Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Portugal): Quando elogiares alguém, tenta ser sincero e específico. - When you praise someone, try to be sincere and specific.

Elogiares is the second-person singular form of the verb elogiar (to compliment) in the future subjunctive mood. In Portuguese, when a subordinate clause introduced by words like quando (when) refers to a future action that is uncertain or conditional, the verb is typically conjugated in the future subjunctive. This construction indicates that the action (complimenting someone) may occur in the future.

Why is elogiares used instead of the present tense form elogias?

Even though the sentence gives general advice, when referring to an action that will potentially happen in the future, Portuguese prefers the future subjunctive form. Using elogiares (future subjunctive) after quando signals that the complimenting is an event that has not yet occurred, whereas elogias (present indicative) would suggest a habitual or ongoing action. This distinction is a key feature in Portuguese when talking about future conditions.

What is the role of the comma in the sentence?

The comma separates the introductory subordinate clause "Quando elogiares alguém" from the main clause "tenta ser sincero e específico." In both Portuguese and English, it is common to use a comma after an introductory clause to improve clarity and emphasize the conditional nature of the advice given.

What does the imperative tenta mean, and why is it used here?

Tenta is the second-person singular imperative form of the verb tentar (to try). It functions as a command or advice, urging the listener to make an effort in how they compliment someone. Its use reflects an informal tone, addressing the listener directly with the familiar tu form commonly used in European Portuguese.

Why are the adjectives sincero and específico in their masculine singular forms, and what do they describe?

The adjectives sincero (sincere) and específico (specific) describe the qualities that the compliment should have. They advise the speaker to ensure that compliments are genuine and detailed. In Portuguese, adjectives are typically given in the masculine singular as a neutral default when referring to general concepts or when no specific noun is immediately referenced that would require gender or number agreement.

Is this sentence written in a formal or informal register?

The sentence is written in an informal register. The use of tenta instead of a more formal command like tente, along with the familiar form demonstrated in elogiares, indicates that the advice is being given in the context of an informal, conversational tone, which is typical when addressing someone using the tu form in European Portuguese.

If I wanted to address someone more formally, how might I modify the sentence?

To address someone formally in Portuguese, you would generally adjust the verb forms to the corresponding formal version. For example, you might write: "Quando elogiar alguém, tente ser sincero e específico." Here, elogiar is used in the more neutral form, and tente is the formal command form of tentar for addressing someone respectfully using você. Keep in mind that while European Portuguese often favors the tu form in informal settings, switching to a more formal register requires these adjustments in the verb conjugations.