Portuguese Phrase

De qual arranha-céu você está falando?

/dʒi kwaw aˈʁɐɲa ˈsɛw voˈse isˈta faˈlɐ̃du/

Meaning"Which skyscraper are you talking about?"

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Meaning

This phrase is used to ask for clarification about a specific skyscraper when multiple have been mentioned or implied. It literally translates to "Of which skyscraper are you talking?". The preposition "de" (of/from) is required because the verb "falar" (to talk) often takes "de" when referring to the topic of conversation.

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When to use

You would use this phrase when someone mentions a skyscraper, but it's unclear which one they mean, perhaps in a conversation about city architecture, real estate, or a news story. It's a direct and polite way to seek clarification.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Dequalarranha-céuvocêestáfalando

De

This is a preposition meaning "of" or "from". Here, it's required by the verb "falar" when referring to the topic of conversation. "Falar de algo" means "to talk about something."

Qual

This is an interrogative pronoun meaning "which" or "what". It's used when choosing from a specific set or identifying something, and it agrees in number (singular/plural) but not gender.

Arranha-céu

This is a compound noun meaning "skyscraper" (literally "sky-scraper"). It is masculine and singular in this context, and its plural form is "arranha-céus".

Você

This is a second-person singular pronoun, meaning "you". It's widely used in Brazil for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice for addressing someone.

Está

This is the conjugation of the verb "estar" (to be) in the third-person singular present tense. It's used for temporary states, locations, or to form continuous tenses like the present continuous.

Falando

This is the gerund of the verb "falar" (to talk). When combined with "estar" (e.g., "está falando"), it forms the present continuous tense, indicating an ongoing action.