Portuguese Phrase
Esta mesa está limpa?
Meaning
This question asks whether the table in front of you is clean at the moment. It uses the verb ‘estar’ to refer to a temporary condition, so it’s perfect for checking the current state of a surface.
When to use
Use this phrase in restaurants, cafés, or at home when you want to confirm that a table is ready to be used. It’s also handy when you’re helping clean up and need to verify that a surface is spotless.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Estamesaestálimpa?
Demonstrative adjective
‘Esta’ is a feminine singular demonstrative adjective that must agree with the noun ‘mesa’ (feminine singular).
Estar vs. Ser
‘Estar’ is used for temporary states or conditions; here it asks about the current cleanliness of the table.
Adjective agreement
The adjective ‘limpa’ matches the gender (feminine) and number (singular) of the noun ‘mesa’.
🗨In Conversation
Esta mesa está limpa?
Is this table clean?
Sim, está limpa. Pode sentar-se.
Yes, it’s clean. You may sit down.
✕Common Mistakes
Esta mesa é limpa?
Use ‘estar’ for temporary conditions; ‘ser’ would imply the table is inherently clean, which sounds odd.
Esta mesa está limpo?
The adjective must agree with the feminine noun ‘mesa’; ‘limpo’ is masculine.
Essa mesa está limpa?
‘Essa’ refers to something farther away; if the table is right in front of you, ‘esta’ is the correct demonstrative.
↔Alternatives
A mesa está limpa?
Is the table clean?
Esta mesa está limpa mesmo?
Is this table really clean?
A mesa está limpa agora?
Is the table clean now?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil it’s common to ask politely before using a table, especially in cafés or at a friend's house. Adding ‘com licença’ (excuse me) before the question makes it sound even more courteous: ‘Com licença, esta mesa está limpa?’ In Portugal the same phrase works, but you’ll hear a slightly different pronunciation of ‘limpa’ (more like /ˈlim.pɐ/).