-o/-es/-e/-imos/-is/-em
Present Tense -IR Verbs
To conjugate regular -ir verbs in the present tense, remove the -ir ending and add: -o, -es, -e, -imos, -is, -em.
How It Works
In Portuguese, verbs are categorized by their infinitive endings: -ar, -er, and -ir. Regular -ir verbs are the third group. To use them in the present tense, you take the stem (the verb minus the -ir) and attach the following endings:
- Eu (I): -o
- Tu (You, informal): -es
- Ele/Ela/Você (He/She/You): -e
- Nós (We): -imos
- Vós (You all, formal/archaic): -is
- Eles/Elas/Vocês (They/You all): -em
Usage Notes:
1. Regional Differences: In Brazil, a gente is often used instead of nós, and você is the standard for 'you' in most regions, using the 3rd person singular ending (-e). In Portugal, tu is common for informal 'you' (ending in -es).
2. Similarity to -er verbs: Notice that the singular forms and the 3rd person plural are identical to -er verbs. The only difference is in the nós and vós forms.
3. Stem Changes: Be aware that many common -ir verbs (like dormir or sentir) have small changes in the stem, even if the endings remain regular.
Examples (5)
- Eu abro a porta.
I open the door.
Word by Word: I open the door.
The stem 'abr-' + the 'eu' ending '-o'.
- Nós partimos o bolo.
We split the cake.
Word by Word: We split the cake.
The stem 'part-' + the 'nós' ending '-imos'. Note the 'i' which distinguishes it from -er verbs.
- Eles decidem o que fazer.
They decide what to do.
Word by Word: They decide the what to do.
The stem 'decid-' + the 'eles' ending '-em'.
- Tu divides o lanche com ela?
Do you share the snack with her?
Word by Word: You divide the snack with her?
The stem 'divid-' + the 'tu' ending '-es'.
- Ela admite o erro.
She admits the mistake.
Word by Word: She admits the error.
The stem 'admit-' + the 3rd person ending '-e'.
Common Mistakes
Using the -er ending (-emos) for -ir verbs in the 'nós' form.
Nós partemos o pão.Nós partimos o pão.Learners often confuse -er and -ir verbs. Remember: -ir verbs use -imos for 'we'.
Using the -ar ending (-am) for the 3rd person plural.
Eles abram a janela.Eles abrem a janela.-ir and -er verbs use -em for 'they', while only -ar verbs use -am.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To conjugate regular -ir verbs, you must first understand the subject pronouns they agree with and be familiar with the general concept of verb endings used in Portuguese present tense conjugation.
Related Patterns
- -o/-es/-e/-emos/-eis/-emPresent Tense -ER Verbs
The second group of regular verbs, which is very similar to -ir verbs except for the 'we' and 'you all' forms.
Level 1 - eu/tu/você/ele/elaSubject Pronouns (Singular)
These are the subject pronouns used to determine which verb ending to apply.
Foundations - a genteA Gente (Informal We)
A common informal alternative to 'nós' that uses the 3rd person singular verb ending.
Level 1 - tu / vocêTu vs. Você
Explains the regional choice between using the 'tu' (-es) or 'você' (-e) conjugation.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
- levantar-se/vestir-se/deitar-seDaily Routine ReflexivesLevel 1
- -ando/-endo/-indoGerúndio FormationLevel 2
- -ando/-endo/-indo (gerúndio)Gerund FormationLevel 2
- -i/-iste/-iu/-imos/-istes/-iramPretérito Perfeito -IR VerbsLevel 2
- -ia/-ias/-ia/-íamos/-íeis/-iam (imperfeito)Pretérito Imperfeito -ER/-IR VerbsLevel 2
- chamar-se/sentir-se/zangar-seEmotional and Identity ReflexivesLevel 2
- -a/-as/-a/-amos/-ais/-amPresente Do Subjuntivo -ER/-IRLevel 3
- cai bem/cai mal (a alguém)Cair Bem/MalLevel 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice -o/-es/-e/-imos/-is/-em in Bubblegum
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