Portuguese Phrase
Então, estamos prontos?
Meaning
A polite question that asks whether the group is ready to begin something – a meeting, a trip, a class, or any activity that requires everyone’s preparation.
When to use
Use it right before you want to start an activity that involves several people. It works in both formal and informal settings, but the tone is slightly more casual because of the discourse marker Então.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Entãoestamosprontos?
Então (discourse marker)
Used to transition or summarize, similar to “so” or “then” in English. It can also convey a slight sense of prompting.
Estar (present indicative)
The verb estar expresses a temporary state. “estamos” is the first‑person plural form (we are).
Adjective agreement
The adjective pronto must agree in gender and number with the subject. With nós (the implied “we”), the correct form is prontos (masculine plural) or prontas (feminine plural).
🗨In Conversation
Então, estamos prontos?
So, are we ready?
Sim, já revisei o material e a mochila está cheia.
Yes, I’ve already reviewed the material and the backpack is packed.
✕Common Mistakes
Então, estamos pronto?
The adjective must agree with the plural subject; use prontos or prontas.
Então, está pronto?
Está is third‑person singular; it would ask about one person or thing, not the group.
Então, somos prontos?
Use estar for temporary states; ser (“somos”) is used for permanent characteristics.
↔Alternatives
Já estamos prontos?
Are we ready already?
Tudo pronto?
Everything ready?
Estamos preparados?
Are we prepared?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, Então is often used to keep the conversation flowing, especially when moving from one topic to the next. It can sound a bit informal, so in very formal business meetings you might drop it and simply ask “Estamos prontos?”. Also, remember that pronto can mean both “ready” and “finished”, so context matters – “pronto” alone can be interpreted as “done”.