Question 1

How can I change this sentence to emphasize that our team is the one that deserves the raise, using the 'Quem... é...' structure from this lesson?

Accepted Answer

You would say: Se calhar, quem merece o aumento é a nossa equipa. The word quem (who) is followed by the verb merece, and then we use é (is) to introduce the subject we want to put the spotlight on (a nossa equipa).

Question 2

I learned that words for 'maybe' often trigger the subjunctive. Why is merece in the normal present tense here?

Accepted Answer

The expression se calhar (maybe) is a notable exception because it always takes the regular indicative mood, rather than the subjunctive. If you used talvez (perhaps/maybe) instead, you would need the subjunctive: Talvez a nossa equipa mereça o aumento. Using se calhar is a great trick to express doubt without having to conjugate the subjunctive!

Question 3

Why do we say a nossa equipa instead of just nossa equipa?

Accepted Answer

In European Portuguese, it is the standard rule to include the definite article (o or a) before a possessive word when a noun follows it. So, we literally say 'the our team' (a nossa equipa).

Question 4

In the word aumento, does it only mean a pay raise, or can it mean an increase in general?

Accepted Answer

O aumento can mean both a salary raise and a general increase (like an increase in prices or volume). In a professional context like this sentence, it almost always refers to a pay raise. The related verb is aumentar (to increase or to raise).

Se calhar, a nossa equipa merece o aumento.

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