Breakdown of A noiva pediu para não se usarem telemóveis durante a cerimónia, para ser algo mais íntimo.
ser
to be
algo
something
mais
more
não
not
para
in order to
durante
during
usar
to use
pedir
to ask
o telemóvel
the mobile phone
a noiva
the bride
se
oneself
a cerimónia
the ceremony
íntimo
intimate
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Questions & Answers about A noiva pediu para não se usarem telemóveis durante a cerimónia, para ser algo mais íntimo.
What does noiva mean in this sentence?
Noiva means bride in English. It refers to the woman who is getting married and who made the request.
Why is the pronoun se used in the phrase não se usarem telemóveis?
The pronoun se creates an impersonal construction. It indicates that mobile phones should not be used by anyone during the ceremony without specifying a particular subject, functioning similarly to a passive voice.
What is the grammatical mood and tense of usarem, and why is it used here?
Usarem is in the present subjunctive form. The subjunctive mood is used in Portuguese to express requests, wishes, or hypothetical situations, which fits the context of the bride’s request.
What does telemóveis refer to, and how does it differ from Brazilian Portuguese terminology?
Telemóveis means mobile phones in European Portuguese. In Brazilian Portuguese, celulares is the more common term for mobile phones.
Why is there a comma before the phrase para ser algo mais íntimo?
The comma separates the main clause from the explanatory clause. Para ser algo mais íntimo clarifies the purpose behind the bride’s request, indicating that the prohibition is intended to make the ceremony more intimate.
Could this sentence be rephrased while retaining the same meaning?
Yes. For example, one could say: "A noiva pediu que não fossem usados telemóveis durante a cerimónia, para que o ambiente se tornasse mais íntimo." This version uses a more explicit subjunctive construction with pedir que and a clearer purpose clause with para que.
Is it common to use the present subjunctive in Portuguese when making requests like this?
Absolutely. The present subjunctive is frequently used in subordinate clauses that express requests, wishes, or suggestions in Portuguese, making it essential for conveying these kinds of ideas.