Portuguese Phrase
A que monumento você está se referindo?
Meaning
This question asks the listener to specify which monument they are talking about. It is a polite, slightly formal way to request clarification about a landmark that has just been mentioned.
When to use
Use it when you are discussing travel, history, city tours, or any conversation where a monument has been referenced but you need to know exactly which one. It works well in both casual and semi‑formal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Aquemonumentovocêestásereferindo
A que
The combination of the preposition *a* + interrogative *que* is used to ask "to which/what" after a preposition.
Monumento
A masculine noun meaning "monument"; it takes the article *o* in statements but not in this question.
Você
The neutral second‑person pronoun in Brazilian Portuguese; it is polite and widely used in everyday speech.
Estar + gerúndio
The progressive tense is formed with *estar* + gerund; here the gerund is *referindo*.
Verbo reflexivo *referir‑se*
The verb *referir* is used reflexively when you talk about what someone is referring to; the reflexive pronoun *se* must appear before the gerund.
🗨In Conversation
Eu vi uma estátua enorme na praça ontem.
I saw a huge statue in the square yesterday.
A que monumento você está se referindo?
Which monument are you referring to?
✕Common Mistakes
Que monumento você está se referindo?
Missing the preposition *a*; *A que* is required after a preposition.
Você está referindo ao monumento.
The verb *referir* is reflexive in this meaning; you must include the pronoun *se*.
Você está se referindo a que monumento?
When the gerund follows *estar*, the reflexive pronoun comes before the gerund, not after it.
↔Alternatives
Qual monumento você está mencionando?
Which monument are you mentioning?
A qual monumento você se refere?
To which monument are you referring?
Que monumento é esse?
What monument is that?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, people often identify monuments by the city or neighborhood (e.g., "o Cristo Redentor" or "a estátua da Liberdade" in São Paulo). Using *a que* adds a touch of formality, which is appreciated in educational or tourist‑guide settings. Remember that *você* is neutral across the country, while *tu* is common only in the South and some rural areas.