Question 1

Why is viva conjugated in the subjunctive if living in solitude is a stated fact here?

Accepted Answer

The conjunction embora ('although') always forces the verb into the subjunctive mood, regardless of whether you are stating an undeniable fact or a hypothetical. Because it introduces a concession, we use the present subjunctive viva rather than the indicative vive.

Question 2

Could we use está instead of é before triste?

Accepted Answer

You could, but it would change the meaning. Using the verb ser (é) describes his inherent nature, meaning he is not a sad person. Using the verb estar (está) would mean he just isn't feeling sad right now, describing a temporary state of emotion.

Question 3

This lesson covers 3rd-person reflexives. How would we adapt this sentence to say he lives in solitude 'with himself' or 'by himself'?

Accepted Answer

To say 'with himself', you would use the strict 3rd-person reflexive consigo, usually followed by próprio or mesmo for emphasis, making the phrase Embora viva consigo próprio na solidão. To say 'by himself', you could use the reflexive phrase por si só.

Question 4

I usually see embora used when people are leaving, like in ir embora. Is this the same word?

Accepted Answer

It is the exact same word, but acting in a different grammatical role. In the phrase ir embora, it functions as an adverb meaning 'away'. Here at the start of the clause, it functions as a conjunction meaning 'although' or 'even though'.

Question 5

Is the noun solidão related to the adjective só?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The adjective só means 'alone' or 'lonely'. By adding the suffix -idão, which creates abstract nouns from adjectives, we get solidão, meaning 'solitude' or 'loneliness'.

Embora viva na solidão, o monge não é triste.

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