When to use or omit articles

In brief

Brazilian Portuguese does not always use an article where English does. After ser, an unmodified profession usually has no article: Sou professora means ‘I’m a teacher.’ General substances and activities can also appear without an article. Use an article when you mean a particular thing already clear from context.

Form

ser + profession (no modifier) → usually no article; general noun → often no article; specific noun → article when the listener can identify it.

Usage

• Say Ela é médica when simply stating someone’s profession; a description such as uma médica excelente can take an article.
• Leave out the article for general needs or interests: Preciso de água; Gosto de música.
• Use an article for a specific item: A água está na geladeira refers to water both speakers can identify.

Examples

• Sou professora. — I’m a teacher.
• Preciso de água. — I need water.
• Gosto de música. — I like music.
• A água está na geladeira. — The water is in the fridge.

Remember

An English article does not automatically require a Portuguese one. Ask whether the noun refers to something general or identifiable.