A casa está silenciosa. Agarro o casaco e vou-me embora.

Questions & Answers about A casa está silenciosa. Agarro o casaco e vou-me embora.

How does the phrase "vou-me embora" work here?
This comes from the pronominal verb ir-se embora, meaning to go away or to leave. It is made of the verb ir (to go), a reflexive pronoun that matches the subject, and the fixed word embora. Since the hidden subject is I, ir becomes vou and the pronoun is me.
Why is the pronoun attached to the end of the verb as "vou-me"?
In European Portuguese, pronouns normally attach to the end of the verb in affirmative sentences. Even though the word e (and) connects the two phrases, it does not force the pronoun to jump in front of the verb like trigger words such as que or não do. Therefore, the pronoun stays attached to the end: e vou-me embora.
Can I just say "vou embora" without the "-me"?
In everyday spoken Portuguese, people sometimes drop the pronoun and just say vou embora. However, the standard grammatical form is the full pronominal verb ir-se embora. At this level, it is best to practice using the pronoun so you get used to the pattern: vou-me embora, vais-te embora, vai-se embora, and so on.
Why use "está silenciosa" instead of "é silenciosa"? Isn't a house usually quiet?
While ser (conjugated here as é) is used for permanent characteristics, estar (está) is used for temporary states or conditions. By using está silenciosa, the speaker emphasizes how the house feels right at this specific moment, setting a temporary mood before they grab their coat and leave.

Learn A casa está silenciosa. Agarro o casaco e vou-me embora and more in Portuguese

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.

  • ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
  • ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
  • ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free