Portuguese Phrase
Este verão está mais frio do que o normal?
Meaning
This phrase is a question used to inquire if the current summer season is experiencing lower temperatures than what is typically expected. It employs the verb 'estar' to describe a temporary condition and the comparative structure 'mais... do que' for 'more... than'.
When to use
Use this phrase when you notice the weather is unusually cool during the summer months and you want to confirm if others share your observation or if it's a common sentiment. It's a very common and natural way to start a conversation about the weather.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Esteverãoestámaisfriodo queo normal
Este (This)
'Este' is a demonstrative adjective meaning 'this' and agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. 'Verão' (summer) is masculine singular, so 'este' is used.
Estar (está)
'Estar' is used for temporary states, locations, and conditions. Here, 'está' (is) describes the temporary state of the weather, which can change.
Comparativo de Superioridade (mais... do que)
The structure 'mais + adjective/adverb + do que' is used to form comparatives of superiority, meaning 'more... than'. 'Frio' is the adjective being compared here.
🗨In Conversation
Bom dia! Este verão está mais frio do que o normal?
Good morning! Is this summer colder than usual?
Pois é! Eu também acho. Não me lembro de um verão assim.
Indeed! I think so too. I don't remember a summer like this.
✕Common Mistakes
Este verão é mais frio do que o normal?
Use 'estar' for temporary conditions like weather, not 'ser' which is for permanent characteristics or definitions.
Este verão está mais frio que o normal?
While 'que' can sometimes be used, 'do que' is generally preferred and more grammatically correct in Portuguese for comparisons of inequality, especially when comparing a noun/pronoun to a clause or another noun.
↔Alternatives
O verão está fresco, não está?
The summer is cool, isn't it?
Está mais frio que o habitual neste verão.
It's colder than usual this summer.
Que frio para esta época do ano!
How cold for this time of year!
Cultural Tip
Talking about the weather is a universal icebreaker, and in Portuguese-speaking countries, it's no different. This phrase is perfect for casual conversation with friends, neighbors, or even strangers. People often enjoy commiserating or agreeing about unusual weather patterns, making it an easy way to connect.