Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Portugal): Se tropeçares nas escadas, agarra-te ao corrimão para não caíres. - If you trip on the stairs, hold on to the handrail so you don’t fall.

Both “tropeçares” and “caíres” are in the future subjunctive form, which is commonly used in European Portuguese for conditional clauses referring to future or uncertain events. In this context, they correspond to “if you stumble” and “if you fall” respectively.

Why is the reflexive pronoun “te” attached to the verb in “agarra-te”?

In European Portuguese, when giving an affirmative command with a reflexive verb, the pronoun is attached to the end of the verb. “Agarra-te” literally means “grab yourself,” indicating that you should hold on to the handrail for your own stability.

What do the words “escadas” and “corrimão” mean in English?

“Escadas” means stairs, and “corrimão” means handrail (or banister). These are common terms describing parts of a staircase, which are central to the safety advice given in the sentence.

What role does the word “se” play in this sentence?

“Se” functions as the conditional connector and means “if”. It introduces the condition “if you stumble on the stairs,” which is then followed by the advice on how to avoid falling.

Why does this sentence use the future subjunctive form rather than the present indicative?

In European Portuguese, the future subjunctive is used in conditional clauses to refer to actions that might occur in the future. It expresses uncertainty or potentiality. Thus, “tropeçares” and “caíres” are used to describe what could happen if the condition (stumbling) happens, making the advice applicable to a possible future scenario.

How does “para não caíres” function within the sentence?

“Para não caíres” means “so that you do not fall.” It explains the purpose of grabbing the handrail: the action is intended to prevent falling. Like “tropeçares,” “caíres” is in the future subjunctive, reinforcing that this is advice for a potential situation.