Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Portuguese grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Ela prepara-se para a festa.
Why is the reflexive pronoun attached to the verb as in “prepara‑se” rather than written separately?
In European Portuguese, when using a reflexive verb like “preparar‑se,” the reflexive pronoun “se” is typically attached to the end of the conjugated verb with a hyphen. This enclitic positioning indicates that the action is being performed on the subject herself.
What is the function of the reflexive pronoun “se” in this sentence?
The pronoun “se” turns the simple verb “preparar” into a reflexive verb “preparar‑se,” meaning “to prepare oneself.” In “Ela prepara‑se para a festa,” it tells us that she is preparing herself for the party.
Why is the pronoun placed after the verb instead of before it?
In affirmative, declarative sentences in European Portuguese, the default is to use enclisis—the dependent pronoun is attached to the end of the verb. While in other situations (such as negative sentences or specific stylistic contexts) the pronoun might be placed before the verb (proclisis), here the correct form is “prepara‑se.”
What is the grammatical structure of the sentence “Ela prepara‑se para a festa”?
The sentence consists of:
• Subject: “Ela” (she)
• Reflexive Verb: “prepara‑se” (prepares herself), where “prepara” is the verb form and “se” is the reflexive pronoun attached by a hyphen
• Prepositional Phrase: “para a festa” (for the party), which clarifies the purpose of her preparation
Would it ever be acceptable to place “se” before the verb, as in “ela se prepara”?
Yes, in some contexts—especially in Brazilian Portuguese or in situations that trigger proclisis (such as sentences with negatives or certain adverbs)—the pronoun can precede the verb (e.g., “ela se prepara”). However, in standard affirmative European Portuguese, enclisis is the norm, so “prepara‑se” is correct in this sentence.