Question 1

Why do we use o quão instead of como to translate the word how in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

While como translates to how when asking about the manner or method of something, it does not work for degree. When you want to express how much of an adjective something is, you must use o quão or quão. Here, it measures the degree of the adjective extraordinário.

Question 2

Can I drop the o and just say quão extraordinário?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. Both o quão and quão are correct and mean exactly the same thing. Including the article o is very common in everyday spoken Portuguese, while using just quão can sound a tiny bit more formal, but both are completely natural here.

Question 3

Is it acceptable to change the word order at the end and say ...o quão extraordinário é o cérebro humano?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Both word orders are correct. Keeping the verb at the very end perfectly mirrors the English structure, but placing the verb before the subject is extremely natural in Portuguese and is often preferred in writing.

Question 4

Since the sentence starts with Não imaginas, shouldn't the final verb be in the subjunctive (seja) instead of the indicative (é)?

Accepted Answer

It is a great instinct to look for the subjunctive after a negative verb of thought! However, expressions like não imaginas, nem sabes, or não fazes ideia are typically used as rhetorical devices to emphasize a fact, rather than to express actual doubt or denial. Because the speaker is stating a reality (the human brain is actually extraordinary), we keep the verb in the indicative.

Não imaginas o quão extraordinário o cérebro humano é.

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