Tutorial
In Course: Brazilian Portuguese A1

Choosing Ser or Estar

Learn to contrast 'ser' and 'estar' in spoken Brazilian Portuguese to distinguish identity and inherent characteristics from current states and locations.

A vivid photograph of a seasoned Brazilian fisherman, his face etched with character and experience, proudly holding his catch of the day, embodying his identity and inherent traits. In the background, the serene, golden light of a sunrise over the ocean illuminates his temporary spot on the beach, representing his current state and location.
en-GB → pt-BR

Management & Tools

Deck Contents

28 Cards
Lesson#1
In Brazilian Portuguese, both 'ser' and 'estar' mean 'to be', but they do very different jobs. You use 'ser' for who someone is, their origin, and lasting characteristics. You use 'estar' for locations, temporary conditions, and how someone feels right now.
Lesson#2
To state nationality or origin, use 'ser'. For physical location, use 'estar'. For example, a male speaker says 'eu sou brasileiro' for 'I am Brazilian', while 'eu estou no Brasil' means 'I am in Brazil'. Likewise, 'ele é brasileiro' means 'he is Brazilian', and 'ele está no Brasil' means 'he is in Brazil'.
Quiz#3
As a male speaker, translate into Portuguese: 'I am Brazilian.'

Eu sou brasileiro

Quiz#4
Translate into Portuguese: 'I am in Brazil.'

Eu estou no Brasil

Quiz#5
Translate into Portuguese: 'He is Brazilian.'

Ele é brasileiro

Quiz#6
Translate into Portuguese: 'He is in Brazil.'

Ele está no Brasil

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