How to say “This building is old” in Portuguese

Introduction

Learning how to describe everyday things in Brazilian Portuguese is a great step for beginners. This article focuses on one simple, useful sentence: how to say that a building is old. You will learn vocabulary, pronunciation tips, short dialogues, common variations, and typical contexts where this phrase is used.

Basic translation: How to say This building is old

The straightforward translation for This building is old in Brazilian Portuguese is Este prédio é antigo.

Breakdown:

Este — this (used for masculine nouns close to the speaker)

prédio — building (common word in Brazil for a multi-story structure)

é — is (third person singular of ser)

antigo — old (used for objects or buildings)

Gender and alternative words

Portuguese nouns have gender. If the noun is feminine, use esta and a feminine adjective form.

Example for a feminine noun: Esta casa é antiga — This house is old.

Alternative words for building: edifício is another formal option. Example: Este edifício é antigo.

Pronunciation tips for beginners

Keep pronunciation simple and clear. Pronounce each syllable: Este (ES-te), prédio (PRÉ-dio), é (eh), antigo (an-TI-go).

Note the acute accent on prédio which marks stress on the first syllable. The é is a closed e sound like the e in bed but slightly longer.

Common variations and useful adjectives

You can adjust the sentence with different adjectives to be more specific about the age or condition.

velho — old (more colloquial, often used for people or objects; Este prédio é velho)

antiquado — outdated (implies old-fashioned: Este prédio é antiquado)

decrépito — decrepit (stronger, more negative: Este prédio está decrépito)

histórico — historic (positive connotation: Este prédio é histórico)

Using ser versus estar

Beginner rule: use ser for permanent characteristics and estar for temporary conditions. With buildings, both verbs can be used depending on meaning.

Use é (ser) to state a general fact: Este prédio é antigo — The building is old (intrinsic characteristic).

Use está (estar) to describe current condition: Este prédio está velhinho — The building is looking old right now (a softer, temporary observation).

Short practical vocabulary list

prédio — building

casa — house

antigo — old (neutral)

velho — old (colloquial)

histórico — historic

novo — new

reformado — renovated

caindo aos pedaços — falling apart (informal idiom)

Everyday phrases and examples

Simple statements

Este prédio é antigo — This building is old.

Esta casa é antiga — This house is old.

O edifício é histórico — The building is historic.

Questions you might hear or ask

Esse prédio é antigo? — Is this building old?

Esse lugar foi reformado recentemente? — Was this place renovated recently?

Short replies

Sim, é antigo. — Yes, it is old.

Não, é novo. — No, it is new.

Está precisando de reforma. — It needs renovation.

Beginner-friendly dialogues

Dialogue 1: At a real estate viewing

Agente: Este apartamento é tranquilo.
Cliente: O prédio é antigo?
Agente: Sim, é antigo, mas foi reformado há cinco anos.

Dialogue 2: Talking during a city walk

Amigo 1: Olha aquele prédio.
Amigo 2: Ele é bonito. Parece histórico.
Amigo 1: Sim, é antigo, mas bem conservado.

Explaining words in English

prédio — a building, usually multi-story or an apartment block. Common in Brazil.

antigo — an adjective that means old. Neutral tone; often used for objects and places.

velho — also old, more casual and sometimes negative if applied to people or things.

reformado — renovated; useful when the building is old but updated.

histórico — historic; implies cultural or architectural value, usually positive.

Contextual uses: when to use which phrase

Describing a building to a friend

Use simple, conversational words like Este prédio é antigo or Esse prédio é velho. If you want to sound polite or neutral, prefer antigo.

Talking to a landlord or agent

Be clear and specific. Ask questions like O prédio foi reformado? or say O prédio parece antigo. Tem problemas estruturais?

Reading signs or brochures

Brochures might say edifício histórico or imóvel reformado. Knowing these terms helps you understand property listings.

Common beginner mistakes and tips

Mistake: mixing gender forms. Tip: Match este/esta and antigo/antiga to the noun. Example: Esta casa é antiga (not Este casa é antigo).

Mistake: wrong verb choice. Tip: Use ser (é) for facts; usar estar (está) to describe temporary condition.

Mistake: overusing velho. Tip: velho can sound rude for people or valuable things. Use antigo or histórico when appropriate.

More realistic example sentences

Este prédio é antigo, mas o apartamento foi reformado recentemente — This building is old, but the apartment was renovated recently.

O prédio tem mais de cem anos e é considerado histórico — The building is over a hundred years old and is considered historic.

Prefiro casas novas; esse prédio é muito antigo para mim — I prefer new houses; this building is too old for me.

Practical situations where this phrase appears

At a rental viewing: asking about maintenance, plumbing, or elevator condition.

On a neighborhood walk: commenting about architecture or historical buildings.

In a conversation with a repairman: explaining that a building is old may clarify the need for specific repairs.

Quick tips for remembering

Associate prédio with an apartment block image to avoid confusion with casa.

Remember the pair: este/esta -> masculino/feminino; antigo/antiga -> adjective agreement.

Use ser for facts (é) and estar for states (está) — practice with simple sentences.

Extra short practice dialogue

Turista: Este prédio é antigo?
Morador: Sim. Foi construído em 1920 e é histórico.

Conclusion

Mastering how to say This building is old in Brazilian Portuguese is a practical step for beginners. Use Este prédio é antigo for a clear, neutral statement. Learn the related vocabulary, note gender agreement, and practice simple dialogues to feel confident when describing buildings during everyday interactions.