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Portuguese Phrase

É esse o terminal certo?

/ˈe ˈe.sɐ o ˈtɐɾ.mi.naw ˈseɾ.tu/
Meaning"Is this the right terminal?"
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Meaning

The speaker is asking for confirmation that the place they are looking at is the correct terminal – usually an airport, bus or train terminal. It carries a neutral, polite tone.

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When to use

Use this question when you arrive at a transportation hub and need to verify you are at the right gate or building, e.g., at an airport before checking in, or at a bus station when looking for a specific line.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Éesseoterminalcerto?

1

É (ser)

The verb *ser* in the 3rd‑person singular present, used for identity or definition.

2

esse (demonstrative)

Demonstrative pronoun meaning ‘this (one)’; used for something near the listener.

3

o (definite article)

Masculine singular article that agrees with the noun *terminal*.

4

certo (adjective)

Means ‘right, correct’; placed after the noun it modifies.

🗨In Conversation

A

Com licença, é esse o terminal certo para o voo para Rio de Janeiro?

Excuse me, is this the right terminal for the flight to Rio de Janeiro?

Sim, é aqui mesmo. O portão 23 está logo à esquerda.

Yes, it is. Gate 23 is just to the left.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • É esse terminal certo?

    Missing the definite article *o* before *terminal* makes the sentence sound incomplete.

  • É esse o terminal certo

    In written Portuguese a question mark is required at the end of a question.

  • É esse o terminal certa?

    The adjective *certo* must agree in gender with *terminal* (masculine), so it should be *certo*, not *certa*.

↔Alternatives

  • Este é o terminal correto?

    Is this the correct terminal?

  • É este o terminal certo?

    Is this the right terminal?

  • Estou no terminal certo?

    Am I at the right terminal?

pt

Cultural Tip

In Brazil, *terminal* can refer to an airport terminal, a bus terminal (rodoviária) or even a train station. When speaking to staff, a polite tone and a smile go a long way. If you’re unsure about the demonstrative, *este* points to something close to you, while *esse* points to something closer to the listener – both are acceptable in this context, but *este* is slightly more common when you are the one holding the map or ticket.