Question 1

How does the prefix sub- work in the word subcontratar?

Accepted Answer

The prefix sub- indicates a lower level in a hierarchy (under or secondary). Here, it attaches to contratar (to hire or contract). A main contractor hires someone else to do part of the work, creating a secondary contract. Other examples include subdiretor (deputy director) or subsolo (subsoil or basement).

Question 2

What does the phrase na medida em que mean, and how is it different from just saying porque?

Accepted Answer

na medida em que translates to "insofar as" or "to the extent that". While you could use porque (because) to simply state the reason, na medida em que is a more advanced, formal connector. It means that the decision to subcontract the team is specifically justified by the fact that they are fast.

Question 3

I often confuse na medida em que with à medida que. What is the difference?

Accepted Answer

They look similar but have different meanings! na medida em que gives a reason or condition, meaning "insofar as" or "given that". à medida que expresses a simultaneous progression over time, meaning "as" or "while" (for example, getting tired as you run).

Question 4

Why is there no pronoun before é rápida?

Accepted Answer

In Portuguese, subject pronouns are often dropped when the context is clear. Here, é rápida (is fast) clearly refers back to a equipa (the team). We know it refers to the team and not to "we" (nós) because the adjective rápida is singular and feminine, perfectly matching a equipa.

Nós decidimos subcontratar a equipa, na medida em que é rápida.

Breakdown of Nós decidimos subcontratar a equipa, na medida em que é rápida.

Questions & Answers about Nós decidimos subcontratar a equipa, na medida em que é rápida.

Learn Nós decidimos subcontratar a equipa, na medida em que é rápida and more in Portuguese