Language/Portuguese/Grammar/Regular-Verbs
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In this lesson, you will learn how to conjugate regular verbs in the present tense. Portuguese verbs are divided into three groups, based on their endings: "-ar", "-er", and "-ir". Regular verbs follow a predictable pattern when conjugated, based on their group.
Let's start by reviewing the present tense endings for regular verbs in Portuguese:
- "-ar" verbs: eu-o, tu-as, ele/ela-a, nós-amos, vós-ais, eles/elas-am
- "-er" verbs: eu-o, tu-es, ele/ela-e, nós-emos, vós-eis, eles/elas-em
- "-ir" verbs: eu-o, tu-es, ele/ela-e, nós-imos, vós-is, eles/elas-em
Conjugating "-ar" verbs:
To conjugate an "-ar" verb, simply remove the "-ar" ending and add the appropriate ending for the subject pronoun. Here is an example with the verb "falar" (to speak):
Take a moment to explore these relevant pages as you conclude this lesson: Nouns & How to Use be.
Portuguese | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
eu falo | ['fa.lu] | I speak |
tu falas | ['fa.lɐʃ] | You speak |
ele/ela fala | ['fa.lɐ] | He/she speaks |
nós falamos | [fɐ.'la.muʃ] | We speak |
vós falais | [fɐ.'la.iʃ] | You all speak (informal) |
eles/elas falam | [fɐ.'lɐ̃w] | They speak |
Conjugating "-er" verbs:
To conjugate an "-er" verb, simply remove the "-er" ending and add the appropriate ending for the subject pronoun. Here is an example with the verb "comer" (to eat):
Portuguese | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
eu como | ['ko.mu] | I eat |
tu comes | ['ko.mɨʃ] | You eat |
ele/ela come | ['ko.mi] | He/she eats |
nós comemos | [ko.'me.muʃ] | We eat |
vós comeis | [ko.'me.iʃ] | You all eat (informal) |
eles/elas comem | [ko.'mẽj] | They eat |
Conjugating "-ir" verbs:
To conjugate an "-ir" verb, simply remove the "-ir" ending and add the appropriate ending for the subject pronoun. Here is an example with the verb "partir" (to leave):
Portuguese | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
eu parto | ['paɾ.tu] | I leave |
tu partes | ['paɾ.tɨʃ] | You leave |
ele/ela parte | ['paɾ.tɨ] | He/she leaves |
nós partimos | [pɐɾ.'ti.muʃ] | We leave |
vós partis | [pɐɾ.'tiʃ] | You all leave (informal) |
eles/elas partem | [pɐɾ.'tẽj] | They leave |
Note that some "-ir" verbs are irregular and do not follow this pattern. We will cover those in an upcoming lesson.
Examples:
- Eu falo português. (I speak Portuguese.)
- Nós comemos pão e queijo. (We eat bread and cheese.)
- Ele parte para o Brasil amanhã. (He leaves for Brazil tomorrow.)
Practice:
Now it's time for some practice. Conjugate the following verbs in the present tense:
1. cantar (to sing) 2.
Videos
Regular Verbs Simple Past | Learn Portuguese #19 - YouTube
Conjugating Regular Portuguese Verbs - YouTube
Other Lessons
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