Breakdown of Além de lavar o cabelo, o cabeleireiro cortará as pontas.
lavar
to wash
cortar
to cut
o cabelo
the hair
além de
besides
o cabeleireiro
the hairdresser
a ponta
the end
Questions & Answers about Além de lavar o cabelo, o cabeleireiro cortará as pontas.
Why do we use Além de here instead of Além disso?
Because além de works as a prepositional phrase used directly before a noun, pronoun, or infinitive verb (like lavar) to mean "besides [doing something]". Além disso means "besides that" or "furthermore", and it usually stands alone to introduce a whole new clause or sentence.
Why is lavar in the infinitive when the English translation says "washing"?
In Portuguese, whenever a verb immediately follows a preposition (like the de in além de), it must be in its infinitive (dictionary) form. While English uses the "-ing" form after prepositions, Portuguese always uses the infinitive.
Why does the sentence say o cabelo instead of a possessive like o seu cabelo?
When talking about body parts, hair, or even items of clothing, Portuguese usually uses a definite article (o, a, os, as) rather than a possessive pronoun. It is assumed from context whose hair is being washed, so adding a possessive sounds unnatural.
What tense is cortará, and could I just say vai cortar?
Does as pontas specifically mean split ends?
Pontas translates literally to "tips" or "ends". In the context of a hairdresser (cabeleireiro), the phrase cortar as pontas is the standard, natural way to say you are getting a "trim" or cutting off the split ends.
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