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Questions & Answers about Ela é a minha amiga.
Why do we use é instead of está in this sentence?
Because ser (é) is typically used to describe more permanent or defining characteristics, such as identity. In this case, you are stating who she is (your friend). Estar is used for temporary states or locations, so it wouldn’t be appropriate here.
Why do we say a minha amiga with the article a?
In Portuguese (particularly in European Portuguese), possessive pronouns are often used together with a definite article before nouns, especially when you’re expressing possession with meu/minha, teu/tua, etc. So you say a minha amiga rather than just minha amiga. This usage is typical and natural in everyday Portuguese, although you may occasionally see it omitted in less formal contexts or for stylistic reasons.
What is the difference between amiga and amigo?
In Portuguese, nouns, adjectives, and possessive pronouns need to agree in gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural) with the person or thing they refer to. Amiga is the feminine form (friend who is female), while amigo is the masculine form (friend who is male).
Why do we have minha instead of meu?
Because you’re talking about a female friend (amiga, a feminine noun), the possessive pronoun must match that gender. Minha is the feminine form of “my,” while meu is the masculine form.
Can I just say Ela é minha amiga without the article?
Yes, Portuguese speakers do sometimes omit the article and say Ela é minha amiga. Including the article (Ela é a minha amiga) is more common and is often considered standard in European Portuguese, but omitting it isn’t wrong; it just might sound slightly less formal or slightly more spoken/casual.
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