Portuguese Phrase
Catan é um clássico.
Meaning
The sentence declares that the board game Catan is a classic, meaning it is widely recognized, timeless, and has had a lasting influence on the hobby of tabletop gaming.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to praise a game, movie, book, or any cultural product that you consider timeless and influential. It works in casual conversation, reviews, or social media posts about Catan.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Catanéumclássico.
Ser (é)
Use the verb ser for permanent characteristics or definitions; here it states that Catan belongs to the category of classics.
Indefinite article (um)
Um is the masculine singular indefinite article, matching the masculine adjective clássico.
Adjective agreement (clássico)
Adjectives agree in gender and number with the noun they describe; clássico is masculine singular.
🗨In Conversation
Catan é um clássico.
Catan is a classic.
Concordo, já joguei várias vezes e sempre me diverto.
I agree, I've played it many times and it always entertains me.
✕Common Mistakes
Catan está um clássico.
Use ser (é) for permanent qualities; estar (está) would imply a temporary state, which is incorrect here.
Um clássico Catan.
In Portuguese the adjective follows the noun; the correct order is "Catan é um clássico".
↔Alternatives
Catan é um jogo clássico.
Catan is a classic game.
Catan é um clássico dos jogos de tabuleiro.
Catan is a classic of board games.
Catan é um clássico atemporal.
Catan is a timeless classic.
Cultural Tip
In Brazilian Portuguese, calling something "um clássico" is a strong endorsement and slightly formal. It’s common to hear it in reviews, podcasts, and among hobbyists. Remember that "Catan" is a proper name, so it never takes an article before it.