Brazilian Portuguese is a rich and expressive language spoken by millions of people around the world. One common question that arises when learning Portuguese is how to say “they” in this language. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of expressing “they” in Portuguese, along with some tips, examples, and even regional variations that you may come across. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “They” in Portuguese
When using a formal tone or addressing someone in a more professional setting, you will typically use the third-person plural pronoun “eles” to refer to “they” in Portuguese. Here are a few examples:
Example 1: Eles chegaram tarde hoje. (They arrived late today.)
Example 2: Eles são muito gentis. (They are very kind.)
Example 3: Eles estão estudando para o exame. (They are studying for the exam.)
In formal situations, it’s important to use the appropriate verb conjugation and agree it with the plural form of the pronoun “eles.” This ensures grammatical accuracy and maintains a respectful tone in your speech.
Informal Ways to Say “They” in Portuguese
When speaking in a more casual or intimate context, such as with friends or family, the informal pronoun “eles” can be replaced by “eles/as” or “eles/elas.” These variations are commonly used in Brazil and among close acquaintances. Take a look at the following examples:
Example 1: Eles/as vão ao cinema hoje. (They are going to the movies today.)
Example 2: Eles/elas sempre se divertem juntos. (They always have fun together.)
Example 3: Eles/elas disseram que virão amanhã. (They said they will come tomorrow.)
Using “eles/as” or “eles/elas” signifies a more relaxed and familiar tone, allowing you to connect better with those you are conversing with. It’s worth noting that these variants can be particularly useful when referring to mixed-gender groups.
Regional Variations
Now, let’s briefly touch upon regional variations that you may come across while conversing with Portuguese speakers from different countries or even within Brazil itself. While most of the variations are subtle, it’s essential to understand them to ensure effective communication.
In Portugal, for instance, you might hear the use of “eles” (masculine) or “elas” (feminine) without the need for the combined “eles/as” or “eles/elas” variations. Here’s an example:
Example: Elas chegaram atrasadas para a festa. (They arrived late to the party.)
In some Brazilian regions, particularly in the North and Northeast, a colloquial variation found is the use of “eles” or “elas” preceded by the word “os.” This is often used casually and can add a local flavor to your speech. Here’s an example:
Example: Os meninos foram embora. (The boys left.)
Remember, these regional variations may not be as commonly heard in formal or standard Portuguese. Nevertheless, they add diversity and evoke a sense of belonging when conversing with locals or immersing yourself in specific cultural settings.
Final Tips
Here are a few additional tips to help you enhance your understanding and usage of “they” in Portuguese:
- Verb Agreement: Ensure that the verb conjugation agrees with the plural form of “they” (e.g., “eles são,” “elas fazem”).
- Context Matters: Pay attention to the context and formality of the situation to choose the appropriate pronoun variation.
- Practice Listening: Listen to native Portuguese speakers to familiarize yourself with the different pronunciations and regional variations.
- Expand Vocabulary: Learn more nouns, adjectives, and verbs to describe the actions and characteristics of “they” in your conversations.
Remember, language learning is a journey, and it takes time and practice to become confident in using various pronouns correctly. Embrace your mistakes and continue pushing yourself to improve.
With this guide, you now have a comprehensive understanding of how to say “they” in Portuguese, both formally and informally. Remember to adapt your usage based on the context and region you find yourself in. Keep exploring the beauty of the Portuguese language, and soon enough, you’ll find yourself conversing effortlessly with native speakers!
