Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Portugal): Se quiseres fritar as batatas, podes usar menos óleo para que fiquem mais leves. - If you want to fry the potatoes, you can use less oil so that they turn out lighter.

“Se quiseres” translates to “if you want.” The word “se” means “if,” and “quiseres” is the second person singular (informal “you”) present subjunctive form of “querer” (to want). In Portuguese, conditional clauses that express possibilities or hypothetical situations use the subjunctive mood, which is why “quiseres” appears in this sentence.

How do I interpret “fritar as batatas”?

“Fritar as batatas” means “to fry the potatoes.” The verb “fritar” means “to fry,” and “as batatas” means “the potatoes.” It’s a straightforward instruction about the cooking process.

What does “podes usar” indicate in this context?

“Podes usar” translates to “you can use.” The word “podes” is the second person singular present form of “poder” (to be able to/can), emphasizing that you have the option or ability to use something—in this case, less oil. It’s used here to offer a suggestion rather than an imperative command.

Why is “menos óleo” used, and what does it imply?

“Menos óleo” means “less oil.” Its use implies that by reducing the amount of oil, the final dish will have a lighter texture or taste. It suggests an approach that aims for a healthier or less greasy result when frying the potatoes.

What is the purpose of the phrase “para que fiquem mais leves”?

The phrase “para que fiquem mais leves” translates to “so that they become lighter.” Here, “para que” indicates purpose or intention, and “fiquem” is the present subjunctive of “ficar” (to become/to be), which is used because the outcome is desired rather than certain. It tells us that using less oil is meant to achieve a lighter result for the potatoes.

Why does the sentence use the subjunctive in “fiquem” after “para que”?

In Portuguese, when expressing a purpose or goal with a phrase like “para que,” the verb that follows is commonly in the subjunctive mood. In this sentence, “fiquem” (from “ficar”) is in the subjunctive because it describes the expected or desired result—namely, that the potatoes become lighter.

Is this sentence offering advice, and how does its structure contribute to that?

Yes, the sentence is offering advice. It sets up a condition with “if you want to fry the potatoes” (se quiseres fritar as batatas), then provides an option with “you can use less oil” (podes usar menos óleo) to achieve a specific purpose “so that they become lighter” (para que fiquem mais leves). This conditional structure, along with the use of modal verbs and expressions of purpose, makes it clear that the sentence is suggesting a method to obtain a desired culinary result.