In English, we say we dream about the future, but participate in a project. Portuguese verbs also require specific prepositions to connect to their objects. These pairings do not always translate word-for-word, so it is best to learn the verb and its preposition together.
Many verbs related to personal goals and adapting are also reflexive, meaning they require a pronoun (me, te, se, nos) that matches the subject.
Dreaming with "com"
In English, we dream about things. In Portuguese, you dream with (com) them.
Applying to "a"
To apply for a position or program, use the reflexive verb candidatar-se followed by the preposition a (to). Remember that a contracts with the articles and demonstratives that follow it (e.g., a + aquele = àquele, a + o = ao).
Participating and Concentrating with "em"
For involvement and focus, Portuguese uses em (in/on). This preposition always contracts with the articles that follow it (e.g., em + um = num, em + o = no).
- participar em: to participate in
- concentrar-se em: to concentrate on
Adapting to "a"
To express getting used to a new situation, use the reflexive verb habituar-se followed by a.
Worrying with "com"
Just like dreaming, when you worry about something, use the reflexive verb preocupar-se with com (with).
Needing "de"
While the English verb "to need" takes a direct object, the Portuguese verb precisar requires the preposition de (of) before the thing or action that is needed.