What Is the Gerund in Portuguese?
The gerund, known as “gerúndio” in Portuguese, is a verb form ending in “-ndo” (for example, “falando” for “speaking,” “comendo” for “eating,” and “escrevendo” for “writing”). It is primarily used to express ongoing actions, similar to the English “-ing” form.
The Gerund in Brazilian Portuguese
Brazilians use the gerund frequently in both spoken and written language. It is the standard way to express actions that are in progress or continuous. The construction “estar + gerund” (for example, “estou falando” meaning “I am speaking”) is used in nearly all regions and registers of Brazilian Portuguese. You will hear it everywhere, from casual conversations to formal writing.
Examples of the Gerund in Brazil
- Estou estudando para a prova. (I am studying for the test.)
- Ela está trabalhando agora. (She is working now.)
- Estamos aprendendo português. (We are learning Portuguese.)
The Gerund in European Portuguese
In contrast, the use of the gerund is much less common in Portugal, especially in spoken language. While the construction “estar + gerund” is grammatically correct and understood, native speakers in Portugal often prefer alternative structures to express ongoing actions. The most frequent alternative is the infinitive with the preposition “a” (for example, “estou a falar” instead of “estou falando”).
Examples of Continuous Actions in Portugal
- Estou a estudar para o teste. (I am studying for the test.)
- Ela está a trabalhar agora. (She is working now.)
- Estamos a aprender português. (We are learning Portuguese.)
When Is the Gerund Used in Portugal?
The gerund does appear in Portugal, but usually in very specific contexts, such as formal writing or to emphasize the continuity of an action. It is far less common in everyday speech. Learners of European Portuguese should be aware that overusing the gerund in Portugal can sound unnatural.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Brazilian Portuguese | European Portuguese |
|---|---|
| Frequent use of “estar + gerund” (ex: estou falando) | Preference for “estar a + infinitive” (ex: estou a falar) |
| Gerund used in all contexts (spoken and written) | Gerund mostly limited to formal writing or specific cases |
| Sounds natural and idiomatic | Overuse can sound awkward or overly formal |
Practical Tips for Portuguese Learners
- If you are learning Brazilian Portuguese, use the gerund regularly to express ongoing actions.
- If you are focusing on European Portuguese, practice using the “estar a + infinitive” structure in conversation.
- Watch videos, listen to podcasts, and read native materials from the specific variant you are studying to get a feel for natural usage.
- On platforms like Talkpal AI, specify which variant you want to practice to receive the most relevant examples and corrections.
Conclusion
The difference in gerund usage between Portugal and Brazil is a clear example of how regional variation shapes the Portuguese language. By understanding and practicing these distinctions, you can ensure that your Portuguese sounds natural and authentic, whether you are learning for travel, work, or personal enrichment. Keep exploring the Talkpal AI language learning blog for more tips, resources, and in-depth explanations to help you on your Portuguese journey.
