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O cansaço é passageiro.

O cansaço é passageiro.
Fatigue is fleeting.
FromLesson 12inHardcore Portuguese (Portugal)

Breakdown of O cansaço é passageiro.

ser
to be
passageiro
fleeting
o cansaço
the fatigue

Questions & Answers about O cansaço é passageiro.

What is the literal translation of O cansaço é passageiro?
It literally means "The fatigue is temporary." This shows that the state of being tired is not lasting and will soon pass.
Why is the verb é used in this sentence?
É is the third person singular form of the verb ser (to be). In this sentence, it acts as a linking verb, connecting the subject O cansaço with the adjective passageiro, much like "is" in English.
What does the definite article O signify here?
The article O means "the" in English and indicates that the noun cansaço is masculine and definite. It tells us that you are talking about a specific type of fatigue.
How does the adjective passageiro agree with the noun, and what would change if the noun were feminine?
In Portuguese, adjectives must agree in gender with the noun they modify. Since cansaço is masculine, the adjective remains passageiro. If you were referring to a feminine noun, for example with fadiga (tiredness), the adjective would change to passageira.
Where does the word passageiro come from, and does its origin add any nuance to its meaning?
Passageiro is derived from the verb passar (to pass). This origin underlines the idea that the fatigue is something that passes by or happens briefly, reinforcing the notion of its temporary nature.
How does passageiro compare with the word temporário, and can they be used interchangeably?
Both passageiro and temporário describe something short-lived. However, passageiro often suggests a quick, fleeting state, whereas temporário is a broader term for something that isn’t permanent. In many contexts they can be similar, but passageiro carries a nuance of having passed or being in transit.
How should I pronounce cansaço and passageiro in European Portuguese?
For cansaço, a good approximation is [kan-'sa-su]—note that the "ç" is pronounced like an s. For passageiro, it is roughly [pa-sa-'zhei-ro] in European Portuguese, with the "geiro" part sounding a bit like "zhei-ro." Listening to native speakers will help solidify the correct pronunciation.
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