Breakdown of Quem nunca teve a sensação de estar atrasado, mesmo quando ainda faltam horas para o compromisso?
de
of
estar
to be
ter
to have
para
for
ainda
still
nunca
never
quando
when
atrasado
late
a hora
the hour
faltar
to lack
o compromisso
the appointment
quem
who
a sensação
the feeling
mesmo
even
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Questions & Answers about Quem nunca teve a sensação de estar atrasado, mesmo quando ainda faltam horas para o compromisso?
Why does the sentence start with "Quem" and how is it used here?
"Quem" translates as "who" and is used to form a rhetorical question. Instead of expecting an actual answer, it implies that everyone has experienced that feeling at some point, making the question more of a shared expression of human experience.
Why is the verb "teve" (had) in the past tense rather than using the present tense?
"Teve" is the simple past form of "ter" (to have), which is used here because it refers to an experience that has happened at some point in the past. This structure, common in rhetorical questions, suggests that the feeling of being late is a universal experience, even if it occurred in the past.
What does the phrase "a sensação de estar atrasado" mean, and why is "estar atrasado" used?
The phrase "a sensação de estar atrasado" means "the feeling of being late." The use of "estar atrasado" (to be late) emphasizes that it's a state or perception rather than an objective fact—people might feel pressed for time even when they objectively aren't.
How should one interpret "mesmo quando ainda faltam horas para o compromisso"?
This part translates roughly to "even when there are still hours left until the appointment." It underscores a perceived contradiction: one might feel like they're running out of time (or late) even when, in reality, there is ample time before the scheduled commitment. This juxtaposition highlights the disconnect between perception and reality in our experience of time.
What is the role of the verb "faltam" in this context?
"Faltam" is the third-person plural form of "faltar" (to be lacking or remaining). In this sentence, it indicates that there are still several hours remaining before the appointment, reinforcing the irony that the sense of urgency comes despite having plenty of time.