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How to Say ‘Are they older or younger?’ in Portuguese

São mais velhos ou mais novos?

sow mysh VEL-yoosh oh mysh NOH-voosh

[sow mysh VEL-yoosh oh mysh NOH-voosh]

💬 Usage Tip: The -s endings (velhos, novos) are there because "they" are more than one. In Portugal a final s sounds like English "sh": (VEL-yoosh).

Phrase Breakdown

São mais velhos

sow mysh VEL-yoosh

Are they older

'Mais velho' means older. 'Velhos' sounds like 'VEH-lyoosh'.

Example

Eles são mais velhos do que eu.

They are older than me.

Words in this phrase

São

[sow]

are

Form of the verb 'to be', used for plural subjects.

Example

São muitas horas de trabalho.

There are many hours of work.

mais

[mysh]

Used to ask for additional information or greater quantity.

Example

Quero saber mais antes de me candidatar.

I want to know more before applying.

velhos

[VEL-yoosh]

old

Plural adjective meaning old; can suggest familiarity rather than age.

Example

Velhos truques de charme ainda funcionam às vezes.

Old flirting tricks still work sometimes.

ou mais novos?

oh mysh NOH-voosh

or younger?

'Mais novo' means younger. Here 'novo' refers to age, not newness.

Example

Os primos são mais novos.

The cousins are younger.

Words in this phrase

[oh]

Used to present an alternative choice.

Example

Ou prefere um lugar no meio?

Or do you prefer a middle seat?

mais

[mysh]

Used to ask for additional information or greater quantity.

Example

Quero saber mais antes de me candidatar.

I want to know more before applying.

novos

[NOH-voosh]

young

Plural of 'novo'; with people it means young; 'mais novos' means younger.

Example

Os meus primos são mais novos.

My cousins are younger.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

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