Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Portugal): É fácil espantar alguém que esteja distraído, mas não é simpático fazê-lo de propósito. - It is easy to startle someone who is distracted, but it’s not nice to do it on purpose.

In this sentence, espantar means “to startle” or “to scare” someone, implying that a distracted person is easily startled. Although espantar can sometimes also mean “to drive away” in other contexts, here it focuses on causing a sudden, involuntary reaction when someone is not paying full attention.

Why is the subjunctive form esteja used in “alguém que esteja distraído” instead of the indicative está?

The subjunctive esteja is used because the clause describes a general or indefinite condition—referring to “someone who happens to be distracted.” In Portuguese, the subjunctive mood is often applied in subordinate clauses that present hypothetical situations or uncertainties rather than stating a definite fact.

How is the object pronoun handled in the phrase fazer-lo de propósito, and why is it attached to the verb?

In Portuguese, when an object pronoun is associated with an infinitive (as in this case with fazer), it is commonly attached to the end of the verb with a hyphen, forming fazê-lo. This is a standard grammatical structure in formal writing. Alternatively, in some contexts, the pronoun may precede the verb, but here attaching it to the infinitive is both correct and typical.

What does de propósito mean, and how does it affect the tone of the sentence?

De propósito means “on purpose” or “intentionally.” In the sentence, it contrasts an accidental reaction (being easily startled) with an action done deliberately. The phrase underscores that intentionally causing someone to be startled is considered impolite or unkind.

Why does the sentence use an impersonal construction like “É fácil” and “não é simpático” without specifying a subject?

The impersonal construction is used to make a general statement. Phrases like “É fácil” (It is easy) and “não é simpático” (it is not nice) lack a specific subject to indicate that the message applies universally, rather than addressing a particular person or group. This structure is common in Portuguese when expressing observations or general opinions.

What is the overall meaning or message conveyed by the sentence?

The sentence conveys that while it may be easy to startle someone who is distracted, deliberately doing so is considered unkind or impolite. The contrast between the ease of the action and its negative social judgment serves as a subtle warning against intentionally causing distress to others.

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