Grammar
Portuguese A1
The first grammar patterns you need to read short Portuguese scenes with confidence.
On this level
- Identity and description
Begin with the most visible verbs and agreement patterns.
- Present and near future
Build the everyday sentence frames that appear constantly in beginner Portuguese.
- Daily communication
Keep the first interactions practical and flexible.
Identity and description
Begin with the most visible verbs and agreement patterns.
Articles and gender
Portuguese nouns usually come with articles, and those articles help show gender and number early.
Ser and estar
Use ser for identity and more stable description, and use estar for temporary state or location.
Ter for age and common states
Portuguese often uses ter in expressions where English uses “to be,” especially for age, hunger, or fear.
Present and near future
Build the everyday sentence frames that appear constantly in beginner Portuguese.
Present tense for regular verbs
Regular verb endings let you describe routine, preference, and simple present facts.
Ir + infinitive
Use ir plus an infinitive to express a near-future plan in a clear everyday way.
Ter que + infinitive
Use ter que plus an infinitive to express obligation, need, or something that has to be done.
Daily communication
Keep the first interactions practical and flexible.
Gostar de
Portuguese usually uses gostar with the preposition de when talking about what someone likes.
Não and basic questions
Não usually stands before the verb, and beginner Portuguese questions often rely on intonation or a question word.
Question words
Words like quem, onde, quando, qual, and por que help Portuguese ask for specific missing information instead of a general yes-no answer.