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Questions & Answers about Primeiro, eu bebo café.
What does Primeiro mean in this sentence?
Primeiro translates to "first" in English. It indicates that the action described (drinking coffee) is the first in a series or sequence of events.
Why is there a comma after Primeiro?
The comma separates the introductory element (Primeiro) from the main clause. This punctuation clarifies the sentence structure by showing that the sequence indicator precedes the main action.
What is the function of eu in the sentence?
Eu is the first-person singular subject pronoun, meaning "I." Although Portuguese often omits subject pronouns because the verb ending usually makes the subject clear, including eu here adds clarity or emphasis.
What verb form is bebo and what does it tell us?
Bebo is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb beber ("to drink"). It tells us that the speaker is currently performing the action of drinking—i.e., "I drink."
Why is café written with an accent?
The acute accent on café indicates that the stress falls on the final syllable. This accentuation follows Portuguese pronunciation rules and helps distinguish café ("coffee") from other similar-looking words.
Could the sentence be written without using eu?
Yes, subject pronouns in Portuguese can often be omitted because the verb form makes the subject clear. So, Primeiro, bebo café. is also correct. However, including eu may add emphasis or clarity.
Is the word order in Primeiro, eu bebo café. typical for Portuguese?
Yes, the order is typical. The sentence starts with an adverbial element (Primeiro) to denote sequence, followed by the subject (eu), then the verb (bebo), and finally the object (café). This reflects a common structure in Portuguese sentences.