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B1 noun 13 min read

as nossas

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips as nossas in 30 Seconds

Explanation as nossas in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn that 'as nossas' means 'our' for feminine plural things. You use it for basic objects like 'as nossas chaves' (our keys) or 'as nossas casas' (our houses). The most important thing to remember is that if the word ends in '-as', you probably need to use 'as nossas'. You will mostly use this in simple sentences to talk about your family and your belongings. Don't worry too much about the article 'as' yet if you are in Brazil, but try to use it if you are learning European Portuguese. Focus on the fact that 'nossas' starts with 'n', just like 'nós' (we). This will help you remember it belongs to your group. You might make mistakes with gender, like saying 'as nossas livros', but that's okay! Just keep practicing with feminine words like 'cadeiras' (chairs), 'mesas' (tables), and 'irmãs' (sisters).

At the A2 level, you should start using 'as nossas' more naturally in daily conversations. You will learn to use it with a wider variety of nouns, including abstract ones like 'as nossas férias' (our holidays) or 'as nossas aulas' (our classes). You should also begin to master the contractions: 'das nossas' (of our) and 'nas nossas' (in our). For example, 'Nós gostamos das nossas aulas' (We like [of] our classes). You should also be able to use 'as nossas' as a pronoun. If someone asks 'De quem são estas malas?', you can answer 'São as nossas'. This level requires you to be more consistent with the feminine plural agreement. You will also start to notice the difference between how people in Portugal and Brazil use the article 'as' before 'nossas'.

At the B1 level, you use 'as nossas' to express more complex ideas and emotions. You can talk about 'as nossas opiniões' (our opinions), 'as nossas tradições' (our traditions), and 'as nossas preocupações' (our concerns). You are expected to use the correct contractions ('das', 'nas', 'pelas') without hesitation. You also understand the nuances of placement—using 'as nossas' before a noun for identification or after the verb 'ser' for ownership. You can participate in group discussions and use 'as nossas' to represent the collective view of your team or family. Your pronunciation of the 's' sounds should be getting closer to the regional standard you are studying, and you should rarely make gender or number agreement errors with common nouns.

At the B2 level, 'as nossas' is a tool for professional and academic communication. You use it in 'as nossas propostas' (our proposals) or 'as nossas análises' (our analyses). You understand that using the article 'as' can add a layer of specificity or emphasis. You can also use the phrase in more sophisticated grammatical structures, such as within relative clauses or following complex prepositions. You are aware of the stylistic choices involving the omission of the article in Brazilian Portuguese vs. its necessity in European Portuguese. You can also use 'as nossas' to create a sense of 'we' in persuasive speaking or writing, effectively engaging your audience by including them in your 'nossas'. Errors at this level are rare and usually only occur with very irregular or obscure feminine nouns.

At the C1 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'as nossas'. You use it with subtle rhetorical flair. You might use it to invoke collective heritage ('as nossas raízes') or to discuss complex legal and social frameworks ('as nossas normas', 'as nossas diretrizes'). You are comfortable with the phonetic shifts the phrase undergoes in rapid, connected speech. You can distinguish between the attributive and predicative uses to achieve different shades of meaning. In writing, you use 'as nossas' to maintain a consistent and professional tone. You are also capable of identifying and correcting subtle misuses of the phrase in others' speech. You understand the historical development of the possessive system and how 'as nossas' fits into the broader Romance language family.

At the C2 level, 'as nossas' is used with complete mastery and absolute precision. You can use it in highly formal speeches, legal documents, or complex literary works. You understand the most obscure rules of agreement and the historical evolution of the phrase from Latin. You can play with the word order for poetic effect or to change the focus of a sentence without losing grammatical integrity. Your use of 'as nossas' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You can navigate the most subtle regional variations across the entire Lusophone world, knowing exactly when to include or omit the article for the desired social or stylistic effect. You can also explain the grammatical logic behind the phrase to others, demonstrating a deep metalinguistic awareness.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

as nossas in 30 Seconds

It means 'our' for feminine plural nouns like 'houses' or 'keys'.
It must agree with the object possessed, not the person possessing it.
The article 'as' is usually mandatory in European Portuguese but optional in Brazil.
It contracts with prepositions to form 'das' (de + as) and 'nas' (em + as).

The Portuguese phrase as nossas is the feminine plural form of the possessive determiner meaning 'our'. In the intricate web of Portuguese grammar, possessives must agree in both gender and number with the object being possessed, rather than the person who possesses it. This is a fundamental shift for English speakers who are used to the invariant 'our'. When you use as nossas, you are signaling two things simultaneously: first, that the items belong to a group including the speaker ('we'), and second, that the items themselves are grammatically feminine and plural. This duality makes the phrase highly specific and essential for clear communication.

Grammatical Agreement: Agreement with the noun is mandatory. If you are talking about 'houses' (casas), which is feminine plural, you must use 'as nossas'. Even if the group of owners is entirely male, the feminine form is used because 'casas' is feminine.

In European Portuguese, the definite article 'as' is almost always required before the possessive 'nossas' in standard speech. In Brazilian Portuguese, this article is often omitted in informal speech, though it remains common in formal writing and specific regional dialects. Understanding when to include the article is a key marker of fluency. The phrase is used in every conceivable context, from discussing family members ('as nossas tias') to abstract concepts ('as nossas esperanças'). It fosters a sense of collective identity and shared responsibility. When a speaker says 'as nossas chaves' (our keys), they are defining a shared space and shared ownership. This collective 'we' is vital in Portuguese culture, which often emphasizes community and family over individual isolation.

Nós guardamos as nossas tradições com muito carinho e respeito pelos antepassados.

Beyond literal ownership, the phrase is used to express relationship and connection. 'As nossas amigas' implies a shared social circle. In political or social discourse, 'as nossas leis' or 'as nossas terras' invokes a sense of national or communal heritage. The phonetic flow of the phrase, with the sibilant 's' sounds, requires careful pronunciation, especially in Portugal where the 's' before a consonant or at the end of a word often takes a 'sh' sound (as nossash). The evolution of this phrase from Latin 'nostra' highlights the stability of possessive structures in Romance languages. While English simplified its system, Portuguese retained the complex agreement patterns that allow for greater precision. Using as nossas correctly shows a deep respect for the architectural logic of the Portuguese language. It is not just about 'who' owns it, but 'what' is being owned. This distinction is the threshold between basic communication and true linguistic competence. In professional settings, 'as nossas propostas' (our proposals) carries the weight of a collective team effort. In poetic contexts, 'as nossas almas' (our souls) creates a profound sense of spiritual union. The versatility of as nossas makes it one of the top 500 most used functional phrases in the language, appearing in literature, news, and daily banter.

Using as nossas correctly requires a two-step mental check: first, confirm the owner is 'we' (nós), and second, confirm the objects are feminine and plural. This section explores the syntactic environments where this phrase thrives. Most commonly, it precedes the noun it modifies. For example, 'as nossas bicicletas' (our bicycles). Here, the article 'as' provides a definitive quality, implying specific bicycles known to the listener.

Attributive Usage: This is the standard placement before the noun. Example: 'As nossas férias foram canceladas.' (Our holidays were canceled.)

The phrase can also function as a pronoun, standing in for a noun previously mentioned. If someone asks, 'Onde estão as vossas malas?' (Where are your suitcases?), you might respond, 'As nossas estão no carro.' (Ours are in the car). In this case, 'as nossas' acts as a noun phrase, inheriting the feminine plural properties of 'malas'.

Estas cadeiras são as nossas, mas aquelas pertencem ao vizinho.

Another common usage is in the predicate after the verb 'ser'. 'Estas bolsas são nossas.' Notice that in the predicate position, the article 'as' is often dropped, focusing more on the quality of ownership than the specific identification of the objects. However, adding the article 'as nossas' in the predicate often serves to emphasize 'the ones that are ours' out of a larger group. When 'as nossas' is used with abstract nouns, it often takes on a collective social meaning. 'As nossas preocupações' (our concerns) suggests a shared emotional state. In legal documents, 'as nossas obrigações' (our obligations) clearly defines the scope of a group's responsibility. The phrase is also used with parts of the body or personal belongings where English would use 'our'. 'Nós lavamos as nossas mãos' (We wash our hands). Unlike some other Romance languages that might use a reflexive pronoun and a simple article (Nós lavamos as mãos), Portuguese frequently uses the possessive for emphasis or clarity.

Emphasis and Contrast: Using 'as nossas' can contrast with 'as vossas' (yours) or 'as suas' (his/her/their/your). 'As nossas ideias são diferentes das vossas.'

In complex sentences, 'as nossas' can be preceded by prepositions. 'De' + 'as' becomes 'das'. 'Precisamos das nossas ferramentas.' (We need [of] our tools). 'Em' + 'as' becomes 'nas'. 'Confiamos nas nossas capacidades.' (We trust in our abilities). This contraction is mandatory and represents one of the biggest hurdles for beginners. Practice saying 'das nossas' and 'nas nossas' until the contraction feels natural.

Não podemos esquecer das nossas raízes culturais enquanto exploramos o mundo.

Finally, consider the register. In very formal Portuguese, 'as nossas' is never omitted. In a business letter, you would write 'Apresentamos as nossas sinceras desculpas' (We present our sincere apologies). The plural feminine 'desculpas' dictates the use of 'as nossas'. Mastering this phrase allows you to navigate social hierarchies and professional environments with confidence.

You will encounter as nossas in virtually every corner of Lusophone life. In the domestic sphere, it is heard constantly. Parents talk about 'as nossas filhas' (our daughters), and couples discuss 'as nossas contas' (our bills). It is the language of the hearth and the shared bank account. Walk into a Portuguese home, and you might hear, 'As nossas chaves estão em cima do aparador.' (Our keys are on top of the sideboard). It defines the boundaries of the household.

In the Media: News anchors often use this phrase to create a sense of national unity. 'As nossas fronteiras estão seguras' (Our borders are secure) or 'As nossas empresas estão a crescer' (Our companies are growing).

In the workplace, 'as nossas' is the language of collaboration. During a meeting, a manager might say, 'As nossas metas para este trimestre são ambiciosas.' (Our goals for this quarter are ambitious). It shifts the focus from individual achievement to collective success. In marketing, companies use it to build a relationship with the consumer. 'As nossas lojas' (our stores) or 'As nossas ofertas' (our offers) creates a brand identity that invites the customer into a shared experience.

Sejam bem-vindos a uma das as nossas filiais mais modernas no centro de Lisboa.

In literature and music, especially Fado, the phrase takes on a more emotional, often nostalgic tone. You might hear lyrics about 'as nossas memórias' (our memories) or 'as nossas mágoas' (our sorrows). The feminine plural nouns 'memórias' and 'mágoas' are quintessentially Portuguese concepts that find their perfect partner in 'as nossas'. In religious contexts, 'as nossas orações' (our prayers) is a common phrase heard in churches from Brazil to Angola. It reinforces the communal aspect of faith. On social media, you'll see captions like 'As nossas fotos de ontem' (Our photos from yesterday) or 'As nossas aventuras' (Our adventures), where the phrase acts as a tag for shared experiences among friends.

Public Service: Government announcements frequently use 'as nossas instituições' (our institutions) to bolster public trust and collective ownership of the state.

Even in sports, fans scream about 'as nossas cores' (our colors) or 'as nossas vitórias' (our victories). The phrase is a tool for tribalism and belonging. Whether it is a formal speech by a president or a casual chat between friends at a café in Luanda, 'as nossas' is the glue that binds the 'we' to the world around them. It is ubiquitous, versatile, and deeply embedded in the social fabric of the Portuguese-speaking world.

O treinador disse que as nossas jogadoras foram as melhores em campo hoje.

Listening for this phrase in podcasts or movies will help you understand how native speakers group concepts. It often acts as a rhythmic anchor in a sentence, providing a clear indication of what is coming next. Pay attention to the 's' sounds—they provide the musicality that defines the Portuguese language.

The most frequent error for English speakers is failing to adjust the possessive for gender and number. Because 'our' never changes in English, learners often default to a single form like 'nosso' or 'nossa' regardless of the noun. You must remember that as nossas is exclusively for feminine plural nouns. Saying 'as nossas carros' is a glaring error because 'carros' is masculine; it must be 'os nossos carros'. Similarly, 'a nossas casa' is wrong because 'casa' is singular; it must be 'a nossa casa'.

Gender Confusion: Many learners assume the gender of the possessive matches the gender of the speaker. This is incorrect. If three men own ten 'canetas' (pens), they must say 'as nossas canetas' because 'canetas' is feminine.

Another common mistake is the omission or incorrect use of the definite article 'as'. In European Portuguese, omitting the article ('nossas chaves') sounds naked and grammatically incomplete in most contexts. Conversely, in Brazilian Portuguese, using the article when it's not needed can sometimes sound overly formal, though it's rarely 'wrong'. The key is consistency.

Incorreto: Nós perdemos os nossas chaves. (Correct: as nossas chaves).

Contraction errors are also a major pitfall. When 'as nossas' follows a preposition like 'de', 'em', or 'a', it must contract. Learners often say 'de as nossas' instead of 'das nossas' or 'em as nossas' instead of 'nas nossas'. These contractions are not optional; they are a core part of the language's phonology and grammar. Failing to contract makes your speech sound stilted and non-native. Pronunciation is another area where mistakes happen. The 's' at the end of 'as' and 'nossas' changes sound depending on the following letter. Before a vowel, it sounds like a 'z' (as nossas amigas -> az nossaz amigas). Before a consonant, it sounds like 'sh' in Portugal or 's' in many parts of Brazil. Mispronouncing these 's' sounds can make it hard for locals to understand which possessive you are using.

Misusing 'Suas' for 'Nossas': In Brazil, 'suas' is often used for 'your'. Beginners sometimes confuse 'suas' (yours/theirs) with 'nossas' (ours). Remember: 'Nossas' always includes YOU.

Finally, avoid using 'as nossas' with masculine nouns just because the owners are female. If a group of women owns 'livros' (books), they must say 'os nossos livros'. The noun's gender is the only thing that dictates the form of the possessive. This 'object-oriented' agreement is the most difficult habit for English speakers to break.

Erro comum: As nossas problemas são grandes. (Correto: Os nossos problemas - 'problema' is masculine).

By being mindful of these five areas—gender agreement, number agreement, article usage, contractions, and pronunciation—you will avoid the most common traps and sound much more like a native speaker.

To truly master as nossas, you need to understand its place within the broader system of Portuguese possessives. Its closest relatives are the other forms of 'our': 'o nosso' (masculine singular), 'a nossa' (feminine singular), and 'os nossos' (masculine plural). Choosing between these is purely a matter of the noun that follows.

The 'Nosso' Family: O nosso (masc. sing.), A nossa (fem. sing.), Os nossos (masc. plur.), As nossas (fem. plur.). All mean 'our'.

Beyond the 'nosso' family, you have other possessives like 'as vossas' (your plural/formal, mainly in Portugal) and 'as suas' (your/their/his/her). 'As vossas' is the direct equivalent of 'as nossas' but for the second person plural. In Portugal, you will hear 'as vossas' frequently in formal and informal settings, whereas in Brazil, 'as suas' or 'de vocês' is the standard way to say 'your'.

Podemos usar as nossas ferramentas ou preferem que usemos as vossas?

An alternative to 'as nossas' in some contexts is the use of the prepositional phrase 'de nós'. While 'as nossas casas' is the standard, you might occasionally see 'as casas de nós' in very specific emphatic or archaic constructions, though this is rare and generally avoided in modern speech. Another alternative, especially in Brazil, is to drop the article 'as' entirely: 'nossas coisas' instead of 'as nossas coisas'. This sounds more direct and less formal. When comparing 'as nossas' to 'as suas', be careful. 'As suas' can mean 'his', 'her', 'their', or 'your' (formal or Brazilian). This ambiguity is why 'as nossas' is so helpful—it is never ambiguous. It always means 'ours'.

Comparison: Nossas vs. Suas: 'As nossas filhas' (Our daughters) vs. 'As suas filhas' (His/Her/Their/Your daughters). The 'n' in 'nossas' is your clue for 'we/our'.

In formal writing, you might see 'as quais nos pertencem' as a more long-winded alternative to 'as nossas'. However, in 99% of cases, 'as nossas' is the most natural and efficient choice. In some regional dialects, especially in rural areas, you might hear 'as nossa' (dropping the final 's'), but this is considered non-standard and should be avoided by learners.

Aqui estão as nossas sugestões; esperamos que sejam melhores que as delas.

Understanding these alternatives helps you realize that 'as nossas' is part of a precise system of reference. It is not just a word; it is a coordinate in the grammatical space of Portuguese that points directly to a collective 'us' and a feminine plural 'them'.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'n-' in 'nossas' has remained consistent for over 2,000 years, tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root for 'us'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɐʒ ˈnɔ.sɐʃ/

US /az ˈnɔ.sas/

The primary stress is on the first syllable of 'nossas' (NO-ssas).

Rhymes With

vossas poças moças roças troças almoças possa nossa

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'o' in 'nossas' as a closed 'o' (like 'no'). It should be an open 'ɔ' (like 'not').
Failing to voice the 's' in 'as' when it precedes the 'n' in 'nossas'.
Pronouncing 'nossas' with a single 's' sound (like 'nosas') instead of the sharp double 'ss'.
In Portugal, forgetting to turn the final 's' into a 'sh' sound.
Over-emphasizing the 'as' so it sounds like two distinct words instead of a fluid phrase.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text once you know 'nós'.

Writing 4/5

Difficult because you must remember gender, number, and contractions.

Speaking 4/5

Hard to master the 's' pronunciation and the 'as' inclusion in real-time.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'as vossas' or 'as suas' if spoken quickly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

nós as nossa nosso

Learn Next

as vossas as suas das nossas nas nossas

Advanced

as quais cujas as nossas próprias

Grammar to Know

Gender and Number Agreement

As nossas (fem. pl.) agree with chaves (fem. pl.).

Definite Article with Possessives

In European Portuguese, 'as' is required: 'As nossas casas'.

Contraction with 'De'

De + as nossas = das nossas.

Contraction with 'Em'

Em + as nossas = nas nossas.

Possessive as Pronoun

Estas malas são as nossas (stands in for 'malas').

Examples by Level

As nossas chaves estão aqui.

Our keys are here.

'Chaves' is feminine plural, so we use 'as nossas'.

Onde estão as nossas mochilas?

Where are our backpacks?

Possessive 'as nossas' agrees with 'mochilas'.

As nossas gatas são lindas.

Our female cats are beautiful.

'Gatas' is feminine plural.

Estas são as nossas cadeiras.

These are our chairs.

'Cadeiras' is feminine plural.

As nossas mães são amigas.

Our mothers are friends.

'Mães' is feminine plural.

Nós amamos as nossas casas.

We love our houses.

'Casas' is feminine plural.

As nossas canetas não escrevem.

Our pens don't write.

'Canetas' is feminine plural.

As nossas bicicletas são azuis.

Our bicycles are blue.

'Bicicletas' is feminine plural.

As nossas férias começam amanhã.

Our holidays start tomorrow.

'Férias' is a plural-only feminine noun.

Gostamos muito das nossas aulas de português.

We like our Portuguese classes very much.

'Das' is the contraction of 'de' + 'as'.

As nossas vizinhas são muito simpáticas.

Our female neighbors are very friendly.

Feminine plural agreement for people.

Perdemos as nossas malas no aeroporto.

We lost our suitcases at the airport.

Direct object with possessive.

As nossas janelas estão abertas.

Our windows are open.

'Janelas' is feminine plural.

Nas nossas viagens, tiramos muitas fotos.

In our travels, we take many photos.

'Nas' is the contraction of 'em' + 'as'.

As nossas frutas preferidas são laranjas.

Our favorite fruits are oranges.

'Frutas' is feminine plural.

As nossas roupas estão secas.

Our clothes are dry.

'Roupas' is feminine plural.

Precisamos de rever as nossas prioridades.

We need to review our priorities.

'Prioridades' is an abstract feminine plural noun.

As nossas experiências moldam quem somos.

Our experiences shape who we are.

Abstract usage of 'as nossas'.

Sempre defendemos as nossas ideias com paixão.

We always defend our ideas with passion.

'Ideias' is feminine plural.

As nossas dúvidas foram esclarecidas pelo professor.

Our doubts were cleared up by the teacher.

'Dúvidas' is feminine plural.

Temos orgulho nas nossas conquistas recentes.

We are proud of our recent achievements.

'Conquistas' is feminine plural; note the 'nas' contraction.

As nossas decisões afetarão o futuro da empresa.

Our decisions will affect the future of the company.

'Decisões' is feminine plural.

As nossas conversas são sempre muito longas.

Our conversations are always very long.

'Conversas' is feminine plural.

Respeitamos as nossas diferenças culturais.

We respect our cultural differences.

'Diferenças' is feminine plural.

Apresentamos as nossas propostas para o novo projeto.

We presented our proposals for the new project.

Formal business context.

As nossas análises indicam uma melhoria no mercado.

Our analyses indicate an improvement in the market.

'Análises' is a feminine plural noun.

Devemos honrar as nossas obrigações contratuais.

We must honor our contractual obligations.

Legal/Professional context.

As nossas expectativas não foram totalmente atendidas.

Our expectations were not fully met.

'Expectativas' is feminine plural.

As nossas fontes confirmaram a notícia esta manhã.

Our sources confirmed the news this morning.

'Fontes' is feminine plural.

As nossas competências são complementares.

Our skills are complementary.

'Competências' is feminine plural.

As nossas estratégias de marketing estão a funcionar.

Our marketing strategies are working.

'Estratégias' is feminine plural.

As nossas iniciativas sociais ajudaram muitas famílias.

Our social initiatives helped many families.

'Iniciativas' is feminine plural.

As nossas diretrizes visam garantir a segurança de todos.

Our guidelines aim to ensure the safety of everyone.

'Diretrizes' is a formal feminine plural noun.

É imperativo que mantenhamos as nossas convicções.

It is imperative that we maintain our convictions.

'Convicções' is feminine plural.

As nossas reflexões sobre o tema são profundas.

Our reflections on the topic are profound.

Academic/Philosophical context.

As nossas reivindicações foram finalmente ouvidas.

Our demands were finally heard.

'Reivindicações' is feminine plural.

As nossas premissas revelaram-se corretas após os testes.

Our premises proved correct after the tests.

'Premissas' is feminine plural.

As nossas afinidades facilitaram a colaboração.

Our affinities facilitated the collaboration.

'Afinidades' is feminine plural.

As nossas preocupações ambientais são urgentes.

Our environmental concerns are urgent.

'Preocupações' is feminine plural.

As nossas interpretações do texto divergem um pouco.

Our interpretations of the text diverge a bit.

'Interpretações' is feminine plural.

As nossas idiossincrasias tornam o grupo único.

Our idiosyncrasies make the group unique.

'Idiossincrasias' is a sophisticated feminine plural noun.

As nossas prerrogativas legais protegem os sócios.

Our legal prerogatives protect the partners.

'Prerrogativas' is feminine plural.

As nossas aspirações transcendem o plano material.

Our aspirations transcend the material plane.

Highly formal/Poetic usage.

As nossas virtudes são frequentemente postas à prova.

Our virtues are frequently put to the test.

'Virtudes' is feminine plural.

As nossas angústias refletem a complexidade da época.

Our anxieties reflect the complexity of the era.

'Angústias' is feminine plural.

As nossas diligências resultaram na captura do suspeito.

Our investigations resulted in the capture of the suspect.

Official/Legal context.

As nossas convicções éticas são inegociáveis.

Our ethical convictions are non-negotiable.

'Convicções' is feminine plural.

As nossas heranças culturais definem a nossa identidade.

Our cultural heritages define our identity.

'Heranças' is feminine plural.

Common Collocations

as nossas chaves

as nossas vidas

as nossas famílias

as nossas férias

as nossas ideias

as nossas casas

as nossas filhas

as nossas preocupações

as nossas tradições

as nossas propostas

Common Phrases

As nossas desculpas

— Our apologies. Used formally to express regret.

Aceitem as nossas sinceras desculpas pelo atraso.

As nossas condolências

— Our condolences. Used to express sympathy after a death.

Enviamos as nossas mais profundas condolências à família.

As nossas saudações

— Our greetings. Used in formal letters or speeches.

As nossas saudações a todos os presentes.

As nossas raízes

— Our roots. Refers to heritage or origins.

Nunca devemos esquecer as nossas raízes.

As nossas cores

— Our colors. Refers to a team's or nation's flag/colors.

Vamos defender as nossas cores até ao fim.

As nossas contas

— Our bills or our calculations.

Temos de pagar as nossas contas este mês.

As nossas terras

— Our lands. Refers to property or homeland.

As nossas terras são férteis e produtivas.

As nossas leis

— Our laws. Refers to the legal framework of a group.

Devemos todos respeitar as nossas leis.

As nossas mãos

— Our hands. Often used metaphorically for work or control.

O futuro está nas nossas mãos.

As nossas palavras

— Our words. Refers to what we say or promise.

As nossas palavras têm de ter valor.

Often Confused With

as nossas vs os nossos

Used for masculine plural nouns. Example: os nossos livros.

as nossas vs as vossas

Used for 'yours' (plural). Sounds similar but starts with 'v'.

as nossas vs as suas

Can mean 'yours', 'his', 'hers', or 'theirs'. Less specific than 'nossas'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Nas nossas costas"

— Behind our backs. Doing something without our knowledge.

Eles fizeram planos nas nossas costas.

informal

"Com as nossas próprias mãos"

— With our own hands. Doing something manually or without help.

Construímos esta casa com as nossas próprias mãos.

neutral

"Nas nossas barbas"

— Right under our noses. Something happening obviously but ignored.

O roubo aconteceu ali, nas nossas barbas!

colloquial

"Pelas nossas mãos"

— Through us or by our actions.

A mudança virá pelas nossas mãos.

neutral

"As nossas orações foram ouvidas"

— Our prayers were answered.

Finalmente choveu; as nossas orações foram ouvidas.

religious/formal

"Lavar as nossas mãos"

— To wash our hands of something (refuse responsibility).

Nós lavamos as nossas mãos deste assunto.

neutral

"Dar as nossas caras"

— To show our faces (appear somewhere).

Temos de dar as nossas caras na festa.

informal

"Pôr as nossas barbas de molho"

— To be on guard/prepare for trouble when seeing others fail.

Se eles faliram, temos de pôr as nossas barbas de molho.

idiomatic

"Nas nossas sete quintas"

— In our element / very happy.

Quando viajamos, estamos nas nossas sete quintas.

informal

"Com as nossas forças"

— With all our strength.

Lutaremos com todas as nossas forças.

neutral

Easily Confused

as nossas vs nossas

Learners forget the article 'as'.

In European Portuguese, 'as nossas' is the standard; 'nossas' alone is informal or Brazilian.

As nossas malas (standard) vs. Nossas malas (Brazilian/informal).

as nossas vs nossa

Singular vs. Plural.

Use 'nossa' for one feminine thing, 'nossas' for multiple.

A nossa casa vs. As nossas casas.

as nossas vs nossos

Gender agreement.

Use 'nossos' for masculine nouns, 'nossas' for feminine.

Os nossos carros vs. As nossas bicicletas.

as nossas vs vossas

Phonetic similarity.

Nossas = our; Vossas = your (plural).

As nossas amigas (ours) vs. As vossas amigas (yours).

as nossas vs suas

Meaning overlap.

Suas is 3rd person or 2nd person (Brazil); Nossas is always 1st person plural.

Eles têm as suas ideias; nós temos as nossas.

Sentence Patterns

As nossas [noun] estão [location].

As nossas chaves estão aqui.

Gostamos das nossas [noun].

Gostamos das nossas aulas.

As nossas [abstract noun] são [adjective].

As nossas ideias são boas.

Apresentamos as nossas [noun] ao [target].

Apresentamos as nossas propostas ao diretor.

Apesar das nossas [noun], conseguimos [verb].

Apesar das nossas dúvidas, conseguimos vencer.

As nossas [noun] pautam-se por [noun].

As nossas relações pautam-se pela confiança.

Estas são as nossas [noun].

Estas são as nossas casas.

Precisamos das nossas [noun].

Precisamos das nossas ferramentas.

Word Family

Nouns

nós (we/us)

Adjectives

nosso (masculine singular)

nossa (feminine singular)

nossos (masculine plural)

connosco (with us)

nossas (possessive)

vossas (yours)

suas (his/hers/theirs/yours)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely common, especially in spoken collective contexts.

Common Mistakes

As nossas livros → Os nossos livros
'Livros' is masculine plural, so it requires 'os nossos', even if the owners are female.
A nossas casa → As nossas casas
You cannot mix singular articles ('a') with plural possessives ('nossas'). Both must be plural.
De as nossas amigas → Das nossas amigas
The preposition 'de' must always contract with the article 'as'.
As nossas problemas → Os nossos problemas
Some words like 'problema' look feminine but are masculine. This is a common trap.
Nossas chaves (in Portugal) → As nossas chaves
In European Portuguese, omitting the definite article sounds incorrect in most standard contexts.

Tips

The Noun Rules

Always look at the ending of the noun. If it ends in -as, 'as nossas' is almost certainly the correct choice.

Voice the S

Make sure to vibrate your vocal cords on the 's' in 'as' so it sounds like a 'z'. This makes the transition to 'nossas' smoother.

Portugal vs. Brazil

If you want to sound Portuguese, use the 'as'. If you want to sound Brazilian, you can leave it out in casual talk.

The N Link

Link the 'N' in 'nossas' to 'Nós' (We) and 'Next' (the next thing we own).

Contraction Alert

Never write 'de as nossas'. Always write 'das nossas'. It's a non-negotiable rule of the language.

Fluidity

Treat 'as nossas' as a single three-syllable word 'az-NO-sas' to improve your rhythm.

Abstract Nouns

Practice using it with 'ideias' and 'opiniões' to move beyond basic physical objects.

Context Clues

If you hear 'as' followed by a word starting with 'n', it's almost definitely a form of 'nosso'.

Gender Check

Don't be fooled by 'problemas' or 'planetas'. They end in -as but are masculine! Use 'os nossos' for them.

Business Etiquette

Use 'as nossas propostas' or 'as nossas soluções' to sound like a team player in meetings.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Remember: 'Nossas' starts with 'N' for 'Nós' (We). The '-as' matches feminine plural nouns like 'casas'.

Visual Association

Imagine a group of people (We) holding multiple pairs of keys (feminine plural). The keys are 'as nossas'.

Word Web

nós nosso nossa nossos as nossas vossas suas minhas

Challenge

Try to name five feminine plural things in your house using 'as nossas'. Examples: as nossas cadeiras, as nossas janelas, as nossas lâmpadas.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'nostra', the feminine plural form of 'noster' (our). The article 'as' comes from the Latin 'illas'.

Original meaning: Belonging to us (specifically for feminine plural entities).

Romance (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but ensure gender agreement is correct when referring to groups of people (e.g., 'as nossas filhas' for daughters).

English speakers often forget the 'as' because 'our' is a single word. They also struggle with the gender agreement which doesn't exist for English possessives.

The song 'As Nossas Canções' (Our Songs) by various Portuguese artists. The phrase 'As nossas praias' (Our beaches) used in tourism campaigns for the Algarve. Religious texts frequently using 'As nossas ofensas' (Our offenses) in the Lord's Prayer.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At home

As nossas chaves
As nossas contas
As nossas regras
As nossas filhas

At work

As nossas metas
As nossas propostas
As nossas reuniões
As nossas clientes

Travel

As nossas malas
As nossas passagens
As nossas reservas
As nossas fotos

Education

As nossas aulas
As nossas notas
As nossas dúvidas
As nossas tarefas

Socializing

As nossas amigas
As nossas conversas
As nossas festas
As nossas bebidas

Conversation Starters

"Quais são as nossas opções para o jantar de hoje?"

"Onde é que nós guardamos as nossas malas de viagem?"

"As nossas opiniões sobre este filme são parecidas ou diferentes?"

"Como estão as nossas vizinhas novas? Já falaste com elas?"

"Quais são as nossas metas principais para este ano?"

Journal Prompts

Escreve sobre as nossas tradições familiares favoritas e por que são importantes.

Descreve as nossas últimas férias e os lugares que visitámos.

Quais são as nossas maiores preocupações em relação ao futuro do planeta?

Faz uma lista de todas as nossas conquistas deste mês.

Escreve sobre as nossas amigas mais próximas e como as conhecemos.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In European Portuguese, yes, it is almost always required to sound natural. In Brazilian Portuguese, it is often omitted in casual speech, so you might just say 'nossas chaves'. However, in formal writing in both variants, the article is usually included.

Yes! The gender of 'nossas' depends entirely on the noun that follows. If three men are talking about their 'canetas' (pens), they must say 'as nossas canetas' because 'canetas' is a feminine noun.

You must use the contraction 'das nossas'. For example, 'A cor das nossas paredes' (The color of our walls). 'De' + 'as' becomes 'das'.

Yes, it is used for feminine plural people, like 'as nossas tias' (our aunts) or 'as nossas amigas' (our female friends).

Yes, it acts as a pronoun. If someone asks 'Onde estão as chaves?', you can say 'Estas são as nossas' (These are ours).

The masculine plural version is 'os nossos'. You use it for masculine plural nouns like 'carros' (os nossos carros).

The core grammar remains the same, but the frequency of the article 'as' varies. It is most common in Portugal and parts of Africa, and least common in informal Brazilian speech.

Before the 'n' in 'nossas', the 's' in 'as' is voiced like a 'z' (az nossas). The final 's' in 'nossas' is usually a standard 's' in Brazil and a 'sh' sound in Portugal.

Absolutely. It is very common with abstract feminine plural nouns like 'ideias', 'opiniões', and 'esperanças'.

'As nossas' is the standard possessive. 'As de nós' is extremely rare, archaic, or used only for very specific emphasis. Stick with 'as nossas'.