How to Say "Are" in Portuguese

são

/ˈsɐ̃w̃/

The English phrase "are" translates to Portuguese as são.

são is used to describe third-person plural subjects (they, them or you all) in the context of identity or permanent characteristics.

How does it change in a sentence?

The plural form são is used for third-person plural subjects. The singular form of são is é. For the first-person plural "we are", use somos.

/ˈsɐ̃w̃/

In Portuguese, the word são is also used as a title for a male saint, such as São Jorge. It is the equivalent of the English word 'Saint'.
Portuguese has two different verbs for 'to be'. são comes from ser for permanent states, but for temporary states like 'they are tired', Portuguese uses the verb estar and the form estão.
The word são can also mean 'healthy' or 'sound' when used as an adjective. It stems from the Latin 'sānus', which refers to being whole or vigorous.

O que eles são?
What are those?
This sentence is useful for asking about identity using são.
Tatoeba #4372408 by ajdavidl, translation #1886819 by CK
Sei o eles são.
I know what they are.
This sentence is useful for stating knowledge about what someone or something is using são.
Tatoeba #8057558 by MacGyver, translation #2376320 by CK
De onde eles são?
Where are they from?
This sentence is useful for asking about origins using são.
Tatoeba #1553052 by alexmarcelo, translation #867095 by Shishir
Eles são engenheiros
They are engineers
Os alunos são estudiosos
The students are studious
Vocês são divertidos
You guys are fun
Os gatos são travessos
The cats are mischievous
Tu és meu amigo
You are my friend
Tu és uma pessoa generosa
You are a generous person
Eles são irmãos?
Are they siblings?
Tu és inteligente
You are intelligent
Elas são aventureiras
They are adventurous (feminine)
Nós somos felizes
We are happy
Eles são casados
They are married (masculine)
4129 more sentences on Tatoeba

Gabriel and Juliana are looking at photos in a gallery.

Sources

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