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O elefante é tão pesado como o carro.

O elefante é tão pesado como o carro.
The elephant is as heavy as the car.
From Lesson 54:Equality comparisons (tão... como)·Portuguese (Portugal)

Questions & Answers about O elefante é tão pesado como o carro.

How do we form the "as... as" comparison in this sentence?
We use the structure tão + [adjective] + como. In this sentence, it translates to "as heavy as". The word tão acts as the first "as", and como acts as the second "as".
Does the adjective pesado (heavy) change if we compare different things?
Yes! The adjective always has to match the gender and number of the very first noun you are talking about (the subject). Because o elefante is a masculine singular noun, we use the masculine singular pesado. If we were talking about a table (a mesa), we would say A mesa é tão pesada como...
Why do we use é (from the verb ser) here instead of está (from estar)?
The verb ser is used for permanent, inherent characteristics. Being heavy is a fundamental, natural fact about an elephant, rather than a temporary condition or mood that might change tomorrow.
Why use tão instead of tanto?
We use tão because it is placed directly before an adjective (pesado). You only use tanto when you are talking about quantities of nouns, like "as much water" (tanta água).

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