Word
Um trabalho deste género requer paciência e pode ser irritante se não estivermos preparados.
Meaning
A job of this kind requires patience and can be irritating if we’re not ready.
Part of speech
sentence
Pronunciation
Lesson
Breakdown of Um trabalho deste género requer paciência e pode ser irritante se não estivermos preparados.
ser
to be
um
a
de
of
estar
to be
e
and
não
not
se
if
poder
to be able
o trabalho
the job
requerer
to require
o género
the kind
irritante
irritating
preparado
ready
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Questions & Answers about Um trabalho deste género requer paciência e pode ser irritante se não estivermos preparados.
What does the phrase “deste género” mean in this sentence?
The phrase “deste género” translates to “of this kind” or “of this type.” It indicates that the work being discussed belongs to a particular category or style. The contraction “deste” stems from “de” (of) and “este” (this), which is a common way in European Portuguese to combine prepositions with demonstratives.
Why is the verb “requer” used, and what nuance does it add to the sentence?
The verb “requer” means “requires.” Its use emphasizes that this type of work necessarily demands a certain quality—in this case, patience. By using “requer” rather than a softer verb, the sentence stresses that patience isn’t optional but an essential condition for successfully engaging in this kind of task.
How does the expression “pode ser irritante” affect the overall meaning compared to a direct statement?
The phrase “pode ser irritante” translates as “can be irritating” and introduces an element of possibility instead of certainty. This choice of words suggests that while the work has the potential to be irritating, it is not inherently so—it depends on the situation, specifically whether one is adequately prepared. This nuance makes the sentence more flexible and less absolute.
Why is the subjunctive form “estivermos” used in the clause “se não estivermos preparados”?
In Portuguese, the subjunctive mood is commonly used to express uncertainty, possibility, or hypothetical scenarios. The clause “se não estivermos preparados” uses the subjunctive “estivermos” to indicate that being prepared is not a given but a condition that could vary. This reflects the idea that if we are not prepared, there is a possibility (or risk) that the work may become irritating.
How does the sentence’s structure help convey its overall message?
The sentence is split into two main parts, linked by “e” (and). The first part, “Um trabalho deste género requer paciência,” establishes that work of this kind demands patience. The second part, “pode ser irritante se não estivermos preparados,” adds a conditional warning that the work might become irritating if the necessary condition—being prepared—is not met. This structure effectively presents both what is needed and the potential consequences of not meeting that requirement.
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