ELONIO
Log inSign up

O carro novo é mais caro.

O carro novo é mais caro.
The new car is more expensive.
FromLesson 6inHardcore Portuguese (Brazil)

Breakdown of O carro novo é mais caro.

ser
to be
o
the
novo
new
mais caro
more expensive
carro
the car

Questions & Answers about O carro novo é mais caro.

Why is the adjective novo placed after carro instead of before it?
In Portuguese, most adjectives typically come after the noun. Saying O carro novo is the standard way to say “the new car.” While O novo carro is not wrong per se, it can sound more emphatic or have a slightly different nuance, such as stressing the newness of the car.
Why do we use é instead of está in this sentence?
In Portuguese, é (from the verb ser) is used for permanent or characteristic traits. Está (from the verb estar) is used for more temporary states. Having a higher price is seen as a characteristic of the car here, so é fits better.
What does mais caro mean exactly?
Mais caro is the comparative form of caro (expensive). It means “more expensive.” You form comparatives in Portuguese by using mais + [adjective], so mais caro = “more expensive,” mais barato = “cheaper,” and so on.
Why is there a definite article O before carro?
Portuguese generally requires an article before a noun, even when talking about something in a general sense or referring to one specific item. In English, you might say “The car is new” or just “Car is new” in a simplified way, but in Portuguese it’s standard to say O carro.
Are there any pronunciation tips for carro and caro?
Yes. Carro has a strong rolled “r” in the middle (often pronounced differently in regions of Brazil, but typically like a “h” or “rr” sound). Caro has just one “r,” pronounced with a lighter /ɾ/ or /h/ sound, depending on the accent.
AI Language TutorTry it ↗
“What's the best way to learn Portuguese grammar?”
Portuguese grammar becomes intuitive with practice. Focus on understanding the core patterns first — how sentences are structured, how verbs change form, and how words relate to each other. Our course breaks these concepts into small lessons so you can build understanding step by step.

Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor

Start learning Portuguese

Master Portuguese — from O carro novo é mais caro to fluency

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.

  • ✓Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
  • ✓Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
  • ✓Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
  • ✓ AI tutor to answer your grammar questions
Start learning Portuguese→