Eu seguro o copo com firmeza.

I hold the cup firmly.

Breakdown of Eu seguro o copo com firmeza.

• eu: I
• com: with
• segurar: to hold
• o copo: the cup
• a firmeza: the firmness

Questions & Answers about Eu seguro o copo com firmeza.

What does the verb form “seguro” mean in this sentence?

“Seguro” is the first person singular present form of the verb segurar, meaning “I hold” or “I grip.” In this sentence, it describes the action of holding the cup.

Is “seguro” functioning as a verb or an adjective in this context?

In this sentence, seguro is functioning as a verb. Although the word “seguro” can also serve as an adjective meaning “safe” or “secure,” here it is the conjugated form of segurar, so it indicates the action of holding.

Why is the phrase “com firmeza” used instead of an adverb like “firmemente”?

In Portuguese, using the prepositional phrase com firmeza (“with firmness”) is a common way to express the manner of an action. While firmemente (firmly) can be used as an adverb, com firmeza emphasizes the quality of the hold in a natural, idiomatic way.

What does the word “copo” refer to, and could it be replaced with another word?

The word copo means “cup” in Portuguese, typically referring to a drinking glass. While it is correct in this context, note that if you were referring to a cup used for coffee, you might use xícara. Here, copo clearly identifies the object being held.

Is it necessary to include the subject “Eu” in this sentence?

No, it is not strictly necessary to include Eu since the verb ending already indicates the first person singular. However, including the subject can help with clarity, especially for learners who are still familiarizing themselves with Portuguese verb conjugations.

Can the word order be changed, for instance, starting with “Com firmeza” before the subject?

Yes, Portuguese allows for flexible word order. You could say Com firmeza, eu seguro o copo to emphasize the manner in which the action is performed. Both structures are grammatically correct—the choice depends on the focus you want to give in your sentence.