Economia cresce quando trabalhamos.

Economy grows when we work.

Breakdown of Economia cresce quando trabalhamos.

• trabalhar: to work
• quando: when
• a economia: the economy
• crescer: to grow

Questions & Answers about Economia cresce quando trabalhamos.

What does the word economia mean in this sentence, and why isn’t it preceded by a definite article as in English?

Economia translates to economy and refers to the overall economic system. Although in English we say "the economy", Portuguese often drops the definite article in contexts like headlines, slogans, or general statements for stylistic or concise effect. So while you might also see "A economia cresce quando trabalhamos", the form here is acceptable and common.

Why is the verb cresce conjugated in the third person singular?

The verb cresce is in the third person singular because its subject is economia, which is a singular noun. This follows the standard conjugation rules in Portuguese, meaning "the economy grows."

Why does the second clause use trabalhamos in the first person plural even though the main clause’s subject is economia?

Even though the subjects differ, the sentence expresses a cause-effect relationship: when we work, the economy grows. The subordinate clause uses trabalhamos—the first person plural form of trabalhar—to imply that we (people in general) are the ones working, thereby influencing the economy. It is perfectly normal in Portuguese to have different subjects in the main and subordinate clauses.

What tense are the verbs cresce and trabalhamos, and what is its function in the sentence?

Both verbs are in the present indicative tense. This tense is used to state general truths or habitual actions. In this sentence, it underscores a timeless or generally accepted fact: when we (continuously) work, the economy grows.

Are there any notable differences in sentence structure or punctuation between this Portuguese sentence and its English equivalent?

The overall sentence structure in Portuguese—subject followed by verb and then a subordinate clause—mirrors the English structure, as in "The economy grows when we work." However, stylistically, Portuguese often omits the definite article ("A" before economia) in statements meant to be punchy or concise, which is less common in everyday English. Additionally, punctuation is more flexible in Portuguese; for example, a comma before "quando trabalhamos" is optional.

Does this sentence reflect a specific style or register in Portuguese?

Yes, the sentence has a concise, almost aphoristic quality that you might see in newspaper headlines or slogans. Its brevity and the omission of the definite article contribute to a style that emphasizes the general truth of the statement. In more formal, narrative contexts, you might encounter a slightly expanded version, such as "A economia cresce quando trabalhamos."