Breakdown of Para não estragar o bolo, verifica o teor de açúcar antes de caprichares no recheio.
o bolo
the cake
de
of
em
in
para
for
não
not
antes de
before
verificar
to check
estragar
to ruin
o teor
the content
o açúcar
the sugar
caprichar
to go all out
o recheio
the filling
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Questions & Answers about Para não estragar o bolo, verifica o teor de açúcar antes de caprichares no recheio.
What does "verifica" mean in this sentence?
It is the second-person singular imperative form of the verb verificar, meaning “check” or “verify.” The sentence is instructing someone informally to check the sugar content.
Why is the personal infinitive form "caprichares" used instead of the simple infinitive "caprichar"?
In European Portuguese, when a subordinate clause follows a preposition (here, “antes de”) and the subject is the same as that of the main clause, the personal infinitive is used. Thus, caprichares (the personal infinitive for “tu”) replaces the standard form caprichar to make the instruction more directly addressed to the individual.
What does the phrase "caprichares no recheio" mean?
The expression caprichares no recheio means “to put care or extra effort into the filling.” It implies that one should treat the task of preparing the filling with attention or even caution—not to overdo it, which might negatively affect the cake.
How does the structure "Para não estragar o bolo" function in the sentence?
This introductory clause expresses purpose. It means “so as not to ruin the cake” and explains why you should check the sugar content. It sets the overall goal for the advice given in the sentence.
Is the sentence written in a formal or informal register?
The sentence is informal. The use of the imperative form verifica and the personal infinitive caprichares (which corresponds to the informal “tu” form) show that the speaker is addressing someone in a friendly or casual manner, as is typical in everyday language in Portugal.
What does "teor de açúcar" refer to in this context?
The phrase teor de açúcar translates to “sugar content” or “sugar level.” It refers to the amount or concentration of sugar present, which is being checked to ensure it doesn’t lead to an overly sweet filling that might ruin the cake.