Questions & Answers about O tempo é valioso.
What does each word in O tempo é valioso mean?
O is the masculine singular definite article meaning "the."
Tempo is a noun meaning "time."
É is the third person singular of the verb ser, which translates as "is."
Valioso is an adjective meaning "valuable."
So the sentence translates to "Time is valuable."
Why is the adjective valioso placed after tempo instead of before it?
In Portuguese, adjectives typically follow the noun when they are used to describe an intrinsic characteristic. By placing valioso after tempo, the sentence straightforwardly states that time, as a concept, has inherent value. Placing it before might add a different nuance or emphasis that isn’t intended in this proverbial expression.
How does the verb é function in this sentence, and why is it used?
É is the third person singular form of ser, a verb used to express essential qualities, permanent states, or inherent characteristics. In O tempo é valioso, it links tempo to the quality valioso, emphasizing that the value of time is an intrinsic and defining trait, similar to the use of the verb "is" in English.
Is the inclusion of the definite article O before tempo necessary, and what does it imply?
Yes, the definite article O is generally required in Portuguese. It indicates that the noun is being referenced in a specific or general, yet definitive, way. In this sentence, it conveys that we are talking about time in an abstract, all-encompassing sense—much like the habitual use of the article in similar idiomatic expressions in English.
Does this sentence follow a typical word order in Portuguese, and how does it compare to English?
Yes, the sentence follows the typical Subject-Verb-Adjective (SVA) structure common in both Portuguese and English. Tempo is the subject, é is the verb, and valioso is the adjective that describes the subject, making the sentence structure straightforward for English speakers.
Can valioso be substituted with another adjective to convey a similar meaning?
Absolutely. For example, you could say O tempo é precioso, where precioso means "precious." While both adjectives underline the importance and value of time, valioso focuses on value, and precioso can imply rarity or irreplaceability. The choice of adjective may depend on the nuance you wish to express.
More from this lesson
AI Language TutorTry it ↗
“What's the best way to learn Portuguese grammar?”
Portuguese grammar becomes intuitive with practice. Focus on understanding the core patterns first — how sentences are structured, how verbs change form, and how words relate to each other. Our course breaks these concepts into small lessons so you can build understanding step by step.
Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor
Start learning PortugueseMaster Portuguese — from O tempo é valioso to fluency
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods.
- ✓ Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
- ✓ Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
- ✓ Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
- ✓ AI tutor to answer your grammar questions