A2Lesson 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.
me / te / se / nos + 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
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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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