Portuguese Phrase
É importante proteger o meio ambiente?
Meaning
This question asks whether it is important to protect the environment, inviting discussion about environmental responsibility and actions.
When to use
Use this phrase when starting a conversation about ecological issues, in debates, classroom discussions, or when encouraging others to think about sustainability.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Éimportanteprotegeromeioambiente?
É (ser) + adjective
Use 'é' (third‑person singular of ser) to state a fact or ask about importance.
Importante + infinitive
When an adjective like 'importante' is followed by a verb, use the infinitive without 'de'.
Definite article with 'meio ambiente'
The phrase 'o meio ambiente' always takes the masculine singular article 'o'.
Yes‑no question format
In Portuguese, a yes‑no question can be formed simply by adding a rising intonation or a question mark at the end.
🗨In Conversation
É importante proteger o meio ambiente?
Is it important to protect the environment?
Sim, porque depende da nossa saúde e do futuro das próximas gerações.
Yes, because it affects our health and the future of coming generations.
✕Common Mistakes
É importante proteger meio ambiente?
Avoid using 'proteger' with a direct object without the article; the correct form includes 'o' before 'meio ambiente'.
É importante proteger o meio ambiente.
When asking a yes‑no question, you can also use a rising intonation without the question mark in spoken Portuguese.
↔Alternatives
Devemos cuidar do meio ambiente?
Should we take care of the environment?
É fundamental preservar a natureza?
Is it essential to preserve nature?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, discussions about the environment often reference the Amazon rainforest and recent policies. Using this question shows awareness of current social and political debates, and it’s polite to follow up with concrete suggestions or personal commitments.