pra/pro
Informal Contraction Pra/Pro
In casual Portuguese, the preposition para (to/for) often merges with articles: para + o = pro and para + a = pra.
How It Works
The words pra and pro are ubiquitous in daily life. They function as follows:
- Pro: para + o (to/for the [masculine])
- Pra: para + a (to/for the [feminine])
- Pros/Pras: Plural versions (para + os/as)
In Brazil, pra is also frequently used as a simple reduction of para even when no article is present (e.g., pra você).
Register Note: These are strictly informal. You should use the full forms (para o, para a) in business emails, academic essays, or formal literature. However, in speech, avoiding these contractions makes you sound like a textbook rather than a person.
Examples (4)
- Eu vou pro Rio de Janeiro amanhã.
I am going to Rio de Janeiro tomorrow.
Word by Word: I go to-the Rio of Janeiro tomorrow.
'Pro' is the contraction of 'para' + 'o' (the masculine article for Rio).
- Comprei um presente pra você.
I bought a gift for you.
Word by Word: I-bought a gift for you.
In informal speech, 'pra' often replaces 'para' even without an article.
- Eles viajaram pras montanhas.
They traveled to the mountains.
Word by Word: They traveled to-the mountains.
'Pras' is the plural feminine contraction (para + as).
- Vou prum lugar muito bonito.
I'm going to a very beautiful place.
Word by Word: I-go to-a place very beautiful.
In very casual speech, 'para' can even contract with indefinite articles like 'um' (prum).
Common Mistakes
Using 'pra/pro' in formal writing.
Prezado Diretor, escrevo pro senhor...Prezado Diretor, escrevo para o senhor...In formal correspondence, always use the full preposition and article separately.
Confusing 'pra' with the verb 'para' (to stop).
O ônibus pra no sinal.O ônibus para no sinal.'Pra' is only a contraction of the preposition; the verb 'parar' (to stop) always remains 'para'.
Related Patterns
- paraPara Uses
This is the base preposition that forms the contractions pra and pro.
Level 2 - pelo/pela/pelos/pelasContraction Pelo
Similar contractions for 'por + article', but unlike pra/pro, these are mandatory in formal writing.
Level 2 - a + o = aoContraction Ao
The formal way to say 'to the' (masculine), which 'pro' often replaces in speech.
Level 1 - à/àsCrase Before Feminine Articles
The formal way to say 'to the' (feminine), which 'pra' often replaces in speech.
Level 4
Words in This Pattern
Practice pra/pro in Bubblegum
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