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Questions & Answers about O carro é branco.
What does O mean in this sentence?
O is the masculine singular definite article in Portuguese, equivalent to the English "the". It is used here because carro (car) is a masculine noun.
How does adjective agreement work with branco in this sentence?
In Portuguese, adjectives must agree with the noun they modify in both gender and number. Since carro is masculine and singular, branco is also in its masculine singular form.
What does the verb é represent in this context?
É is the third person singular present tense of the verb ser, which means "to be" in English. It is used here to describe an inherent or permanent characteristic of the subject.
Why is the adjective placed after the verb in this sentence?
In Portuguese, the typical word order for descriptive sentences is subject + linking verb + adjective. Here, O carro is the subject, é is the linking verb, and branco is the predicate adjective that follows, much like in the English sentence "The car is white."
Is this sentence structure the same in European Portuguese as in Brazilian Portuguese?
Yes, the structure O carro é branco is standard in both European and Brazilian Portuguese. The grammar rules regarding articles, nouns, verbs, and adjectives are the same for this type of descriptive sentence.
When should ser be used instead of estar for adjectives like branco?
Ser is used to describe inherent or permanent qualities, such as the color of an object, while estar is reserved for temporary states or conditions. Since the color of the car is considered an inherent property, ser is the appropriate choice.
Can the adjective branco ever precede the noun, and if so, what would that change imply?
Yes, adjectives in Portuguese can sometimes precede the noun for stylistic emphasis or to convey a slightly different nuance. However, in standard descriptive sentences like this one, placing the adjective after the noun (or after the linking verb) is the norm. Preposing branco might be used in poetic or expressive language, but it can alter the usual emphasis or connotation.