Really Good Bird Impressions
A man applies for a job at the circus.
“What can you do?” asks the owner.
“Really good bird impressions.”
“Sorry we’ve got someone who can do those already.”
“Oh, all right” said the man sadly, enquanto voava para fora da tenda.as he flew out of the tent.
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Click the sentence again to see the Portuguese
The Plus version of this story
Um homem candidata-se a* um emprego no circo."O que consegue* fazer?" pergunta o proprietário."Ótimas imitações de pássaros.""Lamento*, mas já temos alguém que consegue fazer isso*.""Ah, tudo bem," disse o homem com tristeza*, enquanto voava para fora da tenda.A man applies for a job at the circus.“What can you do?” asks the owner.“Really good bird impressions.”“Sorry, we’ve got someone who can do those already.”“Oh, all right,” said the man sadly, as he flew out of the tent.
🔎 Words in this story
✴️ Candidata-se a (applies for)
“Candidatar-se” is a reflexive verb that means “to apply for.” The person who applies for something is a “candidato/candidata” (candidate).
✴️ Consegue (can)
The Portuguese verbs “conseguir” and “poder” both correspond to the verb “can.” However, “conseguir” implies that the person must overcome a challenge, or be able to do something. It is interchangeable with “be able to” or “manage to.”
“Poder” is used when there is an element of approval, prohibition, possibility or impossibility, For example: “Podes tentar voar, mas não vais conseguir” (You can try to fly, but you won’t be able to do it).
There is a Plus version of this story
The same story, taken further, for DailyNata Plus members. This one works on false friends and confusables.
- The whole story in Portuguese, and its English
- The words in it, explained, with examples
- 2 interactive exercises
Written for level B1–B2. Every story has its own, anywhere from A1 to B2.