Breakdown of Achamos que o argumento é falso.
ser
to be
achar
to reckon / to find
que
that (conjunction)
o argumento
the argument
falso
false
Questions & Answers about Achamos que o argumento é falso.
Why do we use the indicative verb é here instead of the subjunctive seja?
This is the golden rule of expressing opinions in Portuguese! When you state an affirmative belief using phrases like achar que (to think that) or acreditar que (to believe that), you use the normal indicative mood, which is é here. You only trigger the subjunctive mood (seja) if you make it negative to express doubt or denial, like in Não achamos que o argumento seja falso (We don't think the argument is false).
Does argumento mean an angry fight between two people?
No, this is a classic false friend! An argumento is a point made in a debate, a piece of reasoning, or even the plot of a movie or book. If you want to talk about people having a verbal fight or quarrel, you should use a word like discussão.
Could I use pensamos instead of achamos to say "we think"?
Yes, both work, but achar is much more common in everyday Portuguese when expressing an opinion, similar to saying "we reckon" or "we believe." Pensar is often used more for the literal, active process of thinking about something in your head.
Why do we use é (from ser) and not está (from estar) with the word falso?
We use ser for permanent or inherent characteristics. If an argument is false, it is fundamentally and logically flawed by its very nature, not just temporarily false for the moment. Therefore, we use é.
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