Fase difícil precisa de descanso.

A difficult phase needs rest.

Breakdown of Fase difícil precisa de descanso.

• precisar de: to need
• difícil: difficult
• a fase: the phase

Questions & Answers about Fase difícil precisa de descanso.

Why is there no definite article before fase difícil in this sentence?

In Portuguese, especially when making general statements or referring to abstract concepts, it’s common to omit the definite article. Here, fase difícil describes any difficult phase in general rather than a specific, previously mentioned phase. While adding the article (as in "A fase difícil...") is grammatically acceptable, its omission gives the sentence a more universal and succinct feel.

Why is the preposition de used after the verb precisa?

When precisar means “to need” in Portuguese, it is conventionally paired with the preposition de before the noun. This is a fixed grammatical construction similar to saying “needs rest” in English—with the preposition naturally integrated into the verb’s usage. Therefore, "precisa de descanso" is the standard way to express that a difficult phase needs rest.

How does the verb precisa agree with the subject fase difícil?

The subject fase difícil is a singular noun phrase. The verb precisa is conjugated in the third-person singular form, which is appropriate regardless of the subject’s gender. Thus, even though fase is feminine, the form precisa correctly matches a singular subject in this context.

Does the position of the adjective difícil, placed after fase, affect the meaning of the sentence?

Yes, in Portuguese the position of adjectives can subtly influence meaning or emphasis. By placing difícil after fase, the sentence offers a neutral, descriptive statement (i.e., it is simply stating that the phase is difficult). While adjectives can sometimes be moved before the noun for stylistic or emphatic reasons, the post-nominal placement here keeps the description straightforward and matter-of-fact.

Can this sentence be rephrased without changing its meaning?

Absolutely. For instance, you might say "Esta fase difícil precisa de descanso" to add a demonstrative pronoun for clarity, or use a synonym such as "A fase difícil requer descanso." Both alternatives convey the idea that a challenging period requires rest, though the original version is concise and idiomatic.

What does the construction of this sentence suggest about its register or tone?

The sentence is notably succinct and direct, characteristics often found in informal or conversational language. Its brevity and streamlined structure—omitting optional elements like the definite article—lend it an aphoristic quality, making it feel more like a general observation or piece of advice rather than a formal, elaborated statement.