Learn Portuguese (Portugal): A insónia é um distúrbio frequente.

A insónia é um distúrbio frequente.

Insomnia is a frequent disorder.

Breakdown of A insónia é um distúrbio frequente.

ser

to be

a / an / some (all forms)

Questions & Answers about A insónia é um distúrbio frequente.

Why is there an article before 'insónia' when in English we just say 'Insomnia'?

In Portuguese, abstract nouns and general concepts require a definite article when they are the subject of a sentence. Since you are talking about insomnia as a general medical concept here, you must use A insónia.

I have sometimes seen this word spelled as 'insônia' with a circumflex. Is 'insónia' specific to Portugal?

Yes! In European Portuguese, the stressed vowel is open, so it takes an acute accent (insónia). In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowel is pronounced closed, so it takes a circumflex accent (insônia).

Since people can have insomnia temporarily, why do we use 'é' (ser) instead of 'está' (estar)?

Even though a person's experience with the condition might be temporary, this sentence is defining what the condition itself fundamentally is. Whenever you are classifying or defining a noun (saying 'X is a Y'), you always use the permanent verb ser.

How could I use this sentence with the current lesson's focus on 'daí que'?

You can use this statement as the factual cause for a consequence. For example: A insónia é um distúrbio frequente, daí que seja importante estudá-la (Insomnia is a frequent disorder, hence it is important to study it). Notice how daí que forces the verb in the following clause into the subjunctive mood (seja).