A2 (Elementary)Lesson 3: Reflexive Pronouns & Daily Routines
Many common Brazilian verbs appear with reflexive pronouns. Sometimes the pronoun is essential, and sometimes it changes the meaning of the verb.
Reflexive pronouns often stay before the verb
"chamar-se", "lembrar-se", "sentir-se" are high-frequency patterns
The pronoun may be part of the meaning
me / te / se / nos + verb
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Use reflexive pronouns when the action comes back to the subject: "me chamo", "se machucou".
Some verbs are often learned together with the pronoun: "lembrar-se de", "sentir-se", "chamar-se".
Brazilian Portuguese strongly prefers pronouns before the verb in neutral speech: "me lembro", "se sente".
A reflexive form may have a different meaning from the non-reflexive form: "lembrar" vs. "lembrar-se".
"Se" can be reflexive, reciprocal, impersonal, or passive. Here it is the reflexive use.
With "a gente", use "se": "a gente se encontra".
| Step | Rule |
|---|
| Portuguese | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Eu me chamo Ana. | My name is Ana. |
| Ele se lembra de tudo. | He remembers everything. |
| A gente se encontra às oito. | We'll meet at eight. |
| Ela se machucou ontem. | She got hurt yesterday. |
| Hoje eu me sinto melhor. | Today I feel better. |
| Eu me chamo Paulo. | My name is Paulo. |
| Ela se lembra do nome. | She remembers the name. |
| A gente se encontra depois. | We'll meet later. |
| Ele se machucou no jogo. | He got hurt in the game. |
Some verbs allow both forms with a nuance shift: "lembrar algo" and "lembrar-se de algo".
Do not assume every "se" is reflexive; later lessons show other uses.
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