Learn Portuguese (Portugal): Quando me deparo com um problema, não me atrevo a tirar a máscara. - When I come across a problem, I don't dare take off the mask.

While encontro means "I find" or "I meet", the verb deparar-se com is an inherent pronominal verb that specifically means "to come across" or "to be faced with" something unexpectedly. It requires the reflexive pronoun (here, me) and is always paired with the preposition com to convey this specific meaning.

What is the function of the preposition a after me atrevo?

The verb atrever-se (to dare) is another inherent pronominal verb. Its specific prepositional regime dictates that it must be followed by the preposition a when it connects to another verb (in this case, tirar). You will always use the structure atrever-se a to mean "to dare to do something".

Why do both pronouns come before the verbs (me deparo and me atrevo)?

This is a great time for a quick review of pronoun placement. Certain words pull the pronoun before the verb. In the first half of the sentence, the conjunction Quando acts as a magnet for me. In the second half, the negative word não triggers this same forward placement (proclisis).

Could I say tirar-me a máscara instead of just tirar a máscara?