Breakdown of Sugiro que borrifes a baunilha. Aliás, o cheiro é maravilhoso.
ser
to be
maravilhoso
wonderful
que
that (conjunction)
sugerir
to suggest
o cheiro
the smell
aliás
in fact / rather
a baunilha
the vanilla
borrifar
to spray (lightly, to spritz)
Questions & Answers about Sugiro que borrifes a baunilha. Aliás, o cheiro é maravilhoso.
How is the word aliás functioning in this sentence?
In this context, aliás is used as a marker of emphatic addition. Rather than correcting the previous statement (which is another common use of the word), it reinforces the suggestion to spray the vanilla by adding a strong supporting point ("In fact, the smell is wonderful"). It works a lot like "besides" or "moreover" here.
Why is the verb borrifar in the subjunctive form (borrifes) here?
The verb sugerir (to suggest) expresses a recommendation or an attempt to influence someone else's actions. Like other verbs of wishing, advising, or requesting, it requires the present subjunctive in the following que clause. Since the speaker is suggesting this to "you" (informal), it takes the tu form: borrifes.
Could aliás be used to mean "by the way" in a sentence like this?
Yes! While "in fact" or "besides" captures the emphasis perfectly here, aliás is extremely versatile. Native speakers often use it as a conversational bridge meaning "by the way" or "incidentally" when adding a related thought, which fits naturally when bringing up the wonderful smell.
What kind of "spraying" does borrifar refer to?
Borrifar specifically means to spritz, mist, or lightly spray a liquid. You will hear it used for perfumes, room fresheners, ironing clothes, or misting plants with water. If you were talking about spraying a heavy stream of water (like with a hose), you would use regar or esguichar.
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