Learn Portuguese (Portugal): O aluno também é novo.

O aluno também é novo.

The student is also new.

Breakdown of O aluno também é novo.

Questions & Answers about O aluno também é novo.

Why do we use é here instead of está?

We use é (from the verb ser) for permanent or defining characteristics. Being a 'new' student describes his status in the school, so it is treated as a defining fact rather than a temporary physical or emotional condition, which would use estar.

Does novo mean 'new' or 'young'?

It can mean both! When talking about people, novo often means 'young'. However, in a school or work setting, calling someone novo usually means they are a 'new' arrival. Context tells you which meaning makes sense.

In English we say 'is also new' or 'is new too'. Why is também placed before the verb here?

In Portuguese, adverbs like também (also/too) are usually placed right before the verb they modify. While you might occasionally hear it at the end of a sentence in casual speech, putting it before the verb is the standard and most natural word order.

Does a word like também affect where a reflexive pronoun goes, like with the verb chamar-se?

Yes, it does! This lesson teaches that pronouns normally go after the verb in Portugal. But words like também act as 'magnets' that pull the pronoun in front of the verb. If we wanted to say 'The student is also called João', it would be O aluno também se chama João instead of chama-se.