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How to Say ‘We'll keep it for Christmas, when he can drink.’ in Portuguese

Guardamos para o Natal, quando ele já puder beber.

gwar-DAH-moosh PAH-ruh oo nah-TAHL KWAN-doo EH-lee zhah poo-DEHR buh-BEHR

[gwar-DAH-moosh PAH-ruh oo nah-TAHL KWAN-doo EH-lee zhah poo-DEHR buh-BEHR]

Phrase Breakdown

Guardamos para o Natal,

gwar-DAH-moosh PAH-ruh oo nah-TAHL

We'll save it for Christmas

The present tense 'guardamos' (we keep or save) is often used with a future meaning. Say 'gwar-DÃ-mush'.

Example

Guardamos o bolo para amanhã.

We'll save the cake for tomorrow.

Words in this phrase

Guardamos

[gwar-DAH-moosh]

we'll keep; we save

Present of 'guardar' (to keep, put away), used for near future.

Example

Guardamos o bolo para amanhã.

We'll save the cake for tomorrow.

para

[PAH-ruh]

for

Preposition used to show who something matters to.

Example

Este tipo de ambiente é ideal para quem gosta de colaborar.

This type of environment is ideal for someone who likes collaborating.

[oo]

the (masculine singular)

Article used before a masculine singular noun; often unstressed in speech.

Example

O bilhete é mais barato se comprares com antecedência.

The ticket is cheaper if you buy in advance.

Natal

[nah-TAHL]

Christmas

Masculine noun, used with 'o'.

Example

Passamos o Natal em família.

We spend Christmas with family.

quando ele já puder beber.

KWAN-doo EH-lee zhah poo-DEHR buh-BEHR

when he can drink again

Use the future subjunctive 'puder' after 'quando'. Pause briefly at the comma before this part.

Example

Abrimos o vinho quando ele já puder beber.

We'll open the wine when he can drink.

Words in this phrase

quando

[KWAN-doo]

when

At the time that something happens.

Example

Quando o sol se pôr, jantaremos.

When the sun sets, we will have dinner.

ele

[EH-lee]

Refers to a male person or animal.

Example

Ele foi embora cedo.

He left early.

já

[zhah]

already

Prior to a specified or implied time.

Example

Já comi meu almoço.

I have already eaten my lunch.

puder

[poo-DEHR]

he can; he is able

Future subjunctive of 'poder', used after 'quando' for future events.

Example

Quando ele puder, telefona.

When he can, he'll call.

beber

[buh-BEHR]

to drink

Refers to consuming the coffee.

Example

É para beber aqui?

Is it to drink here?

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

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