Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Portugal): Antes de demitir alguém, convém falar abertamente e tentar resolver o problema. - Before firing someone, it's advisable to speak openly and try to solve the problem.

Demitir means “to fire” or “to dismiss” someone from their job. It refers to the act of letting an employee go, which is common in a workplace context.

What does convém mean and how is it used here?

Convém translates to “it is advisable” or “it is best.” In this sentence, it is used impersonally to suggest that speaking openly and trying to resolve the problem is recommended before the act of firing someone.

How does the phrase antes de function in this sentence?

Antes de means “before” and serves as a temporal preposition. It introduces the action that should be considered prior to firing someone, indicating the proper sequence of events or actions.

Why are the verbs falar and tentar in the infinitive form?

After expressions like convém in Portuguese, it is standard to follow with verbs in the infinitive form. In this sentence, both falar (“to speak”) and tentar (“to try”) remain in the infinitive because they are the actions being advised.

Can you explain the overall structure of the sentence?

The sentence is composed of two main parts: a temporal clause and a main clause. The temporal clause, Antes de demitir alguém (“Before firing someone”), sets the condition, while the main clause, convém falar abertamente e tentar resolver o problema (“it is advisable to speak openly and try to solve the problem”), provides the recommendation. The comma helps separate these two parts and clarifies the sequence of actions.

What does alguém mean in this context?

Alguém means “someone.” It is a general term used to refer to an unspecified person, in this case, the individual who might be fired.