Portuguese Phrase
Sou de Nova York.
Meaning
Literally, 'I am from New York.' It tells the listener where the speaker’s hometown or place of origin is.
When to use
Use this sentence when introducing yourself, answering the question 'De onde você é?' (Where are you from?), or when talking about your background in casual conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
SoudeNovaYork
Ser (sou)
Use the verb ser for permanent characteristics, identity, and origin. 'Sou' is the first‑person singular present of ser.
Preposition de
The preposition de indicates origin or source, equivalent to English 'from'.
Proper noun without article
City names in Portuguese are used without a definite article, so you say 'Nova York', not 'a Nova York'.
🗨In Conversation
De onde você é?
Where are you from?
Sou de Nova York.
I’m from New York.
✕Common Mistakes
Estou de Nova York.
Use 'sou' (ser) for permanent origin, not 'estou' (estar).
Sou da Nova York.
Do not use the article 'a' before city names.
Sou de o Nova York.
The preposition 'de' contracts with the article; since there is no article before a city name, just use 'de'.
↔Alternatives
Eu venho de Nova York.
I come from New York.
Moro em Nova York.
I live in New York.
Sou nova-iorquino/a.
I’m a New Yorker.
Sou de Nova Iorque.
I am from New York.
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese, city names are used without an article, so you say 'Nova York' (or the Brazilian spelling 'Nova Iorque') directly after 'de'. Also, native speakers prefer the verb ser (sou) for origin, while estar (estou) is used for temporary locations, e.g., 'Estou em Nova York' (I am in New York right now).