Using "Se" and "si" in Portuguese
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 3:41 am
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.
SEType: 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.
SIType: 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.