Eu aperto o botão para ligar o carro.

I press the button to start the car.

Breakdown of Eu aperto o botão para ligar o carro.

• eu: I
• o carro: the car
• para: to
• o botão: the button
• apertar: to press
• ligar: to start

Questions & Answers about Eu aperto o botão para ligar o carro.

What does the word aperto mean in this sentence?

Aperto is the first person singular present indicative form of the verb apertar, which means "I press" or "I push". It describes the action of applying pressure to the button.

Why is the definite article o used before botão?

In Portuguese, it is common to use a definite article with nouns when referring to a specific or known object. Here, o botão indicates that the speaker is referring to a particular button—presumably the one used to start the car.

What does the phrase para ligar o carro mean, and what role does para play?

The phrase para ligar o carro translates to "to start the car" (or alternatively, "to turn on the car"). The word para introduces a purpose clause, showing that the button is pressed with the intention of starting the car.

Is apertar the only verb that can be used to express the idea of pressing a button in Portuguese?

While apertar is the most common and natural choice in everyday speech for describing the action of pressing a button, another verb—pressionar—can sometimes be used. However, apertar remains the more idiomatic option in this context.

Which tense is used in Eu aperto and why is it appropriate here?

The sentence uses the Present Indicative tense. In Portuguese, this tense is used to describe actions that are occurring at the moment or actions that are habitual. It works similarly to the simple present in English, effectively conveying the current or regular action of pressing the button to start the car.