Breakdown of Eu aprendo vocabulário novo com livros.
eu
I
novo
new
o livro
the book
com
with
o vocabulário
the vocabulary
aprender
to learn
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Questions & Answers about Eu aprendo vocabulário novo com livros.
Why is the adjective novo placed after vocabulário instead of before it?
In Portuguese, adjectives often follow the noun they modify in straightforward, descriptive statements. Although in English we say "new vocabulary" (adjective before the noun), Portuguese typically structures it as "vocabulário novo". This placement conveys the same meaning while adhering to the natural word order of the language.
How is the verb aprender conjugated in this sentence, and what does aprendo indicate?
The verb aprender (to learn) is conjugated in the first-person singular present indicative form as aprendo. This means that the speaker is saying "I learn"—indicating either a habitual action, a current general routine, or a factual statement about their learning method.
Why are there no articles before vocabulário and livros in this sentence?
In Portuguese, articles are sometimes omitted with mass or general nouns. Vocabulário (vocabulary) is treated as an uncountable or general noun, so it does not require an article when speaking in general terms. Similarly, livros (books) is used in a generic sense to indicate any books, not a specific set, which is why the definite article is not used.
What role does the preposition com play in the sentence?
The preposition com translates to "with" in English. It indicates the means by which the action is performed—in this case, showing that the new vocabulary is learned with books. It establishes the relationship between the tool (books) and the action (learning).
Are there any broader differences in adjective placement between Portuguese and English that I should be aware of?
Yes, there are notable differences. In English, adjectives generally precede the noun (e.g., "new vocabulary"). In Portuguese, however, adjectives usually follow the noun (e.g., "vocabulário novo"), especially for neutral, descriptive qualities. While placing an adjective before a noun in Portuguese might emphasize a subjective or particular quality, the common order after the noun is used for a straightforward, descriptive statement.