Describing Results: Estar + Past Participle
estar plus a past participle to describe a state resulting from a completed action, ensuring gender and number agreement.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'estar' + past participle to describe the current state or result of an action, ensuring gender and number agreement.
- Use 'estar' to describe a temporary state or result: 'A porta está aberta' (The door is open).
- The past participle must agree in gender and number with the subject: 'As janelas estão fechadas'.
- Do not confuse this with the passive voice (ser + participle); this describes a state, not an action.
Overview
In Portuguese, the construction estar + past participle is fundamental for describing states or results of actions. It allows you to express that something is in a particular condition because an action has already occurred. This differs significantly from focusing on the action itself or the agent performing it.
Think of it as observing the aftermath: you don't necessarily know or care who performed the action; your attention is solely on the current state of the subject. For instance, if you say A janela está aberta (The window is open), you are describing the window's present state, which is a direct result of someone having opened it. The emphasis is on the window's openness right now, not on the act of opening.
This structure is pervasive in everyday Portuguese, making your descriptions both precise and natural.
This grammatical pattern is distinct because the past participle, which normally forms part of compound tenses or the passive voice, here functions purely as an adjective. This adjectival role dictates its most crucial characteristic: agreement. Just like any other adjective, the past participle must match the noun it describes (the subject of estar) in both gender and number.
Mastering this agreement is key to fluency and accurate expression in Portuguese. It allows you to convey nuanced meanings about temporary conditions and changes, which are central to expressing observations and current situations.
How This Grammar Works
estar + past participle lies in the participle's transformation into an adjective. When a past participle (e.g., fechado, aberto, escrito) follows a conjugated form of estar, it sheds its verbal qualities of indicating an action and fully assumes the descriptive role of an adjective. This means it describes a quality or state of the subject, rather than an ongoing or completed action.A porta está fechada (The door is closed). Here, fechada describes the door's condition, not the act of closing. The door possesses the quality of being closed as a result of a prior action.-o (e.g., O livro está aberto).-a (e.g., A porta está aberta). For masculine plural subjects, it's -os (e.g., Os livros estão abertos), and for feminine plural, it's -as (e.g., As portas estão abertas). Failure to observe this agreement will result in grammatically incorrect and unnatural-sounding Portuguese, as the mismatch indicates either a fundamental misunderstanding of the grammatical function or a lack of attention to detail that native speakers will immediately notice.estar + past participle from other structures involving participles. It signifies a resultant state, a snapshot of the consequence of an action. The action itself is complete and not the focus; the lingering effect is.A comida está feita (The food is made/ready) describes the food's current state of readiness, implying someone has already prepared it. This structure is inherently about observable, often temporary, conditions that have come about due to an external influence or prior event.Word Order Rules
estar + past participle is straightforward and follows the typical Subject-Verb-Complement order in Portuguese. You begin with the subject (the noun or pronoun whose state you are describing), followed by the conjugated form of estar, and finally the past participle which agrees with the subject. This simplicity makes the pattern highly accessible for B1 learners.Estar (Conjugated) | Past Participle (Agreed) | Example |A mesa | está | posta | A mesa está posta. (The table is set.) |Os bilhetes | estão | vendidos | Os bilhetes estão vendidos. (The tickets are sold.) |não is placed directly before the conjugated verb estar. This is consistent with standard Portuguese negation rules. For example, O café não está pronto (The coffee isn't ready).já (already), ainda (still), or completamente (completely), these typically precede estar or follow the past participle, depending on what they modify. For instance, O quarto ainda não está arrumado (The room is still not tidied) places ainda não before estar to negate and qualify the state simultaneously. Conversely, O problema está resolvido completamente (The problem is completely resolved) places the adverb at the end to emphasize the manner of resolution.A loja está aberta? (Is the store open?).O relatório está escrito? (Is the report written?) or As contas estão pagas? (Are the bills paid?). This minimal alteration for questions underscores the stability of the S-V-C structure in this pattern.Formation Pattern
estar + past participle structure involves two key steps: correctly conjugating estar and forming the past participle with appropriate agreement. The conjugation of estar is straightforward for B1 learners, as it's a high-frequency verb. The main challenge often lies in correctly forming the past participle and ensuring its agreement.
estar: Match the tense and person of estar to your subject. For B1 level, the present tense is most common, but past (imperfect estava) and future (estará) forms are also used to describe states in different timeframes.
Estar (Present Tense) |
Eu | estou |
Tu | estás |
Ele/Ela/Você | está |
Nós | estamos |
Vós | estais |\
Eles/Elas/Vocês| estão |
-ar, remove -ar and add -ado. Example: falar → falado, cantar → cantado.
-er or -ir, remove the ending and add -ido. Example: comer → comido, partir → partido.
estar.
-o (e.g., O carro está lavado)
-a (e.g., A casa está lavada)
-os (e.g., Os carros estão lavados)
-as (e.g., As casas estão lavadas)
-ado/-ido pattern. Despite their irregular formation, they still must agree in gender and number with the subject when used with estar.
abrir | aberto | O cofre está aberto. | As lojas estão abertas. |
cobrir | coberto | O chão está coberto. | As camas estão cobertas. |\
escrever | escrito | O livro está escrito. | As cartas estão escritas. |\
fazer | feito | O jantar está feito. | As tarefas estão feitas. |\
dizer | dito | O segredo está dito. | As palavras estão ditas. |\
ver | visto | O filme está visto. | As estrelas estão vistas. |\
pôr | posto | O copo está posto. | As mesas estão postas. |\
vir | vindo | Ele está vindo (de viagem). | Elas estão vindas (de férias).|\
ganhar | ganho | O prémio está ganho. | As batalhas estão ganhas. |\
pagar | pago | O café está pago. | As contas estão pagas. |\
gastar | gasto | O dinheiro está gasto. | As energias estão gastas. |\
aceitar | aceite (EP), aceito (BP)| O convite está aceite. | As propostas estão aceites. |\
entregar | entregue | O pacote está entregue. | As encomendas estão entregues.|\
matar | morto | O animal está morto. | As plantas estão mortas. |\
suspender | suspenso | O voo está suspenso. | As aulas estão suspensas. |\
eleger | eleito | O presidente está eleito. | As líderes estão eleitas. |\
imprimir | impresso | O documento está impresso. | As fotos estão impressas. |\
exprimir | expresso | O desejo está expresso. | As ideias estão expressas. |
pegar can have pegado (regular) and pego (irregular). Generally, the irregular form (pego) is preferred with estar to denote a state, while the regular form (pegado) is often used with ter in compound tenses (Eu tinha pegado). However, this distinction can vary regionally and is often a point of advanced study; for B1, focus on the most common irregular forms listed above for use with estar.
When To Use It
estar + past participle construction is utilized to describe the current state or condition of a subject, where that state is the result of a previous, completed action. It emphasizes the outcome rather than the process or the agent. This makes it indispensable for a variety of everyday communicative situations.- Describing Physical States and Conditions: Use it to report on the observable condition of objects or people. This state is typically temporary or perceived as changeable. For example,
A porta está fechada(The door is closed), implying it could be opened. Another example:A mesa está posta(The table is set), meaning someone has completed the action of setting it, and now it's in that state.
- Reporting Results of Processes: When an action has a clear end-point and leaves the subject in a particular condition, this structure is ideal.
O trabalho está feito(The work is done/finished) signifies the completion of a task. Similarly,O relatório está escrito(The report is written) conveys that the writing process is complete, and the report is now in a written form.
- Indicating Availability or Unavailability: For items that are prepared, sold, or unavailable due to a completed action.
Os bilhetes estão esgotados(The tickets are sold out) expresses a current state of unavailability due to all tickets having been sold. In a restaurant context,A cozinha está aberta(The kitchen is open) indicates its current operational status, a result of having been opened.
- Expressing Emotional or Physical Conditions (Resultant): While
estar+ adjective is common for emotions (estar feliz),estar+ past participle can describe emotional states resulting from specific events. For instance,Ele está preocupado(He is worried) implies that something has caused this state of worry. More directly,Ele está cansado(He is tired) is a common usage wherecansadois the past participle ofcansar(to tire), describing his current physical state as a result of exertion.
estar can be modified to place the resultant state in different timeframes:- Past State: Use the imperfect tense of
estar(estava,estavam) to describe a state that existed in the past.A loja estava fechada quando cheguei(The store was closed when I arrived). - Future State: Use the future tense of
estar(estará,estarão) to describe a state that will exist.O problema estará resolvido amanhã(The problem will be resolved tomorrow). - Present State (Most Common):
A porta está aberta(The door is open).
Common Mistakes
estar + past participle. Understanding these common errors and their underlying reasons can significantly improve accuracy and naturalness.- 1Forgetting Gender and Number Agreement: This is arguably the most prevalent mistake. Learners often treat the past participle as an invariant verb form, forgetting its adjectival nature in this construction. Saying
A janela está fechadois incorrect becausejanelais feminine. The correct form isA janela está fechada. This error often stems from the conceptual difficulty of a verb form behaving as an adjective. Always remember: ifestaris present, the participle must agree with the subject in gender and number.
- 1Confusing
EstarwithSer: Differentiating betweenserandestaris a perennial challenge in Portuguese. With past participles, the distinction is crucial:
Ser+ Past Participle: Forms the passive voice, focusing on the action being performed and often implying an agent. Example:A porta é fechada pelo empregado(The door is closed by the employee). This emphasizes the action of closing and who does it.Estar+ Past Participle: Describes the resultant state of a completed action. Example:A porta está fechada(The door is closed), focusing on its current state. If you sayA porta é fechadawithout context or an agent, it could imply a permanent characteristic, likeA porta é de madeira(The door is made of wood), orA porta é sempre fechada(The door is always closed), which rarely aligns with the intended meaning of a temporary state.
- 1Incorrect Irregular Participles: Using regular
-ado/-idoendings for verbs that have irregular participles is another common mistake. For example, learners might mistakenly sayabridoinstead ofaberto(fromabrir), orfazidoinstead offeito(fromfazer). These incorrect forms do not exist in standard Portuguese. Memorizing the common irregular participles (as listed in the
Formation of Estar + Past Participle
| Subject | Estar | Past Participle (M. Sing) | Past Participle (F. Sing) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Eu
|
estou
|
cansado
|
cansada
|
|
Tu
|
estás
|
cansado
|
cansada
|
|
Ele/Ela/Você
|
está
|
cansado
|
cansada
|
|
Nós
|
estamos
|
cansados
|
cansadas
|
|
Eles/Elas/Vocês
|
estão
|
cansados
|
cansadas
|
Meanings
This construction describes the state resulting from a completed action. It focuses on the current condition of the subject rather than the action itself.
Physical State
Describing the physical condition of an object or person.
“O computador está ligado.”
“A loja está fechada.”
Emotional/Mental State
Describing a state resulting from an experience.
“Estou decepcionado com o resultado.”
“Ela está animada com a viagem.”
Result of Process
Describing the outcome of a task.
“O relatório está terminado.”
“A casa está pintada.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Estar + Participle
|
A porta está aberta.
|
|
Negative
|
Estar + não + Participle
|
A porta não está aberta.
|
|
Interrogative
|
Estar + Subject + Participle?
|
A porta está aberta?
|
|
Plural
|
Estar + Participle + s
|
As portas estão abertas.
|
|
Irregular
|
Estar + feito/escrito
|
O trabalho está feito.
|
|
Reflexive
|
Estar + Participle
|
Estou cansado.
|
Formality Spectrum
A porta encontra-se fechada. (General)
A porta está fechada. (General)
A porta tá fechada. (General)
Tá fechada, mano. (General)
The Estar + Participle Concept
Physical
- aberto open
- fechado closed
Mental
- cansado tired
- animado excited
Result
- feito done
- escrito written
Examples by Level
A janela está aberta.
The window is open.
A comida está pronta.
The food is ready.
O livro está fechado.
The book is closed.
A loja está fechada.
The shop is closed.
Estou muito cansado hoje.
I am very tired today.
Eles estão preocupados.
They are worried.
O carro não está consertado.
The car is not fixed.
Estamos animados com a festa.
We are excited about the party.
O relatório está terminado?
Is the report finished?
A mesa está posta para o jantar.
The table is set for dinner.
As janelas estão pintadas de azul.
The windows are painted blue.
O contrato está assinado por ambos.
The contract is signed by both.
A questão está resolvida, felizmente.
The issue is resolved, fortunately.
O museu está lotado de turistas.
The museum is packed with tourists.
A decisão está tomada.
The decision is made.
Estamos convencidos da sua inocência.
We are convinced of your innocence.
O ambiente está impregnado de nostalgia.
The environment is imbued with nostalgia.
A situação está perfeitamente delineada.
The situation is perfectly delineated.
Estamos deslumbrados com a vista.
We are dazzled by the view.
A lei está fundamentada em princípios éticos.
The law is grounded in ethical principles.
O edifício está erguido sobre ruínas antigas.
The building is erected on ancient ruins.
A alma está purificada pelo sofrimento.
The soul is purified by suffering.
O plano está arquitetado com precisão.
The plan is architected with precision.
A verdade está oculta sob camadas de mentiras.
The truth is hidden under layers of lies.
Easily Confused
Both use participles, but one is for actions and one for states.
Participles look like adjectives.
Têm + Participle vs Estar + Participle.
Common Mistakes
A porta está aberto.
A porta está aberta.
O livro é fechado.
O livro está fechado.
Eles estão cansado.
Eles estão cansados.
A loja está fechado.
A loja está fechada.
Eu estou fazido.
Eu estou feito.
Ela está escrevida.
Ela está escrita.
Nós estamos preparado.
Nós estamos preparados.
O projeto é terminado.
O projeto está terminado.
A decisão é tomada.
A decisão está tomada.
A casa está pintado.
A casa está pintada.
A lei é fundamentado.
A lei está fundamentada.
A alma é purificado.
A alma está purificada.
O plano é arquitetado.
O plano está arquitetado.
Sentence Patterns
O/A ___ está ___.
Eu estou ___ com ___.
O projeto está ___ por ___.
A situação está ___ e ___.
Real World Usage
Tô cansado, não vou sair.
O projeto está concluído.
O quarto está reservado?
O pedido está pronto.
Estou apaixonado por este lugar!
O computador está ligado?
Check the subject
Don't confuse Ser/Estar
Irregular Participles
Informal Speech
Smart Tips
Always ask: 'Is this a result of an action?' If yes, use Estar + Participle.
Check the subject's gender first, then the number.
Keep a list of irregular participles handy.
Use 'tá' in Brazil for speed.
Pronunciation
Tá vs Está
In informal Brazilian Portuguese, 'está' is often shortened to 'tá'.
Declarative
A porta está aberta. ↘
Finality/Certainty
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Estar is for the 'State', Participle is the 'Fate'.
Visual Association
Imagine a light switch. When you flip it, the action is 'ser'. When you look at the wall and see the light is 'on', that is 'estar'.
Rhyme
Estar tells us how things be, with the participle in agreement, you see.
Story
Maria finished her painting. Now, the canvas is painted (A tela está pintada). She is tired (Ela está cansada). The work is done (O trabalho está feito).
Word Web
Challenge
Look around your room and describe 5 things using 'está' + participle in 2 minutes.
Cultural Notes
The use of 'tá' is extremely common in daily speech, even in semi-formal settings.
Speakers tend to use the full 'está' more consistently than in Brazil.
Similar to Portugal, the full form is preferred in formal contexts.
Derived from Latin 'stare' (to stand) + the passive participle.
Conversation Starters
Como está o seu dia?
O trabalho está terminado?
Você está preparado para a viagem?
A decisão está tomada?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
A porta está ___ (fechar).
O bolo ___ feito.
Find and fix the mistake:
Eles estão cansada.
O trabalho está feito.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Nós ___ prontos.
está / a / aberta / janela
Estar + Participle describes an action.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesA porta está ___ (fechar).
O bolo ___ feito.
Find and fix the mistake:
Eles estão cansada.
O trabalho está feito.
A casa / O carro
Nós ___ prontos.
está / a / aberta / janela
Estar + Participle describes an action.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesAs luzes ___ apagadas.
O e-mail está escrevido.
Form the question 'Are the tickets bought?':
Translate: 'The window is broken.' (quebrar)
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Which pair has the correct agreement?
A pizza já ___ pedida? (Is the pizza already ordered?)
Ontem, a farmácia está fechada.
Translate: 'The project is not finished.'
A porta está ___ (abrir).
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Most transitive verbs work, but intransitive verbs don't usually take a participle.
Yes, for states. 'Ser' is for passive actions.
Yes, you must memorize them (e.g., 'feito', 'escrito').
The rule is the same, but 'tá' is more common in Brazil.
Yes, 'estou cansado' is a perfect example.
Add -s to the participle.
It is neutral and used in all registers.
Because 'porta' is feminine.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Estar + Participio
None, it is a direct cognate.
Être + Participe Passé
Portuguese distinguishes Ser/Estar, French uses Être for both.
Zustandspassiv (sein + Partizip II)
German uses 'sein' for both state and action passive.
~te iru
Japanese uses a different morphological structure.
Ism al-Maf'ul
Arabic does not use a copula like 'estar' in the same way.
Verb + le/zhe
Chinese lacks gender/number agreement.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
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