Emphasizing Statements

In Portuguese, just like in any language, we often want to emphasize certain information in our statements to convey stronger meaning or highlight specific details. There are several ways to achieve emphasis in Portuguese, using different word choices and sentence structures. Let's explore them below:

1. Using Adverbs

Adverbs are a great tool to add emphasis to your statements. Here are some common adverbs used for emphasis in Portuguese:

• Muito (very): Ele é muito bonito. (He is very handsome.)
• Realmente (really): Essa comida é realmente deliciosa. (This food is really delicious.)
• Absolutamente (absolutely): Ela está absolutamente certa. (She is absolutely right.)
• Definitivamente (definitely): Eu vou definitivamente participar da festa. (I'm definitely going to attend the party.)

2. Using Intensifiers

Intensifiers are words that intensify or strengthen the meaning of a statement. They can be used to emphasize the degree or extent of an action or quality. Here are some common intensifiers in Portuguese:

• Bastante (quite/a lot): Eu estou bastante cansado(a). (I am quite tired.)
• Demais (too/much): Ela é demais gentil. (She is too kind.)
• Super (super/very): Esse filme é super emocionante. (This movie is very exciting.)

3. Reinforcing with Pronouns

You can also use pronouns for additional emphasis in your statements. This is done by repeating the subject or object of the sentence using pronouns. Take a look at these examples:

• Eu quebrei o vidro. (I broke the glass.)
• Eu mesmo fiz isso. (I did it myself.)
• Ela se machucou todo(a). (She hurt herself badly.)

4. Rearranging Sentence Structure

Another way to emphasize certain information in a statement is by rearranging the sentence structure. By placing the emphasized word or phrase at the beginning or end of the sentence, you draw more attention to it. Consider these examples:

• Essa menina, ela canta muito bem. (This girl, she sings very well.)
• Fui à praia ontem. (I went to the beach yesterday.)

5. Using Exclamatory Phrases

Exclamatory phrases are excellent for adding emphasis and expressing strong emotions. They often start with the word que (how/what) followed by an adjective, adverb, or noun. Here are some examples:

• Que coisa incrível! (How incredible!)
• Que dia lindo! (What a beautiful day!)

6. Using Repetition

Repeating words or phrases can also be an effective way to emphasize a certain point or idea in your statements. Consider these examples:

• Muito amor, muito carinho. (Lots of love, lots of care.)
• Eu quero, eu preciso, eu vou conseguir. (I want it, I need it, I will achieve it.)

Remember, the choice of emphasis technique will depend on the context and your intention. By using these strategies appropriately, you can add nuance and power to your statements in Portuguese. Happy emphasizing!