Direct and Indirect Object Pronouns
European Portuguese has distinct direct and indirect object pronouns, with specific contracted forms when both occur together. Placement follows strict EP enclisis and proclisis rules.
PortuStories Editorial
European Portuguese Grammar Guide
| Person | Direct | Indirect |
|---|---|---|
| 1sg (eu) | me | me |
| 2sg (tu) | te | te |
| 3sg masc | o | lhe |
| 3sg fem | a | lhe |
| 1pl (nós) | nos | nos |
| 2pl (vós) | vos | vos |
| 3pl masc | os | lhes |
| 3pl fem | as | lhes |
When direct and indirect pronouns combine, the indirect comes first. The third-person direct pronouns o/a/os/as change form after certain consonant endings: -r/-s/-z + o/a → -lo/-la/-los/-las; nasal ending + o/a → -no/-na.
Deu-mo. (deu + me + o)
He gave it to me.
me + o → mo (contraction).
Vou buscá-lo.
I am going to fetch him/it.
buscar + o → buscá-lo (drop -r, accent, attach -lo).
Comprámo-lo.
We bought it.
comprámos + o → comprámo-lo (drop -s, attach -lo).
After a verb ending in -r, -s, or -z, the direct object pronouns o/a/os/as become lo/la/los/las and the verb loses its final consonant (with an accent added if needed).
From a PortuStories Story
A professora pediu o livro e o aluno trouxe-lho.
The teacher asked for the book and the student brought it to her.