Using "Se" and "si" in Portuguese

[John Little]

In Portuguese, "se" and "si" are both pronouns, but they are used in different contexts:

SE

Type: Reflexive pronoun or part of impersonal/passive voice.

Usage:

1. Reflexive actions (when the subject acts on itself):

Ele se cortou. – He cut himself.


2. Impersonal sentences (no specific subject):

Vive-se bem aqui. – One lives well here.


3. Passive voice:

Vendem-se carros usados. – Used cars are sold.


4. Conditional “if”:

Se chover, ficamos em casa. – If it rains, we’ll stay home.

SI

Type: Prepositional pronoun (used after prepositions)

Usage:

Comes after prepositions to refer back to the subject:

Ele falou de si mesmo. – He spoke about himself.

Ela cuida bem de si. – She takes good care of herself.

Key Difference:

Use "se" when it’s part of a verb structure (reflexive, impersonal, passive, or conditional).

Use "si" only after a preposition and when referring back to the subject.