Breakdown of Pedro assina contrato com cuidado para trabalhar.
Pedro
Pedro
com cuidado
carefully
assinar
to sign
o contrato
the contract
para trabalhar
to work
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Questions & Answers about Pedro assina contrato com cuidado para trabalhar.
What does assina mean, and which tense is it in?
Assina is the third person singular present indicative form of the verb assinar, meaning to sign. In this sentence, it tells you that Pedro signs the contract (or is in the process of signing it).
Why is there no article before contrato? Shouldn’t it be o contrato?
In Portuguese, it’s common in certain expressions to omit the article for brevity or stylistic reasons. The phrase assinar contrato is idiomatic and similar to some fixed expressions in English where the article isn’t always necessary. Although o contrato can also be correct, the article-less form is acceptable and often used in specific contexts.
What role does the phrase com cuidado play in the sentence?
Com cuidado literally means with care. It serves as an adverbial phrase that explains the manner in which Pedro signs the contract—that he does so carefully, suggesting thoroughness or caution in his approach.
How is the purpose of the action expressed by para trabalhar?
The structure para + infinitive in Portuguese is used to indicate purpose. Here, para trabalhar means in order to work. It shows that the action of signing the contract is done with the goal of being able to work.
Is there any difference in nuance between saying com cuidado and using the adverb cuidadosamente?
Both com cuidado and cuidadosamente translate to carefully in English. However, com cuidado is a prepositional phrase that emphasizes the manner or process of being careful, while cuidadosamente is a straightforward adverb modifying the verb. They can often be used interchangeably, though the choice might affect the stylistic tone of the sentence.
Does this sentence describe a habitual action by Pedro or a one-time event?
The simple present tense in Portuguese, as seen in assina, can indicate either a habitual action or a general statement about a characteristic behavior, depending on the context. Without additional information, the sentence could be understood as either describing Pedro’s routine behavior (he habitually signs contracts with care) or narrating a specific instance. Context would ultimately clarify which interpretation is correct.