Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Portugal): A Ana trabalhou tanto este mês que merece uma tarde livre. - Ana worked so hard this month that she deserves an afternoon off.

In European Portuguese, it is common to include the definite article before certain proper names—especially feminine ones like Ana. This differs from English, where names typically appear without an article.

What does trabalhou tanto mean in English?

Trabalhou is the past tense of trabalhar (to work), and tanto translates as so much. Together, they indicate that Ana worked so much.

How does the time expression este mês function in the sentence?

Este mês means this month. It serves as an adverbial phrase specifying when the action took place. Este is a demonstrative adjective that points to the current or nearby month.

What is the role of the tanto... que construction in this sentence?

The tanto... que structure creates a cause-and-effect relationship—much like so... that in English. It emphasizes that because Ana worked so much, the result is that she deserves a free afternoon.

How is the phrase merece uma tarde livre structured, and what does it convey?

Merece is the third-person singular form of merecer, meaning deserves. The phrase uma tarde livre consists of uma (a feminine indefinite article), tarde (afternoon), and livre (free). Together, they express that Ana's hard work has earned her a free afternoon.

Why is the adjective livre placed after the noun tarde in Portuguese?

In Portuguese, adjectives typically follow the noun they modify. Thus, tarde livre is the natural order, whereas in English the adjective usually precedes the noun (i.e., free afternoon).