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Quando a minha cunhada chegar de viagem, iremos preparar um jantar especial.

Quando a minha cunhada chegar de viagem, iremos preparar um jantar especial.
When my sister-in-law arrives from her trip, we will prepare a special dinner.
FromLesson 14inHardcore Portuguese (Portugal)

Questions & Answers about Quando a minha cunhada chegar de viagem, iremos preparar um jantar especial.

What mood is used in the subordinate clause "quando a minha cunhada chegar de viagem" and why is it used for a future event?
The clause uses the present subjunctive form "chegar" even though it refers to a future event. In Portuguese, temporal clauses beginning with quando that express a future, not-yet-realized action employ the present subjunctive. This contrasts with English, where we simply say "when she comes back."
What does the word cunhada mean in English?
Cunhada translates to sister-in-law in English. It refers to either the sister of your spouse or the wife of your brother, depending on the specific family relationship.
How does the phrase de viagem function in this sentence?
The phrase de viagem means “from a trip” or “back from traveling.” It indicates that the sister-in-law is returning from a journey, setting the condition for when the special dinner will be prepared.
What does the construction iremos preparar indicate about the action described in the sentence?
Iremos preparar is a future construction: "iremos" is the first person plural future form of ir (to go) used here with the infinitive preparar (to prepare). It signals a planned future action, meaning "we will prepare" a special dinner once the condition is met.
Why is there a comma between "de viagem" and "iremos preparar um jantar especial"?
The comma separates the subordinate temporal clause (Quando a minha cunhada chegar de viagem) from the main clause (iremos preparar um jantar especial). This punctuation clarifies that the dinner preparation is contingent upon the sister-in-law returning from her trip.
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