Guide: How to say “This is” in Portuguese

Learning how to say “This is” in Portuguese is essential when it comes to engaging in conversations or presenting something. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express this phrase, along with some tips, examples, and regional variations. Let’s dive in!

Formal Ways to Say “This is” in Portuguese

When addressing someone formally or in a professional setting, it’s important to use the appropriate expressions. Here are a few ways to say “This is” formally:

1. “Este é”: This is a formal and gender-neutral expression. It is commonly used in most Portuguese-speaking countries.
2. “Esta é”: Similar to the previous expression, but it is used when referring to a feminine noun or a person.
3. “Isto é”: This expression is used when you are referring to something that is not a person, like an object or an idea.
4. “Isso é”: Similar to “Isto é,” it is used to refer to something that is not a person, but it can also be used to refer to a close person with whom you have rapport, but still in a formal setting. In some regions, “Isso é” might sound more informal, so use it cautiously.

Here are a few examples of how to use these formal expressions:

“Este é o meu amigo, Carlos.” (This is my friend, Carlos.)

“Esta é a Sra. Silva.” (This is Mrs. Silva.)

“Isto é um presente para você.” (This is a gift for you.)

“Isso é um bom exemplo.” (This is a good example.)

Informal Ways to Say “This is” in Portuguese

When addressing friends, family members, or in informal settings, there are several expressions you can use. Here are some common ways to say “This is” informally:

1. “Esse é”: This is the most common expression in casual conversations. It is used when referring to a masculine noun or person.
2. “Essa é”: Similar to the previous expression, but used when referring to a feminine noun or a person.
3. “Isso é”: This is also used informally and can refer to both masculine and feminine nouns or people. It is commonly used in many Portuguese-speaking regions.
4. “Cê é”: This expression is a more colloquial way of saying “This is.” It is a contraction of the word “Você é” (You are) and is commonly used in Brazilian Portuguese.

Here are a few examples of how to use these informal expressions:

“Esse é o meu irmão, João.” (This is my brother, João.)

“Essa é a minha prima, Ana.” (This is my cousin, Ana.)

“Isso é uma piada engraçada.” (This is a funny joke.)

“Cê é o melhor!” (You are the best!)

Regional Variations

Portuguese is spoken differently across various regions, and while the expressions mentioned above are widely used, there are some regional variations worth exploring:

• In Portugal, it is common to use the expressions “Este é” and “Esta é” both formally and informally, similar to the standard variations mentioned above.
• In Brazil, variations like “Esse é,” “Essa é,” and “Cê é” are more commonly used in casual conversations. However, in more formal situations, “Este é” and “Esta é” are still appropriate.
• In some regions of Brazil, such as Rio de Janeiro, locals may use “Oxente” (a regional expression) in a playful or informal way to mean “This is.” For example, “Oxente, que negócio é esse?” (This is quite a thing, isn’t it?)

Conclusion

Mastering how to say “This is” in Portuguese is crucial for effective communication. Whether you’re in a formal or informal context, knowing the right expressions can help you connect with Portuguese speakers from different regions. Remember to choose your expressions based on the appropriate level of formality, and feel free to embrace regional variations when appropriate. Keep practicing and immersing yourself in Portuguese to become even more fluent. Boa sorte (Good luck)!