Breakdown of Têm-se de proteger as lombadas dos livros.
o livro
the book
de
of / from / by (means of transport) / wearing (attire)
ter de
to have to
proteger
to protect
se
one (impersonal)
a lombada
the spine (of a book)
Questions & Answers about Têm-se de proteger as lombadas dos livros.
Why is the verb plural (têm) instead of singular (tem) if the action is just a general 'have to protect'?
Why does the -se attach to têm rather than the main verb proteger?
In European Portuguese, when using a modal verb phrase like ter de followed by an infinitive, the pronoun typically attaches to the conjugated auxiliary verb (têm-se de proteger). While you might sometimes hear it attached to the infinitive in casual speech, putting it on the conjugated verb is the standard rule for neutral, affirmative sentences.
Could I say Têm-se que proteger instead of Têm-se de proteger?
In strict European Portuguese grammar, ter de is the correct form for expressing obligation (having to do something). You will hear ter que very often in casual speech, but traditionally it is meant for situations where you physically have items to deal with, rather than a general rule or moral obligation. It is best to stick to ter de here.
Does the word lombada only refer to the spine of a book?
Not at all! While as lombadas means the spines of the books in this context, you will also frequently see the word lombada on road signs in Portugal. On the road, a lombada is a speed bump.
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