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Questions & Answers about O quadro está na parede.
What does quadro mean in this sentence?
In this context, quadro means a picture or painting—typically a framed piece of art that is displayed on a wall.
What role does the contraction na play in the sentence?
Na is a contraction of the preposition em (“in” or “on”) and the feminine singular definite article a (“the”). Therefore, na parede translates to “on the wall,” indicating the location where the picture is placed.
Why is the verb está used instead of é?
Portuguese distinguishes between estar and ser. Está (from estar) is used for temporary states or locations, while é (from ser) is used for permanent characteristics or inherent qualities. Since the sentence describes where the picture is located—a temporary or specific state—está is the appropriate choice.
Can quadro have meanings other than “picture” or “painting”?
Yes, quadro can have several meanings depending on context. Besides referring to a picture or painting, it can mean a panel, a framework, or even a chart. In this sentence, it clearly denotes a picture hanging on the wall.
How do I know that parede is a feminine noun?
In Portuguese, nouns have grammatical genders that often need to be memorized. Parede is feminine, which is indicated by the use of the feminine article a (contracted with em to form na). Over time, with practice, you’ll become more familiar with the typical gender patterns of Portuguese nouns.