é
/ˈɛ/
In Portuguese, "it is" is expressed as é.
The phrase is used to state that something has a particular quality or identity. It is specifically used for permanent or essential characteristics.
Which one should you use?
You should use é to describe a permanent identity or a characteristic that is not a temporary state. This distinguishes it from está, which is used for temporary states and from fica, which is used when talking about the permanent location or position of an object or subject.
How does it change in a sentence?
é is the third-person singular present indicative of the verb ser (to be). In Portuguese, the subject pronoun "it" is often omitted when using é because the verb conjugation itself implies the subject.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɛ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to translate the word "it" by placing ele or isto before é. However, in natural Portuguese, é usually stands alone as the start of the sentence.
Did you know?
- While é means 'it is', saying é with a rising intonation transforms it into a question meaning 'is it?' or 'really?' This allows a speaker to maintain a conversation using only this single word.
- Because é denotes permanent traits, using it to describe someone's mood can accidentally imply that the person has a permanent personality flaw rather than a temporary feeling.
- In some regional dialects, é is used as a 'filler' or emphasis particle at the end of sentences, even when it does not function as the main verb.
Examples in context
- É o que é.It is what it is.This sentence demonstrates the phrase é used in a common idiom.Tatoeba #2781340 by carlosalberto, translation #2528426 by CK
- É hora de ir.It is time to go.This sentence uses é to indicate a specific time.Tatoeba #1298588 by alexmarcelo, translation #1871929 by AsliAbbasi
- Sabe o que é?Do you know what it is?This sentence uses é within a question about an identity.Tatoeba #1394015 by alexmarcelo, translation #69933 by CK
- Este livro é muito interessante.This book is very interesting.
- O relógio está na mesa.The clock is on the table.
- A padaria fica na esquina.The bakery is on the corner.
- O carro tá na garagem.The car is in the garage.
- A comida é uma delícia!The food is delicious!
- 1252 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mariana and Felipe are looking at a piece of art.
- MarianaO que você acha disso?What do you think of this?
- FelipeÉ muito bonito, Mariana.It is very beautiful, Mariana.
- MarianaÉ a minha obra favorita.It is my favorite work.
- FelipeEu concordo com você.I agree with you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry é, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
