Present Continuous in Portuguese

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In Portuguese, as in English, we use the present continuous to talk about ongoing actions. Note, however, that the present continuous in the European and Brazilian standards look slightly different.

Let’s take a quick look at it.

Lesson #38 Present Continuous - Portuguesepedia

Lesson #65 Past Continuous Equivalent - Portuguesepedia

European Portuguese

In European Portuguese, we form the present continuous with the auxiliary verb estar in the present tense followed by the main verb in the infinitive form. In between the two, there is the preposition a:

estar (present) + a + main verb (infinitive)

Estou a ver um filme.
I am watching a movie.

Ela está a comer.
She is eating.

! In Portuguese, there are 2 to-be verbs. Learn more about it: Portuguese Verbs Ser vs. Estar: How and When to Use Either.

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