Question 1

Why does deixar translate to "stop" here instead of "leave"?

Accepted Answer

On its own, the verb deixar usually means "to leave" (an object or a place) or "to let/allow". However, when you use the specific structure deixar de followed by an infinitive verb (like cortar), it completely changes meaning to "to stop" or "to quit" doing an action.

Question 2

Could we use parar de instead of deixar de in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you could say quer parar de cortar. Both mean "to stop", but deixar de often strongly implies quitting a habit, giving something up, or making a permanent change. Parar de can mean quitting permanently too, but it is also the go-to verb for just pausing a momentary action.

Question 3

Why is there an a before madeira? In English, we would usually just say "cutting wood".

Accepted Answer

Portuguese frequently requires definite articles (o, a, os, as) before nouns that refer to general concepts, categories, or materials like wood. While it could refer to "the specific wood" he is working on, it is also perfectly normal Portuguese for talking about cutting wood in general.

Question 4

Can jovem go after carpinteiro instead of before it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can say o carpinteiro jovem. Adjectives usually follow the noun in Portuguese. Placing the adjective before the noun (o jovem carpinteiro) gives it a slightly more descriptive, subjective, or literary feel, whereas placing it after the noun is a more objective way to distinguish him from an older carpenter.

O jovem carpinteiro quer deixar de cortar a madeira com a serra.

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