Prepositions are essential in any language, but they often pose challenges to learners. In Portuguese, prepositions are no exception, especially when paired with verbs. Understanding which prepositions to use with specific verbs can significantly enhance your fluency and comprehension. This article explores prepositions with verbs in Portuguese, providing explanations, examples, and useful tips.
Understanding Prepositions in Portuguese
Prepositions in Portuguese, much like in English, are words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other parts of a sentence. They indicate relationships in terms of time, place, direction, and more. When used with verbs, prepositions can modify the meaning of the verb or connect the verb to its object.
Common Prepositions in Portuguese
Before diving into verb-preposition combinations, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with some common Portuguese prepositions:
– **a** (to, at, in)
– **de** (of, from)
– **em** (in, on, at)
– **para** (for, to)
– **por** (by, through)
– **com** (with)
– **sobre** (about, over)
Verb-Preposition Combinations
Certain verbs require specific prepositions to convey the correct meaning. Below, we explore several common verb-preposition pairs in Portuguese.
Verbs that Pair with “a”
1. **Assistir a** (to watch)
– Example: Eu vou assistir ao filme. (I am going to watch the movie.)
– Note: “Assistir” needs the preposition “a” when referring to watching something.
2. **Começar a** (to start to)
– Example: Ele começou a estudar. (He started to study.)
– Note: Use “a” when indicating the beginning of an action.
3. **Ensinar a** (to teach to)
– Example: Ela ensinou a ler. (She taught to read.)
– Note: “Ensinar” is followed by “a” when specifying what is being taught.
Verbs that Pair with “de”
1. **Gostar de** (to like)
– Example: Eu gosto de chocolate. (I like chocolate.)
– Note: “De” is used with “gostar” to indicate the object of liking.
2. **Precisar de** (to need)
– Example: Eu preciso de ajuda. (I need help.)
– Note: “De” follows “precisar” to specify what is needed.
3. **Lembrar-se de** (to remember)
– Example: Ela se lembra de você. (She remembers you.)
– Note: Reflexive verb “lembrar-se” requires “de” to indicate what is remembered.
Verbs that Pair with “em”
1. **Pensar em** (to think about)
– Example: Estou pensando em você. (I am thinking about you.)
– Note: “Pensar” is paired with “em” when referring to what one is thinking about.
2. **Acreditar em** (to believe in)
– Example: Eu acredito em milagres. (I believe in miracles.)
– Note: Use “em” with “acreditar” to specify what is believed in.
3. **Insistir em** (to insist on)
– Example: Ele insistiu em vir. (He insisted on coming.)
– Note: “Insistir” is followed by “em” to indicate what one insists on.
Verbs that Pair with “para”
1. **Ir para** (to go to)
– Example: Eu vou para a escola. (I am going to school.)
– Note: Use “para” with “ir” when indicating a destination.
2. **Estar pronto para** (to be ready for)
– Example: Estou pronto para começar. (I am ready to start.)
– Note: “Para” is used with “estar pronto” to show readiness for something.
3. **Servir para** (to serve for)
– Example: Este utensílio serve para cortar. (This tool is used for cutting.)
– Note: “Para” follows “servir” to indicate the purpose of something.
Verbs that Pair with “por”
1. **Passar por** (to go through)
– Example: Ela passou por momentos difíceis. (She went through difficult times.)
– Note: “Por” is used with “passar” to indicate movement through something.
2. **Lutar por** (to fight for)
– Example: Eles lutam por justiça. (They fight for justice.)
– Note: “Por” follows “lutar” to specify what is being fought for.
3. **Optar por** (to opt for)
– Example: Ele optou por ficar em casa. (He opted to stay home.)
– Note: “Por” is paired with “optar” to indicate a choice.
Verbs that Pair with “com”
1. **Sonhar com** (to dream about)
– Example: Eu sonhei com você. (I dreamed about you.)
– Note: “Com” follows “sonhar” to specify the subject of the dream.
2. **Falar com** (to talk to)
– Example: Ela falou com o chefe. (She talked to the boss.)
– Note: Use “com” with “falar” when indicating the person being spoken to.
3. **Brincar com** (to play with)
– Example: As crianças brincam com os brinquedos. (The children play with the toys.)
– Note: “Com” is used with “brincar” to indicate what is being played with.
Tips for Mastering Verb-Preposition Combinations
Learning and using verb-preposition combinations correctly can be challenging, but these tips can help you master them more efficiently:
1. Practice Regularly
Consistency is key to mastering any aspect of a language. Practice using verb-preposition combinations in sentences daily. Write them down, say them aloud, and incorporate them into your conversations.
2. Create Flashcards
Flashcards can be a great tool for memorizing verb-preposition pairs. Write the verb on one side and the correct preposition on the other. Review them regularly to reinforce your memory.
3. Use Real-Life Contexts
Try to use verb-preposition combinations in real-life contexts. Whether you’re writing an email, speaking with a friend, or even thinking in Portuguese, using these combinations in practical situations helps solidify your understanding.
4. Listen and Repeat
Listening to native speakers and repeating what they say can be very effective. Watch Portuguese movies, listen to music, or find podcasts. Pay attention to how native speakers use verb-preposition pairs and mimic their usage.
5. Take Notes
When you come across a new verb-preposition combination, write it down in a notebook dedicated to prepositions. Reviewing these notes regularly will help reinforce your learning.
6. Engage with Native Speakers
If possible, engage in conversations with native Portuguese speakers. They can provide immediate feedback and correct any mistakes, helping you learn more effectively.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even advanced learners can struggle with prepositions. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them:
1. Overgeneralizing Prepositions
Avoid assuming that prepositions work the same way in Portuguese as they do in English. For example, “to listen to” in English translates to “ouvir” in Portuguese without a preposition. Always check the correct usage in Portuguese.
2. Forgetting Reflexive Verbs
Some verbs in Portuguese are reflexive and require a reflexive pronoun along with the preposition. For example, “lembrar-se de” (to remember). Make sure to include the reflexive pronoun.
3. Incorrect Preposition Choice
Using the wrong preposition can change the meaning of a sentence. For example, “pensar de” means “to have an opinion about,” while “pensar em” means “to think about.” Understand the nuances of each preposition.
4. Neglecting Practice
Learning prepositions is not a one-time task. Regular practice is essential. Make a habit of reviewing and using verb-preposition combinations frequently.
Conclusion
Mastering prepositions with verbs in Portuguese is crucial for achieving fluency and clarity in communication. By understanding the common verb-preposition pairs, practicing regularly, and being aware of potential pitfalls, you can significantly enhance your language skills. Remember, consistency and real-life application are key. Keep practicing, stay curious, and enjoy your journey to mastering Portuguese!
