Portuguese Phrase
Quem é o nosso contato de outro estado?
Meaning
This phrase is used to inquire about the identity of a specific person who serves as a contact, particularly when that person is located in a different state or region. It implies a need to connect with or identify this individual for business, logistical, or collaborative purposes. The question seeks to establish who holds this particular role.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase in a professional or organizational context when you need to identify or be introduced to a specific person responsible for communication or collaboration in a different state. For example, in a business meeting, when discussing a project that involves another branch, or when coordinating logistics across regions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Queméonossocontatodeoutroestado
Quem
'Quem' means 'who' and is used exclusively when referring to people. It functions as an interrogative pronoun.
É (ser)
'É' is the third-person singular form of the verb 'ser' (to be), used for permanent characteristics, identity, or origin. Here, it identifies the contact person.
O nosso
'O nosso' means 'our'. 'O' is the definite masculine singular article, agreeing with 'contato'. In Portuguese, articles often precede possessive pronouns.
Contato
'Contato' means 'contact' (person or connection). It's a masculine noun, hence 'o nosso'.
De
'De' is a preposition meaning 'from' or 'of'. Here, it indicates the origin or association of the contact with 'outro estado'.
Outro estado
'Outro estado' means 'another state'. 'Outro' (other/another) is an adjective that agrees in gender and number with the noun 'estado' (state), which is masculine singular.
🗨In Conversation
Precisamos resolver essa questão logística com urgência. Quem é o nosso contato de outro estado?
We need to resolve this logistical issue urgently. Who is our contact from another state?
É a Ana Paula. Vou te passar o telefone dela agora mesmo.
It's Ana Paula. I'll give you her phone number right now.
✕Common Mistakes
Qual é o nosso contato de outro estado?
While 'qual' means 'which' or 'what', 'quem' (who) is always used when asking about a person's identity. 'Qual' would be used for things or choices from a set.
Quem é nosso contato de outro estado?
In Portuguese, the definite article 'o' (the) is often used before possessive pronouns like 'nosso' (our) when referring to a specific noun, making the phrase sound more natural and grammatically complete.
Quem é o nosso contato em outro estado?
While 'em' (in) can sometimes be used, 'de' (from/of) is more appropriate here to indicate origin or association with 'outro estado' (another state) in the context of a contact person.
↔Alternatives
Você sabe quem é o nosso contato no estado X?
Do you know who our contact is in state X?
Quem podemos contatar na filial de outro estado?
Who can we contact at the branch in another state?
Qual é a pessoa de contato para o outro estado?
Who is the contact person for the other state?
Cultural Tip
In Brazilian business culture, networking and personal connections ('contatos') are highly valued. Asking 'Quem é o nosso contato...?' is a direct and common way to leverage these networks. It's generally polite and professional. Be prepared for a brief introduction or a name and contact information. The concept of 'outro estado' (another state) is particularly relevant in Brazil due to its vast size and regional differences, making inter-state coordination a common business need.