Breakdown of Vou grelhar umas costelinhas de porco para o jantar de domingo.
de
of
ir
to go
o jantar
the dinner
para
for
grelhar
to grill
umas
some
o porco
the pig
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Questions & Answers about Vou grelhar umas costelinhas de porco para o jantar de domingo.
What does the phrase “vou grelhar” mean and how is it constructed?
It uses the “ir + infinitive” structure to express a near-future action. “Vou” is the first-person singular form of “ir” (to go), and when paired with the infinitive “grelhar” (to grill), it translates as “I am going to grill.”
What is the significance of the indefinite article “umas” in this sentence?
“Umas” is a plural, informal indefinite article that means “some.” It conveys that an unspecified quantity of the item is being mentioned—in this case, “some” pork ribs.
Why is the diminutive form “costelinhas” used instead of simply “costelas”?
The diminutive “costelinhas” often implies a particular cut or a sense of endearment, suggesting that the ribs might be smaller, more tender, or prepared in a specific, appealing way. It is common in conversational Portuguese to use diminutives when referring to food to express affection or a casual tone.
What role does “de porco” play in the sentence?
“De porco” functions as a descriptive phrase that specifies the type of meat. It tells us that the ribs are pork ribs—literally, “ribs of pig”—clarifying what kind of costelinhas are being mentioned.
How does the prepositional phrase “para o jantar de domingo” function in this context?
This phrase indicates the intended purpose or occasion. “Para” means “for,” and “o jantar de domingo” specifies that the meal is the Sunday dinner. Together, the phrase explains that the action of grilling is planned to prepare food for that particular meal.
Are there any differences in using this sentence structure in European Portuguese compared to Brazilian Portuguese?
Both varieties use the “ir + infinitive” construction for near-future actions. However, vocabulary preferences can differ; for example, “grelhar” (to grill) is more common in European Portuguese, while Brazilian Portuguese speakers might opt for “assar” (to roast or grill) depending on the context. Additionally, small nuances in article usage and diminutives may vary between the dialects.