Introduction
The present progressive tense in Portuguese is used to describe actions that are currently happening. It is similar to the English present continuous (e.g., "I am eating").
Structure
The present progressive is formed by combining the verb "estar" (to be) with the gerund of the main verb.
Formula
```
Subject + Estar (conjugated) + Verb Gerund
```
Conjugation of "Estar"
| Subject | Estar (Present) |
|---|---|
| Eu | estou |
| Tu | estás |
| Ele/Ela | está |
| Nós | estamos |
| Vós | estais |
| Eles/Elas | estão |
Gerund Formation
The gerund is formed by adding the suffix -ando, -endo, or -indo to the verb stem.
Regular Verbs
- -AR Verbs: falar → falando
- -ER Verbs: comer → comendo
- -IR Verbs: partir → partindo
Examples
- Eu estou falando.
- (I am speaking.)
- Tu estás comendo.
- (You are eating.)
- Ela está escrevendo.
- (She is writing.)
- Nós estamos lendo.
- (We are reading.)
- Eles estão jogando.
- (They are playing.)
Common Uses
- Describing actions happening right now:
- Estou estudando matemática.
- (I am studying math.)
- Indicating temporary situations:
- Nós estamos morando em Lisboa.
- (We are living in Lisbon.)
Conclusion
The present progressive in Portuguese is an essential tense for conveying ongoing actions. By using "estar" + the gerund, you can describe what someone is doing at the moment.
Feel free to ask if you have any questions or need further examples!