Topic: Portuguese

"That is a pen."

Translation:Aquilo é uma caneta.

April 3, 2013

8 Comments

https://www.duolingo.com/cloudhorizon

    One of the correct translations is "Isso é uma caneta" Is that really correct? I thought isso could only be used when the subject is not mentioned or said specifically. Also, why can I not use "Essa é uma caneta?"

    April 3, 2013
    https://www.duolingo.com/Paulenrique
    Mod

      Isso é uma caneta is correct as well. You have been looking at a strange thing and ask yourself: "what is that?" You go there, pick that thing and say:"isso é uma caneta" :)

      April 3, 2013
      https://www.duolingo.com/BenHueb
      • 3

      Why not "aquila"? Shouldn't the genders match?

      November 24, 2016
      https://www.duolingo.com/Paulenrique
      Mod

        "Aquila" does not exist. The correct word is "Aquela".

        November 24, 2016
        https://www.duolingo.com/BenHueb
        • 3

        Oops, that's what I meant! So, are you correcting just me or Duo's answer here and me?

        November 24, 2016
        https://www.duolingo.com/Paulenrique
        Mod

          hahahaha..."Aquela é uma caneta" is also right, but I think I'd use "Aquilo..." anyway. It's used more often to explain what an object is.

          November 24, 2016
          https://www.duolingo.com/Hector290697

            So is "aquilo" used for objects regardless of their genders?

            February 19, 2019
            https://www.duolingo.com/Paulenrique
            Mod

              Yes, "isto", "isso", and "aquilo" are neutral.

              February 19, 2019
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