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Questions & Answers about O filme é assustador.
Why is the article O used before filme in the sentence?
In Portuguese, every noun has a gender. Filme is masculine, so the masculine singular definite article O (equivalent to “the” in English) is used to indicate that you are talking about a specific film.
What is the meaning of assustador and how does it function in this sentence?
Assustador is an adjective that means “scary” or “frightening.” In the sentence, it describes the film by attributing to it the quality of causing fear.
How does the word order in Portuguese compare to English with respect to adjectives, as seen in this sentence?
In Portuguese, adjectives like assustador typically follow the noun they modify. In English, adjectives usually precede the noun (e.g., “scary film”), but in Portuguese you say filme assustador. This is a common structural difference between the two languages.
What is the role of the verb é in the sentence?
É is the third-person singular form of the verb ser, which means “to be.” It acts as a linking verb that connects the subject O filme with the adjective assustador, indicating that the film inherently has the quality of being scary.
Is there any nuance between assustador and similar adjectives like assustado in Portuguese?
Yes, there is an important nuance. Assustador describes something that causes fear (i.e., “scary” or “frightening”), whereas assustado describes someone or something that is experiencing fear (i.e., “scared” or “frightened”). In this sentence, assustador is used because it is the film that elicits fear, not that the film itself is afraid.