Order of Pronouns

Questions about Object Pronoun Order

Q: Why is it Enviei-o and NOT Enviei o?
In European Portuguese, object pronouns are normally attached to the verb (enclisis):

• Enviei-o.

👉 They do not appear as separate words after the verb.

Q: Why is it Ela trouxe-nos-los and NOT Ela trouxe-los-nos?
When two pronouns are used together, the order is always:

👉 indirect + direct (IO before DO)

• deu-me o livro → deu-mo

• trouxe-nos os livros → trouxe-nos-los (rare; fusion forms preferred)

👉 In practice, EP strongly prefers fusion forms (mo, to, lho, etc.).

Q: Why is it Está a devolvê-los / Está a devolvê-los and NOT Spanish-style changes like se los?
Portuguese does not change lhe(s) to se.
Instead, it uses combined forms:

• lhe + o → lho

• lhes + os → lhos

Q: Why is it Dá-mo and NOT me o dá?
In affirmative commands, pronouns are:

👉 attached to the verb (enclisis)
👉 often fused

• dá + me + o → dá-mo

Q: Why is it Não mo dês and NOT Dá-mo não?
In negative commands, pronouns must come:

👉 before the verb (proclisis)

• Não mo dês.

🔑 Key point

• Order = indirect + direct

• EP prefers enclisis by default

• proclisis occurs with triggers (negation, subordination, etc.)

• Uses fusion forms (mo, to, lho, etc.), not Spanish se lo