Breakdown of Ela levanta a voz para chamar o menino.
ela
she
para
to
o menino
the boy
o
the
a voz
the voice
levantar
to raise
chamar
to call
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Questions & Answers about Ela levanta a voz para chamar o menino.
What does levanta mean in this context?
Levanta is the third person singular present form of the verb levantar, which means “to raise” or “to lift.” In this sentence, it implies that she increases the volume of her voice so that she can be heard.
Why is the noun voz preceded by the definite article a?
In Portuguese, nouns generally require an article. Voz is a feminine noun and takes the definite article a. Although the phrase literally translates to “raises the voice,” it is understood to mean “raises her voice” in English. Portuguese often omits the possessive when context makes it clear.
What role does the preposition para play in the sentence?
The preposition para indicates purpose. The phrase para chamar o menino means “in order to call the boy,” explaining the reason or intent behind her action of raising her voice.
Why is the noun menino preceded by the article o?
Menino is a masculine noun meaning “boy.” Like other nouns in Portuguese, it requires a definite article. The article o means “the,” so o menino translates to “the boy.”
Can levanta a voz be directly translated as “she raises her voice” even though the possessive isn’t explicitly stated in Portuguese?
Yes, it can. While the literal translation of levanta a voz is “raises the voice,” context implies that it is her voice. In Portuguese, it is common to omit the possessive when referring to parts of the body or attributes that naturally belong to the subject.
What is the overall structure of the sentence, and how does it help in understanding its meaning?
The sentence has a clear structure: Ela (subject) + levanta (verb) + a voz (object) + para chamar o menino (purpose clause). This arrangement shows that her action of raising her voice is specifically done in order to call the boy, making the purpose of her action explicit.
Are there any alternative expressions in Portuguese that convey a similar idea to levanta a voz?
Yes, there are similar expressions. For example, falar em voz alta (“to speak loudly”) or aumentar o volume da voz (“to increase the volume of one’s voice”) can convey the idea of raising one’s vocal level. However, levanta a voz specifically emphasizes increasing volume with the purpose of being heard, often in a situation where a softer voice would not suffice.