Portuguese Phrase
Este dezembro está mais frio do que o normal.
Meaning
The sentence means ‘This December is colder than usual.’ It compares the temperature of the current December to what is typically expected for that month, emphasizing an atypical chill.
When to use
Use this phrase when talking about weather trends, commenting on an unusually cold winter month, or making small‑talk about climate with friends, family, or colleagues.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Estedezembroestámaisfriodoqueonormal.
Demonstrative adjective (Este)
‘Este’ points to something close in time or space; here it refers to the current month.
Temporary state – estar
Use ‘estar’ for conditions that can change, such as weather.
Comparative structure – mais … do que
‘mais’ + adjective + ‘do que’ forms a comparison: ‘more … than’.
Adjective agreement – frio
‘frio’ agrees in gender and number with the noun it describes (masculine singular).
Definite article with normal
‘o normal’ works as a noun meaning ‘the normal (temperature)’.
🗨In Conversation
Este dezembro está mais frio do que o normal.
This December is colder than usual.
É verdade, eu tive que usar um casaco mais pesado este ano.
That's true, I had to wear a heavier coat this year.
✕Common Mistakes
Este dezembro é mais frio do que o normal.
Use ‘estar’ for temporary weather conditions; ‘ser’ describes permanent traits.
Este dezembro está mais frio que o normal.
In formal Portuguese the comparative needs ‘do que’; dropping the preposition is common in informal speech but can be marked as less precise.
Este dezembro está mais fria do que o normal.
‘Frio’ must agree with ‘dezembro’, which is masculine; ‘fria’ would be incorrect.
↔Alternatives
Este dezembro está mais frio do que o habitual.
This December is colder than usual.
Este dezembro está mais frio que o normal.
This December is colder than normal.
Este dezembro está mais frio que o de costume.
This December is colder than usual.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, December is summer in most regions, so people usually expect hot weather. When someone says ‘Este dezembro está mais frio do que o normal,’ it often signals an unusual cold front, especially in southern states like Rio Grande do Sul or Santa Catarina, where winter can be brisk. Remember that ‘frio’ can also be used figuratively to describe a cold atmosphere in a conversation, not just temperature.