Breakdown of O chefe decidiu demitir um funcionário que não cumpria as tarefas básicas.
um
a
não
not
decidir
to decide
a tarefa
the task
o funcionário
the employee
que
who
o chefe
the boss
básico
basic
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Questions & Answers about O chefe decidiu demitir um funcionário que não cumpria as tarefas básicas.
What does the word demitir mean and how is it used in this sentence?
Demitir means to fire or to dismiss. In this sentence, it indicates that the boss decided to terminate the employment of an employee for not performing the required basic tasks. This verb is commonly used in work-related contexts in Portuguese.
How does the relative clause "que não cumprava as tarefas básicas" function?
The clause "que não cumprava as tarefas básicas" is a relative clause that provides additional information about "um funcionário" (an employee). The word que acts as a relative pronoun (similar to "who" or "that" in English) by linking the description to the employee and explaining why the firing decision was made.
Why is cumprava in the imperfect tense, and what does that imply about the employee's performance?
Cumprava is in the imperfect tense, which is used in Portuguese to describe habitual or ongoing actions in the past. This tense implies that the employee repeatedly or continuously failed to fulfill the basic tasks rather than having done so only on one occasion.
What does o chefe mean, and why is it significant in the sentence?
O chefe translates to the boss in English. It is significant because it identifies the person in authority who made the decision to fire the employee. This sets the context for who is taking the action within the sentence.
How is the sentence structured in terms of main and subordinate clauses?
The sentence is structured with a main clause, "O chefe decidiu demitir um funcionário," which presents the primary action (the boss deciding to fire an employee). The subordinate (or relative) clause, "que não cumprava as tarefas básicas," further explains the reason behind the decision by describing the employee’s poor performance regarding the basic tasks.
What does "as tarefas básicas" mean, and what is the role of the definite article as in this phrase?
As tarefas básicas means the basic tasks. The definite article as is used to specify that these are particular tasks expected to be completed. It indicates that the employee did not perform the specific, essential duties required by the job.