Direct Object Pronouns (e.g.: me, te, nos, o, a, os, as, etc.)

Questions about Direct Object Pronouns (Portuguese – European Portuguese)

Q: Why is it Ele vê-me and NOT Ele me vê?
In European Portuguese, object pronouns are usually placed after the verb (enclisis):

• Ele vê-me.

👉 Before the verb (me vê) occurs only with certain triggers (e.g.: não me vê).

Q: Why is it Eu quero-a and NOT Eu quero-lhe?
Use a direct object pronoun (o, a, os, as) for the thing/person directly affected:

• Quero a minha namorada → Quero-a

👉 lhe is indirect object, so it is incorrect here.

Q: Why is it Ela é simpática e quero conhecê-la and NOT conhecê-lo?
Third-person pronouns must agree in gender and number:

• ela → -a

• ele → -o

Q: Why is it Quero conhecê-la and NOT Quero a conhecer?
The pronoun must be attached to the infinitive:

• conhecer + a → conhecê-la

👉 It cannot appear in the middle of the verb phrase.

🔑 Key point

• EP prefers enclisis (after the verb)

• Pronouns must agree in gender/number (3rd person)

• Pronouns attach to infinitives and commands with a hyphen