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Guilherme Borges Pires I am sorry, do you mean "ser" or "estar"?
Language Portuguese   Good for beginners Grammar LGBTQIA+
 

I am sorry, do you mean "ser" or "estar"?

30min
3,000 P
Estimated of points
Zoom icon Lattep icon
Learning the two verbs "to be" in Portuguese!
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Description

 

One of the most challenging aspects of Portuguese is understanding when to use "ser" versus "estar" - both meaning "to be." This focused 30-minute lesson will demystify this essential distinction and give you the confidence to choose the right verb every time!

What will we cover in this lesson?

The Big Question: Why Two Verbs? (5 minutes) We will start by acknowledging the confusion that every Portuguese learner faces: "Wait, there are two ways to say 'to be'?!" I will explain the fundamental logic behind this distinction and show how Portuguese grammar can help you make very precise assertions.

SER: Permanent Identity & Characteristics (8 minutes) Learn when to use "SER" for:

  • Identity: "Eu sou professor" (I am a teacher)
  • Nationality: "Ela é portuguesa" (She is Portuguese)
  • Permanent characteristics: "Portugal é um país do sul da Europa" (Portugal is a southern European country)
  • Time and dates: "São três horas" (It's three o'clock)

We will practice the complete present tense conjugation: eu sou, tu és, ele/ela é, nós somos, vós sois, eles/elas são.

ESTAR: Temporary States & Location (8 minutes) Discover when to use "ESTAR" for:

  • Location: "Estou em casa" (I am at home)
  • Temporary states: "Estou cansado" (I am tired)
  • Ongoing conditions: "O café está quente" (The coffee is hot - right now)
  • Progressive tenses: "Estou a estudar" (I am studying)

We will master the conjugation: eu estou, tu estás, ele/ela está, nós estamos, vós estais, eles/elas estão.

Quick Practice & Common Mistakes (6 minutes) Through a few examples, you will practice choosing between "ser" and "estar" in real situations. I will highlight the most common mistakes that learners make and give you memory tricks to avoid them:

  • "Sou feliz" vs "Estou feliz" - the difference between being a happy person and feeling happy right now

Cultural Moment: "Estou Além" by António Variações (3 minutes) We'll conclude by listening to this iconic Portuguese song by the legendary António Variações. This will help you:

  • Hear "estar" used naturally in context
  • Experience authentic Portuguese pronunciation and rhythm
  • Connect with Portuguese culture through music
  • Notice how the verb "estar" conveys the temporary, emotional state that the song expresses

What you will need:

  • Familiarity with simple present tense concepts
  • A notebook for examples and notes

By the end of this lesson, you will have a clear mental framework for choosing between "ser" and "estar" - turning one of Portuguese's most difficult challenges into one of your strengths!

Ready to master the two faces of "to be"? Let's solve this puzzle together!

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Guilherme Borges Pires

Guilherme Borges Pires

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Available Times  

Mon 18:00 – Tue 04:30
Tue 18:00 – Wed 04:30
Wed 18:00 – Thu 04:30
Thu 18:00 – Fri 04:30
Fri 18:00 – Sat 04:30
Actual availability may differ. Please check when you make a request.
Shown in Asia/Tokyo time.
Tutor’s profile
I am sorry, do you mean "ser" or "estar"?
30min
3,000P
Zoom icon Lattep icon
Request Lesson

Guilherme Borges Pires

from
 
in
 
1
1
Tutor’s profile
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