Breakdown of Quando me deparo com um problema, não me atrevo a tirar a máscara.
não
not / no
um
a / an / some (all forms)
o problema
the problem
quando
when
tirar
to take
a máscara
the mask
deparar-se com
to come across
atrever-se a
to dare to
Questions & Answers about Quando me deparo com um problema, não me atrevo a tirar a máscara.
Why do we use me deparo com here instead of just a regular verb like encontro?
While encontro means "I find" or "I meet", the verb deparar-se com is an inherent pronominal verb that specifically means "to come across" or "to be faced with" something unexpectedly. It requires the reflexive pronoun (here, me) and is always paired with the preposition com to convey this specific meaning.
What is the function of the preposition a after me atrevo?
The verb atrever-se (to dare) is another inherent pronominal verb. Its specific prepositional regime dictates that it must be followed by the preposition a when it connects to another verb (in this case, tirar). You will always use the structure atrever-se a to mean "to dare to do something".
Why do both pronouns come before the verbs (me deparo and me atrevo)?
Could I say tirar-me a máscara instead of just tirar a máscara?
You could, but it is not necessary here. Portuguese often uses a reflexive pronoun to show possession with body parts or clothing (known as the dative of possession). However, because the sentence already clearly establishes who is acting and feeling through the earlier pronouns, just saying tirar a máscara is perfectly natural and avoids sounding repetitive.
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