Which one should you use?
While isto é can mean "this is" when identifying an object, it can also function as a clarification meaning "that is to say". If you are identifying a specific noun with a known gender, you should use gendered forms like este é for masculine nouns or esta é for feminine nouns instead of the neutral isto é. For informal situations when referring to a masculine noun or a person, the expression esse é is commonly used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, it is common to use both este é and esta é in both formal and informal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase isto é uses the neuter demonstrative pronoun isto to refer to an abstract concept, a situation or an unspecified thing, rather than a specific gendered object.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈis.tu ˈɛ/
Did you know?
- The word isto is one of the few remaining neuter pronouns in Portuguese, a remnant of the Latin system that mostly vanished as the language evolved.
- While isto é acts as a formal pointer, in spoken Brazilian Portuguese, people often replace it with é isso to confirm a point or say 'that is it'.
- The distinction between este and esse can change depending on whether you are in Portugal or Brazil, affecting how you say 'this is' for something near the listener.
Examples in context
- Isto é um DVD.This is a DVD.This sentence is useful for identifying a DVD using isto é.Tatoeba #1201103 by alexmarcelo, translation #392212 by sysko
- Isto é um ovo.This is an egg.This sentence is useful for identifying an egg using isto é.Tatoeba #4372401 by ajdavidl, translation #1761900 by Dejo
- Isto é do Tom.This is Tom's.This sentence is useful for identifying ownership using isto é.Tatoeba #6781208 by Ricardo14, translation #2233740 by CK
- 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.
- 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!
- 455 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Beatriz are discussing a schedule change at work.
- BeatrizA reunião será amanhã, isto é, na terça-feira.The meeting will be tomorrow, that is, on Tuesday.
- GabrielEntendi, Beatriz. Eu vou anotar aqui.I understand, Beatriz. I will write it down here.
- BeatrizObrigada, Gabriel. Não se esqueça.Thank you, Gabriel. Don't forget.
- GabrielPode deixar, eu estarei lá.Don't worry, I will be there.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry isto é, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (isto, é) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
