Este local é bonito.

to be

Breakdown of Este local é bonito.

• este: this
• bonito: beautiful
• o local: the place; site

Questions & Answers about Este local é bonito.

Why does the sentence use este? What is the difference between este, esse, and aquele?

These are all demonstratives, like this and that in English.

• este = this (traditionally something close to the speaker)
• esse = often that or sometimes this in everyday Brazilian Portuguese
• aquele = that over there

In modern spoken Brazilian Portuguese, esse is very common and often replaces este in casual speech. So although Este local é bonito is correct, many Brazilians would more naturally say:

• Esse local é bonito.

You should still learn este, because it is correct and appears in writing, formal speech, and textbooks.

What does local mean here? Is it the same as lugar?

Local here means place, location, or spot.

It is similar to lugar, but there is a small difference in tone:

• local can sound a bit more formal, neutral, or specific
• lugar is very common and often feels more everyday

So these are both possible:

• Este local é bonito.
• Este lugar é bonito.

Both are correct, but lugar may sound a little more natural in casual conversation.

Why is it é with an accent?