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A2 noun 10 min read

comboio de alta velocidade

Examples comboio de alta velocidade in 30 Seconds
Explanation comboio de alta velocidade in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should recognize 'comboio' as the word for 'train'. You don't need to master the full phrase 'comboio de alta velocidade' yet, but knowing that 'alta velocidade' means 'high speed' is very helpful for travel. You might use it in very simple sentences like 'O comboio é rápido' (The train is fast). At this stage, focus on the basic noun 'comboio' and the concept of speed ('rápido'). You might see this word on signs at the train station. It is important to know that in Portugal we say 'comboio' and not 'trem'. Learning this word early helps you when you need to buy a ticket or find your platform. You can practice by saying 'Eu gosto de comboios' (I like trains). Understanding the difference between a 'comboio' and a 'carro' (car) or 'autocarro' (bus) is a fundamental part of A1 Portuguese vocabulary. Don't worry about the complex grammar of the phrase yet; just treat it as a single label for a fast train.
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At the A2 level, you can start using the full phrase 'comboio de alta velocidade'. You should be able to use it to describe your travel plans. For example: 'Eu vou viajar no comboio de alta velocidade amanhã' (I am going to travel on the high-speed train tomorrow). You should understand that 'alta' is feminine because 'velocidade' is feminine. This is a good time to practice noun-adjective agreement. You might also learn to compare it with other types of transport: 'O comboio de alta velocidade é melhor que o autocarro' (The high-speed train is better than the bus). You should be able to ask simple questions at a ticket counter, such as 'Quanto custa o bilhete para o comboio de alta velocidade?' (How much is the ticket for the high-speed train?). At this level, you are building the ability to handle basic transactions and describe your immediate needs and experiences using more specific vocabulary like this phrase.
At the B1 level, you can use 'comboio de alta velocidade' to express opinions and have more detailed conversations about travel. You might discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different modes of transport. For example: 'Embora o comboio de alta velocidade seja mais caro, ele poupa muito tempo' (Although the high-speed train is more expensive, it saves a lot of time). You should be comfortable with the word order and the use of prepositions like 'de' and 'em'. You can also start to understand the cultural context, such as the 'Alfa Pendular' service in Portugal. You might write a short paragraph about a trip you took, describing the comfort of the train and the speed of the journey. This level requires you to move beyond simple facts and start using the phrase in sentences that involve conjunctions (like 'porque', 'mas', 'embora') and more varied verb tenses (past, future, and conditional). You might say 'Se eu tivesse dinheiro, iria sempre de comboio de alta velocidade' (If I had money, I would always go by high-speed train).
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At the B2 level, you can use the term in more abstract and technical discussions. You might talk about the environmental impact of 'comboios de alta velocidade' compared to airplanes. You should be able to follow news reports or read articles about infrastructure projects involving high-speed rail. You can use the phrase in the passive voice or with more complex grammatical structures: 'Foi anunciado que a rede de comboios de alta velocidade será expandida' (It was announced that the high-speed train network will be expanded). You can also participate in debates about whether the government should invest more in rail or roads. At this stage, your vocabulary should include related terms like 'infraestrutura', 'sustentabilidade', 'investimento', and 'eficiência'. You can explain why high-speed rail is important for the economy of a country. Your ability to use the phrase fluently in both formal and informal contexts is expected at this level, and you should be able to distinguish between the technical term and brand names like 'Alfa Pendular' or 'TGV'.
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At the C1 level, you have a nuanced understanding of the term 'comboio de alta velocidade'. You can discuss the technical specifications, such as the difference between dedicated high-speed lines and upgraded conventional tracks. You can use the phrase in professional or academic settings, perhaps writing an analysis of transport logistics or urban planning. You should be able to understand and use idiomatic expressions or more sophisticated synonyms. You might analyze the socio-economic effects of high-speed rail on regional development, using complex sentence structures and precise vocabulary. For example: 'A implementação do comboio de alta velocidade poderá mitigar as assimetrias regionais, embora exija um investimento inicial vultoso' (The implementation of the high-speed train could mitigate regional asymmetries, although it requires a substantial initial investment). You can also appreciate the subtle differences in register, knowing exactly when to use the full technical term and when to use more colloquial alternatives. Your comprehension of fast-paced native speech regarding this topic should be near-perfect.
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At the C2 level, you can use 'comboio de alta velocidade' with the same precision and flexibility as a highly educated native speaker. You can use it in literary or highly formal contexts, perhaps employing it as a metaphor for progress or the changing nature of time and space in the modern world. You can critically analyze political rhetoric surrounding high-speed rail projects, identifying biases and underlying assumptions. You are comfortable with all grammatical permutations and can use the phrase effortlessly in any tense or mood, including the most complex uses of the subjunctive. You might engage in high-level debates about the future of European integration through rail connectivity. Your understanding of the term is not just linguistic but also deeply cultural and technical, allowing you to discuss the history of rail in Portugal and its future trajectory with authority. You can write long, complex articles or give presentations on the topic, maintaining a high degree of grammatical accuracy and stylistic sophistication. At this level, the phrase is just one tool in a vast and perfectly mastered linguistic arsenal.
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Examples

comboio de alta velocidade in 30 Seconds

  • A high-speed train (European Portuguese: comboio de alta velocidade) travels much faster than standard rail, connecting major cities efficiently.
  • It is synonymous with modern infrastructure, comfort, and environmental sustainability in the context of European transportation systems.
  • In Portugal, the 'Alfa Pendular' is the most well-known example of a high-speed service, though 'TGV' is often used generically.
  • Correct grammar requires the feminine 'alta' to agree with 'velocidade', while 'comboio' remains the masculine head noun.

The phrase comboio de alta velocidade is the European Portuguese term for what English speakers know as a high-speed train. In the context of modern transportation, this doesn't just mean a 'fast' train, but a specific category of rail travel that utilizes specialized rolling stock and dedicated tracks to reach speeds typically exceeding 250 km/h (155 mph). When you are in Portugal, you will hear this term frequently in discussions about national infrastructure, tourism, and environmental policy. It represents the pinnacle of land-based travel, offering a middle ground between the slow pace of regional trains and the logistical hurdles of air travel.

Technical Definition
A railway system designed to operate at speeds significantly higher than traditional rail, often requiring specialized infrastructure such as wider curves and advanced signaling systems.
European Context
In Europe, this often refers to networks like the TGV in France, the AVE in Spain, or the proposed high-speed links connecting Lisbon to Porto and Madrid.

People use this term when they want to emphasize efficiency and modernization. If you are a traveler planning a trip from Lisbon to Porto, you might look for the Alfa Pendular, which, while technically a tilting train, is often discussed in the same breath as high-speed rail. In casual conversation, using the full phrase 'comboio de alta velocidade' sounds a bit formal; people might just say 'o Alfa' or 'o comboio rápido,' but in news reports, government announcements, and technical documentation, the full term is the standard.

O governo anunciou o novo plano para o comboio de alta velocidade entre Lisboa e Madrid.

The usage of this term also carries a connotation of sustainability. Because high-speed trains are often seen as the primary alternative to short-haul flights, the phrase is frequently embedded in 'green' political discourse. When someone says they prefer the comboio de alta velocidade, they are often making a statement about their preference for comfort, speed, and a lower carbon footprint. It is a symbol of a connected, modern Europe where borders are crossed in a matter of hours without the need for an airport security line.

Viajar num comboio de alta velocidade é muito mais relaxante do que voar.

Societal Impact
The introduction of these trains often leads to 'economic decentralization,' allowing people to live in one city and work in another hundreds of kilometers away.

Furthermore, the phrase is often associated with luxury and high technology. Unlike regional trains that might be older or slower, the high-speed train is synonymous with Wi-Fi, power outlets, comfortable seating, and a smooth ride where a cup of coffee won't spill even at 300 km/h. It represents the 'premium' tier of the national rail operator, CP (Comboios de Portugal).

Using 'comboio de alta velocidade' correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of Portuguese noun-adjective agreement and prepositional use. Since 'comboio' is a masculine noun, any accompanying adjectives must also be masculine. The phrase 'de alta velocidade' functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun.

Grammatical Structure
Noun (comboio) + Preposition (de) + Adjective (alta) + Noun (velocidade). Note that 'velocidade' is feminine, so 'alta' must be feminine to match it.

When talking about traveling by high-speed train, the preposition 'de' or 'em' is typically used. For example, 'Vou de comboio de alta velocidade' (I am going by high-speed train). If you are referring to a specific train, you would use the definite article: 'O comboio de alta velocidade partiu às oito' (The high-speed train left at eight).

Comprei bilhetes para o comboio de alta velocidade para poupar tempo.

In more complex sentences, you might use the phrase as the subject of a verb related to movement or infrastructure. For instance: 'O comboio de alta velocidade reduz a distância entre as cidades.' Here, the phrase acts as the agent performing the action of 'reducing' the distance. You can also use it in the plural: 'Os comboios de alta velocidade são caros mas eficientes' (High-speed trains are expensive but efficient). Notice how 'os' and 'caros' and 'eficientes' all agree with the masculine plural 'comboios'.

Another common usage is in the context of comparison. You might say, 'O comboio de alta velocidade é mais sustentável que o avião' (The high-speed train is more sustainable than the airplane). This type of sentence is very common in academic or journalistic writing regarding transportation logistics.

Deveríamos investir mais no comboio de alta velocidade e menos em autoestradas.

Common Verbs Used
Apanhar (to catch), Viajar (to travel), Reservar (to book), Operar (to operate), Circular (to circulate/run).

Finally, consider the negative or interrogative forms. 'Não há comboio de alta velocidade para esta vila' (There is no high-speed train to this village). Or, 'A que horas chega o próximo comboio de alta velocidade?' (What time does the next high-speed train arrive?). These are essential for navigating the Portuguese rail system as a foreigner.

If you are standing in a major Portuguese train station like Lisboa Santa Apolónia or Porto Campanhã, you will hear this phrase over the loudspeakers, though often abbreviated or referred to by the brand name 'Alfa Pendular'. However, the formal announcements for international connections or new services will use the full term. You will also see it on the electronic departure boards under the 'Tipo de Comboio' (Train Type) column.

At the Ticket Office
You will hear the clerk ask: 'Deseja o comboio de alta velocidade ou o intercidades?' (Do you want the high-speed train or the intercity one?). The choice usually involves a trade-off between price and time.

In the media, 'comboio de alta velocidade' is a buzzword. Portugal has had long-standing debates about the 'TGV' (the French acronym often used as a synonym for high-speed rail in Portugal) and whether to build a high-speed line to Madrid. Consequently, if you turn on the news on RTP or SIC, or read newspapers like Público or Expresso, you will see this term in headlines about government budgets, environmental targets, and European Union funding.

O telejornal informou que a construção do comboio de alta velocidade começará no próximo ano.

In educational settings, students of engineering or urban planning will use the term frequently when discussing 'mobilidade sustentável' (sustainable mobility). It is a key topic in geography classes when discussing the 'efeito de túnel' (tunnel effect), where high-speed trains connect major hubs but bypass smaller towns in between. Therefore, you might hear it in a university lecture or a professional seminar on logistics.

Na conferência, discutimos o impacto do comboio de alta velocidade no turismo regional.

In Tourism
Tour guides often mention it when explaining how easy it is to visit multiple cities in Portugal in a single week without a car.

Lastly, in casual social gatherings, people might talk about their travel experiences. 'Fui de comboio de alta velocidade até Paris e foi maravilhoso' (I went by high-speed train to Paris and it was wonderful). In this context, the phrase is used to highlight the quality and speed of the journey compared to driving or taking a standard train.

One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers is the confusion between European and Brazilian Portuguese terminology. If you use the word trem in Portugal, people will understand you, but it sounds foreign. In Portugal, it is always comboio. Conversely, using comboio in Brazil might cause confusion as it is not the standard term there.

Preposition Errors
English speakers often say 'no comboio' when they mean 'by train'. While 'no comboio' means 'on/inside the train', if you want to say 'I travel by train', you should use 'de comboio'. Example: 'Vou de comboio' (I go by train).

Another common error is related to the agreement of the adjective 'alta'. Because 'velocidade' is feminine, you must use 'alta'. Some learners mistakenly say 'comboio de alto velocidade' because they are thinking of the masculine 'comboio'. Remember that 'alta' describes 'velocidade', not 'comboio'.

Errado: O trem de alta velocidade.
Correto: O comboio de alta velocidade.

Learners also struggle with the placement of the phrase. In English, we say 'high-speed train' (Adjective-Noun). In Portuguese, we say 'comboio de alta velocidade' (Noun-Adjective phrase). Putting 'alta velocidade' before 'comboio' is a classic anglicism that sounds unnatural in Portuguese.

Errado: O alta velocidade comboio.
Correto: O comboio de alta velocidade.

Confusion with 'Rápido'
Don't confuse 'comboio de alta velocidade' with 'comboio rápido'. In the CP system, 'Rápido' was an old category of train. Using 'alta velocidade' is the modern, correct way to refer to the TGV/Alfa Pendular level of service.

Lastly, be careful with pluralization. If you are talking about multiple trains, both 'comboios' and 'velocidades' (if referring to different speeds) could technically be pluralized, but usually, the phrase remains 'comboios de alta velocidade' (trains of high speed). Pluralizing 'velocidade' to 'velocidades' in this specific compound noun is generally unnecessary and sounds odd.

While 'comboio de alta velocidade' is the technical term, there are several other words you might encounter depending on the context, the region, or the specific service you are using. Understanding these nuances will help you navigate the rail system like a local.

Alfa Pendular
This is the flagship high-speed service of CP (Comboios de Portugal). It connects Braga, Porto, Coimbra, Lisbon, and Faro. If you are in Portugal, this is the most common synonym for a high-speed train.
Intercidades
Literally 'Intercity'. These trains are fast, but not 'high-speed'. They stop at more stations than the Alfa Pendular and are slightly cheaper.

In a broader European context, you will often hear TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse). Even though it's a French brand, it has become a generic term for high-speed rail in many European countries, including Portugal. Similarly, if you are near the border with Spain, you might hear AVE (Alta Velocidad Española).

Prefere ir no Alfa Pendular ou no Intercidades?

Another alternative is comboio direto (direct train). While not necessarily high-speed, it implies a faster journey because it doesn't stop at every station. For local travel, you have comboios urbanos (commuter trains) and comboios regionais (regional trains), which are the opposites of high-speed rail in terms of speed and purpose.

O comboio regional é muito mais lento que o de alta velocidade.

Comparison Table
Alfa Pendular: Fastest, most expensive, tilts on curves. Intercidades: Fast, mid-range price, standard cars. Regional: Slow, cheapest, stops everywhere.

In technical or political discussions, you might also see AVV (Alta Velocidade Viajantes). However, for a general learner, sticking to 'comboio de alta velocidade' or 'o Alfa' will cover 99% of situations. Just remember that the choice of word often reflects how much you are willing to pay for your ticket and how quickly you want to arrive at your destination.

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Examples by Level

1

O comboio de alta velocidade é azul.

The high-speed train is blue.

'O' is the masculine definite article for 'comboio'.

2

Eu vejo o comboio de alta velocidade.

I see the high-speed train.

Simple Subject-Verb-Object structure.

3

O comboio de alta velocidade é rápido.

The high-speed train is fast.

'Rápido' is an adjective modifying 'comboio'.

4

Onde está o comboio de alta velocidade?

Where is the high-speed train?

Interrogative sentence using 'Onde está'.

5

O comboio de alta velocidade vai para Lisboa.

The high-speed train goes to Lisbon.

The verb 'ir' (vai) followed by the preposition 'para'.

6

Este é um comboio de alta velocidade.

This is a high-speed train.

'Este' is a demonstrative pronoun.

7

Gosto do comboio de alta velocidade.

I like the high-speed train.

The verb 'gostar' requires the preposition 'de' (de + o = do).

8

O comboio de alta velocidade chega agora.

The high-speed train arrives now.

Present tense of the verb 'chegar'.

1

Quero comprar um bilhete para o comboio de alta velocidade.

I want to buy a ticket for the high-speed train.

Use of 'querer' + infinitive 'comprar'.

2

O comboio de alta velocidade é muito confortável.

The high-speed train is very comfortable.

'Muito' is an adverb modifying the adjective 'confortável'.

3

Viajamos no comboio de alta velocidade no verão.

We traveled on the high-speed train in the summer.

Preterite tense 'viajamos' (we traveled).

4

O comboio de alta velocidade não para nesta estação.

The high-speed train does not stop at this station.

Negative sentence with 'não'.

5

A que horas parte o comboio de alta velocidade?

What time does the high-speed train depart?

Question about time using 'A que horas'.

6

O comboio de alta velocidade é mais caro que o regional.

The high-speed train is more expensive than the regional one.

Comparative structure 'mais... que'.

7

Podes levar a mala no comboio de alta velocidade.

You can take the suitcase on the high-speed train.

Modal verb 'poder' + infinitive 'levar'.

8

O comboio de alta velocidade tem Wi-Fi gratuito.

The high-speed train has free Wi-Fi.

Verb 'ter' (has) + adjective 'gratuito'.

1

Se fores de comboio de alta velocidade, chegas em duas horas.

If you go by high-speed train, you arrive in two hours.

First conditional using the future subjunctive 'fores'.

2

Prefiro o comboio de alta velocidade porque é mais ecológico.

I prefer the high-speed train because it is more eco-friendly.

Causal conjunction 'porque'.

3

O comboio de alta velocidade estava cheio de turistas.

The high-speed train was full of tourists.

Imperfect tense 'estava' to describe a past state.

4

Acho que o comboio de alta velocidade é o melhor transporte.

I think the high-speed train is the best transport.

Expression of opinion 'Acho que'.

5

Eles decidiram apanhar o comboio de alta velocidade para o Porto.

They decided to catch the high-speed train to Porto.

Verb 'decidir' + infinitive 'apanhar'.

6

O comboio de alta velocidade oferece uma vista fantástica.

The high-speed train offers a fantastic view.

Verb 'oferecer' in the present tense.

7

É necessário reservar o lugar no comboio de alta velocidade.

It is necessary to reserve a seat on the high-speed train.

Impersonal expression 'É necessário'.

8

O comboio de alta velocidade viaja a trezentos quilómetros por hora.

The high-speed train travels at three hundred kilometers per hour.

Preposition 'a' used for speed.

1

O investimento no comboio de alta velocidade é crucial para a economia.

Investment in high-speed rail is crucial for the economy.

Noun 'investimento' followed by 'no' (em + o).

2

Muitas pessoas defendem a expansão do comboio de alta velocidade.

Many people advocate for the expansion of high-speed rail.

Verb 'defender' (to advocate/defend).

3

O comboio de alta velocidade reduziu significativamente o tráfego aéreo.

High-speed rail has significantly reduced air traffic.

Adverb 'significativamente' modifying the verb 'reduziu'.

4

Duvido que o comboio de alta velocidade chegue a tempo.

I doubt that the high-speed train will arrive on time.

Subjunctive mood 'chegue' after 'Duvido que'.

5

O desenvolvimento do comboio de alta velocidade exige tecnologia de ponta.

The development of high-speed rail requires cutting-edge technology.

Noun phrase 'tecnologia de ponta'.

6

Apesar do custo, o comboio de alta velocidade é uma boa solução.

Despite the cost, high-speed rail is a good solution.

Concessive prepositional phrase 'Apesar de'.

7

O comboio de alta velocidade liga as duas maiores cidades do país.

The high-speed train connects the two largest cities in the country.

Verb 'ligar' (to connect).

8

Os passageiros do comboio de alta velocidade elogiam o serviço.

Passengers on the high-speed train praise the service.

Verb 'elogiar' (to praise).

1

A viabilidade do comboio de alta velocidade está a ser debatida no parlamento.

The feasibility of the high-speed train is being debated in parliament.

Passive voice 'está a ser debatida'.

2

O comboio de alta velocidade é um pilar da mobilidade sustentável europeia.

High-speed rail is a pillar of European sustainable mobility.

Metaphorical use of 'pilar'.

3

A manutenção das linhas do comboio de alta velocidade requer precisão absoluta.

Maintenance of high-speed rail lines requires absolute precision.

Noun 'manutenção' followed by 'das' (de + as).

4

Não se pode ignorar o impacto sonoro do comboio de alta velocidade.

One cannot ignore the noise impact of the high-speed train.

Impersonal 'se' construction 'Não se pode'.

5

O comboio de alta velocidade revolucionou a forma como viajamos.

High-speed rail has revolutionized the way we travel.

Verb 'revolucionar' in the past tense.

6

O projeto do comboio de alta velocidade enfrenta vários obstáculos burocráticos.

The high-speed rail project faces several bureaucratic obstacles.

Verb 'enfrentar' (to face/confront).

7

A integração do comboio de alta velocidade no sistema urbano é complexa.

The integration of high-speed rail into the urban system is complex.

Noun 'integração' followed by 'no' (em + o).

8

Espera-se que o comboio de alta velocidade reduza as emissões de carbono.

It is expected that high-speed rail will reduce carbon emissions.

Passive reflexive 'Espera-se que' followed by the subjunctive.

1

A implementação do comboio de alta velocidade é o expoente máximo da engenharia moderna.

The implementation of high-speed rail is the ultimate exponent of modern engineering.

Sophisticated phrase 'expoente máximo'.

2

O comboio de alta velocidade encurta distâncias e dilui fronteiras culturais.

High-speed rail shortens distances and dilutes cultural borders.

Poetic verbs 'encurtar' and 'diluir'.

3

A controvérsia em torno do comboio de alta velocidade reflete divisões ideológicas profundas.

The controversy surrounding high-speed rail reflects deep ideological divisions.

Noun 'controvérsia' and adjective 'ideológicas'.

4

Sob uma perspetiva macroeconómica, o comboio de alta velocidade é um catalisador de crescimento.

From a macroeconomic perspective, high-speed rail is a catalyst for growth.

Technical term 'catalisador'.

5

A estética aerodinâmica do comboio de alta velocidade evoca uma sensação de futurismo.

The aerodynamic aesthetics of the high-speed train evoke a sense of futurism.

Abstract nouns 'estética' and 'sensação'.

6

O comboio de alta velocidade transcende a mera funcionalidade do transporte de massas.

High-speed rail transcends the mere functionality of mass transit.

Verb 'transcender'.

7

A eficácia operacional do comboio de alta velocidade depende de uma logística impecável.

The operational efficacy of high-speed rail depends on impeccable logistics.

Adjective 'impecável'.

8

O advento do comboio de alta velocidade marcou uma nova era na conectividade transnacional.

The advent of high-speed rail marked a new era in transnational connectivity.

Formal noun 'advento'.

Synonyms

TGV Alfa Pendular Comboio rápido Comboio de grande velocidade AVE Comboio direto Longo curso Comboio bala

Antonyms

Comboio regional Comboio urbano Comboio de mercadorias Autocarro

Common Collocations

Rede de comboios de alta velocidade
Linha de alta velocidade
Bilhete de alta velocidade
Estação de alta velocidade
Projeto de alta velocidade
Viajar de alta velocidade
Velocidade de cruzeiro
Tempo de percurso
Ligação ferroviária
Transporte sustentável

Common Phrases

Apanhar o comboio de alta velocidade

— To catch the high-speed train. Used when planning a journey.

Vou apanhar o comboio de alta velocidade às 9:00.

Ir de comboio de alta velocidade

— To go by high-speed train. Describes the method of travel.

É melhor ir de comboio de alta velocidade do que de carro.

Perder o comboio de alta velocidade

— To miss the high-speed train. A common travel mishap.

Se não te apressares, vais perder o comboio de alta velocidade.

Comboio de alta velocidade direto

— A non-stop high-speed train. Refers to the fastest service.

Há um comboio de alta velocidade direto para Madrid.

Redução no tempo de viagem

— Reduction in travel time. Often associated with high-speed rail.

O novo comboio de alta velocidade trará uma grande redução no tempo de viagem.

Conforto no comboio de alta velocidade

— Comfort on the high-speed train. A selling point of the service.

O conforto no comboio de alta velocidade é superior ao do avião.

Preço do comboio de alta velocidade
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