice.
Is it acceptable to drop the article and say Pedro é injusto instead of O Pedro é injusto?
Yes, it is grammatically correct to say Pedro é injusto without the article. However, in European Portuguese, including the definite article with first names is very common in everyday usage. Omitting the article might sound slightly less natural or formal depending on context and regional variations.