Quick answer
Esta without an accent points to a feminine noun; está with an accent is a verb.
A reliable test is to identify the job of the word before translating from English.
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What each word does
esta
this, feminine
Use esta for an unaccented demonstrative accompanying or replacing a feminine noun.
está
is, present state
Use está for the third-person present form of estar.
How to choose
- esta: Choose esta if the sentence points to an unaccented demonstrative accompanying or replacing a feminine noun.
- está: Choose está if the sentence points to the third-person present form of estar.
Examples
Esta cadeira está livre.
This chair is free.
A cadeira está livre.
The chair is free.
Common trap
They can appear together: esta sala está vazia. The first selects the room; the second states its condition.
Practice it in context
Pick one sentence from your real life and write it twice: once with esta, then once with está. If both versions feel possible, name the meaning shift.
Learn Brazilian Portuguese step by step
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