Question 1

Do I have to say Nós, or can I just start with Somos?

Accepted Answer

You can just start with Somos! In Portuguese, the verb ending usually tells us who the subject is. Somos can only mean "we are", so the word Nós is optional and often dropped in everyday speech unless you want to add emphasis.

Question 2

How do we know the "we" in this sentence refers to a group of women?

Accepted Answer

We know from the words as professoras. The article as is feminine plural ("the"), and professoras is the feminine plural word for "teachers" (a male or mixed group would be os professores). Because the speakers are describing themselves as female teachers, we know the "we" refers to a group of women.

Question 3

Why is there a de before inglês?

Accepted Answer

In English, we put the description first: "English teachers". In Portuguese, you usually describe a noun by using de ("of") plus the subject matter. So, you literally say "the teachers of English" (as professoras de inglês).

Question 4

Why isn't inglês written with a capital letter?

Accepted Answer

Unlike in English, the names of languages, nationalities, and months are not capitalized in Portuguese. So, "English" is written with a lowercase letter: inglês.

Question 5

Why do we use somos instead of the other verb for "are" (estamos)?

Accepted Answer

Somos comes from the verb ser, which is used for permanent facts, identities, and professions. Since being a teacher is a profession or identity, we use ser. The other verb for "to be" (estar) is used for temporary states, like feelings or current locations.

Nós somos as professoras de inglês.

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