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O computador está estranho.

O computador está estranho.
The computer is strange.
FromLesson 9inHardcore Portuguese (Brazil)

Breakdown of O computador está estranho.

estar
to be
o computador
the computer
estranho
strange
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Questions & Answers about O computador está estranho.

Why do we use the definite article O before computador in Portuguese, when in English we often drop articles in similar sentences?

In Portuguese, it’s standard to include the definite article (o, a, os, as) before most nouns, even when English might omit them.
• O computador literally means “the computer.”
• Omitting the article (Computador está estranho) sounds like a headline, not a natural sentence in conversation or regular writing.

Why is the verb está used here instead of é?

Portuguese has two verbs for “to be”:

  • ser for permanent or essential characteristics
  • estar for temporary states or conditions
    Since the sentence describes the computer’s current, changeable behavior, estar (conjugated as está) is correct. Saying O computador é estranho would imply it’s always strange.
Why is the adjective estranho placed after the noun computador?

Descriptive adjectives in Portuguese usually follow the noun they modify. Examples:

  • casa bonita (beautiful house)
  • filme interessante (interesting movie)
    Thus computador estranho → O computador está estranho. Only a few adjectives precede the noun for emphasis or special meaning.
Why does estranho end in -o? Could I ever say estranha?

Adjectives in Portuguese agree in gender and number with the noun:

  • computador is masculine, so the adjective takes the masculine ending -o → estranho.
  • If the noun were feminine (e.g. a situação), you’d say situação estranha.
Can we omit the article and just say Computador está estranho?

Generally no. Outside of headlines, lists, or very informal notes, you need the article.
Omitting it in normal speech or writing makes the sentence sound stilted or incomplete.

What sound does the nh in estranho represent, and how do I pronounce it?

The digraph nh denotes a palatal nasal sound, similar to Spanish “ñ” or the “ny” in canyon.
Pronunciation of estranho:

  1. es- (like “es” in yes, short)
  2. -tran- (with a light t)
  3. -nho (pronounced nyo)
    → [es-tran-nyo]
Could I use a synonym like esquisito, or does estranho carry a special nuance?

Both estranho and esquisito mean “strange/odd,” and they’re largely interchangeable.
• O computador está estranho – general “strange/off.”
• O computador está esquisito – “odd/peculiar.”
Choose based on personal preference; neither changes the basic meaning.

If I want to say the computer seems strange rather than stating it is, can I use parece?

Yes. Use parecer to express “to seem” or “to appear.”
• O computador parece estranho
This softens the assertion, indicating you’re observing or guessing rather than stating a definite state.