Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Portugal): Este medicamento não deve ser tomado durante a noite, segundo o que o médico explicou. - This medicine should not be taken during the night, according to what the doctor explained.

It translates to "this medicine" or "this medication". The demonstrative adjective "este" points to something nearby (the medicine mentioned), and "medicamento" means a drug or remedy.

How is "não deve ser tomado" interpreted, and what grammatical structure is it using?

"Não deve ser tomado" means "should not be taken." It employs a modal verb construction, using "deve" (from "dever", meaning "should" or "ought to") plus the passive infinitive "ser tomado" (literally "to be taken"). This structure conveys a recommendation or prohibition in an impersonal and formal manner.

What does "durante a noite" mean, and why might it be used instead of another expression?

"Durante a noite" literally means "during the night." Although it is grammatically correct, many native speakers might often say "à noite" to simply mean "at night." Using "durante a noite" can emphasize the entire duration of nighttime rather than a general reference to "nighttime" activities.

How does the phrase "segundo o que o médico explicou" function within the sentence?

This phrase means "according to what the doctor explained." It functions as an explanatory or attributive clause, indicating that the recommendation or rule about not taking the medicine at night is based on the doctor's explanation or advice. The preposition "segundo" communicates the idea of "according to" or "based on."

Why is the passive construction used in "não deve ser tomado" rather than an active phrase?

The passive construction puts the focus on the action—the recommendation not to take the medicine—rather than on a specific subject performing it. In instructions or medical advisories, this impersonal form is preferred because it emphasizes the rule or guideline universally, without attributing it to a particular person.

Why is there a comma before "segundo o que o médico explicou" in the sentence?

The comma separates the main instruction ("Este medicamento não deve ser tomado durante a noite") from the additional information ("segundo o que o médico explicou"). This punctuation clarifies that the doctor's explanation is supplementary, providing the basis or reason for the advice without being part of the core command.

What tense is used in "não deve ser tomado", and what does this indicate about the recommendation?

The phrase uses the present indicative form of "dever" (as "deve") combined with the infinitive "ser tomado." This construction is not about a past or completed action; rather, it states a current and enduring recommendation or obligation. It indicates that the advice applies generally at present and continues into the future.