📖⏳

How to Say ‘I'm still learning’ in Portuguese

Ainda estou a aprender

ah-EEN-dah eesh-TOH ah ah-preh-DEHR

[ah-EEN-dah eesh-TOH ah ah-preh-DEHR]

💬 Usage Tip: Portugal says "I'm doing" with estar a plus the basic verb: estou a aprender. Swap it: estou a trabalhar "I'm working".

Phrase Breakdown

Ainda estou

ah-EEN-dah eesh-TOH

I'm still

'Ainda' means 'still'. Say 'uh-EEN-duh shTOH'.

Example

Ainda estou cansado.

I'm still tired.

Words in this phrase

Ainda

[ah-EEN-dah]

still

Indicates something continues to be true.

Example

Ele ainda está aqui.

He is still here.

estou

[eesh-TOH]

I am

First-person singular of "estar," used for actions happening now.

Example

Estou preparado para novas conversas profissionais.

I am prepared for new professional conversations.

a aprender

ah ah-preh-DEHR

learning

'Estar a' + infinitive is how Portugal forms the continuous tense. The two 'a' sounds blend together.

Example

Estou a aprender inglês.

I'm learning English.

Words in this phrase

[ah]

(progressive marker)

In European Portuguese, 'estar a + infinitive' means doing something right now.

Example

Estou a comer.

I am eating.

aprender

[ah-preh-DEHR]

to learn

Infinitive verb; after 'estar a' it shows an ongoing action.

Example

Gosto de aprender línguas.

I like learning languages.

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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