Phrase · 🔑 Renting & home problems
A porta bateu e a chave ficou lá dentro.
The door slammed shut and the key’s inside.
B1explaining you are locked outAudio · coming soon
Why every word is where it is
Adeterminertheo · fem. · sing. · definiteportanoundoorfem. · sing.bateu1verbslammed shutbater · past · 3rd sing.econjunctionandadeterminertheo · fem. · sing. · definitechavenounkeyfem. · sing.ficou2verbwas leftficar · past · 3rd sing.lá dentro3adverbin there.
- porta → bateu: subject
- a → chave: agreement
- chave → ficou: subject
- lá dentro → ficou: modifier
Word for word: “The door banged and the key stayed there inside.”
Why it's built this way
The notes match the numbers above.
- 1a porta bateu = the door slammed shut (and locked you out).
- 2ficar = to stay, be left (somewhere): a chave ficou lá dentro. ficar: stay, become, be located →
- 3lá dentro = in there; do lado de fora = outside. Demonstratives & place adverbs →
Variations
- Fiquei trancado do lado de fora.
- Deixei a chave dentro de casa e a porta bateu.
- A porta fechou com a chave lá dentro.