A forma é simples.

to be

Breakdown of A forma é simples.

• simples: simple
• a forma: the form; shape

Questions & Answers about A forma é simples.

Why does the sentence start with a? Doesn't a usually mean to?

In A forma é simples, a is the definite article meaning the.

Portuguese a can mean different things depending on context:

• a = the before a feminine singular noun
• a = to in some grammatical contexts
• à = a contraction of a + a, often meaning to the

Here, forma is a feminine singular noun, so a forma means the form or the shape.

Why is it a forma and not o forma?

Because forma is a feminine noun in Portuguese.

Portuguese nouns have grammatical gender, and the article must match:

• o for masculine singular nouns
• a for feminine singular nouns

So:

• a forma
• not o forma

This is something you usually have to learn together with the noun.

Why is it é and not está?