Past and progressPortugueseA2

Pretérito perfeito

Use the pretérito perfeito for completed actions viewed as whole events.

Examples

PortugueseTranslation
Ontem comprei um livro novo.

Yesterday I bought a new book.

Chegamos tarde por causa do trânsito.

We arrived late because of traffic.

Ela escreveu tudo no caderno.

She wrote everything in the notebook.

Pattern

past form for completed event

How it works

Use the pretérito perfeito for completed actions viewed as whole events. This pattern typically appears as past form for completed event and becomes easier when you meet it again in short, readable examples.

What to notice

  • This tense usually frames the action as completed.
  • Specific time words like ontem and na semana passada fit naturally here.

Why it matters

Describe finished actions and what is happening around now.

Use in context

This tense is key for short stories, recaps, and practical daily narration.