When learning a new language, understanding prepositions is crucial as they play a significant role in expressing relationships between different elements within a sentence. In Portuguese, simple prepositions are a fundamental part of the language and are used to indicate location, direction, time, possession, and various other relationships. In this introduction, we will explore the basics of Portuguese simple prepositions, providing examples and explanations to help beginners grasp their usage.
What are Prepositions?
Prepositions are words that establish relationships between other words in a sentence. They typically indicate location, direction, time, or other relationships. In Portuguese, prepositions are used in a similar way to English but can differ in terms of usage and meaning.
Simple Prepositions in Portuguese
Portuguese simple prepositions, known as “preposições simples” in Portuguese, are single-word prepositions that do not undergo any changes in form. They are used before nouns, pronouns, or phrases to establish various relationships within a sentence.
Here are some common Portuguese simple prepositions:
A (to, at)
Com (with)
De (of, from)
Em (in, on)
Para (for, to)
Por (by, for, through)
Sem (without)
Sobre (on, about)
Entre (between)
Usage and Examples
3.1. A (to, at)
The preposition “a” is commonly used to indicate direction or movement towards a place or person. It can also denote a point in time.
Examples:
Eu vou a casa. (I’m going home.)
Ele vai a Paris. (He’s going to Paris.)
Ela trabalha a noite. (She works at night.)
3.2. Com (with)
The preposition “com” is used to indicate association or accompaniment. It signifies being together with someone or something.
Examples:
Eu vou com meu amigo. (I’m going with my friend.)
Ela está com fome. (She’s hungry.)
Ele comprou um presente com amor. (He bought a gift with love.)
3.3. De (of, from)
The preposition “de” expresses possession, origin, or material. It is also used to indicate a point in time.
Examples:
O carro do meu pai. (My father’s car.)
Eu sou de Portugal. (I am from Portugal.)
Ela chegou de manhã. (She arrived in the morning.)
3.4. Em (in, on)
The preposition “em” is used to express location or position. It can also denote a specific time or period.
Examples:
O livro está em cima da mesa. (The book is on the table.)
Ele mora em Lisboa. (He lives in Lisbon.)
A festa será em dezembro. (The party will be in December.)
3.5. Para (for, to)
The preposition “para” indicates purpose, destination, or recipient. It can also express a future action or a comparison.
Examples:
Eu comprei um presente para minha mãe. (I bought a gift for my mother.)
Ele está indo para a escola. (He is going to school.)
Ela é alta para sua idade. (She is tall for her age.)
3.6. Por (by, for, through)
The preposition “por” denotes various meanings such as cause, means, duration, or exchange.
Examples:
Eu comprei isso por dez euros. (I bought this for ten euros.)
Ele foi para a escola por ônibus. (He went to school by bus.)
Ela estudou por três horas. (She studied for three hours.)
3.7. Sem (without)
The preposition “sem” is used to express the absence or lack of something.
Examples:
Eu vou sair sem você. (I’m going out without you.)
Ela comprou o livro sem capa. (She bought the book without a cover.)
Eles vivem sem medo. (They live without fear.)
3.8. Sobre (on, about)
The preposition “sobre” indicates the location of something or the subject of discussion.
Examples:
O livro está sobre a mesa. (The book is on the table.)
Eles estão falando sobre o filme. (They are talking about the movie.)
Ele escreveu um artigo sobre política. (He wrote an article on politics.)
3.9. Entre (between)
The preposition “entre” is used to indicate a relationship between two or more things or people.
Examples:
Ela está entre seus amigos. (She is among her friends.)
O rio corre entre as montanhas. (The river flows between the mountains.)
A casa está entre a escola e o supermercado. (The house is between the school and the supermarket.)
In conclusion, understanding Portuguese simple prepositions is essential for beginners in the language. These prepositions play a crucial role in expressing relationships between elements in a sentence. By familiarizing yourself with the examples and explanations provided, you can start using these prepositions accurately and confidently in your Portuguese conversations. Remember that practice and exposure to the language will greatly enhance your understanding and usage of these prepositions.
Originally posted 2023-07-14 15:20:06.