Breakdown of O autocarro aproxima-se da paragem.
o autocarro
the bus
a paragem
the (bus) stop
aproximar-se
to approach, to come closer
Questions & Answers about O autocarro aproxima-se da paragem.
Why is it aproxima-se with a hyphen instead of just aproxima?
The verb here is aproximar-se (to get closer to / to approach), which is a reflexive verb. It literally means the bus is bringing itself closer. In European Portuguese affirmative sentences, this reflexive pronoun (-se) is attached to the end of the verb with a hyphen.
Why do we use da before paragem? Shouldn't it be a directional word like à or para?
The reflexive verb aproximar-se must always be followed by the preposition de when mentioning the destination. Because paragem is a feminine noun, de combines with the word for the (a) to become da. In Portuguese, you don't approach 'to' a place, you approach 'of' a place.
The translation says 'is approaching'. Why don't we use the continuous tense here?
While you could say está a aproximar-se (is approaching), the simple present tense (aproxima-se) is very commonly used in Portuguese for actions happening right now. For immediate, observable events like a vehicle pulling up, the simple present sounds completely natural and is often preferred.
Are autocarro and paragem the standard words for 'bus' and 'bus stop'?
Yes, in Portugal. If you have learned any Brazilian Portuguese, you might be expecting ônibus for bus and ponto for stop, but those are not used in European Portuguese. You will always hear autocarro and paragem instead.
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