Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Portuguese grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Tu queres casar comigo?
What does the sentence "Tu queres casar comigo?" mean, both word-for-word and as a whole?
"Tu" means you (informal singular); "queres" is the second person singular present tense of querer, meaning to want; "casar" means to marry; and "comigo" is a contraction of com (with) and mim (me). Altogether, the sentence translates as "Do you want to marry me?"
Why is the pronoun tu used in this sentence, and are there any alternatives?
In European Portuguese, tu is the informal second person singular pronoun used when addressing someone familiarly. Although some speakers, especially in Brazilian Portuguese or more formal contexts, might use você, in Portugal tu is common among friends and family or in casual settings.
Why is the verb querer conjugated as queres rather than a form like quer?
Verbs in Portuguese must agree with their subjects. Since tu is the second person singular, querer is conjugated in the present tense as queres. The ending -es specifically indicates that the speaker is addressing one person informally.
What is the role of comigo in the sentence, and why is it written as a single word?
Comigo functions as the object of the preposition and means "with me." It is a contraction of com (with) and mim (me), and in Portuguese, this form is always written as one word rather than as separate elements.
Why is the simple form casar used in this proposal instead of the reflexive form casar-se?
While casar-se is often used to mean "to get married" in a general or impersonal sense, the proposal specifically targets the speaker as one of the marrying parties. By using casar along with comigo (with me), the sentence clearly states that the person is being asked to marry the speaker. This construction directly specifies the partner, making the reflexive form unnecessary.
Can the subject pronoun tu be omitted in this sentence, and if so, does it change the meaning?
Yes, Portuguese often allows the omission of subject pronouns because the verb conjugation already indicates the subject. So saying "Queres casar comigo?" is perfectly acceptable and carries the same meaning. Including tu can add emphasis or clarity, especially in contexts where a more personal or informal tone is desired.