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Portuguese Phrase

Esse lugar tá livre?

/ˈe.sɪ ˈlu.ɡaɾ ˈtɐ ˈli.vɾi/
Meaning"Is this place free?"
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Meaning

Literally “Is this place free?” It is the casual way to ask whether a seat, spot, or space is unoccupied and can be used by you. The phrase is common in cafés, public transport, parks, or any setting where you might want to sit or stand somewhere specific.

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When to use

Use it when you’re looking for an empty seat in a crowded café, a free parking spot, or any place where you need to know if it’s currently unoccupied. The informal “tá” makes it suitable for friends, peers, or service staff you’re on familiar terms with; in a formal setting you’d say “Este lugar está livre?”.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Esselugartálivre?

1

Esse (demonstrative adjective)

Used to point out something near the listener; agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies.

2

lugar (noun)

Means “place” or “spot”; masculine singular, so the demonstrative must be “esse”.

3

tá (colloquial estar)

Informal contraction of the verb “estar” in the third‑person singular; used in everyday speech.

4

livre (adjective)

Means “free” or “available”. With “estar” it describes a temporary state (e.g., a seat that is not occupied).

🗨In Conversation

A

Esse lugar tá livre?

Is this spot free?

Sim, pode sentar.

Yes, you can sit.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Esse lugar é livre?

    Use “está” (or its informal form “tá”) for temporary states; “é” describes permanent characteristics.

  • Esse lugar tá livro?

    “livro” means “book”; the correct adjective for “free/available” is “livre”.

  • Esse lugar tá livre?

    In very formal contexts the contraction is avoided; use “está livre?” instead.

↔Alternatives

  • Este lugar está livre?

    Is this place free?

  • Tem vaga aqui?

    Is there a vacancy here?

  • Posso sentar aqui?

    Can I sit here?

pt

Cultural Tip

In Brazil, the contraction “tá” is extremely common in spoken language, but it’s considered informal. When speaking with strangers, elders, or in a professional context, replace it with the full form “está”. Also, “livre” can mean “free” in the sense of “not occupied” or “available”, not “free of charge”. If you want to ask whether something is free of cost, you’d say “É de graça?”.