Contractions: Understand and use Portuguese contractions effectively

In Portuguese, contractions are formed when two words come together and merge into one, typically by dropping a vowel or a syllable. Understanding and using contractions correctly can make your conversations in Portuguese more fluid and natural. In this guide, we will explore the most common contractions used in the language.

1. Definite Article + Preposition

The definite article in Portuguese is "O" for masculine singular nouns and "A" for feminine singular nouns. When the definite article is followed by a preposition, it undergoes contraction. Here are some examples:

• Ao = A + O (to the)
• Pelo = Por + O (by the)
• Deles = De + Eles (of them)

2. Preposition + Pronoun

When a preposition and a pronoun come together, they form a contraction. Here are some examples:

• Comigo = Com + Mim (with me)
• Para ela = Para + Ela (for her)
• Sobre nós = Sobre + Nós (about us)

3. Verb + Pronoun

In Portuguese, when a verb is followed by a pronoun, the pronoun is attached to the verb, creating a contraction. Here are some examples:

• Dá-me = Dá + Me (give me)
• Vou-te contar = Vou + Te + Contar (I'm going to tell you)

4. Verb "estar" + Preposition

The verb "estar" (to be) often forms contractions when it is followed by a preposition. Here are some examples:

• Estou na praia = Estou + Em + A (I am at the beach)
• Estamos no restaurante = Estamos + Em + O (We are in the restaurant)

5. Verb "deixar" + Preposition

The verb "deixar" (to let, to allow) also forms contractions when it is followed by a preposition. Here are some examples:

• Deixe-me ir = Deixe + Me + Ir (Let me go)
• Deixamos de fazer = Deixamos + De + Fazer (We stopped doing)

6. Pronoun + Pronoun

When two pronouns are used together, they can contract into a single word. Here are some examples:

• Dê-me-o = Dê + Me + O (Give me it)
• Contaram-nos = Contaram + Nos (They told us)

7. Other Common Contractions

Here are some additional contractions that you may encounter in conversational Portuguese:

• Aquele = Aquele (that)
• Àquele = A + Aquele (to that)
• Deste = De + Este (of this)
• Neste = Em + Este (in this)
• Naqueles = Em + Aqueles (in those)

It's important to note that contractions can vary depending on the dialect of Portuguese being spoken. The examples provided above are based on the Standard European Portuguese dialect.

By understanding and practicing these contractions, you can enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Portuguese and sound more like a native speaker. Keep in mind that contractions are an essential part of colloquial speech and can greatly improve your fluency and comprehension.