Breakdown of Eu preciso de concentração para passar no exame.
eu
I
precisar de
to need
em
in
o exame
the exam
para
to
passar
to pass
a concentração
the concentration
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Questions & Answers about Eu preciso de concentração para passar no exame.
Why is the verb “precisar” followed by “de” in the phrase “preciso de concentração”?
In Portuguese, when expressing the need for something, the verb precisar is typically paired with the preposition de before a noun. So “preciso de concentração” literally means “I need of concentration,” which naturally translates to “I need concentration” in English.
What is the role of the phrase “para passar no exame” in this sentence?
The phrase “para passar no exame” indicates purpose. The preposition para is used to express the intention or goal—in this case, that concentration is needed in order to pass the exam.
Why is the word “no” used before “exame” instead of just “em exame”?
In Portuguese, no is a contraction of the preposition em and the definite article o. Since exame is a masculine noun, “em + o exame” becomes “no exame.” This is similar to saying “in the exam” in English.
What is the function of the infinitive “passar” in the sentence?
The infinitive passar is used after the preposition para to express the objective or outcome—the goal is “to pass” the exam. In Portuguese, when indicating purpose, it’s common to follow para with the infinitive form of the verb.
Could the idea be expressed differently, for example by saying “Eu preciso concentrar-me para passar no exame”?
Yes, that alternative is grammatically correct. “Eu preciso concentrar-me para passar no exame” uses the reflexive verb concentrar-me (meaning “to concentrate”) instead of the noun concentração. The first version emphasizes the quality or state of being concentrated, while the alternative emphasizes the action of concentrating. Both forms effectively communicate that concentration is necessary to pass the exam.