Learn Portuguese (Portugal): As calças cor de laranja são novas.

As calças cor de laranja são novas.

The orange trousers are new.

Breakdown of As calças cor de laranja são novas.

Questions & Answers about As calças cor de laranja são novas.

Why is the color written as cor de laranja and why doesn't it have an 's' to match the plural noun?

In Portuguese, colors named after things (like an orange) are often written as cor de (color of) followed by the noun. Because this is a phrase rather than a simple adjective, it does not change to match plural or feminine nouns. It stays exactly as cor de laranja even though calças is plural.

Why do we use são instead of estão for 'are'?

São belongs to the verb ser, which is used for permanent or essential characteristics. Being orange and being new are defining physical traits of these trousers, not temporary conditions, so we must use ser rather than estar.

Why is the word for new spelled as novas?

Adjectives (describing words) change their endings to match the word they describe. Calças is a feminine, plural noun. To match it, the basic dictionary form novo drops its masculine 'o' and adds 'as' to become feminine and plural.

Is calças always plural?

Yes! Just like 'pants' or 'trousers' in English, calças is always treated as a plural word. This is why it takes the plural word for 'the' (as) and the plural verb for 'are' (são).