Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Portugal): A fila para o autocarro é irritante.

In Portuguese, nouns are generally accompanied by definite articles to specify a particular entity. Since fila (meaning “queue”) is a feminine noun, it takes the feminine article A. This is similar to using “the” in English when referring to a specific queue.

Why is the preposition para used with autocarro in this sentence?

The preposition para indicates purpose or destination. In this sentence, para o autocarro means “for the bus,” signaling that the queue exists for people waiting to catch the bus. This construction directly corresponds to the English expression and clarifies the function of the queue.

What does autocarro mean and how does it differ from Brazilian Portuguese vocabulary?

Autocarro means “bus” in European Portuguese. In Brazilian Portuguese, the equivalent term is ônibus. Using autocarro in your studies is appropriate for Portuguese from Portugal, illustrating how vocabulary can vary between regions that speak the language.

Why is the adjective irritante placed after the linking verb é, and does its form change according to gender?

In this sentence, irritante functions as a predicate adjective, following the linking verb é (which means “is”). This position is used to describe the subject fila. Additionally, adjectives ending in -ante, like irritante, remain the same for both masculine and feminine forms in the singular, which is why it does not change despite fila being feminine.

What is the difference between using é and está in a sentence like this?

Using é (from the verb ser) suggests a general, inherent quality or a factoid about the situation—that the queue is usually irritating. On the other hand, está (from estar) would indicate a temporary or changeable state. In this case, A fila para o autocarro é irritante implies that the irritation is seen as a consistent characteristic rather than a passing condition.