Portuguese #1: "crase" Hi, everybody! I'm preparing some tips for people who are learning Portuguese. The first one is about "crase", maybe one of the most difficult contents from this idiom, even if you're a native. It's a encounter of "a" (or "para", both are prepositions) with "a" (feminine definite article). So, this contraction ("à") is just used before feminine words. It's also on some feminine or masculine words: "àquela", "àquele" and "àquilo", the three mean respectively "para aquela", "para aquele" and "para aquilo". "For that" is the translation. But, if you put some of them in the plural, adding "s" after, you must translate to "for those". (Oops! An addition here: "aquilos" and "àquilos" don't exist) Another tip: be careful with the verbs and nouns. In fact, with the regency of verbs and with the nominal regency. The "crase" must be used if the verb or noun ask a preposition and if the next word is feminine. First example: "assistir" (when it means "stand") asks a preposition ("para"); imagine that next expression is "a peça teatral"; the result is "assistir à peça teatral" ("be present to the show of theater"). Second: in some situations, the noun "atendimento" needs the preposition "para"; imagine that next expression is "as mulheres grávidas"; the result is "atendimento às mulheres grávidas" ("attendance to the pregnant women")... Did you notice? "Às" is the plural form (a or para + as = às). Another else: it's very common we write the phrase without definite articles. This way, the "crase" fades away if the next word is on plural form, and the remaining "a" is a preposition: "eu assisto a peças teatrais". Common errors: - "Eu agradeço à deus" (this is a masculine word); - "Dou este presente à você" (there's no article before "você", neither "o", neither "a", neither "um" or "uma", unless on poems giving it a figurative meaning); - "Mamãe irá à igrejas" (it's only a preposition, 'cause there is a word on plural form after, so, there's no "crase"). I hope I helped you with this rapid explanation. If you have a doubt of portuguese, send me a message. I'll search an answer on my free times. Hug!