How to say “Are these apples sweet?” in Portuguese

Introduction

Learn how to ask whether fruit is sweet in Brazilian Portuguese with simple, practical language and real-life examples. This article explains the phrase, key words, polite variations, and short dialogues you can use at markets, grocery stores, or when visiting friends.

Basic phrase: how to say Are these apples sweet?

The most direct and common way to ask Are these apples sweet? in Brazilian Portuguese is Estas maçãs são doces?

Breakdown of the phrase in English:

Estas = these (feminine plural, matching maçãs)

maçãs = apples

são = are (third-person plural of ser)

doces = sweet (adjective in plural form)

Why this phrasing works

Portuguese adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun. Maçã is feminine, plural: maçãs. So you use estas (feminine plural demonstrative) and doces (plural adjective).

You can also use the verb estar for temporary states, but taste is usually described with ser, so são doces is natural.

Common variations and polite forms

If you want a softer or more polite question in a market or store, add por favor at the end: Estas maçãs são doces, por favor?

To point at nearby apples you can say: Essas maçãs são doces? Note: essas is another common demonstrative often used in spoken Brazilian Portuguese.

If you are asking about a specific batch or plate of apples: Essas maçãs daqui são doces? daqui means from here or these ones here.

Short vocabulary list

maçã — apple

maçãs — apples

doce — sweet (singular)

doces — sweet (plural)

esta / estas — this / these (feminine)

esse / essas — that / those (used conversationally)

por favor — please

e — and

gostoso / gostosa — tasty (masculine / feminine)

Related simple questions useful in shopping or dining

Asking about ripeness: Essas maçãs estão maduras? (Are these apples ripe?)

Asking price: Quanto custam essas maçãs? (How much do these apples cost?)

Asking taste alternative: Essas maçãs são azedas? (Are these apples sour?)

How to reply if you are the seller or friend

Yes, they are sweet: Sim, são doces.

No, they are not sweet: Não, não são doces.

Somewhat sweet: São um pouco doces.

Very sweet: São bem doces.

Taste is subjective (polite seller reply): Elas são doces para a maioria das pessoas, mas você pode provar. (They are sweet for most people, but you can taste one.)

Short dialogue examples for beginners

Market situation

Customer: Essas maçãs são doces?
Seller: Sim, são bem doces. Quer provar? (Yes, they are very sweet. Do you want to taste?)

At a friend’s house

Guest: Estas maçãs são doces?
Host: Sim, peguei na feira ontem. Pegue uma! (Yes, I got them at the market yesterday. Take one!)

Grocery store with concern about sourness

Customer: Essas maçãs são azedas?
Seller: Não, são doces, mas algumas estão um pouco duras. (No, they are sweet, but some are a bit firm.)

Pronunciation tips for beginners

Maçã: pronounce the ç like an s sound — ma-SAH. The nasal ã at the end is like a nasal vowel in Portuguese, not a regular a.

Doces: DOH-ses with stress on the first syllable.

Estas / Essas: both are common; estas is slightly more formal, essas is frequent in speech.

Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them

Using singular demonstrative with plural noun: wrong: Esta maçãs são doces. Correct: Estas maçãs são doces or Essas maçãs são doces.

Mixing gender agreement: wrong: Essas maçãs são doce. Adjectives need plural: Essas maçãs são doces.

Overusing estar: wrong: Essas maçãs estão doces. Taste is normally described with ser: Essas maçãs são doces. Use estar for temporary conditions like estão maduras (are ripe).

Practical situations to use this phrase

Buying fruit at an open-air market (feira) where vendors often let you taste samples.

Choosing fruit in a supermarket when you want to avoid sour apples for a recipe.

Visiting a Brazilian friend’s home and asking about fruit they offer.

Ordering fruit for a fruit platter and checking sweetness for kids or dessert.

How to expand the phrase for more detail

Ask about texture and juiciness: Essas maçãs são suculentas? (Are these apples juicy?)

Specify variety: Essas maçãs Fuji são doces? (Are these Fuji apples sweet?)

Ask for a sample: Posso provar uma? (Can I taste one?)

Useful quick-reference phrases

Essas maçãs são doces?

Essas maçãs estão maduras?

Quanto custam essas maçãs?

Posso provar uma?

Sim, são doces.

Tips for practicing in real life

Use the phrase at a local fruit market or supermarket with confidence; vendors expect short questions.

Listen for answers and repeat the seller’s words to learn common responses like são doces and estão maduras.

Keep a small notebook or phone note with these short phrases in Portuguese so you can review before shopping.

Conclusion

Asking Are these apples sweet? in Brazilian Portuguese is simple and practical: use Estas maçãs são doces? or the common spoken variant Essas maçãs são doces? Practice the short dialogues and vocabulary in markets, stores, and home situations to build confidence and start using Portuguese right away.