Question 1

Why are both a mim and me used in this sentence? Isn't it redundant?

Accepted Answer

It is structurally redundant, but it is a very common way to add strong emphasis in Portuguese. Me is the required object pronoun, while a mim is added at the beginning to strongly emphasize that you are the one being ignored (Nobody listens to ME).

Question 2

Why is the pronoun before the verb (ninguém me ouve) instead of after it (ninguém ouve-me)?

Accepted Answer

In European Portuguese, object pronouns usually attach to the end of the verb. However, negative words and indefinite pronouns like ninguém act as magnets or triggers. They force the pronoun to move in front of the verb, a rule known as proclisis.

Question 3

Why does the sentence start with A mim instead of just Mim?

Accepted Answer

In Portuguese, stressed object pronouns like mim or ti cannot stand alone; they must always follow a preposition. When emphasizing a direct object like this, we use the preposition a. So even though English just says Me, Portuguese requires A mim.

Question 4

Could I drop the me and just say A mim, ninguém ouve nesta casa?

Accepted Answer

No, you shouldn't drop the me. When you use a fronted emphatic phrase like A mim, the unstressed pronoun (me) is still grammatically required by the verb. You can, however, drop A mim if you don't need the extra emphasis, leaving just: Ninguém me ouve nesta casa.

A mim, ninguém me ouve nesta casa.

Breakdown of A mim, ninguém me ouve nesta casa.

Questions & Answers about A mim, ninguém me ouve nesta casa.

Learn A mim, ninguém me ouve nesta casa and more in Portuguese