Este livro é grande.

This book is big.

Breakdown of Este livro é grande.

• ser: to be
• este: this
• o livro: the book
• grande: big

Questions & Answers about Este livro é grande.

Why is ser (é) used instead of estar in this sentence?

In Portuguese, ser is used for permanent or long-lasting characteristics, while estar is used for temporary states or conditions. Because the sentence is describing a permanent or inherent characteristic of the book (it is big), ser is the correct verb.

What does este mean, and can it change depending on the gender of the noun?

Este means this and is used when referring to something close to the speaker. It must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For masculine singular nouns, use este; for feminine singular nouns, use esta; for masculine plural nouns, estes; and for feminine plural nouns, estas.

How do I pronounce livro correctly in Brazilian Portuguese?

In Brazilian Portuguese, livro is pronounced roughly like LEE-vroh (the r is a softer sound in most regions, similar to an English h in the back of the throat). Make sure to keep the i sound short and clear, and avoid rolling the r strongly.

Why is grande placed after livro rather than before it?

In Portuguese, most adjectives typically come after the noun they describe. So while English usually places the adjective before the noun (big book), Portuguese usually places it after (livro grande). There are some exceptions where adjectives can come before the noun for stylistic or idiomatic reasons, but in most cases, they follow the noun.