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LENGO · PortugueseGrammar lessons
Study “Ser, Estar or Ficar?”: read the rule, then use it to complete three sentences from the lesson.
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Each lesson explains the rule with examples, then you practice it in sentences.
Ser, Estar or Ficar?
Besides ser and estar, Portuguese often uses ficar where English says to be.
- Where places are: for cities, countries and buildings the usual verb is ficar, and ser is also common: Onde fica a estação? O Porto fica no norte. For buildings you will also hear estar. People and objects that can move take only estar: O telemóvel está no sofá. For where an event takes place, use ser: O jantar é em casa dos avós.
- Becoming: ficar + adjective describes a change: Ela ficou contente (she was pleased), O avô está a ficar surdo (is going deaf).
- Staying: Hoje fico em casa. Fica aqui!
- Suiting: Esse vestido fica-te bem (that dress suits you).
Forms: fico, ficas, fica, ficamos, ficam; past fiquei, ficou, ficaram.
Try it yourself
O Porto no norte de Portugal.Show answer
O Porto fica no norte de Portugal.
A farmácia ao lado do banco.Show answer
A farmácia fica ao lado do banco.
Os Açores no meio do Atlântico.Show answer
Os Açores ficam no meio do Atlântico.