Breakdown of Deixo sempre um pequeno candeeiro aceso no corredor para orientar quem chegue tarde.
eu
I
um
a
em
in
tarde
late
sempre
always
chegar
to arrive
para
to
pequeno
small
deixar
to leave
quem
who
o corredor
the hallway
o candeeiro
the lamp
orientar
to guide
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Questions & Answers about Deixo sempre um pequeno candeeiro aceso no corredor para orientar quem chegue tarde.
What does deixo mean in this sentence, and why is it in the simple present tense?
Deixo is the first-person singular form of the verb deixar, which means "to leave" or "to set." In this context, it conveys that the speaker habitually leaves the lamp on. Portuguese often uses the simple present to express routine or habitual actions, much like the English simple present ("I always leave…").
What is the meaning of candeeiro, and is this term specific to European Portuguese?
The word candeeiro translates to "lamp" (often referring to a small or illuminated fixture) in English. It is common in European Portuguese. In Brazil, other terms like abajur or lâmpada might be used depending on the type of lamp, so candeeiro is a term you’ll frequently encounter in Portugal.
How does the adjective aceso function in this sentence?
Aceso is an adjective meaning "lit" or "turned on." It follows the noun candeeiro to describe its current state. The placement after the noun is typical in Portuguese and tells us that the lamp is left in its lit condition—that is, it remains on to serve its purpose.
Why is the phrase para orientar used here, and what does it indicate?
The construction para orientar combines the preposition para ("in order to" or "to") with the infinitive orientar ("guide"). This structure is used to express purpose. In the sentence, it explains why the lamp is left on: to guide or provide orientation for anyone arriving late.
Why is the subjunctive form chegue used in quem chegue tarde instead of the indicative form?
In Portuguese, the subjunctive mood is typically used in subordinate clauses when referring to an indefinite or hypothetical subject. In the phrase quem chegue tarde ("whoever arrives late"), chegue is in the subjunctive mood because it implies any person who might arrive late rather than a specific, known individual. This usage highlights the potential or unknown nature of the subject.
Why is the adverb sempre placed immediately after deixo in this sentence?
In Portuguese, adverbs of frequency like sempre ("always") can follow the verb to highlight the regularity of the action. Placing sempre right after deixo is common stylistic practice and emphasizes the habitual nature of leaving the lamp on. Although English often places "always" in a similar position ("I always leave…"), this placement in Portuguese is entirely natural and grammatically correct.