Breakdown of Para não aguardarmos muito tempo na fila, convém chegar cedo ao cinema.
em
in
chegar
to arrive
cedo
early
não
not
o tempo
the time
muito
much
a
at
o cinema
the cinema
convir
to be advisable
para
in order
aguardar
to wait
a fila
the line
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Questions & Answers about Para não aguardarmos muito tempo na fila, convém chegar cedo ao cinema.
What is the overall meaning of the sentence "Para não aguardarmos muito tempo na fila, convém chegar cedo ao cinema"?
It means that in order to avoid waiting too long in line, it is advisable to arrive early at the cinema.
How does the phrase "para não aguardarmos" function in this sentence?
The phrase "para não aguardarmos" uses "para" to indicate purpose—“in order to not wait”—which explains why arriving early is recommended. It sets up a preventive goal that the main clause, "convém chegar cedo ao cinema," aims to achieve.
Why is "aguardarmos" used instead of the basic infinitive form "aguardar"?
In Portuguese, when the action expresses a specific subject (in this case “we”) after certain prepositions, the personal infinitive is used. "Aguardarmos" is the personal infinitive form of "aguardar" corresponding to "we," emphasizing that the waiting (or not waiting) directly concerns us.
What does the word "convém" mean, and why is it important in this sentence?
"Convém" means "it is advisable" or "it makes sense." It is an impersonal expression used here to recommend a course of action—in this case, arriving early at the cinema as a means to avoid a long wait.
What does "fila" mean, and is its use similar to English?
"Fila" means "line" or "queue." Just like in English, it refers to a line of people waiting their turn. In this sentence, it describes the line at the cinema and is used similarly to how "line" (or "queue" in British English) is used in English.
Why is the purpose clause "para não aguardarmos muito tempo na fila" positioned at the beginning of the sentence?
Placing the purpose clause at the beginning helps set the context by clearly stating the reason for the advice. It emphasizes that the action of arriving early is intended to prevent a long wait, making the cause-and-effect relationship more explicit.
Can you explain a bit more about the formation and role of the personal infinitive, as seen in "aguardarmos"?
Certainly. The personal infinitive in Portuguese is a special form that allows the infinitive to agree with a specific subject. Unlike the impersonal form "aguardar," the personal form "aguardarmos" includes the subject “we.” It is commonly used after prepositions or expressions where that subject is clearly implied, adding a nuanced personal touch to the statement.