Questions & Answers about Ela é a única pessoa aqui.
Why is it é and not está?
Because ser is used for identification and inherent description, while estar is usually used for temporary states or location.
In Ela é a única pessoa aqui, the sentence is identifying who she is in relation to the group: she is the only person here. That calls for ser.
A few contrasts:
- Ela é médica. = She is a doctor.
- Ela está cansada. = She is tired.
- Ela está aqui. = She is here.
So even though aqui appears in the sentence, the main idea is not just location; it is identification: she is the only person present.
Why is there an article in a única pessoa?
Portuguese often uses the definite article where English might not think about it as much. In this sentence, a única pessoa means the only person.
The article a is required because:
- pessoa is a feminine singular noun
- única agrees with pessoa
- the whole phrase means a specific identified person: the only person
So:
- a pessoa = the person
- a única pessoa = the only person
Why is it única and not único?