Learn Portuguese (Portugal): Aquilo é a mesa? - Is that the table over there?

Aquilo é a mesa?

Is that the table over there?

Breakdown of Aquilo é a mesa?

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Questions & Answers about Aquilo é a mesa?

Why use aquilo and not aquela if mesa is a feminine word?

Aquilo translates to 'that thing over there'. It is a neutral word used when you are pointing at something before its identity is fully established. Even though the object turns out to be feminine (a mesa), the pointer word stays neutral because it just refers to 'that unknown object'.

When should I use aquilo instead of isso?

You use aquilo when the object is far away from both you and the person you are talking to. If the object were near the listener but far from you, you would use isso.

Why do we use é here?

é means 'is' and comes from the verb ser. We always use forms of ser when we are identifying what a person, place, or thing is.

Does the word order change because this is a question?

No. In Portuguese, you do not flip the verb and subject to ask a question. The statement 'That is the table' and the question 'Is that the table?' use the exact same words in the same order. You only change your tone of voice, making it go up at the end.