Log inSign up

O bosque tem algo de puro.

O bosque tem algo de puro.
The woods have something pure about them.
From Lesson 459:Partitive adjectives (algo de)·Portuguese (Portugal)

Questions & Answers about O bosque tem algo de puro.

Why is there a de between algo and puro?
This is the partitive adjective construction you are currently learning. When describing an indefinite pronoun like algo (something), nada (nothing), or muito (much) with an adjective, you must connect them using the preposition de. You cannot just put them side-by-side as you do in English.
If the sentence used the feminine word a floresta instead of o bosque, would it change to algo de pura?
No, it would remain algo de puro. In this specific structure (indefinite pronoun + de + adjective), the adjective is always masculine and singular. It agrees with the neutral concept of algo, rather than the noun that possesses the quality.
The English translation adds the phrase "about them". Is that implied in the Portuguese sentence?
Yes, the phrase algo de puro translates literally to "something of pure". In natural English, we often express this as having "something pure about it" or "about them". The Portuguese construction elegantly captures that whole idea without needing extra literal words like sobre ele.
Why is o bosque singular when the English translation says "the woods"?
In Portuguese, o bosque is a singular noun referring to a wooded area or forest. English happens to use a plural noun (woods) for the same concept, but Portuguese treats it as a single place, which is why it takes the singular verb tem.

Learn O bosque tem algo de puro 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
Start learning Portuguese →