In 15 Seconds
- Use it to verify if information or facts are accurate.
- Works in both professional meetings and casual street conversations.
- Can be shortened to 'tá correto?' in everyday speech.
Meaning
This is the most common way to ask 'Is this correct?' or 'Is that right?' when you want to verify information.
Key Examples
3 of 6Checking a reservation
A reserva é para as oito horas, está correto?
The reservation is for eight o'clock, is that correct?
Learning a new word
Eu disse a palavra certa? Está correto?
Did I say the right word? Is it correct?
Confirming a price at a market
Dez euros por tudo, está correto?
Ten euros for everything, is that right?
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'Tá certo' is often used as a filler word or a way to say 'Okay, I understand' or 'Okay, let's do it', even if no one asked a question. Portuguese people tend to be more direct with 'Está correto'. If something is wrong, they will simply say 'Não está correto' without much sugar-coating. In Luanda, you might hear 'Está mambo correto?' using the local slang 'mambo' (thing/situation) to ask if everything is okay. In Lusophone business meetings, ending a summary with 'Está correto?' is a key way to ensure 'alinhamento' (alignment) among stakeholders.
The 'Tá' Shortcut
In Brazil, always use 'Tá' instead of 'Está' to sound like a local.
Gender Trap
If you are checking a feminine noun like 'hora' or 'página', remember to say 'correta'.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to verify if information or facts are accurate.
- Works in both professional meetings and casual street conversations.
- Can be shortened to 'tá correto?' in everyday speech.
What It Means
Está correto? is your go-to safety net in Portuguese. It functions exactly like 'Is that right?' in English. You use it to double-check facts. You use it to confirm instructions. It is simple, direct, and very effective. It helps you avoid awkward misunderstandings.
How To Use It
Just add a question mark at the end. In speech, raise your pitch at the end. You can use it alone as a full sentence. You can also place it after a statement. For example: 'The meeting is at five, está correto?'. It is grammatically flexible and easy to remember.
When To Use It
Use it when you are learning the language. Use it when checking a restaurant bill. It is perfect for confirming directions with a local. Use it in the office to verify a deadline. It works perfectly when texting a friend about plans. It shows you are paying attention and care about accuracy.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it to ask for permission. For that, use posso? instead. Avoid it when asking if someone is 'okay' emotionally. In that case, use está tudo bem?. It is for facts, not for feelings. Don't use it if you are 100% certain. It might make you sound a bit insecure.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers value clear communication but appreciate politeness. Asking está correto? shows respect for the other person's knowledge. In Brazil, people might use tá certo? more often. In Portugal, the full está correto? remains very standard. It is a bridge between being formal and being friendly. It is the mark of a polite traveler.
Common Variations
You will often hear the shortened version tá correto?. In casual settings, people just say certo? or né?. If you want to be very formal, use está de acordo?. In some regions, you might hear está certinho?. That last one is very cute and informal. Use it when you are feeling extra friendly!
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for all situations. In speech, 'Está' is frequently shortened to 'Tá' in Brazil, while in Portugal, the 'E' in 'Está' is often very quiet/muted.
The 'Tá' Shortcut
In Brazil, always use 'Tá' instead of 'Está' to sound like a local.
Gender Trap
If you are checking a feminine noun like 'hora' or 'página', remember to say 'correta'.
Polite Checking
Adding 'por favor' after 'Está correto?' makes you sound much more polite in Portugal.
The Superlative
If someone is 100% right, say 'Corretíssimo!' to show enthusiasm.
Examples
6A reserva é para as oito horas, está correto?
The reservation is for eight o'clock, is that correct?
A standard way to confirm time in a professional setting.
Eu disse a palavra certa? Está correto?
Did I say the right word? Is it correct?
Great for getting feedback from a language partner.
Dez euros por tudo, está correto?
Ten euros for everything, is that right?
Ensures you aren't overcharged during a transaction.
Nos encontramos no café às 10h, tá correto?
We're meeting at the cafe at 10, right?
Uses the shortened 'tá' for a more relaxed text vibe.
Este é o caminho para o aeroporto, está correto?
This is the way to the airport, is that correct?
Used to ensure you are heading in the right direction.
Você disse que ia trazer o bolo... está correto?
You said you were going to bring the cake... is that right?
A gentle, slightly humorous way to remind someone of a promise.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the adjective to complete the sentence.
A resposta do teste ____.
'Resposta' is a feminine singular noun, so we use 'está correta'.
Fill in the blank with the correct verb (Ser or Estar).
Eu quero verificar se o meu endereço ____ correto.
We use 'estar' for the state of being correct after verification.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
Turista: O museu fecha às 18h? Recepcionista: Sim, ____.
'Está correto' is the neutral way to confirm information.
Match the phrase to the formality level.
Which phrase is most appropriate for a formal business email?
'Está correto?' is the most professional and neutral option.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Synonyms for 'Está correto?'
Informal
- • Tá certo?
- • Beleza?
- • Fechou?
Formal
- • Está exato?
- • Confirma?
- • Está de acordo?
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA resposta do teste ____.
'Resposta' is a feminine singular noun, so we use 'está correta'.
Eu quero verificar se o meu endereço ____ correto.
We use 'estar' for the state of being correct after verification.
Turista: O museu fecha às 18h? Recepcionista: Sim, ____.
'Está correto' is the neutral way to confirm information.
Which phrase is most appropriate for a formal business email?
'Está correto?' is the most professional and neutral option.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, in a very brief or professional context, you can just say 'Correto?' with a rising intonation.
'Correto' is slightly more formal. 'Certo' is used more in everyday conversation.
Yes, but 'Está certo' or 'Tá certo' is much more common in spoken language.
You can say 'Está correto...' with a falling, skeptical tone, often followed by 'mas...'.
Yes, 'Os dados estão corretos'.
No, you don't say 'Você está correto' to mean 'You are a good person'. You say it to mean 'You are right about this fact'.
'Está correto' is the standard. 'De forma correta' means 'in a correct manner'.
Say: 'A minha pronúncia está correta?'
The opposite is 'Está errado' or 'Está incorreto'.
Yes, 'Tá correto?' is very common in WhatsApp.
Yes, it is very common in Portugal, often more so than 'certo'.
Yes, this means 'Is everything correct?' or 'Everything is correct'.
Related Phrases
Está certo?
synonymIs it right?
Com certeza
builds onWith certainty / Of course
De acordo
similarIn agreement
Exatamente
similarExactly
Está errado
contrastIt is wrong
