Learn Portuguese (Portugal): Esses óculos são novos?

Esses óculos são novos?

Are those glasses new?

Breakdown of Esses óculos são novos?

that (esse, essa, esses, essas)

Questions & Answers about Esses óculos são novos?

Why do we use esses here instead of estes or aqueles?

In Portuguese, esses means "those" specifically when the object is near the person you are speaking to (for example, the glasses they are wearing). If the glasses were near you, you would use estes (these). If they were far away from both of you, you would use aqueles (those over there).

Is the word óculos always plural?

Yes! Just like in English, the word for glasses is always plural. Because it is a masculine plural word, the determiner and the adjective connected to it must also be masculine and plural. That is why we use esses and novos.

Why do we use são instead of estão?

We use são (from the verb ser) because being new is considered a basic characteristic of the object. We use estar for temporary conditions, but physical properties like being new, old, big, or small take the verb ser.

How does the sentence structure show this is a question?

In Portuguese, you do not need to flip the word order or add helper words at the beginning of the sentence to ask a question. The word order is exactly the same as the statement version. You simply make it a question by raising the pitch of your voice at the end.