1. "Ser" (to be) - used for permanent states, descriptions, or characteristics.
* Formal: "É" (pronounced "eh")
* Informal: "É" (pronounced "eh")
* Plural: "São" (pronounced "sow")
Example:
* Formal: Ela é brasileira. (She is Brazilian.)
* Informal: Você é muito simpático. (You are very nice.)
* Plural: Eles são meus amigos. (They are my friends.)
2. "Estar" (to be) - used for temporary states, locations, or conditions.
* Formal: "Está" (pronounced "eh-stah")
* Informal: "Está" (pronounced "eh-stah")
* Plural: "Estão" (pronounced "eh-stawn")
Example:
* Formal: Ele está feliz hoje. (He is happy today.)
* Informal: Você está onde? (Where are you?)
* Plural: Os livros estão na mesa. (The books are on the table.)
3. "Ter" (to have) - can sometimes translate to "are" when referring to possession.
* Formal: "Tem" (pronounced "tem")
* Informal: "Tem" (pronounced "tem")
* Plural: "Têm" (pronounced "tem")
Example:
* Formal: Ela tem dois filhos. (She has two children.)
* Informal: Você tem fome? (Are you hungry?)
* Plural: Eles têm muitos amigos. (They have many friends.)
Remember:
* "Ser" is used for fixed characteristics.
* "Estar" is used for temporary conditions.
* "Ter" is used for possession.
The specific translation will depend on the context of the sentence.