um
/ˈũ/
The Portuguese indefinite article 'a' is translated as um.
The indefinite article is used before a singular noun. In English, 'a' is gender-neutral, but in Portuguese, the article must match the gender of the noun it accompanies.
Which one should you use?
While English uses 'a' or 'an' regardless of gender, Portuguese distinguishes between the masculine form um and the feminine form uma.
How does it change in a sentence?
The article changes based on the gender and number of the noun. For a singular masculine noun, use um. For a singular feminine noun, use uma. For plural masculine nouns, use uns and for plural feminine nouns, use umas. Additionally, the masculine form algum can be used to mean 'some' or 'any'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈũ/
Did you know?
- Using the plural indefinite article uns or umas before a number can indicate an approximation, meaning 'about' or 'around'.
- In some contexts, um can be used as a filler word similar to 'uh' or 'um' in English, though it serves a completely different grammatical function.
- The word um shares a common ancestor with the English word 'one', as both descend from the same Proto-Indo-European root.
Examples in context
- Tom é um fã.Tom is a fan.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as a fan using um.Tatoeba #3222745 by Ricardo14, translation #2272795 by CK
- Tu és um fã?Are you a fan?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is a fan using um.Tatoeba #4948375 by ajdavidl, translation #2649227 by CK
- É só um jogo.It's only a game.This sentence is useful for describing something as just a game using um.Tatoeba #1148180 by alexmarcelo, translation #1112294 by Scott
- Eu vi um livro na biblioteca.I saw a book in the library.
- Ela tem uma casa bonita.She has a beautiful house.
- Ela é uma atriz famosa.She is a famous actress.
- Escrevi uma carta e enviei.I wrote a letter and sent it.
- Vou pegar um livro na livraria.I'll get a book at the bookstore.
- Comi um sanduíche delicioso.I ate a delicious sandwich.
- Comprei um carro novo.I bought a new car.
- Encontrei uma amiga no shopping.I met a friend at the mall.
- Ele é um excelente médico.He is an excellent doctor.
- Ela viu alguma coisa diferente.She saw something different.
- 14418 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mariana and Felipe are at a café.
- MarianaVocê quer um café?Do you want a coffee?
- FelipeSim, eu quero um café.Yes, I want a coffee.
- MarianaVocê quer um doce também?Do you want a sweet too?
- FelipeNão, obrigado.No, thank you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry um, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries um, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
