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Questions & Answers about Ela parece elegante.
What does "Ela" mean in this sentence?
"Ela" is the feminine singular subject pronoun in Portuguese. It translates to "she" in English.
What is the function of "parece" in the sentence?
"Parece" is the third person singular form of the verb "parecer", meaning "to appear" or "to seem". It acts as a linking verb that connects the subject "Ela" to the adjective "elegante".
What does "elegante" mean, and does it change for gender or number?
"Elegante" means "elegant" in English. In Portuguese, this adjective remains the same for both masculine and feminine forms in the singular. When used in plural, it becomes "elegantes" regardless of gender.
How would you translate "Ela parece elegante." into English?
The sentence can be translated as "She seems elegant." or "She appears elegant." Both translations convey the idea that she gives the impression of being elegant rather than stating it as an absolute fact.
Why is "parece" used instead of "é" in this sentence?
Using "parece" suggests that the speaker is commenting on her appearance or the impression she gives, implying a degree of uncertainty or subjectivity. In contrast, using "é" (from the verb "ser") would state that she is definitively elegant. This nuance allows the speaker to express perception rather than an unchangeable quality.
Is the construction using "parecer" followed by an adjective common in Portuguese, and how does it compare with English?
Yes, this construction is quite common in Portuguese. It mirrors English structures such as "to seem" or "to appear" followed by an adjective (e.g., "She seems happy."). Both languages use a linking verb to describe the impression or appearance of the subject, highlighting an observation rather than an absolute state.