Introduction
In Portuguese, subject pronouns are essential for identifying who is performing the action of the verb. They help clarify the subject in a sentence, ensuring communication is clear and precise.
Subject Pronouns
Subject pronouns in Portuguese are used to indicate the subject of the sentence. Each pronoun corresponds to a specific person or group of people.
Singular Pronouns
| Pronoun | English Translation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| eu | I | Eu estudo português. (I study Portuguese.) |
| tu | you (informal) | Tu és meu amigo. (You are my friend.) |
| ele | he | Ele gosta de música. (He likes music.) |
| ela | she | Ela trabalha aqui. (She works here.) |
Plural Pronouns
| Pronoun | English Translation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| nós | we | Nós vamos ao cinema. (We are going to the cinema.) |
| vós | you (plural, archaic) | Vós tendes razão. (You are right.) |
| eles | they (masculine/mixed) | Eles jogam futebol. (They play soccer.) |
| elas | they (feminine) | Elas estudam juntas. (They study together.) |
Key Points
- "Eu" is used to refer to oneself.
- "Tu" is commonly used in informal situations, especially in parts of Portugal and some regions of Brazil.
- "Ele" and "ela" are used to refer to a male or female subject, respectively.
- "Nós" means "we" and is used when including oneself in a group.
- "Vós" is an archaic form and is rarely used in modern Portuguese, though it may appear in formal or literary contexts.
- "Eles" is used for groups of males or mixed-gender groups, while "elas" is for groups of females.
Conclusion
Subject pronouns are a fundamental part of Portuguese grammar, helping to define who is doing the action in a sentence. Familiarity with these pronouns aids in constructing clear and accurate sentences.