Portuguese Phrase
É uma mala preta com uma alça vermelha.
Meaning
The sentence describes a suitcase that is black in color and has a red handle. It uses the verb "ser" to state an inherent characteristic (color) and the preposition "com" to add an additional feature.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to describe the appearance of a piece of luggage, for example while shopping, at the airport, or when talking about someone's belongings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Éumamalapretacomumaalçavermelha
Ser vs. Estar
Use "é" (ser) for permanent characteristics like color, while "está" (estar) describes temporary states.
Indefinite Article Agreement
"uma" matches the feminine noun "mala" and "alça".
Adjective Placement
In Portuguese adjectives usually follow the noun, as in "mala preta".
Gender Agreement
Adjectives must agree in gender and number with the nouns they modify (preta, vermelha).
Preposition "com"
"com" means "with" and links the two noun phrases.
🗨In Conversation
Que cor é a sua mala?
What color is your suitcase?
É uma mala preta com uma alça vermelha.
It’s a black suitcase with a red handle.
✕Common Mistakes
Está uma mala preta com uma alça vermelha.
Use "é" (ser) for permanent characteristics like color, not "está" (estar).
É um mala preta com um alça vermelha.
The nouns "mala" and "alça" are feminine, so the article must be "uma".
É uma mala preta com uma alça vermelho.
Adjectives must match the gender of the noun; "vermelho" is masculine, "vermelha" is feminine.
↔Alternatives
É uma bolsa preta com uma alça vermelha.
It’s a black bag with a red handle.
É uma mala escura com uma alça vermelha.
It’s a dark suitcase with a red handle.
É uma mala preta e tem uma alça vermelha.
It’s a black suitcase and it has a red handle.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, "mala" usually refers to a larger suitcase, while "bolsa" is used for smaller bags. Colors are often described with adjectives after the noun, and the verb "ser" is preferred for permanent traits like color. Be careful with gender agreement – "preto" becomes "preta" for feminine nouns, and "vermelho" becomes "vermelha".