Lesson 2
Essential Pronouns + Present Tense
Build full sentences by pairing subject pronouns with regular verbs in the present tense. Practice these structures aloud and use the audio clips (coming soon) for native cadence.
Subject Pronouns in Brazilian Portuguese
Use these every day to talk about yourself and others. Remember: a gente replaces nós in most informal conversations.
I → Eu
You (informal) → Você
He / She → Ele / Ela
We → Nós / A gente
You all → Vocês
They → Eles / Elas
Regular Verb Patterns (Present Tense)
Focus on the endings for -ar, -er, and -ir verbs. Once you know the pattern, swap the stem to talk about routines, preferences, and feelings.
To speak (-ar verbs) → Falar
- Eu falo inglês. (I speak English.)
- Você fala português?
- A gente fala todo dia.
To eat (-er verbs) → Comer
- Eu como pão de queijo.
- Você come arroz e feijão.
- Eles comem juntos no almoço.
To open (-ir verbs) → Abrir
- Eu abro a janela.
- Você abre o livro na página 20.
- Nós abrimos a loja às 9h.
Pronouns + Verbs in Action
Combine pronouns and verbs to make your own sentences. Say them aloud and record yourself to compare with the audio later.
Pattern 1: Eu + verbo
Example: Eu estudo todos os dias.
Pattern 2: Você + verbo + onde/quando?
Example: Você trabalha onde?
Pattern 3: Eles/Elas + verbo + com quem?
Example: Elas viajam com os amigos.
Try It Yourself
Tap the option that best completes each sentence. Each blank tests either a subject pronoun or the matching verb ending from this lesson.
____ estudo português todos os dias.
I study Portuguese every day.
Use "Eu estudo" because the -o ending already shows first person.
Observe how the verb ending -o points to "eu".
Você ____ onde?
Where do you work?
"Você" pairs with the -a ending: "você trabalha".
Remember: trabalho = eu, trabalham = eles/elas.
A gente ____ com a família todo domingo.
We talk with the family every Sunday.
Although it means "we", "a gente" uses the singular form: fala.
Use "fala" with "a gente"; reserve "falamos" for nós.
Eles ____ a loja às 9h.
They open the store at 9 a.m.
Plural subjects like "eles" need the -em ending: abrem.
Match "eles" with verbs ending in -em (abrem, falam, comem).
Next lesson
Lesson 3: Near Future & Questions
Use question words with ir + infinitive to talk about upcoming plans and invite others to practice.