Learn Portuguese (Portugal): Isto é o carro?

Isto é o carro?

Is this the car?

Breakdown of Isto é o carro?

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Questions & Answers about Isto é o carro?

Why is the word order exactly the same as a statement instead of starting with the verb?

In Portuguese, you do not need to swap the subject and verb to ask a yes/no question like we do in English with 'Is this...?'. You just use the normal statement word order (Isto é o carro) and raise your pitch at the end of the sentence when speaking, or add a question mark when writing.

Since carro is a masculine word, why do we use isto instead of the masculine este?

Isto is a neutral word for 'this', used when you are pointing at a general object, a situation, or something you have not fully identified yet (like saying 'Is this thing here the car?'). If you were looking at a group of cars and picking one out, you would typically use the masculine este to match carro.

Could I just say É o carro? without using isto?

Yes, absolutely! Portuguese allows you to drop the subject if it is obvious from the context. Saying É o carro? (Is it the car?) is very natural. Adding isto just adds a bit of emphasis, as if you are pointing directly at something.

How do I pronounce the double R in carro?

In European Portuguese, the double R in carro is usually not rolled at the front of the mouth. Instead, it is pronounced at the back of the throat, sounding very much like a strong, breathy English 'h' (like in the word 'huge') or the French 'r'.