Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Portuguese grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Eu jogo com o Pedro.
What does the sentence "Eu jogo com o Pedro" mean in English?
It translates to "I play with Pedro." Breaking it down: "Eu" means "I", "jogo" is the first person singular present form of "jogar" (to play), "com" means "with", and "o Pedro" uses a definite article with the name Pedro—as is typical in European Portuguese.
Why is the definite article "o" used before "Pedro" in this sentence?
In European Portuguese, it’s common to include the definite article before a person’s name. "O" is used with masculine names, so "o Pedro" clearly identifies Pedro in a natural, conversational way. This usage can also add a familiar or informal nuance to the reference.
Is it necessary to include the subject pronoun "Eu" in the sentence?
Not strictly. Portuguese often drops the subject pronoun because the verb ending already indicates who is performing the action. In this case, "jogo" implies "I play," but including "Eu" can serve to add clarity or emphasis, especially for learners.
How is the verb "jogar" conjugated in this sentence?
The verb "jogar" is conjugated as "jogo" for the first person singular in the present tense. This follows the regular pattern for -ar verbs in Portuguese, meaning that when the subject is "Eu," you use "jogo" to say "I play."
What is the function of the preposition "com" in the sentence?
The preposition "com" translates to "with" in English. It indicates that the action (playing) is being done in the company of someone—in this case, with Pedro.
Are there any regional variations regarding the use of the article before personal names in Portuguese?
Yes. In European Portuguese, it’s typical to use a definite article (such as "o" for masculine names and "a" for feminine names) before personal names. In Brazilian Portuguese, however, omitting the article is more common in casual speech. Both usages are correct, but they reflect regional differences in style.