Learn Portuguese (Portugal): Quem é o dono deste cão?

Quem é o dono deste cão?

Who is the owner of this dog?

Breakdown of Quem é o dono deste cão?

ser

to be

of / from / by (means of transport) / wearing (attire)

Questions & Answers about Quem é o dono deste cão?

Why is it deste instead of de este?

In Portuguese, the preposition de (of) always merges with the demonstrative word este (this) to form the contraction deste. You cannot write them as two separate words.

Why do we use é here instead of está?

The verb ser (which gives us é) is used for permanent states, identities, and ownership. Since being the owner of a dog is a fact of identity and relationship rather than a temporary physical state, we use é.

How does the word dono change if the owner is female?

The feminine form is dona. If you knew the owner was a woman, the sentence would become Quem é a dona deste cão?. Make sure to also change the masculine article o to the feminine a.

What is the plural of cão if I want to ask about multiple dogs?

The plural of cão is cães. Portuguese words ending in -ão can have one of three plural endings (-ãos, -ões, or -ães). For this word, it changes to -ães, so asking about the owner of multiple dogs would end with destes cães.