What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb ame (love), the reflexive pronoun se (yourself) and the adverb primeiro (first).
Which one should you use?
While ame-se primeiro is the standard form, ame a si mesmo primeiro is a more emphatic way to say the phrase by using the reflexive pronoun si mesmo to emphasize the self.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazilian Portuguese, the informal expression Se ame antes de amar alguém is common. In European Portuguese, the casual way to express this sentiment is Ama-te primeiro.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ame-se primeiro uses the imperative mood for the second person singular (você), which is the standard way to give advice or commands in most of Brazil. The form ama-te primeiro uses the second person singular (tu), which is common in certain regions of Brazil, such as the South, as well as in Portugal.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, if you use the word amor (love) to describe a person, it is often used as a term of endearment for friends or even strangers, similar to 'honey' or 'dear' in English.
- In many Portuguese-speaking cultures, giving advice about love often requires a delicate balance of 'coragem' (courage), as prioritizing oneself can sometimes be perceived as being too 'egoísta' (selfish).
- The word primeiro shares a common ancestor with the English word 'primary' and even the word 'premiere', as all stem from the Latin 'primus', meaning 'first'.
Examples in context
- Pedro, você sabe que é importante "Amar-se antes de tudo" para ser feliz, não é?Pedro, you know it's important to "Love yourself above all" to be happy, right?
- João, nunca se esqueça de "Se amar antes de amar alguém".João, never forget to "Love yourself before loving someone else".
- Ame-se primeiro, para poder cuidar de alguém.Love yourself first, so you can take care of someone.
- Você não pode ajudar ninguém se não se amar. Ame-se primeiro.You can't help anyone if you don't love yourself. Love yourself first.
- Antes de buscar aprovação alheia, ame-se primeiro.Before seeking others' approval, love yourself first.
Example conversation
Mariana is feeling exhausted from trying to please everyone around her.
- FelipeVocê está sempre cansada de tentar agradar todo mundo.You are always tired from trying to please everyone.
- MarianaSim, eu sinto que me perdi de mim mesma.Yes, I feel like I lost myself.
- FelipeAme-se primeiro, Mariana. Você precisa de paz.Love yourself first, Mariana. You need peace.
- MarianaVocê tem razão, Felipe. Vou tentar focar em mim.You are right, Felipe. I will try to focus on myself.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries primeiro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
