Esta linha é longa.

This line is long.

Breakdown of Esta linha é longa.

• ser: to be
• esta: this
• longo: long
• a linha: the line

Questions & Answers about Esta linha é longa.

Why is it esta and not este?

Because linha is a feminine singular noun, and esta has to agree with it.

• este = masculine singular
• esta = feminine singular

So:

• este livro = this book
• esta linha = this line

Why is linha feminine?

In Portuguese, every noun has a grammatical gender, usually masculine or feminine. Linha happens to be feminine, so words connected to it also take feminine forms:

• esta linha
• a linha
• linha longa

This is grammatical gender, not biological gender.

Is esta here a form of the verb estar?

No. Here, esta is a demonstrative adjective meaning this.

A very common beginner confusion is:

• esta = this (no accent)
• está = is from estar (with an accent)

Compare:

• Esta linha é longa. = This line is long.
• A linha está longa. = The line is long / has become long in a more situational sense

Why does é have an accent?