Estou a estudar esta manhã.

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Breakdown of Estou a estudar esta manhã.

• estar: to be
• esta: this
• a manhã: the morning
• estudar: to study

Questions & Answers about Estou a estudar esta manhã.

Why is it "Estou a estudar" instead of "estou estudando" in European Portuguese?

In European Portuguese, the construction "estar + a + infinitive" is commonly used to convey the present continuous (an ongoing action). While "estou estudando" is understandable and grammatically correct in Brazilian Portuguese, in Portugal you will most often hear "Estou a estudar".

Do we use "a" before the infinitive for all verbs in the present continuous?

Yes. Generally, in European Portuguese, you add "a" before the infinitive when forming the present continuous for any verb. For example:
• "Estou a comer" (I am eating)
• "Estou a ler" (I am reading)

How do I pronounce "Estou a estudar"?

A simplified way is to say something like:
• "Sh-to ah eh-stoo-DAR"
Notice that the "e" in "estudar" sounds a bit like the English "eh", and the "t" in "estou" can soften in rapid speech. Actual pronunciation varies regionally.

Is there a difference between saying "esta manhã" and "hoje de manhã"?

They can be used interchangeably in many cases to refer to "this morning." However, "esta manhã" literally highlights "this morning" as a specific timeframe (a bit more 'direct'), while "hoje de manhã" simply means "this morning (today)." Both are correct, and you will hear both forms in everyday speech.