Question 1

How does the word hotel change to hotéis in the plural?

Accepted Answer

For words ending in -l, you form the plural by dropping the -l and adding -is. The accent mark on the é is added to keep the stress on the final syllable. Without it, the pronunciation rules would naturally shift the stress to the wrong part of the word.

Question 2

Is grandes a masculine or feminine word?

Accepted Answer

It acts as both! The singular adjective grande ends in -e, meaning it is gender-neutral and doesn't change based on whether the noun is masculine or feminine. To make it agree with the plural noun hotéis, you simply add an -s.

Question 3

Could I say Esses hotéis instead of Aqueles hotéis?

Accepted Answer

You could, but it changes the meaning slightly based on distance. You use esses when the things you are talking about are close to the listener. You use aqueles when the things are far away from both you and the listener, like saying "those hotels over there".

Question 4

Why do we use são instead of estão here?

Accepted Answer

São is a form of the verb ser, which we use to describe permanent or defining characteristics. Since a building's size is a permanent trait, we use ser. You would use estão (from the verb estar) for temporary conditions, like if the hotels were full or closed.

Aqueles hotéis são grandes?

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