Breakdown of Eu poupo dinheiro para comprar um presente.
eu
I
um
a
comprar
to buy
para
to
o dinheiro
the money
o presente
the gift
poupar
to save
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Questions & Answers about Eu poupo dinheiro para comprar um presente.
What does “poupo” mean in this sentence?
“Poupo” is the first-person singular form of the verb “poupar,” which means “to save” (as in setting aside money). In this sentence, it indicates that the speaker saves money.
Why is “para” used here, and what function does it serve?
“Para” is used to express purpose. It connects the action of saving money with the intended result—in this case, buying a gift. So, it shows that the money is being saved in order to purchase something.
Why does “dinheiro” appear without an article, while “presente” has the indefinite article “um”?
In Portuguese, when referring to money in a general sense, it is common to use “dinheiro” without a definite or indefinite article, similar to how in English we say “I save money” (without “the”). On the other hand, “presente” is a countable noun here, so it needs the indefinite article “um” to imply a nonspecific or one-of-many gift.
Are “poupar” and “economizar” interchangeable?
They are very similar and often used interchangeably when discussing saving money. However, “poupar” is especially common in European Portuguese and can also imply being frugal or using resources wisely, while “economizar” tends to emphasize efficiency in spending or resource management in a broader sense.
What is the overall meaning of this sentence?
The sentence translates as “I save money to buy a gift.” It communicates that the speaker sets aside money with the purpose of buying a present.