O curso de música é caro.

to be

Breakdown of O curso de música é caro.

• o: the
• de: of
• música: music
• curso: course
• caro: expensive

Questions & Answers about O curso de música é caro.

Why does the sentence use the definite article O instead of an indefinite article like Um?

In Portuguese, the definite article O is used to refer to a specific or known noun — in this case, the music course. Using Um would suggest a (non-specific) music course rather than the one already assumed in context.

What does de mean in "curso de música"?

The preposition de in this phrase typically translates as of in English and is used to connect curso (course) with its specialty or subject area (música). It shows that the course is specifically related to music.

Why do we use é instead of está before caro?

In Portuguese, ser (here as é) is generally used to identify an inherent or characteristic quality (like being expensive overall). Estar might suggest something more transient or subject to change, though people occasionally say "está caro" if they’re referring to a temporary price surge.

Is caro the only way to say that something is expensive in Portuguese?

Caro is the most straightforward choice. There are synonyms like dispendioso or custoso, but they’re less commonly used in everyday speech. Caro is your go-to word for expensive.

Can the sentence order change to "É caro, o curso de música"?

Yes, you can shift some words around, but it’s less common and sounds more emphatic or stylistic. The standard word order "O curso de música é caro" is the most natural choice in everyday speech.