Portuguese Grammar: Eu Estou a Comer vs. Eu Como (Explained Simply)

Hello there! How’s your study going? 

If you’ve been wondering about the difference between the present simple and present continuous in European Portuguese, you’re not alone. Many learners get these mixed up — especially in the early stages.

So today, let’s break it all down:

• How do they work?

• When should you use one or the other?

• And most importantly: Which one is better to learn first?

What’s the Difference Between Present Simple and Present Continuous?

Just like in English, these two tenses serve different purposes.

The present simple is used for facts and routines. For example:

I drink coffee. 

This could mean it’s a fact or a habit you repeat regularly.

The present continuous is used for what’s happening now or what you’re doing in the immediate moment. For example:

I am drinking coffee. 

You’re doing it right now, regardless of whether it’s a regular thing or not.

In European Portuguese, the same logic applies — but there’s an extra layer.

Intention matters.

If you want to express a routine, use the present simple.

If you want to say, “this is something I’m focusing on right now,” or “this is my current hobby,” go for the present continuous.

Present Continuous: Why It’s Easier to Learn First

The present continuous is actually one of the easiest tenses to learn in Portuguese.

Why? Because it’s formula-based.

You only need to know how to conjugate one verb — estar — and then you can apply it to any verb you want using the structure:

Estar + a + infinitive 

Here are a few examples:

• Eu estou a comer. → I am eating

• Tu estás a dormir. → You are sleeping

• Ela está a beber. → She is drinking

• Nós estamos a correr. → We are running

• Vocês estão a sonhar. → You all are dreaming

• Eles estão a almoçar. → They are having lunch

Just like that, you’ve learned multiple new verbs — all by changing only one part of the sentence: the conjugation of estar. It’s a fantastic way to build momentum and vocabulary at the same time.

Need help learning those verbs? Here’s my Quizlet list of the most-used verbs in Portuguese.

Present Simple: When It Gets Tricky

The present simple is a bit more work. You’ll need to:

• Learn the difference between regular and irregular verbs 

• Memorize endings and patterns for regulars

• Fully memorize the unique conjugations of irregulars

For example:

• Eu como → I eat

• Tu fazes → You do

• Ela dorme → She sleeps

It’s doable — but it takes more time and energy, especially at the beginning.

So, Which One Should You Learn First?

My honest advice:

Start with the present continuous. 

It’s formulaic, less overwhelming, and gives you fast wins that help keep your motivation up — especially if you’re juggling other things or tend to feel blocked by too much memorization.

Once you’re comfortable forming full sentences and recognizing verbs, you can gradually move into the present simple with more confidence.

Want to Keep Practicing?

You’ll find more explanations like this — plus natural listening, grammar in action, and daily practice — on my podcast, Conversas do Dia.

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