Breakdown of Eu certifico-me de que o livro está na mesa.
eu
I
estar
to be
o livro
the book
que
that
em
on
a mesa
the table
certificar-se de
to make sure
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Questions & Answers about Eu certifico-me de que o livro está na mesa.
What does the reflexive verb certifico-me mean in this sentence?
Certifico-me is derived from the reflexive verb certificar-se, which means “to make sure” or “to ensure.” In this sentence, it expresses that the speaker is actively assuring or confirming something about themselves—in this case, that the book is on the table.
Why is the reflexive pronoun me attached to the verb with a hyphen (certifico‑me) instead of being placed before it?
In European Portuguese, especially in affirmative declarative sentences, the clitic pronoun is typically attached to the end of the conjugated verb—a process called enclisis. This is why you see certifico‑me rather than placing the pronoun before the verb. In contexts that require proclisis (such as negative sentences or when certain adverbs or other elements precede the verb), the pronoun would come before the verb.
What role does the phrase de que play in the sentence?
The phrase de que functions as a linking element that introduces a subordinate clause. It connects the main statement (Eu certifico‑me) to the content being verified (o livro está na mesa). In English, this is equivalent to “that” in “I make sure that the book is on the table,” with the preposition de being required by the verb in Portuguese.
Why is está used instead of another form like é to describe the book's location?
Está is the third-person singular form of the verb estar, which is used to indicate temporary states or conditions, including location. In this sentence, it shows that the book’s position on the table is a situational, possibly temporary fact. The verb ser (with the form é) is generally reserved for inherent or permanent characteristics rather than locative conditions.
What does the contraction na indicate in the phrase na mesa?
The contraction na is a combination of the preposition em (meaning “on” or “in”) and the feminine definite article a (meaning “the”). Therefore, na mesa literally translates to “on the table.” This contraction is a standard feature in Portuguese when a preposition is followed by a definite article.
Is it necessary to include the explicit subject pronoun Eu in the sentence?
No, it is not strictly necessary because the verb form certifico already indicates the first person singular. However, including the subject pronoun Eu can add emphasis or clarity, and it is quite common in written European Portuguese—even though the subject is often dropped in everyday conversation.