Informal we (a gente)

The Informal "We" (A gente)

In spoken Portuguese, you will frequently hear a gente instead of nós to say "we".

Because a gente literally means "the people", it acts as a single entity and takes the third-person singular verb conjugation—the same form used for ele, ela, or você.

We (informal) organize the picnic.
A gente organiza o piquenique.
We (informal) prepare the packed lunch for the weekend.
A gente prepara o farnel para o fim de semana.
We (informal) lay out the blanket on the grass.
A gente estende a manta na relva.

Reflexive Pronouns with A gente

Since a gente uses third-person grammar, object and reflexive pronouns must also match. For example, use the third-person reflexive pronoun se instead of nos.

We (informal) sit on the towel where the breeze is cool.
A gente senta-se na toalha onde a brisa é fresca.

Consistent Agreement

When linking multiple actions, ensure every verb tied to a gente stays in the third-person singular form.

We spread the blanket on the grass and relax.
A gente estende a manta na relva e descontrai.