Ela é linda
/ˈɛ.lɐ ˈɛ ˈlĩ.dɐ/word by word
The English phrase "she is beautiful" is translated into Portuguese as Ela é linda.
To express that someone is stunning in a more formal context, you can use Ela é deslumbrante. For a more intense way to say she is extremely beautiful, you may use the superlative form Ela é belíssima.
Which one should you use?
While Ela é bonita translates to "she is pretty," Ela é linda typically implies a higher degree of beauty, such as being stunning or gorgeous.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the slang expression Ela é gata is commonly used. Also in Brazil, the expression Ela é uma gatinha is particularly popular and Ela é bonitona is used to express that someone is very beautiful. In Portugal, you might encounter Ela é bonita mesmo or Ela é mesmo bonita to emphasize the sincerity of a compliment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective linda must agree in gender with the subject Ela by using the feminine -a ending.
Did you know?
- The adjective linda actually comes from a verb, lindar, which historically meant to draw a boundary or a border.
- Portuguese uses two different verbs for 'to be'. While Ela é linda describes an inherent quality, using Ela está linda suggests she looks beautiful right now, perhaps because of a new dress.
- The word bonitona uses the suffix '-ona' to increase intensity, but it can sometimes imply a woman is 'stout' or 'large' in addition to being beautiful.
Examples in context
- Ela é linda como a mãe.She is beautiful like her mother.This example shows a comparison of beauty to a mother using Ela é linda.Tatoeba #2051884 by MarlonX19, translation #852920 by piksea
- Ela é linda, mas tem um cheiro muito forte de cigarro.She is beautiful but has a very strong cigarette smell.This example uses Ela é linda to describe someone with a strong cigarette smell.Tatoeba #10269663 by carlosalberto, translation #10269688 by carlosalberto
- Ela é linda como sempreShe is beautiful as always
- Ela é linda de verdade.She is truly beautiful.
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Beatriz are looking at a photo of a model.
- BeatrizOlha essa modelo, Rodrigo.Look at this model, Rodrigo.
- RodrigoNossa, ela é linda!Wow, she is beautiful!
- BeatrizSim, ela tem um rosto muito marcante.Yes, she has a very striking face.
- RodrigoConcordo plenamente com você, Beatriz.I completely agree with you, Beatriz.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ela, é, linda) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ela, linda, é, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
