ser/ˈseɾ/
to be
Their forms, a sentence and a recording for each.
These are the hundred verbs that carry everyday Portuguese, in the order worth learning them, each with its forms and a sentence you can play in the pronunciation of Portugal.
Portuguese has thousands of verbs, but you meet the same few dozen all day long. Ser and estar both mean to be, ter carries half the grammar, and ficar changes meaning with whatever follows it.
Every verb has its present and past tense, and a sentence to go with it. Tap an orange button to hear it said.
Nearly all irregular. The verbs people use most are the ones that wear down fastest.
to be
to have; to have to (ter de + infinitive)
Tens aulas hoje?
Do you have classes today?to be (location, temporary state); to be (+ a + infinitive: to be doing)
Estou a cozinhar.
I'm cooking.to do, to make; to cook
to be able to, can; to be allowed to, may
Podes falar mais devagar?
Can you speak more slowly? (informal)to go; to be going to (+ infinitive)
Vamos de férias em breve.
We're going on holiday soon.there to be (há: there is, there are); to be … ago (há uma semana: a week ago)
Não há nada a fazer.
There's nothing to be done.to say, to tell; to mean (querer dizer)
to give; to hand over
A Ana deu um livro ao Pedro.
Ana gave Pedro a book.to see, to watch; to check, to look at
Ontem vi um filme no cinema.
Yesterday I saw a film at the cinema.Speeku's European Portuguese course is 1,000 short lessons, fully offline, for a one-time payment. These verbs are the ones it keeps coming back to.
Several change meaning with a preposition. Open one to see how.
Só quero um café.
I just want one coffee.Quando cheguei, o filme entretanto já tinha começado.
When I arrived, the film had already started.O Zé é sincero: diz sempre o que pensa.
Zé is sincere: he always says what he thinks.De repente, começou a chover.
Suddenly it started to rain.A Ana não veio à festa, o que é estranho.
Ana didn't come to the party, which is strange.Importa-se de falar mais devagar?
Would you mind speaking more slowly? (formal)Já se conhecem?
Do you already know each other?O que é que achas dele?
What do you think of him? (informal)Mostly regular -ar verbs, which makes this the easiest stretch of the list.
Lisboa é um belo sítio para viver.
Lisbon is a beautiful place to live.O comboio que vai para Lisboa sai às dez.
The train that goes to Lisbon leaves at ten.Chama a polícia!
Call the police! (informal)O comboio segue em direção a Coimbra.
The train is heading towards Coimbra.Eu peço sempre uma torrada com o café.
I always order toast with my coffee.Preciso que me faças um favor.
I need you to do me a favour. (informal)Gosto de ler no jardim ao entardecer.
I like reading in the garden at dusk.Deixas-me usar o teu telemóvel?
Will you let me use your phone? (informal)Vou tomar um comprimido para a dor.
I'm going to take a pill for the pain.Trabalho melhor sob pressão.
I work better under pressure.Havia tanta gente que não entrámos.
There were so many people that we didn't go in.Nós havemos de voltar a Lisboa.
We will come back to Lisbon one day.Fala mais alto, não consigo ouvir.
Speak louder, I can't hear.Nunca ganho ao meu irmão.
I never beat my brother.Vou criar uma conta nova.
I'm going to create a new account.Tenho de escrever o relatório até sexta.
I have to write the report by Friday.The second fifty finish the job: the verbs you need to tell a story, give an opinion or ask for help.
O peixe vai morrer fora da água.
The fish is going to die out of the water.Vou abrir uma conta no banco.
I'm going to open an account at the bank.Apesar do preço, comprei o casaco.
Despite the price, I bought the coat.Lembra-te de fechar a porta.
Remember to close the door. (informal)Já agora, podes trazer pão?
While you're at it, can you bring some bread?Porque é que deixaste de jogar futebol?
Why did you stop playing football? (informal)Olha para o mar!
Look at the sea!Não sei se me faço entender.
I don't know if I'm making myself clear.Ou andas mais depressa ou perdemos o comboio.
Either you walk faster or we'll miss the train.O copo caiu ao chão.
The glass fell on the floor.Não me queres apresentar à tua amiga?
Won't you introduce me to your friend? (informal)Portugal produz muito vinho.
Portugal produces a lot of wine.Quero oferecer uma prenda à Ana.
I want to give Ana a present.O estudante vai perguntar e o professor vai responder.
The student is going to ask and the teacher is going to answer.Vou explicar outra vez para que percebas.
I'll explain again so that you understand. (informal)Preferes chá ou café?
Do you prefer tea or coffee? (informal)O turista perguntou onde ficava a estação.
The tourist asked where the station was.Fecho a janela para que não entre frio.
I'm closing the window so that the cold doesn't get in.Antes de comeres, lava as mãos.
Before you eat, wash your hands. (informal)Os meus pais conduzem devagar.
My parents drive slowly.Ela mostra as fotos aos amigos.
She shows the photos to her friends.Procuro um quarto mobilado perto do centro.
I'm looking for a furnished room near the centre.O que aconteceu ontem?
What happened yesterday?Gosto deste restaurante, embora seja caro.
I like this restaurant, although it's expensive.Aprendo português todos os dias.
I learn Portuguese every day.Não existe uma resposta fácil.
There is no easy answer.Ele diz que sim, mas eu não posso acreditar.
He says yes, but I can't believe it.Ainda não decidi.
I haven't decided yet.Queres beber um café?
Do you want to drink a coffee? (informal)Os preços subiram cinco por cento.
Prices went up five percent.O ladrão partiu a janela da cozinha.
The thief broke the kitchen window.Mantém a calma!
Keep calm!Não é permitido fumar aqui.
Smoking is not allowed here.Por quanto vais vender a bicicleta?
How much are you selling the bike for? (informal)Não compreendo esta palavra.
I don't understand this word.Vou tentar outra vez.
I'm going to try again.Acordo às sete.
I wake up at seven.No tempo livre gosto de tocar guitarra.
In my free time I like playing the guitar.Short lessons, audio on every line, and speaking practice that runs on your phone.
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