Your Portuguese Learning Library. One Read at a Time.
How to pronounce M in Portuguese
In European Portuguese, the letter M can produce two distinct sounds: [m] or [ŋ]. Let’s break this down: Companion read Related Articles…
Automatic Language Growth: Origins, Strengths, and Shortcomings
Automatic Language Growth (ALG) is a method of language acquisition that emphasizes natural, effortless learning through exposure and interaction, rather than relying…
Tonic Object Pronouns in Portuguese: Mim, Ti, Si, and More
A solid understanding of Portuguese tonic object pronouns enhances natural and fluent speech. These pronouns follow prepositions and emphasize the object of…
Are Language-Learning Apps Like Duolingo Worth It?
Language-learning apps like Duolingo and Babbel have transformed how we acquire new languages. With millions of users worldwide, these platforms promise bite-sized,…
Common Auxiliary Verbs in Portuguese
Have you ever struggled to determine whether an auxiliary verb should be followed by ‘a’ or not? For example, many students say…
Portuguese Past Perfect: Pretérito Mais-que-Perfeito
The Portuguese equivalent of the English Past Perfect is called Pretérito Mais-que-Perfeito, and it’s used to express an action that happened in…
Plural Endings to Portuguese Nouns Ending in -ão
Nouns ending in the nasal diphthong ‘-ão’ are quite common in Portuguese. While one might assume these nouns form their plural by…
Difference Between Tudo and Todo in Portuguese
What’s the difference between tudo and todo/toda/todos/todas? These are all indefinite pronouns often translated as “all” in English, though tudo is more…
Mass vs Count Nouns in Portuguese
What are the Portuguese equivalents of “much” vs “many” and “little” vs “few”? To answer this question, it’s essential to understand the…
Double Negation in Portuguese
In Portuguese, like in other Romance languages, double negation is a very common feature. What is double negation? Double negation occurs when…
Rhotic Sounds in European Portuguese
Rhotic sounds, often referred to as ‘r’ sounds, are a defining feature of European Portuguese pronunciation. In short, in European Portuguese, the…
Pretérito Perfeito Simples vs Composto in Portuguese
In short, the Pretérito Perfeito Simples is used to describe complete actions, whereas the Pretérito Perfeito Composto (also known as the Preterite) conveys an ongoing temporal quality, particularly when something…
Portuguese Verb-Pronoun Placement
You have probably noticed that when using reflexive verbs, the reflexive pronoun placement varies – sometimes comes after the verb, sometimes precedes…
Using Portuguese Prepositions ‘A’ and ‘Em’ with Time: Routine vs. One-Off Events
Portuguese prepositions can take on different roles depending on the context. For example, “a” is primarily a preposition of movement, while “em”…
Portuguese Indefinite Pronouns
A good grasp of Portuguese pronouns is a key step toward building fluent, natural sentences and today we’re focusing on indefinite pronouns….
Prepositions ‘De’ vs ‘Em’ in Portuguese (Mode of Transport)
In Portuguese, ‘de’ is used for general references to the mode of transport, while ’em’ is used for specific instances. Remember, ‘de’…
Parts of the Day in Portuguese
In Portuguese, as in many languages, the day is divided into distinct segments corresponding to various times and routines. This article will…
Telling the Time in Portuguese
In this post, you will learn the essentials of telling the time in Portuguese, including vocabulary, phrases, and useful tips. Basic Vocabulary…