Portuguese grammar rules that seem confusing (but are actually simple!)
Learning European Portuguese grammar can feel overwhelming at times, but what if I told you that some of the "hardest" rules are actually quite logical? In this post, we'll clarify some of the trickiest grammar points that often confuse learners—and show you why they’re easier than they seem.
1. "Ser" vs. "Estar" – Two Ways to Say "To Be"
The verbs "ser" and "estar" both mean "to be", but they follow a simple pattern.
"Ser" → Used for permanent or essential characteristics
Example: "O João é médico." (João is a doctor.) → His profession is part of his identity.
Example: "Lisboa é linda." (Lisbon is beautiful.) → Lisbon’s beauty is a permanent quality.
"Estar" → Used for temporary states, emotions, or locations
Example: "O café está quente." (The coffee is hot.) → The temperature can change.
Example: "Estou cansado." (I am tired.) → Tiredness is not permanent.
Quick Trick:
👉 If something is temporary or changeable, use "estar."
👉 If it describes identity, nature, or an unchangeable fact, use "ser."
2. "Por" vs. "Para" – Understanding "For" in Portuguese
Both "por" and "para" translate as "for," but they have different meanings.
"Por" → Expresses movement, cause, or reason
Example: "Passei por Lisboa." (I passed through Lisbon.) → Movement.
Example: "Estou aqui por ti." (I'm here because of you.) → Cause/reason.
"Para" → Used for destinations, purposes, or goals
Example: "Vou para Lisboa amanhã para ir a uma consulta." (I am going to Lisbon tomorrow to go to a medical appointment.) → Final destination and purpose.
Example: "Este presente é para ti." (This gift is for you.) → Intended recipient.
Easy Rule:
👉 If there’s a destination or purpose, use "para."
👉 If it’s about movement, cause, or exchange, use "por."
3. The Personal Infinitive – Why Portuguese Is Special
One unique feature of European Portuguese is the personal infinitive—a verb form that changes depending on the subject. This structure does not exist in many languages, but in Portuguese, it follows a logical pattern.
What Is the Personal Infinitive?
In most languages, the infinitive remains unchanged regardless of who performs the action. However, in Portuguese, when the subject is clear, the infinitive must be conjugated to match it.
Example: "Para nós estudarmos, precisamos de silêncio." (For us to study, we need silence.)
Example: "Para ele chegar a horas, tem de sair cedo." (For him to arrive on time, he has to leave early.)
When Is the Personal Infinitive Required?
After Certain Prepositions (para, sem, até, depois de, antes de, etc.)
Certain prepositions force the use of the personal infinitive because they introduce an action that has a specific subject.
"Isto é importante para os alunos estudarem." (This is important for the students to study.)
"Vamos para Lisboa amanhã para irmos a uma consulta." (We are going to Lisbon tomorrow to go to an appointment.)
"Saíram sem nós percebermos." (They left without us noticing.)
After Certain Impersonal Expressions ("É importante", "É necessário", etc.)
"É importante estudarmos muito." (It is important that we study a lot.)
"É necessário chegares cedo." (It is necessary for you to arrive early.)
Quick Trick:
👉 If the subject of the infinitive is clear and stated, use the personal infinitive.
👉 If the subject is general or unstated, do not conjugate the infinitive.
4. "Há" vs. "A" – Mastering Time Expressions in European Portuguese
One of the most misunderstood grammar rules in European Portuguese is the difference between "há" and "a" when referring to time.
"Há" (From "Haver") – Used for the Past & Existence
"Há muitas pessoas na festa." (There are many people at the party.)
"Cheguei há dois dias." (I arrived two days ago.)
"A" – Used for Future Time References
"Vou viajar daqui a duas semanas." (I will travel in two weeks.)
"O concerto começa daqui a uma hora." (The concert starts in an hour.)
Final Takeaway:
✔️ If referring to a past event, use "há."
✔️ If referring to a future event, use "a" (with "daqui").
5. "Muito" vs. "Muitos/Muitas" – Quality vs. Quantity
"Muito" (never changes) → Used before adjectives and verbs (intensity).
"Ela está muito cansada." (She is very tired.)
"Muitos" / "Muitas" (plural) → Used before countable nouns (quantity).
"Ela tem muitas amigas." (She has many female friends.)
Quick Trick:
👉 If it describes HOW MUCH, use "muito."
👉 If it describes HOW MANY, use "muitos/muitas."
6. "Lhe" vs. "O/A" – Choosing the Right Object Pronoun
Use "o/a/os/as" → When replacing a direct object (no preposition).
"Eu vi o João ontem." → "Eu vi-o ontem." (I saw João yesterday.)
Use "lhe/lhes" → When replacing an indirect object (with "a" or "para").
"Dei um presente ao meu irmão." → "Dei-lhe um presente." (I gave my brother a gift.)
Be Aware of Exceptions with Verbs Ending in -R, -S, -Z, and -M
When using "o/a/os/as" with verbs ending in -r, -s, or -z, the final letter disappears, and the pronoun attaches with "-lo/la/los/las."
"Vou comprar o livro." → "Vou comprá-lo." (I am going to buy it.)
Final Takeaway:
✔️ If there’s a preposition (a/para), use "lhe/lhes."
✔️ If the verb acts directly on the object, use "o/a/os/as."
Conclusion
Portuguese grammar doesn’t have to be difficult. With these simple rules, you can speak more confidently and avoid common mistakes.
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