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Questions & Answers about Lisboa é bonita.
What does each word in the sentence Lisboa é bonita mean?
Lisboa is the proper noun for the city Lisbon. É is the third person singular form of the verb ser, meaning “is.” Bonita is an adjective meaning “beautiful.” So, together, the sentence translates as “Lisbon is beautiful.”
Why does the adjective bonita end in -a?
In Portuguese, adjectives must agree in gender and number with the nouns they describe. Since Lisboa is a feminine singular noun, the adjective takes the feminine singular form bonita. If the noun were masculine, you’d use bonito instead.
Why is the verb ser used instead of estar in this sentence?
Portuguese distinguishes between ser and estar. Ser is used to describe inherent or permanent qualities, while estar indicates temporary states or conditions. In the sentence Lisboa é bonita, “beautiful” is seen as an intrinsic, lasting quality of the city. Therefore, ser (conjugated as é) is the correct choice.
What is the function of the accent on é?
The acute accent on é serves two purposes. It indicates that the vowel is to be pronounced with a distinct, stressed sound, and it differentiates this form from other possible uses of the letter e. This helps clarify that é is the third person singular of ser meaning “is.”
Is it necessary to include an article before Lisboa in this sentence?
No, it is not necessary. In Portuguese, proper names of cities are typically used without an article. Therefore, Lisboa stands on its own, and the sentence correctly reads Lisboa é bonita without any preceding article.