When learning a new language, understanding the proper usage of prepositions is essential for effective communication. In Portuguese, prepositions play a crucial role in expressing relationships between words and conveying various meanings. One important category of prepositions in Portuguese is those that indicate means or instrument. These prepositions provide information about how an action is performed or the tools used to accomplish a task. In this guide, we will explore the usage and examples of prepositions of means/instrument in Portuguese.
Introduction to Prepositions:
Before delving into prepositions of means/instrument, let’s have a brief overview of prepositions in general. Prepositions are words that establish relationships between other words in a sentence. They indicate direction, location, time, manner, cause, and many other relationships. In Portuguese, prepositions are placed before a noun, pronoun, or gerund to establish a connection.
Prepositions of Means/Instrument:
Prepositions of means/instrument in Portuguese express how an action is performed or the tools used to accomplish it. These prepositions indicate the means by which something is done or the instrument employed. The most commonly used prepositions in this category are “por” and “com.”
a) “Por”:
The preposition “por” is extensively used to indicate means or instrument in Portuguese. It conveys the idea of “by” or “through” in English. Let’s explore some examples:
Eu estudo por livros. (I study by books.)
Ele aprendeu a tocar violão por si mesmo. (He learned to play the guitar by himself.)
Ela viajou por avião. (She traveled by plane.)
Vamos nos comunicar por telefone. (Let’s communicate by phone.)
A obra foi realizada por um grupo de voluntários. (The work was carried out by a group of volunteers.)
In these examples, “por” indicates the means or instrument through which the action is performed. It can refer to books, oneself, a mode of transportation, a communication device, or a group of volunteers.
b) “Com”:
The preposition “com” is also used to express means or instrument in Portuguese. It translates to “with” in English and highlights the tool or instrument employed in an action. Consider the following examples:
Eu escrevo com uma caneta. (I write with a pen.)
Ele cozinhou o jantar com uma panela nova. (He cooked dinner with a new pan.)
Ela cortou o papel com uma tesoura afiada. (She cut the paper with sharp scissors.)
Vamos decorar a sala com flores. (Let’s decorate the room with flowers.)
Ele tocou a música com um violino. (He played the music with a violin.)
In these sentences, “com” denotes the tool or instrument used to perform the action. It can refer to a pen, a pan, scissors, flowers, or a violin.
Other Prepositions of Means/Instrument:
While “por” and “com” are the most frequently used prepositions to indicate means or instrument in Portuguese, there are a few others that are worth mentioning:
a) “De”:
The preposition “de” can also be used to express means or instrument, although its usage in this context is less common than “por” and “com.” It can indicate the material or substance used to perform an action. Consider the following examples:
Ele construiu a casa de tijolos. (He built the house with bricks.)
Ela fez uma escultura de argila. (She made a sculpture out of clay.)
Vou comprar uma camiseta de algodão. (I’m going to buy a cotton shirt.)
In these examples, “de” highlights the material or substance that serves as the means or instrument for the action.
b) “Através de”:
The preposition “através de” translates to “through” in English and is used to indicate means or instrument in a more literal sense. It conveys the idea of passing or moving through something. Let’s see some examples:
Ele olhou para o mundo através de uma janela. (He looked at the world through a window.)
Nós nos comunicamos através de mensagens de texto. (We communicate through text messages.)
O pássaro voou através de uma pequena abertura. (The bird flew through a small opening.)
In these sentences, “através de” emphasizes the means or instrument of passage or observation.
Prepositions and Verbs:
It’s important to note that certain verbs in Portuguese are typically used in conjunction with specific prepositions of means/instrument. Here are a few examples:
Falar por telefone: to speak on the phone
Estudar por livros: to study from books
Andar de bicicleta: to ride a bicycle
Trabalhar com computadores: to work with computers
Comprar com dinheiro: to buy with money
In these cases, the preposition used with the verb indicates the means or instrument employed in the action.
Conclusion:
Prepositions of means/instrument in Portuguese are essential for expressing how an action is performed or the tools used to accomplish it. By understanding the usage of prepositions like “por” and “com,” learners can effectively communicate and describe the means or instruments involved in various activities. Additionally, being aware of other prepositions such as “de” and “através de” expands the range of expressions related to means or instrument. Practice incorporating these prepositions into your sentences, and gradually you will become more proficient in expressing actions and their methods in Portuguese.
Originally posted 2023-07-14 14:52:25.