si

Reflexive Prepositional Pronoun Si

Level 4

The pronoun si is used after prepositions (like para, de, em) to mean 'himself', 'herself', 'itself', 'themselves', or 'yourself' (formal). While it usually refers back to the subject of the sentence, in European Portuguese it also serves as the standard non-reflexive form for the polite 'you'.

How It Works

The pronoun si is a third-person prepositional pronoun. While its primary function is reflexive, its usage varies between regional dialects.

1. Reflexive Usage (Universal):
In all variants of Portuguese, si refers back to a third-person subject (ele, ela, eles, elas, você, vocês).
Example: Ele guardou o segredo para si. (He kept the secret to himself.)

2. The Fusion 'Consigo':
When si is used with the preposition com, it becomes consigo.
Example: Ela trouxe o livro consigo. (She brought the book with her/herself.)

3. Regional Differences:

  • In Portugal (EP): Si is the standard prepositional form for the polite 'you' (você/o senhor), even in non-reflexive contexts. For example, Este presente é para si (This gift is for you) is common in Portugal but would be considered reflexive (for himself/herself) in Brazil.
  • In Brazil (BP): Si is almost exclusively reflexive and is often reserved for formal or literary registers. In casual speech, Brazilians often use ele/ela even for reflexive meanings.

4. Clarification with 'Mesmo':
To avoid ambiguity or add emphasis, it is often paired with mesmo(a) or próprio(a).
Example: Ela falou de si mesma. (She talked about herself.)

Examples (5)

  1. O egoísta só pensa em si mesmo.

    The selfish person only thinks of himself.

    Word by Word: The selfish only thinks in himself same.

    Here, 'si' refers back to 'o egoísta'. 'Mesmo' is added for emphasis.

  2. Ela sempre leva o telemóvel consigo.

    She always takes her cell phone with her.

    Word by Word: She always takes the cell-phone with-herself.

    In this reflexive context, 'consigo' is the fusion of 'com + si'.

  3. Senhor Diretor, este documento é para si.

    Mr. Director, this document is for you.

    Word by Word: Mr. Director, this document is for you.

    This is a European Portuguese example where 'si' is used as a polite 'you' after a preposition.

  4. Eles não tinham confiança em si próprios.

    They had no confidence in themselves.

    Word by Word: They not had confidence in themselves own.

    'Si' refers back to the plural subject 'eles'. 'Próprios' agrees with the plural subject.

  5. Você deve cuidar de si.

    You should take care of yourself.

    Word by Word: You must take-care of yourself.

    Since 'você' is grammatically third-person, 'si' is the correct reflexive pronoun to use.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'si' for the first person (I/me).

    Eu comprei um presente para si.
    Eu comprei um presente para mim.

    'Si' is only for the third person. For the first person (eu), you must use 'mim'.

  • Using 'si' in Brazil to mean a non-reflexive 'you'.

    Eu quero sair com si.
    Eu quero sair com você.

    In Brazil, 'si' (or 'consigo') is strictly reflexive. To say 'with you' in a non-reflexive way, use 'com você'.

How It Connects

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

siLevel 4Reflexive Prepositional Pronoun Si

Learn This First

To understand the reflexive prepositional pronoun 'si', you first need to be comfortable with how Portuguese pronouns change form when following a preposition (like 'mim' and 'ti'). You also need to understand the general concept of reflexive actions and be familiar with common prepositions, as 'si' is specifically used to refer back to a third-person subject after a preposition.

Words in This Pattern

si