Question 1

Why do we use um here instead of uma?

Accepted Answer

um is the masculine singular word for "a" or "an". We use it here because telemóvel is a masculine noun. If the object were feminine, like a house (casa), we would use uma (uma casa).

Question 2

Why does novo come after telemóvel?

Accepted Answer

In Portuguese, describing words (adjectives) usually come right after the noun they describe. Instead of saying "a new phone" as we do in English, the structure is "a phone new" (um telemóvel novo).

Question 3

Why is the first word Isto and not Este?

Accepted Answer

Isto is a general word for "this" used when pointing to a standalone thing or an unidentified object, like when saying "This is a...". If you wanted to say "This phone is new", you would need the masculine word Este to match the noun directly: Este telemóvel é novo.

Question 4

I've heard the word "celular" for cell phone. Can I use that instead of telemóvel?

Accepted Answer

In Portugal, people exclusively use telemóvel for a mobile phone. You will hear celular in Brazilian Portuguese, but since you are learning European Portuguese, you should always use telemóvel.

Isto é um telemóvel novo.

Breakdown of Isto é um telemóvel novo.

Questions & Answers about Isto é um telemóvel novo.

Learn Isto é um telemóvel novo and more in Portuguese