Learn Portuguese grammar with a proven online learning model
Understanding the basics of Portuguese grammar is the first step to learning this beautiful language, the eighth most widely spoken on Earth. The most effective way to learn Portuguese grammar is with the help of an online learning app, such as Babbel, which offers expert Portuguese grammar lessons and language courses. It's the ideal choice for those who want to learn both beginner and advanced modern Portuguese grammar. When you start learning the Portuguese language grammar is key, including the use of masculine and feminine nouns and how these affect adjectives, as well as the changing forms of prepositions.
Key Portuguese Grammar rules
Before you embark on an online language course, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the Portuguese grammar basics. The first rule of Portuguese grammar for beginners is that all nouns are either masculine (ending in 'o') or feminine (ending in 'a'). Some masculine and feminine nouns can also end in 'ão'. Another important rule is how to use 'you'. In Portugal the informal 'tu' is used with family and friends, but only in the singular, whilst the formal 'você' is used for all other circumstances. However in Brazil, 'tu' is hardly used at all.
Where's do you start with the Portuguese grammar basics?
I = eu
He = ele
She = ela
You = você/tu
Sentences, like English, are built using subject + verb + object
There are three main verb groups, ending in ar, er or ir
Portuguese Grammar exercises
An expert-designed language course will offer regular grammar exercises which you can access alongside your lessons. At Babbel these exercises are built into the course to help you become adept at understanding and applying the basic rules of grammar in Portuguese, and as time goes by to learn and use more advanced rules too. All Portuguese lessons at Babbel use real-life scenarios to help you learn the words, phrases and grammatical rules that you are actually going to need.
Learning how to use Portuguese adjectives
There are two important things to remember when you use adjectives in Portuguese. Firstly, the adjective needs to match the number of the noun and secondly, it needs to match the gender of the noun. Generally speaking, the adjective ends in an 'a' for masculine nouns and an 'o' for feminine nouns. However with some adjectives a different word entirely is used depending on the gender and with others, the word stays the same whatever the noun. Unlike English, adjectives typically come after the noun, although they can come before, which often changes the meaning of the adjective to its less common meaning. Portuguese possessive adjectives also change according to gender and amount. It's important to note that 'his', 'her' and 'their' all translate to one word in Portuguese; 'seu'. This word changes according to the gender of the noun (object) rather than the subject.
Portuguese adjectives list
bom (m), boa (f) = good
mau (m), má(f) = bad
bonito (m), bonita (f) = beautiful
pequeno (m), pequena (f) = small
grande (m/f) = big
triste (m/f) = sad
Essential Portuguese prepositions
Prepositions tell us where or when something is, relative to something else. They are one of the most important elements of learning a language. The context of the prepositions is vitally important in Portuguese. It's common for prepositions to become a contraction of the article and the preposition, and also to change according to the gender of the noun.
Basic Portuguese prepositions
de = of/by/from
por = for
para = to
em = in
a = to
Become a Portuguese grammar expert with an online language course
Learning Portuguese online with Babbel is an effective method for confidently speaking, writing and even reading Portuguese, and when you register online the first lesson is completely free. Whether you're looking for an advanced course, or just want to learn the basics for a holiday in the Algarve, Babbel courses in Portuguese are a fast, proven route to reaching your goal.