Learn Portuguese (Portugal): Saltar daquele penhasco era muito radical e arriscado. - Jumping from that cliff was very extreme and risky.

Saltar daquele penhasco era muito radical e arriscado.

Jumping from that cliff was very extreme and risky.

Breakdown of Saltar daquele penhasco era muito radical e arriscado.

ser

to be

and

of / from / by (means of transport) / wearing (attire)

muito

much / very

Questions & Answers about Saltar daquele penhasco era muito radical e arriscado.

Why is the infinitive saltar used here for 'jumping' instead of the gerund saltando?

In Portuguese, when a verb acts as the subject of the sentence (the thing doing or being something), you always use the infinitive (saltar). The gerund (saltando) is strictly used for continuous, ongoing actions, never as a noun equivalent.

Why is era (Imperfect) used instead of foi (Preterite) here?

We use era to describe the inherent nature or characteristic of the cliff and the idea of jumping from it. Using foi would focus on a specific, completed event, which would strongly imply the speaker actually performed the jump and is evaluating that finished action.

Is radical a false friend here?

It can mean radical in a traditional sense, but in everyday Portuguese, radical is widely used to mean 'extreme' or 'hardcore' when talking about actions and experiences. For example, extreme sports are called desportos radicais.

I have learned falésia for 'cliff' before. How is penhasco different?

Falésia specifically refers to a coastal cliff right by the sea. Penhasco is a broader term for any steep, rocky precipice or cliff, whether it is located inland or by the ocean.