Question 1

Why do we use saiba instead of sabe in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

It's because of the phrase sem que (without). Sem que is a conjunction of exclusion, meaning it introduces an action that is being avoided or isn't happening. Expressions like this always trigger the subjunctive mood, which is why we use the present subjunctive saiba instead of the present indicative sabe.

Question 2

The English translation says "without the father knowing". Could we use an infinitive verb in Portuguese instead?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You could say sem o pai saber, using the personal infinitive. The rule is: if you use sem que, you must follow it with a conjugated verb in the subjunctive (saiba). If you drop the que and just use the preposition sem, you follow it with the infinitive (saber). Both versions mean exactly the same thing, though sem o pai saber is extremely common in everyday spoken Portuguese.

Question 3

Is preparamos in the present or the past tense here?

Accepted Answer

It is in the present tense (we prepare). In European Portuguese, the present tense for the "we" form of -ar verbs is written without an accent (preparamos), and the stressed 'a' has a medium or slightly closed sound. If it were the past tense (we prepared), it would require an acute accent: preparámos, which gives the 'a' an open sound.

Question 4

What else can faixa mean besides a banner?

Accepted Answer

While here it means a decorative banner (like for a surprise party), faixa has several other everyday uses. It often means a band, a sash, a belt in martial arts, a traffic lane on a road (faixa de rodagem), or a track on a music album.

Preparamos as velas e a faixa sem que o pai saiba.

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