Learn Portuguese (Portugal): Temos de arrumar e limpar a casa.

Temos de arrumar e limpar a casa.

We have to tidy and clean the house.

Breakdown of Temos de arrumar e limpar a casa.

Questions & Answers about Temos de arrumar e limpar a casa.

How does temos de show obligation here?

The verb ter usually means to have, but when you add the preposition de right after it, followed by an action word in its basic form (an infinitive, like arrumar), it changes the meaning to have to or must. Since temos means we have, temos de means we have to.

Why don't we say temos de arrumar e de limpar? Do we not need a second de?

You do not need to repeat it! When you list multiple actions that you have to do, you only need to put de before the first verb. The obligation naturally carries over to limpar because they are connected by the word e (and).

What is the difference between arrumar and limpar in this sentence?

Arrumar means to tidy up, organize, or put things in their proper place. Limpar specifically means to clean, such as washing, dusting, or sweeping. They are often used together to describe doing all the household chores.

Why is there no word for we at the beginning of the sentence?

In Portuguese, the ending of the verb tells you who is doing the action. Temos is the we form of ter, so it can only mean we have. Because of this, the pronoun nós (we) is usually dropped unless you want to add special emphasis.