Learning Notes

This learning note will cover the personal infinitive in Portuguese and how it’s different from the impersonal infinitive. First let’s review what we mean by infinitive. The is one of the three formas nominais (nominal forms) verbs can have. Nominal forms do not express the verb tense, mode, and person by themselves. They are dependent […]

We covered when to use ser earlier in this unit, but what about ? The verb estar is generally used for non-permanent (i.e. temporary) conditions, traits, or things, as opposed to which tends to be used for more permanent or lasting parameters. Let’s explore many of the common contexts in which you would use estar. […]

We know, we know… No matter how essential they are, and are two difficult verbs. If the simplified distinction in the previous lesson wasn’t enough for you, you’re in luck. In this lesson, we’ll have a more detailed look at how and when to use ser, with plenty of examples to guide you. Later on […]

Quick review of regular -IR verb endings Let’s start out with a regular -IR verb example, just to cleanse your palate 🍷: Irregular -IR Verbs And now, a very common and very irregular example: Here’s another irregular (and perhaps less scary) example:

In recent years, more and more foreigners have been looking into buying a home in Portugal. Housing prices dropped significantly after an economic downturn, but as the economy recovers, property prices are beginning to rise again, especially in certain areas. Still, interest rates remain low and many are drawn to the climate, quality of life, […]

Quick review of regular -ER verb endings Let’s start out with a regular verb: The verb stem escrev- is combined with the regular -ER present tense endings (-o, –es, –e, –emos, –em). Irregular -ER Verbs For an irregular example, let’s have a look at , which you’ve likely seen by now. This verb is a […]

As mentioned, verbs are split into three groups: -ar verbs -er verbs -ir verbs Now we’ll deal with the 3rd and final group: -IR verbs! IR Verb Endings The regular -IR verb conjugations are almost the same as the -ER verbs, except for one little difference… can you spot it? 🤔

Collective numbers are those that even in their singular form indicate a group of beings or things: Sometimes they indicate the exact number of things in the group, as in the example above. A quarteto is a musical group of 4 people. Other times, they are more general:

In this lesson, we’ll learn about , which define exact fractions, or parts, of a given thing. Let’s have a look: List of Portuguese Fractional Numbers Fractional numbers 1/2 – 1/10 Fractional numbers 1/11 – 1/19 Fractional numbers 1/20 – 1/1000

Multipliers define multiples of a given thing or person. Let’s have a look at a few: Multiplier numbers are always preceded by the definite article o, and they’re paired with the preposition de (or its prepositional contractions).

Ordinal numbers tell us the order people, animals, or things take in a specific series: They are variable, meaning they must match the subject in gender and number. For example:

What are cardinal numbers? Cardinal numbers are basically regular ol’ numbers. They simply indicate the number of people, animals, or things. They are invariable, except… The majority of cardinal numbers are invariable, meaning they only have one form. For example, you say três meninos (3 boys) and três meninas (3 girls). There is only one […]