Question 1

Why is it mataram-nas instead of mataram-as?

Accepted Answer

When a verb ends in a nasal sound (like -m, -ão, or -õe), direct object pronouns (o, a, os, as) change to start with an n (no, na, nos, nas). Since mataram ends in -m, the pronoun as (referring to as melgas) becomes -nas.

Question 2

How would we use this lesson's topic (fartar-se de) to say they killed a whole bunch of them?

Accepted Answer

You would say fartaram-se de as matar. The structure fartar-se de + infinitive means to do something to the point of excess or exhaustion. Notice that the pronoun as goes before the infinitive matar here because the preposition de pulls it forward.

Question 3

What exactly are melgas and how do they differ from mosquitos?

Accepted Answer

In Portugal, melga is the common everyday word for a gnat or a biting mosquito. While mosquito is also understood and used, melga is what you will usually hear when people complain about these annoying bugs. Metaphorically, a highly annoying or clingy person is also called a melga!

Question 4

Could I use então instead of por isso here?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both can translate to 'so' in this context. Por isso translates literally to 'for that (reason)' and strongly connects the cause (the gnats are a problem) to the effect (killing them). Então is slightly more conversational but perfectly fine here.

As melgas são um problema, por isso eles mataram-nas com o inseticida.

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