Breakdown of É fundamental respeitar as regras de trânsito para evitar acidentes.
ser
to be
de
of
para
to
evitar
to avoid
fundamental
essential
o trânsito
the traffic
o acidente
the accident
a regra
the rule
respeitar
to respect
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Questions & Answers about É fundamental respeitar as regras de trânsito para evitar acidentes.
What does É fundamental mean in this sentence, and why is it used in an impersonal form?
É fundamental translates to "It is fundamental" or "It is essential." In this sentence, the impersonal structure (with no explicit subject) is used to state a general truth or principle. It implies that the advice applies universally rather than to a specific person.
Why is the verb respeitar in the infinitive form, and what role does it play here?
The verb respeitar is in the infinitive form, which translates as "to respect." In this context, it expresses a general action or recommendation. Using the infinitive gives the statement a timeless quality, suggesting that respecting traffic rules is always necessary.
What does the phrase as regras de trânsito mean, and is there any significance to its use in this sentence?
The phrase as regras de trânsito means "the traffic rules." It is the object of the verb respeitar and specifies what must be respected. This phrase is commonly used in both European and Brazilian Portuguese, underscoring the importance of following road regulations to ensure safety.
How is the purpose clause para evitar acidentes constructed, and what does it add to the sentence?
The clause para evitar acidentes translates to "to avoid accidents." Introduced by para, it functions as a purpose clause. This clause explains the reason for respecting the traffic rules, highlighting that such adherence is necessary to prevent accidents.
Are there any notable differences in the vocabulary or structure of this sentence between European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese?
Generally, the sentence is standard and would be understood in both European and Brazilian Portuguese. While some Brazilian texts might occasionally use normas de trânsito instead of regras de trânsito, the overall meaning remains the same. The use of an impersonal construction with an infinitive is common in both variants.
How does this sentence’s structure help in giving advice or stating a general rule in Portuguese?
The sentence uses an impersonal construction (É fundamental) together with an infinitive verb and a purpose clause. This structure effectively states a general rule or piece of advice without linking it to a specific subject. It creates a timeless, universal directive—namely, that adhering to traffic rules is essential to prevent accidents.
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