Breakdown of Levo muita bagagem para a viagem.
eu
I
para
for
levar
to take
a viagem
the trip
muita
a lot of
a bagagem
the luggage
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Questions & Answers about Levo muita bagagem para a viagem.
What does levo mean in this sentence?
Levo is the first-person singular present indicative of the verb levar, so literally I take or I carry. In European Portuguese, the present can also express a near-future or planned action, so here it means I’m taking or I will be taking.
Why is levar used instead of trazer?
Levar means to take (away from the speaker’s location), whereas trazer means to bring (toward the speaker). Since you’re carrying luggage away from where you are now toward your trip, levar is the correct choice.
What does bagagem refer to, and why is it singular?
Bagagem is a collective, uncountable noun meaning luggage or baggage. In Portuguese, collective items like baggage, furniture (mobília) or equipment (equipamento) usually stay singular even if they encompass many pieces.
Why do we say muita instead of muitas?
Because bagagem is uncountable and treated as a feminine singular noun, so the quantifier must agree in gender and number: muita bagagem (a lot of luggage), not muitas bagagens.
What role does para play in para a viagem?
Para introduces the purpose or destination: for in English. Here, para a viagem literally means for the trip (i.e. the luggage is intended for use on the trip).
Why is there a definite article a before viagem?
Portuguese often uses the definite article with nouns in abstract or specific contexts. A viagem is a specific trip already known from context, so you need a.
Could you say Levo muita bagagem na viagem instead?
Yes, but it changes nuance. Na viagem (in/on the trip) emphasizes being during the trip, like packing and carrying while traveling. Para a viagem stresses preparing for the trip beforehand.
What about using vou levar instead of levo?
Vou levar (I am going to take) uses the periphrastic future. It makes the future plan more explicit: I’m going to take a lot of luggage for the trip, whereas levo can be present or near future depending on context.
Is the word order flexible? Could one say Muita bagagem levo para a viagem?
Yes, you can front muita bagagem for emphasis: Muita bagagem levo para a viagem sounds more poetic or emphatic. In everyday speech, the neutral order Levo muita bagagem para a viagem is preferred.