Question 1

Why do we use qualquer um here instead of just qualquer?

Accepted Answer

In Portuguese, qualquer acts as an adjective meaning 'any' and needs a noun to modify, like qualquer pessoa (any person). By adding um, it becomes an independent pronoun meaning 'just anyone' or 'anybody' that can stand on its own as the object of the verb.

Question 2

Could we replace qualquer um with seja quem for, since they both can mean 'anyone'?

Accepted Answer

You could, but it shifts the meaning. Não deixamos qualquer um entrar means 'we do not let just anyone in' (implying some special people are allowed). Using seja quem for makes the rule absolute: 'we will not let anyone in, no matter who they are.'

Question 3

Why is the infinitive entrar used directly after the object, rather than using que and a conjugated verb?

Accepted Answer

Verbs of permission, causation, and perception (like deixar, fazer, ver, and ouvir) can trigger this specific structure. Just like in English, you can place the object directly before the infinitive verb, making deixamos qualquer um entrar (we let anyone enter) perfectly natural without needing a complex subjunctive clause.

Question 4

Why does the sentence say sem a permissão instead of just sem permissão?

Accepted Answer

Using the definite article a makes it specific. Sem permissão just means 'without permission' in a general sense. By saying sem a permissão, it implies a very specific authorization that is required for this particular situation, like 'without the required permit' or 'without the boss's permission.'

Não deixamos qualquer um entrar sem a permissão.

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