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Questions & Answers about Eu exibo o livro na sala.
What does exibo mean in this sentence?
Exibo is the first-person singular present tense form of the verb exibir, which means to display or to exhibit. It indicates that the speaker is actively showing or presenting something—in this case, the book.
Why is the definite article "o" used before livro rather than an indefinite article?
The definite article "o" (meaning "the") is used to specify a particular book that is already known or identifiable by the speaker and listener. This is similar to saying “the book” in English, indicating familiarity and specificity.
How is the phrase na sala constructed, and what does it mean?
Na sala is a contraction of the preposition em (meaning “in”) and the feminine definite article a (meaning “the”), which together form na. Therefore, na sala translates to "in the room", specifying the location of the display.
What is the structure of the sentence Eu exibo o livro na sala?
The sentence follows a standard Portuguese word order: Subject (Eu) + Verb (exibo) + Direct Object (o livro) + Adverbial Phrase of Place (na sala). This mirrors the English structure “I display the book in the room,” making it easier for English speakers to understand.
Are there any nuances in meaning between exibir and similar verbs like mostrar?
Yes, there are subtle differences. While both exibir and mostrar can be translated as "to show", exibir often implies a more formal or public display—akin to exhibiting something in a museum or gallery. In contrast, mostrar is more general and casual, used for simply showing or pointing something out. The choice between them can affect the tone and context of the sentence.