Can understand and express basic emotions
Use estar + adjective for emotional states
Vocabulary
Estou feliz — I am happy
hoje.
I am happy today.Estou triste — I am sad
com a notícia.
I am sad about the news.Estou cansado/cansada — I am tired
Estou cansado depois do trabalho.
I am tired after work.Tenho fome/sede — I'm hungry/thirsty
Tenho muita fome.
I'm very hungry.
Grammar
Estar + adjective for temporary states
Use 'estar' (not 'ser') for temporary emotional and physical states: 'Estou feliz' (I am happy), 'Estou cansado' (I am tired). Ser would imply a permanent trait.
- Estou contente. (I am pleased.)
- Ele está zangado. (He is angry.)
Cultural notes
Tenho fome/sede (literally: I have hunger/thirst) is the natural way to express hunger/thirst in Portuguese, not estou com fome.