Ultimate Guide: How to Finally use the European Portuguese Present Tense Correctly

The Portuguese Present Tense, otherwise known as presente simples, is the first tense most students learn when learning European Portuguese. In fact, the present tense in Portuguese is not only the presente simples, but two other tenses that we use just as often. In this blog post, we will embark on a thorough journey through the present tense in European Portuguese, exploring its different forms and usage. By understanding the presente simples (simple present), presente contínuo (continuous present), and presente perfeito (present perfect), you will gain a solid grasp of the present tense and be able to express a wide range of actions and states in the Portuguese language. Let’s dive in!

 

1. The Presente Simples (Simple Present):

Teacher Tip: Depending on your first language, you might not really understand what a conjugation is. This is fundamental in Portuguese. Conjugating refers to changing the verb (in Portuguese, we change its ending) depending on who we talk about. Without a clear understanding of this, all your sentences will be grammatically incorrect.

The Presente Simples, or simple present tense, is a fundamental verb tense in European Portuguese. It is used to express actions or states that occur in the present, habitual actions, general truths, and permanent qualities. The formation of the presente simples involves conjugating verbs according to their respective endings (-ar, -er, -ir) and adding the appropriate personal endings. Let’s explore this tense further with some example sentences:

 

1. Use 1 of the Simple Present: Expressing Present Actions:

Eu trabalho em Lisboa. 
I work in Lisbon.

Ela estuda medicina. 
She studies medicine.

Nós caminhamos todas as manhãs. 
We walk every morning.

Teacher Tip: Due to the complex verb endings (the so-called conjugations), you can easily drop the pronoun in Portuguese and simply say the verb. 

Caminhamos todas as manhãs.
We walk every morning.

In these examples, we see the use of the presente simples to describe ongoing actions in the present. The verbs “trabalhar” (to work), “estudar” (to study), and “caminhar” (to walk) are conjugated according to the subject pronouns (eu, ela, nós) and the appropriate endings.

2. Use 2 of the Simple Present: Describing Habits and General Truths:

Ele acorda sempre cedo. 
He always wakes up early.

A água ferve a 100 graus Celsius. 
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.

Os gatos são independentes. 
Cats are independent.

In these sentences, the presente simples is used to express habitual actions and general truths. The adverbs “sempre” (always) and “a 100 graus Celsius” (at 100 degrees Celsius) indicate recurring actions, while the verb “ser” (to be) is used to describe a permanent quality.

Teacher tip: Unlike English, adverbs in Portuguese don’t always go before the verb, it depends on the adverb. Sempre (always), for example, is placed right after the verb. 

3. Conjugation Patterns: How to Conjugate the Present Tense in European Portuguese

The conjugation patterns for the presente simples vary depending on the verb group (-ar, -er, -ir) and any irregularities. Let’s take a look at some example sentences showcasing different verb conjugations:

Canto no coro da igreja. 
I sing in the church choir.

Ela bebe café todas as manhãs. 
She drinks coffee every morning.

Partimos para a praia amanhã. 
We leave for the beach tomorrow.

In these sentences, we have examples from each verb group. The verbs “cantar” (to sing), “beber” (to drink), and “partir” (to leave) are conjugated according to their respective endings and the subject pronouns.

-ar (cantar)	– er (beber)	-ir (partir)
Eu canto	Eu bebo	Eu parto
Tu cantas	Tu bebes	Tu partes
Ele / Ela / você canta	Ele / Ela / você beba	Ele / Ela / você parte
Nós cantamos	Nós bebemos	Nós partimos
Eles / elas / vocês cantam	Eles / elas / vocês bebem	Eles / elas / vocês partem

Useful Links: 
How to Conjugate the Verbs ser e estar 
50 most important verbs in Portuguese 

The presente simples is a versatile tense that allows us to express a wide range of actions, habits, and truths in European Portuguese. By understanding its conjugation patterns and usage, you will be able to communicate effectively in the present tense. Practice using the presente simples in various contexts, and soon you will develop fluency and accuracy in expressing present actions and states.

 

2. The Presente Contínuo (Continuous Present) in European Portuguese:

The Continuous Present, known as “Presente Contínuo” in European Portuguese, is a verb tense used to describe ongoing actions or situations happening in the present moment. It is formed by combining the verb “estar” (to be) in the present tense followed by the preposition a and the main verb in the infinitive form (meaning not conjugated). Let’s delve into the Continuous Present and explore some example sentences:

 

1. Use 1 of the Continuous Present: Describing Ongoing Actions

Eu estou a estudar para o exame. 
I am studying for the exam.

Ela está a escrever um livro. 
She is writing a book.

Estamos a ver um filme no cinema. 
We are watching a movie at the cinema.

In these examples, we see the use of the Continuous Present to express actions that are currently happening. 

Teacher Tip: Brazilian Portuguese usually The verb “estar” is conjugated according to the subject pronouns (eu, ela, nós), and the main verbs “estudar” (to study), “escrever” (to write), and “assistir” (to watch) are in their gerund form. 

Eu estou estudando para o exame.
I am studying for the exam.

In European Portuguese, although the gerund exists, it is very rarely used. 

 

2. Use 2 of the Continuous Present: Describing Temporary Situations:

Ele está a trabalhar em um projeto importante. 
He is working on an important project.

A casa está a ser reformada. 
The house is being renovated.

Vocês estão a aprender a tocar violão. 
You all are learning to play the guitar.

In these sentences, the Continuous Present is used to describe temporary situations or ongoing activities. The verb “estar” indicates the current state, while the main verbs highlight the specific action or process being carried out.

 

3. Use 3 of the Continuous Present: Expressing Irritation or Emphasis

Porque é que estás sempre a reclamar? 
Why are you always complaining?

A Maria está sempre a chegar atrasada. 
Maria is always arriving late.

O trânsito está horrível hoje. 
The traffic is terrible today.

In these examples, the Continuous Present is used to express irritation or emphasize a recurring action or state. The use of “estar” in combination with verbs like “reclamar” (to complain), “chegar” (to arrive), and adjectives like “horrível” (terrible) adds a sense of ongoingness or repetition.

The Continuous Present allows us to convey the idea of actions or situations that are currently happening in European Portuguese. It adds a sense of immediacy and ongoingness to our language. Practice using the Continuous Present with different verbs and contexts to develop a natural flow in expressing ongoing actions or temporary situations.

 

 

3. The Pretérito Perfeito Composto (Preterite Perfect):

The Preterite Perfect, known as “Pretérito Perfeito Composto” in European Portuguese, is a verb tense used to express completed actions or events that have a connection to the present. It is formed by combining the auxiliary verb “ter” (to have) or “estar” (to be) in the present tense with the past participle of the main verb. Let’s explore the Preterite Perfect tense in European Portuguese and provide some example sentences:

 

1. Use 1 of the the Pretérito Perfeito Composto: Use Describing Completed Actions:

Eu tenho estado cansada ultimamente. 
I have been tired lately.

Tens ido ao ginásio? Já não vou há algum tempo.
Have you been going to the gym? I haven’t gone for some time.

Teacher tip: The Portuguese Preterite Perfect is not equivalent to the English Present Perfect but to the English Present Perfect Continuous. 

Ele já visitou Paris várias vezes. (visitar in the PPS - pretérito passado simples)
He has visited Paris several times.

Nós nunca estivemos num concerto de música clássica. (estar in the PPS - pretérito passado simples)
We have never been to a classical music concert. 

In these examples, we see the use of the Preterite Perfect Continuous tense to express actions that have been completed in the past but have relevance to the present. The auxiliary verbs “ter” or “estar” are conjugated in the present tense, and the main verbs “terminar” (to finish), “visitar” (to visit), and “estar” (to be) are in their past participle form.

 

2. Use 2 of the Pretérito Perfeito Composto: Expressing Experiences or Accomplishments:

Eu tenho estudado francês já há dois anos. 
I have been studying French for two years already.

Ela já viajou para diversos países. 
She has traveled to several countries.

Nós temos ganhado muitos prêmios com nosso trabalho. 
We have won many awards with our work.

In these sentences, the Preterite Perfect Continuous tense is used to express experiences or accomplishments that have occurred over a period of time leading up to the present. The verb “ter” is conjugated in the present tense, and the main verbs “estudar” (to study), “viajar” (to travel), and “ganhar” (to win) are in their past participle form.

 

3. Preterite Perfect Continuous: Discussing Recent Events:

Já viu o novo filme do Pedro? 
Have you seen Pedro's new movie?

Ela já chegou em casa? 
Has she arrived home yet?

Eles já começaram a reforma do escritório. 
They have already started the office renovation.

In these examples, the Preterite Perfect Continuous tense is NOT, unlike the Present Perfect in English, used to discuss recent events or actions that have occurred in the immediate past. It conveys a sense of the action happening just before the present moment.

The Preterite Perfect Continuous tense in European Portuguese allows us to express completed actions or events that have relevance to the present. It is a useful tense for discussing past experiences, accomplishments, or recent events. Practice using the Preterite Perfect Continuous with different verbs and contexts to enhance your ability to communicate effectively in European Portuguese.

Comparing the Present Tenses:

 

• • Usage Differences: Highlight the distinctions in usage between the presente simples, presente contínuo, and PPC, focusing on the specific contexts in which each tense is appropriate.

• • Example Sentences: Provide comparative examples to showcase the different nuances and applications of the three present tenses in European Portuguese.

Conclusion:

Congratulations on delving into the intricacies of the present tense in European Portuguese! By mastering the presente simples, presente contínuo, and PPC, you have equipped yourself with the tools to express habitual actions, ongoing activities, and completed events with precision and accuracy. Practice using these tenses in various contexts, and soon you will feel confident in your ability to communicate effectively in European Portuguese.

Remember, language learning is a journey, and the present tense serves as a foundation for further exploration of verb tenses and grammatical structures. Keep exploring, practicing, and immersing yourself in the rich world of European Portuguese. Boa sorte! (Good luck!)

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