How to Say ‘Grandma is clapping!’ in Portuguese
A avó está a bater palmas!
ah ah-VOH esh-TAH ah bah-TAIR PAL-mush
[ah ah-VOH esh-TAH ah bah-TAIR PAL-mush]
💬 Usage Tip: Another nice example of the European Portuguese continuous: "está a + infinitive".
🇵🇹 In Portugal: This sounds sweet and vivid, like a family living-room celebration during a big match.
Phrase Breakdown
A
[ah]
the
The feminine singular article used before a feminine noun.
A avó está a bater palmas! A casa está cheia de alegria.
Grandma is clapping! The house is full of joy.
avó
[ah-VOH]
grandmother
A noun meaning grandmother or grandma.
A avó está a bater palmas! A avó adora futebol.
Grandma is clapping! Grandma loves football.
está
[esh-TAH]
is
A form of estar used to describe a current action or state.
A avó está a bater palmas! Está mesmo contente.
Grandma is clapping! She really is happy.
a
[ah]
to
Part of the European Portuguese progressive structure estar a + infinitive.
A avó está a bater palmas! Está a celebrar o golo.
Grandma is clapping! She is celebrating the goal.
bater
[bah-TAIR]
clap
Here bater means to clap because it appears with palmas.
A avó está a bater palmas! Ela gosta de bater palmas nos golos.
Grandma is clapping! She likes to clap for goals.
palmas
[PAL-mush]
hands / claps
In the expression bater palmas, palmas refers to claps or applause.
A avó está a bater palmas! O som das palmas enche a sala.
Grandma is clapping! The sound of the claps fills the room.
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
Get Full LessonWhat 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