Question 1

Where should I put ainda? Can it go at the end of the sentence?

Accepted Answer

In Portuguese, ainda (still) usually goes right before the verb it modifies. Unlike English where you might say "Do they wake up early on the weekend still?", placing ainda at the end of this sentence sounds unnatural. Keep it right before madrugam.

Question 2

I don't see the word cedo (early). How does this sentence translate to "wake up early"?

Accepted Answer

That is the magic of the verb madrugar! It means "to wake up early" or "to get up at dawn" all on its own. It is related to the noun madrugada (early morning or dawn). So, Eles madrugam captures both the action of waking up and doing it early in a single word.

Question 3

Could I say Eles ainda acordam cedo ao fim de semana? instead?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! Acordar cedo is the more literal translation of "to wake up early" and is very commonly used. Using madrugar just sounds a bit more expressive, emphasizing the "getting up at the crack of dawn" aspect.

Question 4

Why does the sentence use ao fim de semana instead of no fim de semana?

Accepted Answer

In European Portuguese, using the preposition a (contracted here to ao) with time periods usually implies a habit or routine. Because we are asking about a recurring action (something they "still" do), ao fim de semana (on weekends) is perfect. If you said no fim de semana, it would sound more like you were asking about one specific weekend.

Eles ainda madrugam ao fim de semana?

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