vir
/ˈvi(ʁ)/
To come is vir in Portuguese.
The verb vir is used to describe the act of arriving or appearing. It specifically indicates movement toward the speaker, whereas the verb ir (to go) is used for movement away from the speaker.
Meaning: to arrive, to appear (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the southern region of Brazil, you may hear the expression Pode entrar, tchê!, where tchê is a regional term meaning "buddy" or "friend". In northeastern Brazil, locals may use Entra, meu rei, which translates to "Come in, my king".
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb vir changes based on tense and person. In the present indicative, venho is the first-person singular and vem is the third-person singular. In the preterite (past tense), vim is the first-person singular and veio is the third-person singular.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvi(ʁ)/
Did you know?
- In a sexual context, Portuguese speakers might use vir as a direct semantic loan from the English 'come', a usage not found in the traditional Latin roots.
- In Portuguese, the distinction between vir and ir is so strict that using the wrong one can confuse a listener about where the speaker is currently located.
- Be careful not to confuse vir (to come) with ver (to see), as the two verbs are extremely similar in pronunciation and spelling.
Examples in context
- Ele tem de vir.He has to come.This sentence uses vir to express necessity.Tatoeba #2105726 by alexmarcelo, translation #1977629 by Spamster
- Ele tem que vir.Have him come.This sentence uses vir to express a command or requirement.Tatoeba #2135137 by MarlonX19, translation #285193 by CM
- Tom não vai vir.Tom won't come.This sentence uses vir to express a future negative action.Tatoeba #4992178 by Ricardo14, translation #2240221 by CK
- Entra aí, galera! Fiquem à vontade.Come in, guys! Make yourselves at home.
- 806 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Beatriz and Gabriel are talking about a party.
- BeatrizVocê vai vir à festa amanhã?Are you coming to the party tomorrow?
- GabrielSim, eu quero vir com você.Yes, I want to come with you.
- BeatrizQue bom que você pode vir!It's great that you can come!
- GabrielA gente se vê lá então.We'll see each other there then.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
