Questions & Answers about A máquina nova funciona bem.
Why is the article a used instead of o?
Because máquina is a feminine noun in Portuguese. Feminine singular nouns take the definite article a (“the”), while masculine singular nouns take o.
Why is the adjective nova placed after máquina?
In Portuguese, descriptive adjectives typically follow the noun they qualify. So máquina nova (“new machine”) is the normal word order.
Does the adjective nova have to agree with máquina in gender and number?
Yes. Nova is in the feminine singular form to match máquina (feminine singular). If the noun were plural or masculine, the adjective would change (e.g., máquinas novas, carro novo).
Could we say a nova máquina instead of a máquina nova?
Yes. Putting the adjective before the noun is grammatically correct but can add emphasis or a stylistic nuance, as in poetry or marketing. The neutral, everyday order is a máquina nova.
Why is there no preposition before funciona?
Funciona is the third-person singular present indicative of the intransitive verb funcionar (“to function”/“to work”). Intransitive verbs don’t require a preposition before them when describing what the subject does.
What does bem mean here, and why does it follow funciona?
Bem is an adverb meaning “well.” Adverbs in Portuguese generally follow the verb they modify, so funciona bem = “works well.”
Could I use a continuous tense instead, like está a funcionar bem?
Yes. In European Portuguese, the present continuous is formed with estar a + infinitive, so está a funcionar bem also means “is working well.” Funciona bem is the simple present (“works well”).
Is it necessary to include a subject pronoun like ela?
No. Portuguese allows dropping subject pronouns because the verb ending indicates the person. A máquina funciona bem already makes it clear that it’s “it” (the machine). Adding Ela funciona bem is possible but usually redundant.
More from this lesson
AI Language TutorTry it ↗
“What's the best way to learn Portuguese grammar?”
Portuguese grammar becomes intuitive with practice. Focus on understanding the core patterns first — how sentences are structured, how verbs change form, and how words relate to each other. Our course breaks these concepts into small lessons so you can build understanding step by step.
Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor
Start learning PortugueseMaster Portuguese — from A máquina nova funciona bem to fluency
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods.
- ✓ Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
- ✓ Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
- ✓ Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
- ✓ AI tutor to answer your grammar questions