Portuguese Phrase
Seus pais ainda estão juntos?
Meaning
The sentence asks whether the listener’s parents are still in a relationship or living together. It’s a polite way to inquire about family status, implying curiosity but not judgment.
When to use
Use this question after you’ve built some rapport with the person, especially when the conversation turns to family or personal life. It’s common among friends, classmates, or colleagues who already know each other’s background.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Seuspaisaindaestãojuntos?
Seus (possessive adjective)
Matches the gender (masculine) and number (plural) of the noun it modifies; means 'your'.
pais (noun, plural)
Means 'parents'; plural form of 'pai' (father) and 'mãe' (mother) together.
ainda (adverb)
Means 'still' or 'yet', placed before the verb to indicate continuity.
estão (verb estar)
3rd‑person plural present of 'estar', used for temporary states or conditions.
juntos (adjective/adverb)
Means 'together'; agrees in gender and number with the subject (masculine plural).
🗨In Conversation
Seus pais ainda estão juntos?
Are your parents still together?
Sim, eles ainda moram na mesma casa.
Yes, they still live in the same house.
✕Common Mistakes
Seus pais ainda são juntos?
Use "estão" (estar) for temporary states; "são" (ser) describes permanent traits.
Seus pais ainda juntos estão?
The adverb "ainda" should precede the verb, not directly modify "juntos".
Pais seus ainda estão juntos?
Possessive adjectives normally come before the noun in Portuguese.
↔Alternatives
Seus pais continuam juntos?
Do your parents continue to be together?
Seus pais ainda vivem juntos?
Do your parents still live together?
Os seus pais ainda permanecem juntos?
Do your parents still remain together?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, family matters are considered private, so ask this question only if you have a friendly relationship with the person. Using "Seus pais" is informal; in a more formal setting you might say "Os seus pais" or "Sua família". Also, note that "estar" is preferred over "ser" because being together is viewed as a current state, not an inherent characteristic.