To talk about two things at once, Portuguese uses the quantifier ambos (both). However, there is a strict syntax rule you must remember: when ambos modifies a noun, it must be followed by a definite article (os or as).
Depending on the gender of the noun you are describing, you will use:
- ambos os for masculine plural nouns
- ambas as for feminine plural nouns
| Both dogs are sick. | Ambos os cães estão doentes. |
| Both males were from the same owner. | Ambos os machos eram do mesmo dono. |
| Both females have blue eyes. | Ambas as fêmeas têm olhos azuis. |
Adjective Agreement
When you use ambos os or ambas as, you are setting up a plural subject. This means any adjectives you use to describe the pets must also agree in gender and number.
| Both puppies are very tame. | Ambos os cachorros são muito mansos. |
| Both females are very playful. | Ambas as fêmeas são muito brincalhonas. |
Body Parts and Other Nouns
This rule applies to any noun you attach to "both," whether you are talking about the animals themselves, their traits, or their body parts. The noun following ambos / ambas will always demand its definite article.
| He used to put both paws on the sofa. | Ele punha ambas as patas no sofá. |
| Both males have short tails. | Ambos os machos têm a cauda curta. |
| On the one hand, both puppies are tame; on the other, they are very dirty. | Por um lado, ambos os cachorros são mansos, por outro, estão muito sujos. |
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