Log inSign up

Somos gémeos idênticos.

Somos gémeos idênticos.
We are identical twins.
From Lesson 167:Expressions of identity (o mesmo / a mesma)·Portuguese (Portugal)

Breakdown of Somos gémeos idênticos.

ser
to be
o gémeo
the twin (m)
idêntico
identical

Questions & Answers about Somos gémeos idênticos.

Could we use os mesmos (the same) here instead of idênticos, since this lesson is about o mesmo?
Not in this context. Idênticos means identical in appearance or biology. If you said Somos os mesmos gémeos, it would mean 'We are the very same twins (that you saw earlier)', not 'We are identical twins'.
The sentence says gémeos idênticos. What if the twins are two women?
You need to change both words to their feminine plural forms: Somos gémeas idênticas. If you were talking about a mixed-gender pair of twins, you would use the masculine plural gémeos, though in real life mixed-gender twins are never identical!
Why is the adjective idênticos placed after the noun gémeos?
In Portuguese, adjectives that describe a physical trait or classify a noun usually come directly after it. Since idênticos describes the specific type of twins, it must follow gémeos.
Why do we use somos (from the verb ser) here instead of a form of estar?
The verb ser is used for permanent facts, characteristics, and identities. Being a twin is a lifelong fact, so ser is the right choice. We use estar only for temporary states or locations.

Learn Somos gémeos idênticos and more in Portuguese

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.

  • ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
  • ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
  • ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free
Start learning Portuguese →