Purpose
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use subject pronouns and distinguish permanent identity from temporary state.
Lesson Explanation
The main subject pronouns are eu, você, ele/ela, nós, vocês, eles/elas. In Brazil, você takes third-person verb forms: você fala, not você falas.
ser is for identity, origin, occupation, and lasting characteristics: Sou brasileiro, Ela é médica. estar is for temporary state and location: Estou cansado, Estamos em casa.
Do not translate English “to be” automatically. Ask whether you mean what something is or how/where it is now.
Practice Questions
1. Write the Portuguese pronoun for “I.”
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eu.2. Write the common Brazilian pronoun for singular “you.”
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você.3. Does você use second- or third-person verb forms?
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Third-person forms.
4. Complete: você ___ português (speak).
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fala.5. Which verb is used for identity: ser or estar?
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ser.6. Write “I am Brazilian.”
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Sou brasileiro / brasileira.7. Which verb is used for a temporary state?
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estar.8. Write “I am tired.”
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Estou cansado / cansada.9. Write “She is a doctor.”
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Ela é médica.10. Write “We are at home.”
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Estamos em casa.11. Which sentence describes location?
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Estamos em casa.12. What question helps choose ser or estar?
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Whether it means what something is, or how/where it is now.