Learn Portuguese (Portugal): Os sapatos são lindos! Compro-os hoje. - The shoes are beautiful! I buy them today.

Os sapatos são lindos! Compro-os hoje.

The shoes are beautiful! I buy them today.

Breakdown of Os sapatos são lindos! Compro-os hoje.

Questions & Answers about Os sapatos são lindos! Compro-os hoje.

What does the -os in Compro-os refer to?

It means "them" and replaces os sapatos (the shoes). Because sapatos is a masculine plural word, we use the masculine plural direct object pronoun os to avoid repeating the noun.

Why is the pronoun attached to the end of Compro-os with a hyphen?

In European Portuguese, direct object pronouns usually attach to the end of the verb in standard affirmative sentences. Instead of putting the pronoun before the verb, you use a hyphen and say Compro-os.

Why does this sentence use são (from ser) instead of estão (from estar)?

The verb ser is used for permanent or defining characteristics. By using são, the speaker is saying the shoes are inherently beautiful by design, rather than just temporarily looking nice.

Where is the word for "I" in the second sentence?

It is hidden in the verb! Compro is the "I" form of the verb comprar (to buy). In Portuguese, you can often leave out subject words like eu (I) because the verb's ending already tells you who is doing the action.