Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Portugal): Preciso de cobrir o bolo com creme para que não fique seco. - I need to cover the cake with cream so that it doesn’t become dry.

In European Portuguese, the verb “precisar” is typically paired with the preposition de when it is followed by an infinitive. This construction (“preciso de cobrir”) indicates the necessity of performing an action. Note that in some variants of Portuguese (such as Brazilian), you might sometimes hear the infinitive without de, but in Portugal the form with de is standard.

Why is the subjunctive form fique used in “para que não fique seco” instead of something like “fica”?

The clause “para que não fique seco” is a purpose clause that explains why the action is taken. In Portuguese, clauses introduced by para que are followed by the subjunctive mood to denote an intended or desired outcome rather than a factual statement. Hence, the subjunctive fique is used to express the goal that the cake should not end up dry.

What role does the clause “para que não fique seco” play in the overall sentence?

This clause explains the purpose behind covering the cake with cream. It tells us why the action is necessary: so that the cake won’t become dry. By using para que followed by the subjunctive, the sentence emphasizes the preventive aim of the action.

How does “com creme” function in the sentence?

The phrase com creme specifies the means by which the cake should be covered. It clarifies that the cake must be covered with cream – not by any other substance – in order to prevent it from drying out.

Why is there no explicit subject (like “eu”) in “Preciso de cobrir o bolo…”?

In Portuguese, it is common to omit the subject pronoun because the verb conjugation (“preciso,” which is first-person singular) already indicates who is performing the action. This omission makes the sentence more concise while still clearly conveying that the speaker means “I need to…”