Portuguese Phrase
A água tá quente?
Meaning
This question asks whether the water is hot at the moment. It refers to a temporary condition, not a permanent property of the water.
When to use
Use it when you want to check the temperature of water before drinking, cooking, taking a shower, or serving a guest. It’s common in casual conversation at home, in cafés, or at the beach.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Aáguatáquente?
Definite article (A)
The article 'a' agrees with the feminine noun 'água' and marks it as specific.
Noun gender (água)
'Água' is a feminine noun, so it takes the article 'a' and any agreeing adjectives.
Colloquial contraction (tá)
'Tá' is the informal spoken form of the verb 'estar' (to be) in the third person singular.
Adjective agreement (quente)
The adjective 'quente' does not change form for gender, but it must follow the verb 'estar' to describe a temporary state.
🗨In Conversation
A água tá quente?
Is the water hot?
Não, está fria.
No, it’s cold.
✕Common Mistakes
A água é quente?
Use 'está' (or its colloquial form 'tá') for temporary states; 'é' describes permanent qualities.
Água tá quente?
Dropping the article is acceptable in very informal speech, but the standard phrase includes 'a' for clarity.
Tá quente água?
Word order in Portuguese places the verb before the adjective; the correct order is 'água tá quente'.
↔Alternatives
A água está quente?
Is the water hot?
Água quente?
Hot water?
A temperatura da água está boa?
Is the water temperature good?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, 'tá' is the everyday spoken form of 'está' and is perfectly natural in informal settings. In formal writing or when speaking to strangers, use the full form 'está'. Also, Brazilians often ask about water temperature before taking a shower or serving a drink, showing courtesy and concern for comfort.