Crase - Aula 01 ♫ Concerto da Crase ♫ [Prof Noslen]

Summary

This video script provides an in-depth guide to using the Portuguese preposition 'a' and its contractions (crase), including when it combines with the article 'a' to form 'à'. It explains the use of crase with feminine and masculine nouns, geographic locations, and specific expressions, offering clear examples to illustrate each case. The script also covers the substitution of masculine for feminine nouns, how to use 'à' in idiomatic phrases, and pronominal forms like 'a', 'à', and 'aquela'. A helpful resource for understanding the nuances of crase in everyday language.

Takeaways

• 😀 Crase occurs when there is a combination of a preposition ('a') and the feminine article ('a') in Portuguese sentences.
• 😀 If a word is feminine, you use 'à' (crase), while for masculine words, you use 'ao' or 'a' without crase.
• 😀 One way to check if crase is needed is by substituting the feminine word with a masculine equivalent. If the sentence still makes sense, crase is used.
• 😀 Geographical names that are feminine require the use of crase, for example, 'à França' (to France).
• 😀 The expression 'à moda de' (in the style of) always requires crase, such as 'à moda de Portugal' (in the style of Portugal).
• 😀 Crase is used with time expressions, such as 'à noite' (at night), 'à esquerda' (to the left), and 'à direita' (to the right).
• 😀 The preposition 'para' does not require crase when used with geographical names (e.g., 'fui para São Paulo').
• 😀 If a word is masculine or does not require a feminine article, crase should not be used (e.g., 'voltei de Roma' without crase).
• 😀 When using relative pronouns, such as 'a qual' (which), crase is used, as in 'A moça à qual me referi' (The girl to whom I referred).
• 😀 Fixed expressions such as 'à vista' (on sight), 'à esquerda' (to the left), and 'à direita' (to the right) always require crase.

Q & A

What is 'crase' in Brazilian Portuguese grammar?

Crase is the occurrence of the contraction between the preposition 'a' and the definite article 'a' or the feminine singular demonstrative 'a'. It typically happens before feminine nouns or adjectives that require a preposition, forming a single 'à' in written language.

When should 'crase' be used in a sentence?

Crase is used when a preposition 'a' combines with a definite article 'a' (feminine) or the feminine singular demonstrative 'a'. It generally occurs before feminine nouns, places, or when indicating direction towards a specific destination.

What is the rule for using 'crase' with feminine nouns?

The rule is simple: if the preposition 'a' is required by the verb or expression and the noun following it is feminine, then 'crase' is used. For example, 'João voltou à cidade natal' (João returned to the hometown).

How can you test whether 'crase' should be used?

A quick test is to replace the feminine noun with a masculine one. If the sentence still makes sense with the preposition 'ao' (which is the contraction of 'a' + 'o'), then crase is not needed. If it doesn't work, 'crase' should be used.

What is the role of gender in 'crase' usage?

Gender plays a key role in 'crase'. It is typically used with feminine nouns, but if the noun is masculine or not governed by a preposition, 'crase' is not used. For example, 'João voltou ao país natal' (João returned to the homeland) uses 'ao' because 'país' is masculine.

Is 'crase' used with geographical names? Give an example.

Yes, 'crase' is used with geographical names that are feminine, such as 'França'. For example, 'Fui à França' (I went to France). However, for masculine geographical names or with prepositions like 'para', 'crase' is not used.

What happens when using 'crase' with expressions of time?

When expressing time, 'crase' is mandatory if the expression is feminine. For instance, 'A festa começa à noite' (The party starts at night) uses 'crase' because 'noite' is feminine.

How do you handle 'crase' in expressions like 'à vista'?

'Crase' is used in expressions such as 'à vista' when referring to something immediate or visible. For example, 'Pagamento à vista' (payment in full) or 'Vendo à vista' (selling for cash) both require 'crase'.

How does the preposition 'a' relate to the use of 'crase'?

The preposition 'a' typically comes from verbs or expressions that require it, such as 'ir a' (to go to) or 'chegar a' (to arrive at). When this preposition is followed by a feminine noun or demonstrative, 'crase' is applied.

Can 'crase' be used with masculine nouns?

No, 'crase' cannot be used with masculine nouns. The preposition 'a' combined with the masculine definite article 'o' forms 'ao', not 'à'. For example, 'João voltou ao país' (João returned to the country) does not use 'crase'.