How to say “What is this?” and “Who is this?” in Portuguese

Introduction

Learning how to ask basic questions is one of the first steps in Brazilian Portuguese. This article teaches you how to say What is this and Who is this in natural, everyday Portuguese. You will get vocabulary, simple grammar, pronunciation tips, useful examples, and common mistakes to avoid, all geared to absolute beginners.

Core phrases: What is this and Who is this

The two most useful beginner questions covered here are O que é isto? and Quem é este? These are direct, polite, and common in Brazil. We will also show variations you will hear in conversation and on signs.

What is this in Brazilian Portuguese

O que é isto? is a literal translation of What is this. Use it when you point to an object you do not know. It is neutral and widely understood.

Another very common, more informal version is Isso é o quê? This rearranges the words and is frequent in spoken language.

When the object is closer to the speaker or listener, Brazilians often use demonstratives like isto, isso, and aquilo. For beginners, focus on isto and isso:

isto — this (close to the speaker)

isso — that/this (close to the listener or neutral)

aquilo — that over there (far from both)

Who is this in Brazilian Portuguese

Quem é este? is a direct way to ask Who is this when pointing to a person. If the person is female, use Quem é esta? Use demonstratives with gender agreement for clarity.

Informal alternatives include Quem é esse? or Quem é essa? which are used when the person is closer to the listener. Esse and essa are the same idea as isso but with gender.

Summary of the demonstratives for people:

este / esta — this (close to speaker)

esse / essa — that (close to listener)

aquele / aquela — that over there (far)

Pronunciation tips for beginners

Portuguese pronunciation can be tricky. Here are practical tips to say these questions clearly.

O que é isto? — pronounce roughly as oh keh EH ees-too. Keep the é strong and open.

Isso é o quê? — pronounce EE-soh EH oo keh. The word quê often has a rising tone in casual speech.

Quem é este? — pronounce kehm EH EH-stee. The initial sound in quem is similar to English kw but short.

Quem é esta? — pronounce kehm EH EH-stah. Notice the final vowel changes for gender.

Useful vocabulary related to asking about things and people

These words appear frequently when asking What is this or Who is this.

o que — what

quem — who

é — is (from verb ser)

isto / isso / aquilo — this / that / that over there

este / esta — this (m/f)

esse / essa — that (m/f)

aquele / aquela — that over there (m/f)

um / uma — a, an (m/f)

o / a — the (m/f)

Practical examples you can use today

Short dialogues for daily situations are extremely helpful. Read them aloud, then try to repeat.

At a market

Você: O que é isto?
Vendedor: É uma manga. — You: What is this?
Vendor: It is a mango.

Meeting someone new

Você: Quem é essa?
Amigo: Essa é a minha irmã, Ana. — You: Who is this?
Friend: This is my sister, Ana.

Pointing to a sign

Você: Isso é o quê?
Local: É um aviso de segurança. — You: What is that?
Staff: It is a safety notice.

On public transport

Você: Quem é aquele?
Passageiro: Aquele é o motorista. — You: Who is that over there?
Passenger: That one is the driver.

Short useful phrases with translation

O que é isto aqui? — What is this here?

Isso é importante? — Is that important?

Quem é o senhor? — Who is the gentleman? (formal)

Quem é a moça? — Who is the young woman?

Grammar notes made simple

Keep these grammar points in mind; they are minimal but practical for beginners.

1. Verb ser for identity or definition: Use é when defining or identifying people and things. Example: Isso é um mapa.

2. Demonstrative agreement: Choose este/esse/aquele and match gender with este/esta, esse/essa.

3. Word order: Both O que é isto? and Isso é o quê? are correct; the first is more neutral and textbook, the second is common in speech.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Beginners often make a few predictable errors. Recognize and correct them early.

Mistake 1: Using English word order directly. Wrong: Que é isto? Correct: O que é isto?

Mistake 2: Forgetting gender agreement. Wrong: Quem é esta homem? Correct: Quem é este homem? or Quem é esse homem?

Mistake 3: Mixing up demonstratives. If the object is near you, prefer isto. If near the listener, choose isso.

Mini practice exercises

Try these quick exercises aloud. Say the Portuguese phrase, then translate it in your head to English.

Point to a bottle on the table and ask: O que é isto?

See a friend with a phone: Ask a classmate: Quem é esse?

Read a menu and point: Ask the waiter: Isso é o quê?

At a family photo: Ask an elder: Quem é aquela mulher?

Tips to sound natural as a beginner

Small adjustments make you sound more natural and confident.

1. Use intonation: Raise your voice slightly at the end of the question. Brazilian Portuguese uses intonation for questions without always inverting word order.

2. Use demonstratives: Native speakers often choose between isto and isso. If unsure, isso is generally safe.

3. Be polite: Add por favor when appropriate. Example: O que é isto, por favor?

4. Repeat and confirm: If you did not understand the answer, say Como? or Pode repetir?

Realistic contexts where you’ll use these questions

These phrases are useful in many everyday situations for travelers and learners.

Markets and grocery stores when asking about a fruit, product, or label.

Talking with friends or classmates when introduced to someone new.

Reading signs, menus, or labels that are unfamiliar.

Asking for help in stores, transportation hubs, or public offices.

Short role-play example

Scenario: You are at a bakery and see a pastry you do not know.

Você: O que é isto?
Balcão: É um pão de queijo. — You: What is this?
Counter: It is a cheese bread.

Conclusion

Mastering O que é isto? and Quem é este? gives you immediate, practical tools to ask about objects and people in Brazilian Portuguese. Use the demonstratives, practice the pronunciation tips, and try the short dialogues in everyday situations. With simple repetition and attention to gender and demonstrative choices, you will quickly feel more confident asking and understanding basic questions in Brazil.