Log inSign up

A caravana não procura senão um oásis para descansar.

A caravana não procura senão um oásis para descansar.
The caravan seeks nothing but an oasis to rest.
From Lesson 505:Restrictive negation (não... senão)·Portuguese (Portugal)

Questions & Answers about A caravana não procura senão um oásis para descansar.

How does the não ... senão structure translate to "nothing but" here?
In Portuguese, placing não before the verb and senão after it creates a restrictive negation. Literally, it translates to "does not seek... if not" or "does not seek... except". This is an elegant way of expressing "seeks nothing but" or "seeks only".
Could I say this same sentence using só or apenas?
Yes. You can replace the entire não ... senão structure with a simpler adverb. The sentence would become A caravana só procura um oásis... or A caravana procura apenas um oásis... The não... senão version sounds a bit more poetic or emphatic, which fits the imagery of a desert caravan.
Why isn't there a preposition after procura? In English we usually say "looks for" or "searches for".
The Portuguese verb procurar already contains the meaning of "to look for" or "to seek". It connects directly to its object (um oásis) without needing a preposition. Adding por here is a common mistake made by English speakers.
Why do we need the preposition para before descansar?
The preposition para translates to "in order to" when placed before an infinitive verb. The sentence uses para descansar because resting is the specific purpose or goal of finding the oasis.

Learn A caravana não procura senão um oásis para descansar and more in Portuguese

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.

  • ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
  • ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
  • ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free
Start learning Portuguese →