Topic: Portuguese
https://www.duolingo.com/profile/Quentinho

"Eles passaram a levar trabalho para casa."

    March 24, 2013

    5 Comments

    https://www.duolingo.com/profile/Quentinho

      I do not get why 'passaram' translates into started here?

      March 24, 2013
      https://www.duolingo.com/profile/Paulenrique
      Mod

        Strange but to continue having the same meaning, start or begin are the best verbs to be used. When you use passar + a + verb, it takes the meaning of start.

        March 24, 2013
        https://www.duolingo.com/profile/AlexTheTutor

          hm.. I think "passar" is one of those verbs that can have A LOT of meanings. So, I guess passar + a + infinitive verb means "to start to...". But, I was reading an article in Brazil and the article mentioned "passaram a ser", which translated as "they became". Is this correct too? :)

          April 9, 2013
          https://www.duolingo.com/profile/Paulenrique
          Mod

            Thats true.... here are some of the uses: pass (by), become, start, iron, pass over, cross, go (by), walk (by), spend...

            April 9, 2013
            https://www.duolingo.com/profile/finnplek
            Plus

              I guess when you think about it, 'to start to be'/'to come to be' does pretty much mean 'to become'. I think it's the same in Spanish..

              May 20, 2013

              Related Discussions

              AboutDuolingo English TestMobileGearHelpGuidelinesJobsTermsPrivacy
              Learn Portuguese in just 5 minutes a day. For free.