Breakdown of O maquinista diz que a viagem demora menos de uma hora.
de
of / from / by (means of transport) / wearing (attire)
um
a / an / some (all forms)
a hora
the hour
a viagem
the trip
menos
less
dizer
to say
que
that (conjunction)
demorar
to take (time)
o maquinista
the train driver
Questions & Answers about O maquinista diz que a viagem demora menos de uma hora.
Why do we use menos de here instead of the comparative menos do que?
Because we are stating a quantity before a number. When saying "less than" or "more than" a specific measurement or number (like uma hora), you must use menos de or mais de. You only use menos do que when comparing two different things, such as: O comboio demora menos do que o autocarro (The train takes less time than the bus).
Could I use the verb levar instead of demorar to say how long it takes?
Why does dizer que trigger the indicative verb demora here instead of the subjunctive?
Because the driver is simply stating a fact. Verbs of communication like dizer (to say) only trigger the subjunctive when they express a command or a request. If the driver was giving an order, like "The driver tells us to wait", it would use the subjunctive: O maquinista diz que esperemos.
Is a maquinista the same as a motorista?
No! A maquinista is specifically a train driver or railway operator (from the word máquina). For cars, buses, or taxis, you must use motorista.
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