convém-me + Infinitive
Convir Construction
The verb convir (to be convenient) is used with an indirect object pronoun (me, te, lhe, etc.) and an infinitive verb to say 'It is convenient for me to...'. It functions similarly to 'dá-me jeito' or 'é conveniente'.
How It Works
The convir construction is a sophisticated way to discuss suitability and schedules.
1. Conjugation and Form:
The verb convir follows the irregular conjugation of vir (to come). In the present tense, it is convém. When used with an infinitive, it almost always remains in the singular because the infinitive clause acts as the subject.
2. Pronoun Placement:
- In European Portuguese (EP), the pronoun usually follows the verb: Convém-me.
- In Brazilian Portuguese (BP), the pronoun often precedes the verb in speech: Me convém.
3. Nuance:
While it translates to 'it is convenient,' it often implies a recommendation. In formal contexts (like contracts or technical standards), convém indicates a 'should' (recommendation), whereas deve indicates a 'must' (requirement).
4. The Future Subjunctive:
A common advanced use is in the future subjunctive form convier. For example: 'Fazemos como te convier' (We will do as it suits you/as you see fit).
Examples (4)
- Convém-me chegar cedo para apanhar um bom lugar.
It is convenient for me to arrive early to get a good seat.
Word by Word: Convenient-me to arrive early for to catch a good place.
Here, 'chegar cedo' is the subject. The speaker is expressing a personal benefit or recommendation for themselves.
- Não nos convém assinar o contrato sem o ler primeiro.
It doesn't suit us to sign the contract without reading it first.
Word by Word: Not us convenient to sign the contract without it to read first.
Using the negative 'não' triggers proclisis (pronoun before the verb) in most dialects.
- Podes vir à hora que mais te convier.
You can come at the time that suits you best.
Word by Word: You can come at the hour that more you suits.
This uses the future subjunctive form 'convier' because the time of arrival is uncertain.
- Convém-lhe estudar mais se quiser passar no exame.
It is advisable for him/her to study more if they want to pass the exam.
Word by Word: Convenient-him/her to study more if want to pass in the exam.
In this context, 'convém' acts as a polite recommendation rather than just personal convenience.
Common Mistakes
Pluralizing the verb to match the pronoun.
Não nos convêm sair agora.Não nos convém sair agora.The subject is the action 'sair' (to leave), which is singular. Therefore, the verb must be 'convém', even if the pronoun 'nos' (us) is plural.
Using the infinitive 'convir' instead of the future subjunctive 'convier'.
Faz como te convir.Faz como te convier.After 'como' or 'quando' referring to a future possibility, you must use the future subjunctive form 'convier'.
Adding the preposition 'a' before the infinitive.
Convém-me a sair cedo.Convém-me sair cedo.The verb 'convir' is followed directly by the infinitive without any preposition.
Related Patterns
- me/te/lhe/nos/vos/lhesIndirect Object Pronouns
These are the indirect object pronouns used with 'convir' to indicate who finds the action convenient.
Level 1 - custa-me + InfinitiveCustar Construction
A similar construction used to express that an action is difficult or 'costs' effort for someone.
Level 3 - apetece-me + InfinitiveApetecer Construction
A similar construction used to express a desire or 'feeling like' doing something.
Level 4 - Brazilian vs European Clitic Placement
Explains why you might hear 'me convém' in Brazil but 'convém-me' in Portugal.
Level 3 - basta-me + InfinitiveBastar Construction
Another impersonal construction where the infinitive acts as the subject, meaning 'it is enough for me to'.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice convém-me + Infinitive in Bubblegum
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