PrettyFluent
This is just a lesson preview. Get the interactive lesson free on PrettyFluent
➡️

How to Say ‘Are you going’ in Portuguese

Está a ir

sh-TAH uh eer

[sh-TAH uh eer]

💬 Usage Tip: In Portugal, [estar a] + verb is a very common way to say [be doing]: [está a ir] = [is going]. Swap in other verbs the same way: [está a falar], [está a esperar].

Phrase Breakdown

Está

[sh-TAH]

is / are

Form of 'estar' used to describe a current action or state. Here it helps form the progressive tense.

Example

O motorista está com pressa.

The driver is in a hurry.

a

[uh]

to

In European Portuguese, 'a' is used before an infinitive to form the present continuous, like 'a ir' = 'going'.

Example

Ele está a tentar evitar o trânsito.

He is trying to avoid the traffic.

ir

[eer]

go

Infinitive verb meaning 'to go'. In 'está a ir', it means 'is going'.

Example

O táxi parece ir por uma rua secundária.

The taxi seems to go along a side street.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Custom Scenarios

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Download PrettyFluent on the App StoreGet Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

Rio de Janeiro tested my Portuguese every single day. The real-world scenarios in this app meant I could actually keep up with locals at the beach bars.

Chris B., 33, Digital Nomad

Moved to Lisbon with zero Portuguese and honestly thought I’d be pointing at menus forever. Three weeks in and I’m having real conversations with my landlord.

Priya N., 35, Freelance Designer

I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.

James O., 28, Remote Worker