eu sou
The English phrase "I am" is translated into Portuguese as eu sou.
The phrase eu sou is used to express identity, nationality, profession and inherent characteristics.
Which one should you use?
Portuguese distinguishes between permanent and temporary states of being. Use eu sou for permanent characteristics and eu estou for temporary states.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mozambique, the phrase Eu sou is commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase eu sou is the first-person singular present indicative of the verb ser. In many contexts, the pronoun eu can be omitted, leaving just sou to mean "I am".
Did you know?
- The word eu is a linguistic relative of the English word 'ego'. Both share a common ancestor in the Latin word egō̆.
- Using eu sou to describe a feeling instead of eu estou can change the meaning from 'I am sad right now' to 'I am a sad person by nature'.
- While eu sou identifies who you are, it cannot be used to say where you are. To say 'I am at home', a speaker must switch to estou.
Examples in context
- Eu sou a lei!I am the law!This sentence shows how to use eu sou to state a position of authority.Tatoeba #871867 by alexmarcelo, translation #862996 by papabear
- Eu sou o Jorge.I am Jorge.This sentence demonstrates using eu sou to introduce yourself.Tatoeba #871868 by alexmarcelo, translation #664127 by bluepie88
- Eu sou um gato.I am a cat.This sentence shows how to use eu sou to identify as a type of thing.Tatoeba #996552 by alexmarcelo, translation #2068388 by shekitten
- Eu sou um professorI am a teacher
- Eu estou muito motivado para esta oportunidadeI am very motivated for this opportunity
- Eu sou engraçadoI am funny
- Eu tô cansado de tanto trabalharI'm tired from working so much
- 393 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila and Rodrigo are introducing themselves at a party.
- CamilaEu sou a Camila.I am Camila.
- RodrigoMuito prazer, eu sou o Rodrigo.Nice to meet you, I am Rodrigo.
- CamilaPrazer em conhecê-lo, Rodrigo.Nice to meet you, Rodrigo.
- RodrigoVocê é nova aqui?Are you new here?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eu, sou, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
