Portuguese Phrase
Esse jogo é legal?
Meaning
Literally, “Is this game cool?” It is used to ask someone’s opinion about a game’s quality, fun factor, or overall appeal. In informal speech ‘legal’ conveys a positive, laid‑back judgment.
When to use
Use this phrase when you’re playing a video game, board game, or sport with friends and want to know if they think it’s enjoyable. It’s appropriate in casual conversation, on‑line chat, or while streaming.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Essejogoélegal?
Demonstrative pronoun (Esse)
‘Esse’ points to something close to the listener; it agrees in gender (masculine) and number with the noun it modifies.
Noun (jogo)
‘Jogo’ is a masculine singular noun meaning ‘game’; it follows the demonstrative.
Verb ‘ser’ (é)
‘É’ is the third‑person singular present of ‘ser’, used for permanent or defining characteristics.
Adjective (legal)
In Brazilian Portuguese ‘legal’ is an informal adjective meaning ‘cool, nice, fun’; it does not change for gender or number.
Question mark
Raising intonation or a question mark turns the statement into a yes/no question.
🗨In Conversation
Esse jogo é legal?
Is this game cool?
Sim, eu adoro! A jogabilidade é bem fluida.
Yes, I love it! The gameplay is really smooth.
✕Common Mistakes
Isso jogo é legal?
‘Isso’ replaces the noun; you need ‘esse’ when the noun ‘jogo’ is present.
Esse jogo está legal?
Use ‘é’ (ser) for permanent qualities; ‘está’ (estar) would imply a temporary state.
Esse jogo são legais?
‘Legal’ does not change for gender or number; keep it singular.
↔Alternatives
Esse jogo é divertido?
Is this game fun?
Esse jogo é bacana?
Is this game nice/cool?
Esse jogo vale a pena?
Is this game worth it?
Cultural Tip
‘Legal’ is colloquial and widely used among younger speakers in Brazil. In more formal contexts you would replace it with ‘interessante’ (interesting) or ‘agradável’ (pleasant). Also, avoid using ‘isso’ instead of ‘esse’ when the noun is explicit, because ‘isso’ replaces the noun entirely.