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Portuguese Phrase

Tô aprendendo a tricotar agora.

/to a.pɾẽˈdẽ.du a tɾi.koˈtaɾ aˈɡo.ɾa/
Meaning"I’m learning to knit now."
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Meaning

The speaker is telling someone that they are currently in the process of learning how to knit. The use of ‘tô’ makes the statement informal and friendly.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you want to share a new hobby or skill you’re picking up, especially in casual conversation with friends, family, or classmates.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Tôaprendendoatricotaragora

1

Tô (colloquial)

‘Tô’ is the informal contraction of ‘estou’, the first‑person singular of the verb ‘estar’, used in casual spoken Portuguese.

2

Gerúndio – aprendendo

The gerund form ‘aprendendo’ expresses an action that is happening right now, similar to ‘learning’ in English.

3

Preposition ‘a’ + infinitive

After verbs of learning (aprender, começar, etc.) Portuguese requires the preposition ‘a’ before another verb in the infinitive: ‘aprender a tricotar’.

4

Adverb ‘agora’

‘Agora’ means ‘now’ and usually appears at the end of the sentence, but it can be moved for emphasis.

🗨In Conversation

A

O que você está fazendo?

What are you doing?

Tô aprendendo a tricotar agora.

I’m learning to knit right now.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Estou aprendendo tricotar agora.

    The preposition ‘a’ is required before the infinitive ‘tricotar’.

  • Tô aprendendo tricotar agora.

    Even in informal speech, the ‘a’ cannot be omitted.

  • Agora tô aprendendo a tricotar.

    Word order is acceptable, but placing ‘agora’ at the end sounds more natural in Brazilian Portuguese.

↔Alternatives

  • Estou aprendendo a tricotar agora.

    I’m learning to knit now.

  • Estou começando a tricotar agora.

    I’m starting to knit now.

  • Já estou aprendendo a tricotar.

    I’m already learning to knit.

  • Estou a aprender a tricotar agora.

    I’m learning to knit now. (European Portuguese)

pt

Cultural Tip

Knitting (tricô) has a strong community in Brazil, especially among older women, but it’s experiencing a revival among younger crafters who share patterns on Instagram and TikTok. Using ‘tô’ signals a relaxed, informal tone—perfect for chatting with friends, but avoid it in formal settings like a job interview or a written email.