Learn Portuguese (Portugal): Eu tinha entregado os retratos ao curador. - I had delivered the portraits to the curator.

Eu tinha entregado os retratos ao curador.

I had delivered the portraits to the curator.

Breakdown of Eu tinha entregado os retratos ao curador.

Questions & Answers about Eu tinha entregado os retratos ao curador.

Why is the word entregado used here instead of entregue?

The verb entregar has two past participle forms: the regular entregado and the short, irregular entregue. The rule is to use the regular form (entregado) with the auxiliary verbs ter and haver. Because the auxiliary here is tinha (from ter), we must use entregado.

When would I use entregue instead?

You use the irregular, short form (entregue) with the verbs ser and estar (to be), or when using it as an adjective. For example, to say "The portraits were delivered", you would use the verb ser and say "Os retratos foram entregues".

What exactly does tinha entregado express?

It translates to "had delivered". This is the compound past perfect tense, which you use to talk about a past action that happened before another past action. It is formed by using the imperfect tense of ter (tinha) plus the regular past participle (entregado).

Does retratos mean photographs or paintings?

A retrato usually means a portrait, which can be a painting, a drawing, or a formal photograph of a person. If you were talking about everyday pictures or photos, you would be more likely to use fotografias or fotos.