Breakdown of Esta alface é tão crocante como a que comprámos na semana passada.
ser
to be
esta
this
em
in
comprar
to buy
a semana
the week
como
as
a alface
the lettuce
tão
as
crocante
crunchy
passado
last
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Questions & Answers about Esta alface é tão crocante como a que comprámos na semana passada.
What does the word alface mean in English?
Alface means lettuce, referring to the leafy vegetable.
What does crocante mean in this sentence?
Crocante translates as crunchy, describing a firm, crisp texture.
How is the comparison structured in "tão crocante como"?
The structure "tão [adjective] como" is used in Portuguese to express equality, equivalent to "as [adjective] as" in English. Here, it compares how crunchy this lettuce is relative to another.
What does comprámos mean, and are there any regional notes regarding this verb form?
Comprámos is the first person plural past tense (preterite) of comprar in European Portuguese, meaning "we bought." Although Brazilian Portuguese might spell it the same way (compramos), the pronunciation and sometimes the context can differ.
How does the relative clause "a que comprámos na semana passada" function in the sentence?
This clause refers back to the noun alface without repeating it. "A" is the feminine singular form of the definite article combined with a relative pronoun (que), effectively meaning "the one". It clarifies which lettuce is being compared by indicating it is the one bought last week.
What does the phrase "na semana passada" mean and how is it constructed?
"Na semana passada" means "last week." It is constructed by contracting "em" (meaning "in") with "a" (the feminine form of "the"), forming "na," followed by "semana passada" (meaning "past week").