Question 1

Why do we use the present subjunctive (percas) here instead of the future subjunctive, since missing the train is a future event?

Accepted Answer

Expressions that frame a hypothetical scenario, like supondo que, imaginando que, and admitindo que, trigger the present subjunctive when talking about present or future possibilities. If you had used se (if) instead, you would need the future subjunctive: se tu perderes o comboio.

Question 2

I learned that perder means to lose. Why is it translated as miss here?

Accepted Answer

In Portuguese, perder is the correct verb for missing a mode of transport, like a train, bus, or flight. If you want to say you miss a person or a place, you would use a different expression, such as ter saudades de.

Question 3

Could I use porque instead of pois in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Yes, porque works perfectly as well. Pois is a great alternative that means because or since. It is very common in both written and spoken Portuguese to justify or explain a statement you just made.

Question 4

Why does the sentence use foi instead of era to say the ticket was cheap?

Accepted Answer

Using the Pretérito Perfeito (foi) focuses on the specific moment the ticket was purchased as a completed action. The ticket was cheap at the exact time you bought it. Using the Pretérito Imperfeito (era) would sound more like a background description of the ticket's general price over an unspecified period of time.

Supondo que tu percas o comboio, o bilhete não é reembolsável, pois foi barato.

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