Learn Portuguese (Portugal): Ele é um bom aluno.

Ele é um bom aluno.

He is a good student.

Breakdown of Ele é um bom aluno.

a / an / some (all forms)

Questions & Answers about Ele é um bom aluno.

Why do we use é instead of está for 'is' in this sentence?

We use é, which comes from the verb ser, because being a good student is seen as a core characteristic or an ongoing identity. We use estar (like está) for temporary states, like how someone is feeling today or where they are located right now.

Why does bom come before aluno? Do adjectives usually go after the noun in Portuguese?

Yes, most adjectives in Portuguese go after the noun. However, a few common, short adjectives like bom (good) and mau (bad) are exceptions and usually come right before the noun they describe.

If the student were female, how would this sentence change?

Every word except the verb would change to match the feminine gender! Ele becomes ela, um becomes uma, bom becomes boa, and aluno becomes aluna. The whole sentence would be: Ela é uma boa aluna.

Can I drop the word Ele and just say É um bom aluno?