When learning a new language, it’s important to understand the basics of verb conjugation, as it allows you to express simple sentences and engage in conversations. One such basic verb is “to be,” which in English changes forms depending on the subject – “I am,” “you are,” “he/she/it is,” etc. In Portuguese, the verb “to be” can also vary according to the subject, and in this guide, we will explore how to say “are” in Portuguese.
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Formal Ways to Say “Are”
In formal situations, such as when addressing someone older, or in professional settings, it is essential to use the appropriate level of formality in your speech. The formal ways to say “are” in Portuguese are:
- São: This is the third-person plural form of “are” and is used when referring to multiple individuals or a formal group. For example:
Eles são engenheiros – They are engineers.
Os alunos são estudiosos – The students are studious.
- É: This is the third-person singular form of “are” and is used when referring to a singular formal subject. For example:
O presidente é inteligente – The president is intelligent.
A cantora é talentosa – The singer is talented.
Informal Ways to Say “Are”
In informal situations, such as with friends or family, you can use a more relaxed and casual form of “are.” The informal ways to say “are” in Portuguese are:
- São: Similar to the formal usage, “são” is used when referring to multiple informal subjects. For example:
Vocês são divertidos – You guys are fun.
Os gatos são travessos – The cats are mischievous.
- És: This is the informal second-person singular form of “are” and is used when addressing a single informal subject. For example:
Tu és meu amigo – You are my friend.
Tu és uma pessoa generosa – You are a generous person.
Common Usage Tips
When using “are” in Portuguese, it’s important to consider a few tips to enhance your fluency:
- Inversion of subject and verb: Unlike in English, Portuguese often inverts the subject and verb in questions. For example:
Você é brasileiro? – Are you Brazilian?
Eles são irmãos? – Are they siblings?
- Avoid literal translations: While it is helpful to learn individual translations, bear in mind that direct translations from English to Portuguese might not always convey the intended meaning. It’s important to focus on understanding how the verb is used in specific contexts.
- Pay attention to gender and number: In Portuguese, the verb “are” must agree with the gender and number of the subject. For example:
Vocês são estudantes – You (plural) are students.
Ela é professora – She is a teacher.
- Practice with native speakers: To improve your pronunciation and gain confidence, it’s helpful to practice with native Portuguese speakers. You can find language exchange partners, join language groups, or even consider taking classes with a tutor.
Examples of “Are” in Context
Now, let’s explore some examples of how to use “are” in Portuguese:
Tu és inteligente – You are intelligent.
Elas são aventureiras – They are adventurous (feminine).
O carro é antigo – The car is old.
Nós somos felizes – We are happy.
A Maria é bonita – Maria is beautiful.
Eles são casados – They are married (masculine).
Remember, practice makes perfect! By incorporating these examples into your language learning routine, you’ll become more comfortable with using “are” in Portuguese.
Learning how to say “are” in Portuguese is a fundamental step towards fluency. Whether you’re communicating formally or casually, understanding the appropriate usage and variations will help you express yourself accurately and confidently. Enjoy your Portuguese learning journey, and soon you’ll be speaking like a native!
