Breakdown of Guardo as maçãs num cesto de vime para decorar a cozinha.
um
a
de
of
em
in
a cozinha
the kitchen
para
to
guardar
to keep
a maçã
the apple
decorar
to decorate
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Questions & Answers about Guardo as maçãs num cesto de vime para decorar a cozinha.
What does guardo mean in this sentence?
Guardo is the first person singular present tense form of the verb guardar, which means to keep, to store, or to put away. In this context, it indicates that the speaker is storing or keeping the apples.
How is the contraction num formed and why is it used?
Num is a contraction of the preposition em (meaning in) and the indefinite article um (meaning a). Portuguese speakers use such contractions for smoother pronunciation; therefore, em um cesto becomes num cesto.
What is the meaning of the phrase cesto de vime?
Cesto de vime literally translates to basket of wicker. Cesto means basket and de vime indicates that it is made of wicker, so the phrase is equivalent to calling it a wicker basket.
What function does the clause para decorar a cozinha serve in the sentence?
The clause para decorar a cozinha is used to express purpose. It means to decorate the kitchen, indicating the reason why the apples are being stored in the wicker basket.
Why is the definite article as used before maçãs?
The definite article as is used because maçãs (apples) is a feminine plural noun referring to a specific set of apples that are being mentioned. It is comparable to saying the apples in English.
Can you break down the overall grammatical structure of the sentence?
Certainly. The sentence has an implied subject (eu, meaning I), which is understood from the verb form guardo. It then follows this structure:
- Direct Object: as maçãs — the apples that are being stored.
- Locative Complement: num cesto de vime — indicating where they are being kept.
- Purpose Clause: para decorar a cozinha — explaining why they are stored in that particular way. This organization clearly indicates the action, its location, and its purpose.