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Questions & Answers about O inverno aproxima-se.
Why is there an O before inverno if the English translation is just 'Winter'?
In Portuguese, definite articles (o, a, os, as) are required before the names of seasons, even when we talk about them in a general sense. That is why you must say o inverno instead of just inverno.
Why does the verb have -se attached to it?
The verb used here is aproximar-se (to get closer or to approach), which acts as a reflexive verb in Portuguese. It literally means 'Winter is bringing itself closer'. If you used aproxima without the -se, it would mean winter is bringing something else closer.
Could I say O inverno se aproxima instead?
In European Portuguese, the default position for pronouns in a simple affirmative sentence is after the verb, connected by a hyphen. Putting it before the verb sounds like Brazilian Portuguese, unless there is a specific grammar trigger (like a negative word such as não or an adverb like já) that forces the pronoun to the front.