Whether you’re traveling to a Portuguese-speaking country or simply want to expand your language skills, learning how to say “What is this?” can be incredibly useful. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to ask this question in Portuguese. We will also touch on regional variations if necessary, providing you with various tips and examples along the way.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What is This?”
In formal situations, such as when speaking to someone in a position of authority or addressing someone you don’t know well, it’s important to use more respectful language. Here are a few ways to ask “What is this?” formally in Portuguese:
“O que é isso?”
This is the most common and neutral way to ask “What is this?” in Portuguese. It is appropriate to use in any formal situation or when addressing someone you don’t know well.
“Poderia me dizer o que é isto?”
This phrase translates to “Could you tell me what this is?” and is a polite way to ask for information about an object or thing.
“Pode me informar o que é isso?”
Similar to the previous example, this phrase means “Can you inform me what this is?” and is also appropriate in formal settings.
Informal Ways to Say “What is This?”
When speaking in a more casual or familiar context, you can use informal language to ask “What is this?” in Portuguese. Here are some informal phrases you can use:
“O que é isso?”
Just like in formal situations, this phrase is commonly used in informal settings as well. Portuguese speakers often employ the same phrase regardless of formality.
“O que é isso mesmo?”
This phrase adds the word “mesmo” for emphasis, making it slightly more colloquial. It can be used among friends or in casual conversations.
Regional Variations
Portuguese is spoken in several countries around the world, and while most phrases remain the same, there might be some regional variations or preferences when asking “What is this?”. Here are a few examples:
Brazilian Portuguese:
In Brazil, instead of saying “O que é isso?” some people might say “O que é isso, gente?” or “O que é isso, pessoal?”, which include the words “gente” (people) or “pessoal” (guys) to create an even friendlier tone.
European Portuguese:
In European Portuguese, you may hear the phrase “O que é isto?” or even “O que é isto mesmo?”. These variations are widely understood and used in Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries in Europe.
Tips and Examples:
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you practice and improve your ability to ask “What is this?” in Portuguese:
Tips:
- Remember to use the correct verb form depending on the object’s gender. “Isso” is used for masculine nouns, while “isso” is used for feminine nouns.
- Take note of the sentence intonation. A rising tone at the end of the question indicates that you are seeking information.
- Use body language, such as pointing or gesturing towards the object, to enhance your communication.
Examples:
- Formal: “O que é isso que estou segurando?” (What is this I am holding?)
- Informal: “O que é isso aí?” (What is this?)
- Regional Variation (Brazilian Portuguese): “O que é isso, pessoal? É novo?” (What is this, guys? Is it new?)
- Regional Variation (European Portuguese): “O que é isto mesmo? Não estou entendendo.” (What is this even? I’m not understanding.)
Now armed with a variety of formal and informal ways to ask “What is this?” in Portuguese, you can confidently explore new interactions and deepen your understanding of the language. Remember to practice these phrases regularly to become more comfortable with their pronunciation and usage. Boa sorte! (Good luck!)
