O vestido vai ficar ótimo com um casaco leve, mas não deixes nada nos bolsos.

The dress will look great with a light jacket, but don’t leave anything in the pockets.

Breakdown of O vestido vai ficar ótimo com um casaco leve, mas não deixes nada nos bolsos.

• um: a
• mas: but
• em: in
• com: with
• não: not
• leve: light
• deixar: to leave
• o vestido: the dress
• o bolso: the pocket
• ótimo: great
• o casaco: the jacket
• nada: anything

Questions & Answers about O vestido vai ficar ótimo com um casaco leve, mas não deixes nada nos bolsos.

What does the phrase "O vestido vai ficar ótimo" mean, and specifically, why is the verb ficar used here?

In this sentence, ficar is used to indicate a change in appearance or state. It means “to become” or “to look” in English. So "O vestido vai ficar ótimo" translates to “The dress will look great.” The verb ficar is common in Portuguese when describing how someone or something appears after an action or when styled with a particular accessory.

How is the future action expressed by "vai ficar" in this sentence?

Portuguese often uses a periphrastic future construction. Here, "vai" is the present tense of the verb ir (to go), followed by the infinitive ficar. This structure conveys a future meaning, much like saying “is going to look” in English.

What does the adjective leve tell us about "um casaco leve", and why is it important for the sentence?

The adjective leve means “light” or “lightweight.” It indicates that the jacket is not heavy, suggesting comfort and a casual style. When paired with the dress, it helps convey that the outfit is balanced and aesthetically pleasing.

Why is the negative imperative form "não deixes" used instead of a form like "não deixas"?

In European Portuguese, the negative imperative is formed using the present subjunctive. The affirmative command for the second person singular is deixa (without the s), but in the negative imperative, it becomes não deixes. This distinction is an important rule for giving commands.

What does the phrase "nos bolsos" refer to, and why isn’t there an explicit subject in the command?

The phrase "nos bolsos" means “in the pockets.” Portuguese imperatives often omit the subject, as it is understood that the command is directed to the second person (you). Thus, "não deixes nada nos bolsos" means “don’t leave anything in the pockets,” with the subject “you” being implied.