Portuguese Phrase
O prato principal ainda está cozinhando.
Meaning
This sentence tells the listener that the main dish is still being cooked. It emphasizes that the preparation is not yet finished, often implying that one should wait a little longer before serving.
When to use
Use it in a kitchen, at a restaurant, or when hosting a meal to inform guests or helpers that the main course is not ready yet. It’s also handy when you’re checking on the progress of a dish you’re preparing yourself.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Opratoprincipalaindaestácozinhando
Definite article (O)
Use 'o' for masculine singular nouns; it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
Noun + adjective order
In Portuguese, descriptive adjectives usually follow the noun, so 'prato principal' (main dish) is the natural order.
Adverb 'ainda'
'Ainda' means 'still' and is placed before the verb to indicate an ongoing state.
Estar + gerúndio
Use the verb 'estar' followed by the gerund (-ndo) to express an action that is happening right now.
Gerúndio of 'cozinhar'
The gerund form of 'cozinhar' is 'cozinhando', indicating the cooking process is in progress.
🗨In Conversation
Já está pronto o prato principal?
Is the main dish ready yet?
Ainda está cozinhando.
It’s still cooking.
✕Common Mistakes
O prato principal ainda é cozinhando.
Use 'está' (estar) for temporary states; 'é' (ser) describes permanent characteristics.
O principal prato ainda está cozinhando.
Adjectives that describe inherent qualities usually follow the noun; 'prato principal' is the correct order.
O prato principal ainda está cozinhar.
After 'estar' you need the gerund form, not the infinitive.
↔Alternatives
O prato principal ainda está sendo preparado.
The main dish is still being prepared.
O prato principal ainda não ficou pronto.
The main dish isn’t ready yet.
Ainda estamos cozinhando o prato principal.
We’re still cooking the main dish.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, meals often consist of several courses, and the 'prato principal' (main dish) is the centerpiece. It’s common to announce that the main dish is still cooking to manage expectations, especially during family gatherings or at restaurants where timing is crucial. Using 'ainda' conveys patience and politeness, showing you respect the cooking process and the people waiting for the meal.