Reflexive Verbs and Pronouns

In Portuguese, reflexive verbs are used to express actions that are done to oneself. These verbs require the use of reflexive pronouns to indicate that the subject is both the doer and the receiver of the action. Let's dive into how to use reflexive verbs and pronouns effectively.

Forming Reflexive Verbs

To form a reflexive verb, we add the reflexive pronoun to the infinitive form of the verb. The reflexive pronouns are:

• me (myself)
• te (yourself)
• se (himself/herself/itself/oneself)
• nos (ourselves)
• vos (yourselves)
• se (themselves)

Here's an example with the reflexive verb "to wash":

• Lavar (to wash)
• Lavar-se (to wash oneself)

Using Reflexive Verbs

Reflexive verbs are commonly used to talk about personal care activities, daily routines, emotions, and reciprocal actions. Here are a few examples:

1. Personal Care Activities:

   • Eu me lavo todas as manhãs. (I wash myself every morning.)
   • Ela se penteia antes de sair. (She brushes her hair before leaving.)

2. Daily Routines:

   • Nós nos levantamos cedo todos os dias. (We get up early every day.)
   • Eles se vestem rapidamente para o trabalho. (They dress quickly for work.)

3. Emotions:

   • Ele se sente feliz hoje. (He feels happy today.)
   • Você se preocupa muito com os outros. (You worry a lot about others.)

4. Reciprocal Actions:

   • Elas se abraçaram no final da apresentação. (They hugged each other at the end of the performance.)
   • Vocês se cumprimentaram com um aperto de mão. (You greeted each other with a handshake.)

Positioning Reflexive Pronouns

Reflexive pronouns usually come before the verb, attached to it. However, when using the gerund or the infinitive form, the reflexive pronoun can either stay attached to the verb or go before it.

Examples:

• Estou me preparando para a viagem. (I am preparing myself for the trip.)

• Estou preparando-me para a viagem. (I am preparing myself for the trip.)

• Vamos nos divertir na festa. (We are going to have fun at the party.)

• Vamos divertir-nos na festa. (We are going to have fun at the party.)

Note: In Brazilian Portuguese, it is more common to use reflexive pronouns attached to the verb, while in European Portuguese, both forms are acceptable.

Reflexive Verbs in Different Tenses

Reflexive verbs can be used in various tenses, just like regular verbs. Here are a few examples in the present and past tenses:

Present Tense:

• Eu me maquio todos os dias. (I put on makeup every day.)
• Eles se sentem confusos com a situação. (They feel confused about the situation.)

Past Tense:

• Ela se levantou tarde ontem. (She got up late yesterday.)
• Nós nos divertimos muito na festa. (We had a great time at the party.)

Common Reflexive Verbs

Here are some common reflexive verbs that you will frequently encounter in Portuguese:

• acostumar-se (to get used to)
• arrepender-se (to regret)
• comportar-se (to behave)
• interessar-se (to be interested in)
• preocupar-se (to worry)

Remember, using reflexive verbs and pronouns effectively can greatly enhance your ability to express actions done to oneself in Portuguese.