Learn Portuguese (Portugal): O diplomata propõe que a reunião seja amanhã. - The diplomat proposes that the meeting be tomorrow.

Words ending in -ta or -ma of Greek origin are often masculine in Portuguese, like o planeta or o problema. However, diplomata is a word that can be masculine or feminine depending on the specific person. Since this refers to a male diplomat, we use the masculine article o. For a female diplomat, it would be a diplomata.

Why do we use the subjunctive seja here instead of the indicative é?

The verb propor expresses a suggestion or proposal. In Portuguese, using que after a verb of suggesting, requesting, or commanding triggers the subjunctive mood for the action being proposed. Therefore, the verb ser becomes seja.

What verb pattern does propõe follow?

It comes from the verb propor. Verbs ending in -por are derived from the highly irregular root verb pôr and copy its conjugation. Just as the third-person singular of pôr is põe, adding the prefix gives us propõe.

How could we use a reformulation marker like por outras palavras with this sentence?

Since this sentence states a clear proposal, you could use por outras palavras to explain the practical meaning behind the diplomat's request. For example: O diplomata propõe que a reunião seja amanhã; por outras palavras, o assunto é urgente. This expands on the sentence by explaining that because he wants the meeting tomorrow, the matter must be urgent.