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How to Say ‘The service is already running’ in Portuguese

O serviço já está a funcionar

oo ser-VEE-soo zhah esh-TAH ah foon-syoo-NAR

[oo ser-VEE-soo zhah esh-TAH ah foon-syoo-NAR]

💬 Usage Tip: In Portugal, an action in progress uses estar a plus the plain verb, as in está a funcionar. Brazilians say está funcionando instead.

Phrase Breakdown

O serviço

oo ser-VEE-soo

The service

Masculine article 'o' plus noun. 'Serviço' sounds like 'ser-VEE-soo'. The final 'o' is reduced to a soft 'u'.

Example

O serviço é rápido.

The service is fast.

Words in this phrase

[oo]

the (masculine singular)

Article used before a masculine singular noun; often unstressed in speech.

Example

O bilhete é mais barato se comprares com antecedência.

The ticket is cheaper if you buy in advance.

serviço

[ser-VEE-soo]

service

A facility offered to customers, like valet parking.

Example

O serviço de estacionamento é grátis.

The parking service is free.

já está a funcionar

zhah esh-TAH ah foon-syoo-NAR

is already working

European Portuguese uses 'estar a' + infinitive for actions in progress. 'Já' means 'already'.

Example

O metro já está a funcionar.

The metro is already running.

Words in this phrase

já

[zhah]

already

Prior to a specified or implied time.

Example

Já comi meu almoço.

I have already eaten my lunch.

está

[esh-TAH]

3rd person singular of “estar” (“is/are”), used for temporary states/conditions (e.g., whether a seat is free).

Example

Este lugar está livre agora.

This seat is free now.

[ah]

(progressive marker)

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

Example

Estou a comer.

I am eating.

funcionar

[foon-syoo-NAR]

to work, to operate

Verb for something running or functioning.

Example

O elevador não está a funcionar.

The lift isn't working.

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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