Depending on Each Other
When expressing that people do something to "each other," Portuguese uses forms of um (one) and o outro (the other). If the verb requires a preposition like de (of/from), that preposition sits right in the middle, contracting with the definite article: um do outro (um + de + o + outro).
These expressions must agree in gender and number with the nouns they replace. For masculine plural subjects, use uns dos outros.
| On the pitch, the coach demands that they depend on each other. | No relvado, o treinador exige que eles dependam uns dos outros. |
Team sports rely heavily on this collective trust.
| The team's unity improves the collective game. | A união da equipa melhora o jogo coletivo. |
If the subject is feminine, such as two teams (equipas), the reciprocal phrase becomes uma da outra.
| Because of the rivalry, the two teams distrust each other. | Por causa da rivalidade, as duas equipas desconfiam uma da outra. |
Dealing with Each Other
Verbs like falar (to speak) and lidar (to deal) require the preposition com (with). Following the exact same pattern, place com between the two halves of the expression: um com o outro (singular) or uns com os outros (plural).
| The rivalry makes it so that the rival players do not speak to each other. | A rivalidade faz com que os jogadores rivais não falem uns com os outros. |
| The rival fans cannot deal with each other. | Os fãs rivais não conseguem lidar uns com os outros. |
Being a Team Player
Collective success means working together. When on the pitch, players must be supportive (solidários) and make the right pass.
| Be supportive and pass the ball instead of attempting the shot! | Sejam solidários e passem a bola em vez de tentar o remate! |