Question 1

The current lesson is about the verb custar (to be difficult/painful). Could we say custa-me here instead of é doloroso?

Accepted Answer

No, because custar a refers to psychological difficulty, reluctance, or effort (finding something hard to do). It does not mean physical pain. Since the braces are causing actual physical discomfort, you must use doloroso (painful) or the verb doer (to hurt).

Question 2

Why is O aparelho singular when the English translation says 'braces' (plural)?

Accepted Answer

In Portuguese, orthodontic braces are referred to as a single unit or device, so you use the singular o aparelho (literally 'the apparatus'). Using the plural os aparelhos would imply completely separate devices, like braces belonging to multiple different people.

Question 3

Why does the sentence use na in roça na bochecha?

Accepted Answer

The verb roçar (to rub or brush against) requires the preposition em when indicating the surface something is rubbing against. Here, em combines with the feminine definite article a (for bochecha) to form na.

Question 4

What exactly does além disso mean here, and could I just use também?

Accepted Answer

Além disso literally translates to 'beyond that' and is used exactly like 'besides' or 'furthermore' in English to add a supporting point. While you could rephrase the sentence with também (also), além disso is much better for linking two separate clauses and making your B2 Portuguese sound more fluent and structured.

O aparelho roça na bochecha; além disso, é doloroso.

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