Questions & Answers about Vocês precisam de mais tempo?
Why is there a de in this sentence? In English we just say 'need more time'.
In Portuguese, the verb precisar (to need) must be followed by the preposition de whenever you are stating the noun that you need. Think of it as saying 'need of' something. Since mais tempo (more time) is what is needed, we have to say precisam de.
Why does vocês take the verb ending -am (precisam)? Isn't that the ending for 'they'?
The word order looks exactly like a statement. How do we make it a question in Portuguese?
Unlike English, which adds words like 'Do' to make a question, Portuguese keeps the exact same word order as a regular statement. In writing, only the question mark tells you it is a question. When speaking, you simply raise the pitch of your voice at the very end of the sentence.
Will the word mais change if the noun after it is feminine or plural?
No, mais (more) never changes its spelling to match the noun. You use the exact same word whether you are asking for more time (mais tempo) or more apples (mais maçãs).
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