O aniversário é hoje.

to be

Breakdown of O aniversário é hoje.

• hoje: today
• o aniversário: the birthday

Questions & Answers about O aniversário é hoje.

Why do we use é instead of está in O aniversário é hoje?

In Portuguese, é (from the verb ser) is used to express a fixed characteristic or an unchanging fact, like stating it is someone’s birthday today. Estar would convey a temporary state, which doesn’t apply here. That’s why é is the correct choice.

Why is the article o used before aniversário?

Portuguese typically uses definite articles more frequently than English does. In this sentence, o indicates that we’re talking about a specific (and known) birthday, making it o aniversário rather than just aniversário.

How is aniversário pronounced in European Portuguese?

It’s pronounced something like ah-nee-ver-SAH-ree-oo (with the r similar to a soft guttural sound). The stress falls on the SAH, and the final o is somewhat close to the English “oo” in “too,” but a bit more closed at the end.

Can I omit o in informal speech?

Although definite articles are commonly used, you might hear people omitting the article in casual contexts. Still, O aniversário é hoje is the most standard and natural form. Omitting o would not be incorrect in every situation, but it might sound more colloquial or slightly incomplete.

Is aniversário the only way to say “birthday” in Portuguese?

Yes, aniversário is the most common and standard way to say “birthday.” Another term, fazer anos, is a commonly used expression meaning to turn a new age, but aniversário itself remains the main word for “birthday.”