Question 1

Why does the plural of mão end in -ãos instead of -ões?

Accepted Answer

Most Portuguese words ending in -ão change to -ões in the plural. However, mão is one of a few common exceptions that simply add an s to become mãos. Another very common word that does this is irmão (brother), which becomes irmãos.

Question 2

Why do we use the feminine words As, tuas, and pequenas if mãos ends in an O sound?

Accepted Answer

Even though it ends in -ão in the singular and -ãos in the plural, mão is actually a feminine word. This is a very important exception to memorize! Because the noun is feminine and plural, all the words describing it must match: the article (As), the possessive (tuas), and the adjective (pequenas).

Question 3

Why is there an "As" before "tuas"? Doesn't "tuas" already mean "your"?

Accepted Answer

Yes, tuas means "your", but in European Portuguese, you almost always put a definite article (the words for "the", like o, a, os, or as) before a possessive word. So, to say "your hands", you literally say "the your hands" (As tuas mãos).

Question 4

Could I use estão instead of são here?

Accepted Answer

No, because the size of someone's hands is a permanent physical characteristic. In Portuguese, we use the verb ser (here conjugated as são for "they are") for permanent traits and facts. We use estar (like estão) for temporary conditions, like being tired or cold.

As tuas mãos são pequenas.

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