Breakdown of Eu verifico se a chave está na mesa.
eu
I
estar
to be
em
in
a chave
the key
se
if
a mesa
the table
verificar
to check
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Questions & Answers about Eu verifico se a chave está na mesa.
What does the verb verifico mean in this sentence?
Verifico is the first-person singular form of the verb verificar, meaning to check or to verify. In this sentence, it translates to I check or I verify.
What is the function of the word se in this sentence?
Se serves as a conjunction that introduces the subordinate clause. It translates as if in English and links the main clause (Eu verifico) to the condition expressed in the subordinate clause (a chave está na mesa).
Why is na used in na mesa instead of writing em a mesa?
Na is a contraction of em + a. In Portuguese, when the preposition em (meaning on) is followed by the feminine singular article a, they combine to form na. Since mesa (table) is a feminine noun, na mesa means on the table.
What does chave mean, and why is it preceded by the article a?
Chave means key in Portuguese. It is a feminine noun, so it is paired with the feminine definite article a, making a chave translate to the key.
How does está function in this sentence?
Está is the third-person singular form of the verb estar, used in the present indicative. It indicates the current state or location of the noun it describes—in this case, showing that the key is currently on the table.
Can you explain the overall structure of the sentence Eu verifico se a chave está na mesa?
Certainly. The sentence is structured into two parts: • Main clause: Eu verifico – meaning I check or I verify; it states the action performed by the speaker. • Subordinate clause: se a chave está na mesa – introduced by se (if), it explains the condition or detail that is being checked. This construction is typical of conditional statements in Portuguese.
Is there a nuance between using verificar and checar when talking about checking something in Portuguese?
Yes, there is a subtle difference. Verificar is considered more formal and implies a thorough or careful check, akin to to verify. On the other hand, checar is an informal term borrowed from English and is used similarly to mean to check. The choice between them depends on the context and the level of formality you wish to convey.