a gente

A Gente (Informal We)

Level 1

A gente is a very common, informal substitute for nós (we). Even though it means 'we', it always takes the third-person singular verb form (like ele/ela or você).

How It Works

In Portuguese, a gente is the most common way to say 'we' in daily conversation, especially in Brazil. While it functions as a first-person plural pronoun, it is grammatically a noun phrase, which dictates how the rest of the sentence behaves.

1. Verb Agreement
This is the most important rule: you must use the singular verb form.
Example: A gente vai (We go) instead of A gente vamos.

2. Adjective Agreement
Because gente is a feminine singular noun, formal grammar requires feminine singular adjectives (e.g., A gente está cansada). However, in casual speech, speakers often use 'notional agreement,' matching the adjective to the gender of the people speaking (e.g., a group of men saying A gente está cansado).

3. Register and Regional Differences
Use a gente with friends and family. In Brazil, it is standard in almost all spoken contexts. In Portugal, it is also common but can be perceived as more informal or 'unrefined' in certain regions. In formal writing or professional speeches, stick to nós.

4. Object Usage and 'Toda a gente'
In casual speech, a gente is frequently used as an object pronoun (e.g., Ele viu a gente - He saw us). Additionally, in European Portuguese, the phrase toda a gente is the standard way to say 'everyone'.

5. Spelling Note
Do not confuse a gente (we) with agente (agent, like a secret agent). They sound identical but have very different meanings.

Examples (4)

  1. A gente vai ao cinema amanhã.

    We are going to the movies tomorrow.

    Word by Word: The people goes to the cinema tomorrow.

    Notice that 'vai' is the singular form of the verb 'ir', even though the meaning is 'we'.

  2. A gente se fala mais tarde, tá?

    We'll talk to each other later, okay?

    Word by Word: The people itself speaks more late, okay?

    Here, 'se' is the reflexive pronoun used with third-person singular subjects.

  3. Essa é a casa da gente.

    This is our house.

    Word by Word: This is the house of the people.

    'Da gente' is a common informal way to show possession instead of using 'nossa'.

  4. A gente está muito feliz com a notícia!

    We are very happy with the news!

    Word by Word: The people is very happy with the news!

    The verb 'está' is singular to match 'a gente'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using a plural verb with 'a gente'.

    A gente vamos agora.
    A gente vai agora.

    Even though 'a gente' means 'we', it is grammatically singular. You must use the same verb form you would use for 'ele' or 'ela'.

  • Confusing 'a gente' with 'agente'.

    O agente vai viajar.
    A gente vai viajar.

    'Agente' (one word) means an agent (like a police agent). 'A gente' (two words) means 'we'.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

a genteLevel 1A Gente (Informal We)

Learn This First

To understand 'a gente', a learner needs to know how definite articles work, be familiar with the standard way to say 'we' (nós), and understand third-person singular verb conjugations, as 'a gente' uses those forms despite its plural meaning.

Words in This Pattern

gente