Breakdown of O inimigo é implacável, pois quer o triunfo.
ser
to be
querer
to want
o inimigo
the enemy
pois
because (since, for)
implacável
relentless
o triunfo
the triumph
Questions & Answers about O inimigo é implacável, pois quer o triunfo.
The word pois translates to "for" here. Can it also mean "because"?
Yes. In this position at the beginning of the clause, pois acts as an explanatory conjunction, very similar to porque (because) or já que (since). Translating it as "for" in English captures its slightly literary tone, but "because" is perfectly accurate. Note that when pois comes after the verb in a clause, it usually means "therefore" or "so".
How would we add "whatever it takes" (cost what it may) to the end of this sentence using the structure from this lesson?
You would add custe o que custar at the end. The full sentence would be: O inimigo é implacável, pois quer o triunfo, custe o que custar. This uses the present subjunctive of custar (to cost) twice, wrapped around o que, literally meaning "may it cost what it might cost."
Is implacável related to the English word "implacable"?
Yes, they are exact cognates! Both come from Latin, meaning unable to be appeased. In Portuguese, the suffix -ável is the direct equivalent of the English "-able". Remember to stress the syllable with the acute accent: im-pla-CÁ-vel.
Why is the definite article o used before triunfo? Could we just say quer triunfo?
In Portuguese, abstract nouns like triunfo generally require the definite article when they represent a general concept or a specific ultimate goal, which is the case here. Dropping the article to say quer triunfo sounds unnatural in this context, as if saying the enemy wants "some amount of triumph" rather than "victory" itself.
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