In English, we use pronouns like "himself" or "herself" when a subject interacts with itself. In European Portuguese, when a third-person subject acts upon itself after a preposition, we use the special reflexives si and consigo.
"With Himself": Using Consigo
To say "with himself," "with herself," or "with themselves," Portuguese combines com (with) and the reflexive si into a single word: consigo. Use this instead of com ele to show the subject is doing something with themselves, not someone else.
| The monk brings the sacred book with him. | O monge traz o livro sagrado consigo. |
Adding Emphasis: Próprio and Mesmo
To add emphasis and avoid ambiguity, you can attach próprio or mesmo ("own" or "self") immediately after the reflexive. These must agree in gender and number with the subject.
| The hermit talks to himself in the cave. | O ermitão fala consigo próprio na gruta. |
After Other Prepositions: Using Si
For other prepositions—such as para (for/to) or por (for/by)—use the standalone reflexive si. It is frequently paired with mesmo or próprio.
| The hermit renounces all luxury for himself. | O ermitão renuncia a todo o luxo para si mesmo. |
Because the emphatic adjective must match the subject, a woman requires the feminine mesma or própria.
| The woman prays for herself in the sacred retreat. | A mulher reza por si mesma no retiro sagrado. |
| He keeps the secret to himself when he contemplates the mountain. | Ele guarda o segredo para si próprio quando contempla a montanha. |