Breakdown of Desdobrar o origami e inverter a diagonal.
e
and
o origami
the origami
a diagonal
the diagonal
desdobrar
to unfold
inverter
to reverse
Questions & Answers about Desdobrar o origami e inverter a diagonal.
Why does this sentence use the infinitives desdobrar and inverter instead of imperative command forms?
This is a classic example of the instructional (or prescriptive) infinitive. In written guides like recipes, manuals, or origami instructions, Portuguese frequently uses the impersonal infinitive to give general directions. It acts as a command that isn't directed at one specific person.
If I were teaching a friend how to do this in person, would I still use these infinitive forms?
No, the infinitive is mainly used for impersonal or written instructions. If you are speaking directly to someone, you would switch to the imperative form: Desdobra o origami e inverte a diagonal (for informal tu) or Desdobre o origami e inverta a diagonal (for formal você).
Desdobrar means "unfold". Does the des- prefix generally work just like "un-" in English?
Yes! Dobrar means "to fold", and the prefix des- indicates reversing or undoing that action. It is a very common prefix in Portuguese, acting just like "un-" or "dis-" in words like desfazer (to undo), desapertar (to unfasten), and desbloquear (to unblock).
Why is it a diagonal (feminine)? Aren't nouns ending in -l usually masculine?
Learn Desdobrar o origami e inverter a diagonal and more in Portuguese
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free