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B1 preposition 10 min de lecture

neste

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces neste en 30 secondes

Explication neste in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the most basic contractions. 'Neste' is taught as 'in this'. Students learn to use it for immediate physical locations. For example, 'neste quarto' (in this room) or 'neste hotel' (in this hotel). The focus is on the simple masculine singular form. At this stage, the most important thing is realizing that 'em' and 'este' must be combined. Students are encouraged to use it when they are physically touching or very close to an object. It helps them describe their immediate environment, which is a key skill for beginners. They also learn that it changes to 'nesta' for feminine things, though the focus remains on recognizing the 'n-' prefix as a sign of the preposition 'em'. Exercises at this level usually involve matching the word to a picture of someone pointing at a nearby object.

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At the A2 level, the use of 'neste' expands into basic time expressions. Students learn that 'neste' is used for the current time period. Phrases like 'neste mês' (this month) and 'neste ano' (this year) become part of their vocabulary. They begin to distinguish between 'neste' (close to me) and 'nesse' (close to you), although they might still make mistakes. The concept of gender agreement becomes more strictly enforced, and students are expected to correctly choose between 'neste', 'nesta', 'nestes', and 'nestas' based on the noun that follows. They also start to see 'neste' used in simple stories and dialogues to refer to things already mentioned in the conversation. It acts as a cohesive device to keep the listener oriented in the narrative space.

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At the B1 level, learners start using 'neste' for more abstract concepts. This is where the word appears in phrases like 'neste caso' (in this case) or 'neste sentido' (in this sense). Students learn to use 'neste' to refer to parts of a text or an argument they are making. For example, if they are writing a short essay, they might say 'neste texto, vou falar sobre...' (in this text, I will talk about...). The distinction between 'neste' and 'nesse' becomes a focus of refinement, especially in written work. B1 students are expected to understand the nuance that 'neste' implies a closer psychological or logical connection to the topic than 'nesse'. They also encounter 'neste' in more varied media, such as news reports and slightly more complex literature, where it serves to anchor the reporting to the current time or place.

At the B2 level, the usage of 'neste' becomes more fluid and stylistically aware. Students understand the differences between Brazilian and European Portuguese usage, noting that Brazilians often use 'nesse' where 'neste' would be grammatically 'correct' in a formal sense. B2 learners use 'neste' to create complex sentences and to manage the flow of information in longer discourses. They might use it in legal or professional contexts, such as 'neste setor' (in this sector) or 'neste âmbito' (in this scope). They also learn to use it with more sophisticated nouns and in idiomatic expressions that are less common at lower levels. Their ability to use the plural and feminine forms correctly is now automatic, and they can focus on the rhetorical impact of choosing a demonstrative contraction over a simple article like 'no' or 'na'.

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At the C1 level, the learner has a near-native grasp of 'neste'. They can use it to subtly shift the focus of a conversation or to create specific emphasis. They understand the historical and etymological roots of the word, which helps them appreciate its use in classical Portuguese literature. C1 learners can identify when an author uses 'neste' to create a sense of 'presentness' or 'immediacy' in a poem or novel. They are also adept at using 'neste' in academic writing to refer to specific data points or sections of a thesis ('neste gráfico', 'neste parágrafo'). The use of 'neste' is no longer just a grammar rule but a tool for precise and elegant communication. They can also navigate the most subtle differences between 'neste' and the neutral 'nisto' in complex philosophical or technical discussions.

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At the C2 level, 'neste' is used with complete mastery and stylistic flair. The speaker or writer can use it in highly formal speeches, complex legal arguments, or avant-garde literature. They understand the rhythmic and phonetic qualities of the word and how it contributes to the overall prosody of a sentence. A C2 learner might use 'neste' in a way that plays with the listener's expectations of space and time, or they might use it in archaic-sounding constructions for specific effect. They have a deep understanding of how 'neste' functions within the entire system of Portuguese demonstratives and can explain these nuances to others. At this level, the word is a tiny but essential thread in the vast tapestry of their linguistic competence, used with the same ease and precision as a native-born scholar or writer.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

neste en 30 secondes

Neste is a vital Portuguese contraction of 'em' (in) and 'este' (this), used specifically for masculine singular nouns close to the speaker.
It functions both spatially (to indicate a physical location nearby) and temporally (to indicate the current time period like 'this month').
Agreement is key: 'neste' must only be used with masculine singular nouns; otherwise, use 'nesta' (feminine) or 'nestes' (plural).
In formal writing and speech, it anchors the discourse, referring to the current text, chapter, or specific point being discussed.

The word neste is a fundamental contraction in the Portuguese language, formed by merging the preposition em (meaning in, on, or at) with the demonstrative pronoun este (meaning this). In Portuguese, prepositions almost always contract with demonstrative pronouns to create a more fluid phonetic flow. This specific contraction is masculine and singular, used to refer to something that is physically or metaphorically close to the speaker. Understanding neste is crucial because it helps learners navigate the concept of proximity, which is strictly categorized in Portuguese into three levels: close to the speaker (este/neste), close to the listener (esse/nesse), and far from both (aquele/naquele).

Grammatical Composition: It is the result of em + este. The 'e' from 'em' drops away, and the 'm' transforms into 'n' to facilitate the connection with the following vowel.
Gender and Number: Neste is masculine singular. It must agree with the noun it modifies. If you are talking about a feminine noun like 'casa' (house), you must use 'nesta'. If it is plural like 'livros' (books), you use 'nestes'.

Eu deixei as chaves neste armário aqui ao meu lado.

Translation: I left the keys in this cupboard here by my side.

Beyond physical location, neste is frequently used in temporal contexts. When referring to the current time period—such as 'this month' (neste mês), 'this year' (neste ano), or 'this moment' (neste momento)—it serves as the standard bridge. It signals that the time frame is the one currently being experienced by the speaker. This is a key distinction from nesse, which might refer to a time period previously mentioned or closer to the person being spoken to.

Neste exato momento, estou muito ocupado.

Translation: At this exact moment, I am very busy.

In academic and formal writing, neste is used to refer back to the text itself. For instance, 'neste trabalho' (in this work) or 'neste capítulo' (in this chapter). It establishes a direct link between the author's current statement and the medium through which they are communicating. This usage is vital for structuring arguments and ensuring the reader knows exactly which part of the discourse is being highlighted. Furthermore, in European Portuguese, the distinction between 'neste' and 'nesse' is often more strictly maintained than in some Brazilian dialects, where 'nesse' frequently replaces 'neste' in casual conversation. However, for a learner aiming for B1 proficiency, mastering the 'proximity to speaker' rule for neste is non-negotiable for sounding natural and precise.

Using neste correctly requires an understanding of both gender agreement and the concept of 'demonstrative space'. Since neste is masculine, it must precede masculine nouns. If you are referring to a place, a time, or an object that is masculine in gender and located near you, neste is your go-to word. It combines the prepositional function of 'in' with the pointing function of 'this'.

Spatial Use: Use it for objects within your reach. Example: 'Coloque o livro neste lugar' (Put the book in this place).
Temporal Use: Use it for the current time frame. Example: 'Neste fim de semana' (On this weekend).

O que você vai fazer neste feriado?

Translation: What are you going to do on this holiday?

One of the most common sentence patterns involves the verb 'estar' or 'morar'. When you say 'Eu moro neste prédio' (I live in this building), you are implying that you are either inside the building or standing right in front of it while speaking. If you were across the street, you might say 'naquele prédio'. This precision allows Portuguese speakers to convey spatial relationships without needing extra adjectives. In abstract sentences, neste helps define the scope of a thought. 'Neste sentido' (In this sense) is a common phrase used to clarify a point of view within a discussion.

Nós confiamos neste processo.

Translation: We trust in this process.

Furthermore, neste is used in fixed expressions and idiomatic structures. For example, 'neste passo' (at this rate) or 'neste estado' (in this state/condition). When describing the state of an object you are holding, you would say 'Neste estado, o carro não vale nada' (In this condition, the car is worth nothing). The word is versatile because it anchors the sentence to the 'here and now'. For English speakers, the hardest part is often remembering to contract. While 'em este' is technically understandable, it sounds incredibly disjointed and 'foreign' to a native ear. Practicing the contraction until it becomes second nature is a hallmark of progressing from A2 to B1.

You will hear neste in almost every facet of Portuguese life, from the bustling streets of Lisbon to the corporate boardrooms of São Paulo. In daily conversation, it is used whenever someone refers to their immediate surroundings. If you are at a restaurant and want to sit at a specific table you are touching, you might say to your friend, 'Vamos sentar neste lugar' (Let's sit in this place). It is ubiquitous in service industries; a waiter might ask, 'O senhor gostaria de beber algo neste momento?' (Would you like to drink something at this moment?).

News and Media: News anchors frequently use it to introduce current events: 'Neste domingo, os eleitores vão às urnas' (This Sunday, voters go to the polls).
Professional Environment: In meetings: 'Precisamos focar neste projeto' (We need to focus on this project).

O tempo neste país muda muito rápido.

Translation: The weather in this country changes very fast.

In Portuguese literature and music, neste is used to evoke intimacy. Fado singers might sing about the pain felt 'neste peito' (in this chest/heart), emphasizing that the emotion is internal and immediate. In poetry, it serves to ground the reader in the poet's current reality. You will also find it in legal documents and contracts, where precision is paramount. A clause might begin with 'Neste contrato...' (In this contract...), leaving no ambiguity about which document is being referenced. It is a word of clarity and presence.

Eu me sinto em casa neste bairro.

Translation: I feel at home in this neighborhood.

Even in digital spaces, neste is present. When you are on a website, a button might say 'Clique neste link' (Click on this link). Because the user is interacting directly with the page, neste is the appropriate choice. Essentially, whenever the speaker wants to point a finger at something and say 'right here, right now, in this thing,' neste is the tool they use. It is one of the top 500 most used words in the language for a reason: it is the anchor of Portuguese deictic (pointing) expressions.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make is failing to contract the words em and este. While saying 'em este' is grammatically logical from an English-thinking perspective, it is a glaring error in Portuguese. The contraction is mandatory. Another major hurdle is the confusion between neste, nesse, and naquele. These three words all translate to 'in this' or 'in that' in English, but they represent three distinct distances in Portuguese.

Neste vs. Nesse: Use neste for things near you (the speaker). Use nesse for things near the person you are talking to.
Gender Agreement: Mistaking the gender of the noun. Using 'neste' with 'casa' (feminine) instead of 'nesta'.

Errado: Eu vi um erro em este livro.
Correto: Eu vi um erro neste livro.

In Brazil, the colloquial use of nesse to replace neste is very common. This can confuse learners who hear natives ignoring the 'proximity to speaker' rule. However, if you are taking a proficiency exam like the CELPE-Bras or the CAPLE, you must use neste when referring to something close to you or the current time. Another mistake is using neste when a different preposition is required by the verb. For example, some verbs require 'a' or 'de', not 'em'. You must always check if the verb actually takes the preposition 'em' before using neste.

Errado: Eu moro neste casa.
Correto: Eu moro nesta casa.

Finally, learners often over-rely on neste when they should use a simple article like 'no' (em + o). Use neste only when you specifically want to emphasize 'THIS' particular item as opposed to any other. If you are just saying 'in the cupboard' in a general sense, 'no armário' is better. 'Neste armário' implies you are pointing at it or it's the specific one you were just talking about. Mastering this nuance of emphasis is what separates intermediate learners from advanced speakers. Always ask yourself: 'Am I pointing at this?' If yes, use neste.

To truly understand neste, you must see it within its family of demonstrative contractions. The Portuguese language is very logical in how it builds these words. Once you learn the pattern for neste, you can easily deduce the meaning of several other words. The main alternatives depend on gender, number, and distance.

Nesta: The feminine singular version (em + esta). Used for nouns like 'mesa' (table) or 'cidade' (city).
Nesse: The masculine singular version for things near the listener (em + esse). Often used for 'that' in English when the object is not too far.
Naquele: The masculine singular version for things far from both (em + aquele). Translates to 'in that' or 'over there'.

Não use neste prato; use naquele ali na mesa.

Translation: Don't use this plate; use that one over there on the table.

Another similar word is nisto. It is the neutral form and is used when you are referring to a general idea, a situation, or an object whose gender you haven't specified. For example, 'Eu não acredito nisto' (I don't believe in this/this situation). Unlike neste, nisto never precedes a noun. You would never say 'nisto livro'. This is a critical distinction. If there is a masculine noun following, you must use neste.

Nestes dias, tudo é digital.

Translation: These days, everything is digital. (Plural version of neste).

When should you choose neste over a simple prepositional phrase? Use neste when you want to be specific. If someone asks 'Where is the cat?' and you say 'No sofá' (On the sofa), it's a general statement. If you say 'Neste sofá' (On this sofa), you are likely pointing to one of two sofas in the room. This demonstrative power makes the word essential for effective communication in Portuguese. By mastering neste and its variations, you gain the ability to pinpoint objects and times with the same precision as a native speaker, moving beyond basic 'in' and 'at' to a more sophisticated level of expression.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The 'n' at the beginning of 'neste' is a remnant of the Latin 'in'. Over centuries, the 'm' in 'em' shifted to 'n' when combined with 'este' to make it easier to say quickly.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈneʃ.tɨ/

US /ˈnes.tʃi/

The stress is on the first syllable: NES-te.

Rime avec

leste oeste peste teste veste agreste sudeste nordeste

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'n' too softly; it should clearly mark the start of the word.
In Brazil, forgetting the palatalization of the 't' (making it sound like 'tchee').
In Portugal, over-pronouncing the final 'e' (it should be very short).
Confusing the pronunciation with 'neste' (singular) and 'nestes' (plural) by omitting the final 's' sound.
Pronouncing it as two separate words 'em este', which breaks the natural rhythm.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize once you know the em+este rule.

Écriture 4/5

Requires remembering gender agreement and the specific 'n-' contraction.

Expression orale 3/5

Pronunciation varies between Portugal and Brazil, which can be tricky.

Écoute 3/5

Can be spoken very quickly, sounding like just 'nest'.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

em este o um aqui

Apprends ensuite

nesta nesse naquele nisto disto

Avancé

doutro destarte neste ínterim

Grammaire à connaître

Contraction of Prepositions with Demonstratives

em + este = neste

Gender Agreement

neste (masc) vs nesta (fem)

Number Agreement

neste (sing) vs nestes (plur)

Spatial Deixis (Proximity)

neste (here) vs naquele (there)

Prepositional Government (Regência)

Verbs like 'morar' or 'acreditar' require 'em', thus triggering 'neste'.

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Exemples par niveau

Eu moro neste prédio.

I live in this building.

Neste = em + este (masculine singular).

O livro está neste armário.

The book is in this cupboard.

Agreement with 'armário' (masculine).

Neste hotel tem piscina?

Does this hotel have a pool?

Used for the current location.

Eu trabalho neste escritório.

I work in this office.

Contraction of 'em' and 'este'.

Tem um gato neste jardim.

There is a cat in this garden.

Spatial proximity to the speaker.

Neste copo tem água.

In this glass there is water.

Masculine singular agreement.

O meu carro está neste estacionamento.

My car is in this parking lot.

Identifies a specific nearby location.

Neste restaurante a comida é boa.

In this restaurant the food is good.

Referring to the current place.

Neste mês, eu vou viajar.

This month, I am going to travel.

Temporal use for current time.

Não há açúcar neste café.

There is no sugar in this coffee.

Referring to the object being held.

Eu vi um filme ótimo neste cinema.

I saw a great movie in this cinema.

Specific location close to speaker.

Neste ano, quero aprender português.

In this year, I want to learn Portuguese.

Temporal use.

O que tem neste pacote?

What is in this package?

Object in hand.

Neste momento, não posso falar.

At this moment, I cannot talk.

Common time expression.

Eu gosto de caminhar neste parque.

I like to walk in this park.

Spatial proximity.

Neste fim de semana, vamos à praia.

This weekend, we are going to the beach.

Temporal use.

Neste caso, precisamos de mais tempo.

In this case, we need more time.

Abstract use referring to a situation.

Baseado neste documento, a lei mudou.

Based on this document, the law changed.

Referring to a specific text.

Neste sentido, a sua ideia é boa.

In this sense, your idea is good.

Abstract logical connection.

Eu acredito neste projeto social.

I believe in this social project.

Abstract belief in a concept.

Neste artigo, o autor explica o problema.

In this article, the author explains the problem.

Referring to the medium of communication.

Focamos neste ponto específico da reunião.

We focus on this specific point of the meeting.

Directing attention.

Neste contexto, a palavra muda de significado.

In this context, the word changes meaning.

Linguistic or situational context.

Neste estado de espírito, prefiro ficar só.

In this state of mind, I prefer to be alone.

Internal state.

Neste âmbito, as negociações avançaram.

In this scope, the negotiations progressed.

Formal/Professional scope.

O autor reflete sobre a vida neste capítulo.

The author reflects on life in this chapter.

Literary reference.

Neste setor da economia, há muito investimento.

In this sector of the economy, there is much investment.

Economic/Business terminology.

Concordamos com os termos postos neste contrato.

We agree with the terms set in this contract.

Legal/Formal agreement.

Neste cenário político, tudo pode acontecer.

In this political scenario, anything can happen.

Abstract situational analysis.

A empresa foca-se neste nicho de mercado.

The company focuses on this market niche.

Business strategy.

Neste patamar, a exigência é muito maior.

At this level, the requirement is much higher.

Metaphorical level.

Neste período histórico, o país cresceu.

In this historical period, the country grew.

Formal temporal reference.

Neste ensaio, abordo a fenomenologia da percepção.

In this essay, I approach the phenomenology of perception.

Highly academic usage.

A verdade reside neste paradoxo fundamental.

The truth resides in this fundamental paradox.

Philosophical abstraction.

Neste emaranhado de leis, é difícil decidir.

In this tangle of laws, it is difficult to decide.

Metaphorical complexity.

Baseamo-nos neste pressuposto para a análise.

We base ourselves on this assumption for the analysis.

Scientific/Logical foundation.

Neste ínterim, as circunstâncias alteraram-se.

In this interim, circumstances have changed.

Formal temporal expression (interim).

O segredo está guardado neste pequeno detalhe.

The secret is kept in this small detail.

Nuanced emphasis.

Neste prisma, a realidade parece diferente.

Through this prism, reality seems different.

Metaphorical perspective.

Inspiramo-nos neste legado para o futuro.

We are inspired by this legacy for the future.

Abstract historical reference.

Neste devir constante, a identidade se dilui.

In this constant becoming, identity is diluted.

Ontological/Philosophical use.

A alma reflete-se neste espelho da existência.

The soul reflects itself in this mirror of existence.

Poetic/Metaphysical abstraction.

Neste limiar entre o sonho e a realidade.

On this threshold between dream and reality.

Literary/Stylistic threshold.

Tudo se resume, afinal, neste breve instante.

Everything boils down, after all, to this brief instant.

Existential emphasis.

Neste deserto de ideias, a arte é um oásis.

In this desert of ideas, art is an oasis.

High-level metaphorical contrast.

Apostamos tudo neste derradeiro esforço.

We bet everything on this final effort.

Formal/Intense emphasis.

Neste emaranhado discursivo, a clareza é rara.

In this discursive tangle, clarity is rare.

Linguistic/Critical analysis.

Habitamos, pois, neste espaço de incerteza.

We inhabit, then, this space of uncertainty.

Philosophical/Formal prose.

Collocations courantes

neste momento

neste caso

neste sentido

neste mundo

neste ponto

neste lugar

neste mês

neste ano

neste trabalho

neste prédio

Phrases Courantes

Neste exato instante

— Right at this very second. Used for extreme immediacy.

Aconteceu neste exato instante.

Neste meio tempo

— In the meantime. Used to describe actions happening during an interval.

Neste meio tempo, eu fiz o jantar.

Neste aspecto

— In this aspect or regard. Used to focus on a specific feature.

Neste aspecto, o plano falhou.

Neste passo

— At this rate. Used to describe the speed or progress of something.

Neste passo, terminaremos amanhã.

Neste estado

— In this condition. Used to describe the physical or mental state of something near.

Neste estado, o livro não pode ser vendido.

Neste contexto

— In this context. Used to limit the scope of a statement.

Neste contexto, a regra não se aplica.

Neste âmbito

— In this sphere or scope. Very common in professional and legal speech.

Neste âmbito, tomamos as decisões.

Neste nível

— At this level. Used for stages or hierarchies.

Neste nível, a competição é difícil.

Neste país

— In this country. Used by residents or visitors to refer to where they are.

Neste país, as leis são rígidas.

Neste sentido

— In this sense. Used to reinforce an argument or direction of thought.

Neste sentido, devemos continuar.

Souvent confondu avec

neste vs nesse

Nesse is for things near the listener; neste is for things near the speaker.

neste vs nesta

Nesta is the feminine form; neste is masculine.

neste vs nisto

Nisto is neutral and stands alone; neste must have a masculine noun after it.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Neste pé"

— In this situation or state of affairs. Literally 'on this foot'.

As coisas estão neste pé agora.

Informal

"Neste andar da carruagem"

— At the rate things are going. Literally 'at this pace of the carriage'.

Neste andar da carruagem, não vamos chegar a tempo.

Idiomatic

"Neste mundo e no outro"

— Everywhere or in every possible way. Literally 'in this world and the other'.

Ele procurou por ela neste mundo e no outro.

Poetic

"Neste mato tem coelho"

— Something is fishy or there's more than meets the eye. Literally 'in this bush there is a rabbit'.

Cuidado, neste mato tem coelho!

Slang/Idiomatic

"Neste ínterim"

— Meanwhile / In this interval.

Ele saiu; neste ínterim, eu limpei a sala.

Formal

"Neste quesito"

— In this specific requirement or category.

Neste quesito, ele é o melhor.

Neutral

"Neste embalo"

— In this momentum or 'on a roll'.

Já que comecei, vou terminar neste embalo.

Informal

"Neste compasso"

— At this rhythm or pace.

Neste compasso, a obra termina logo.

Neutral

"Neste panorama"

— In this overview or scenario.

Neste panorama, a crise é evidente.

Formal

"Neste cenário"

— In this setting or scenario.

Neste cenário, precisamos agir.

Neutral

Facile à confondre

neste vs nesse

Both mean 'in that/this' in English.

Neste is 'right here' (1st person), Nesse is 'there with you' (2nd person).

Neste meu livro (here) vs Nesse seu livro (there with you).

neste vs naquele

Both are contractions with 'em'.

Neste is close; Naquele is far away from both people.

Moro neste prédio (this one) vs Moro naquele prédio (that one way over there).

neste vs no

Both translate to 'in the/this'.

No is general; Neste is specific and demonstrative.

Estou no carro (in the car) vs Estou neste carro (this specific car).

neste vs nisto

Phonetically similar.

Nisto is a pronoun (in this thing); Neste is an adjective-like contraction (in this [noun]).

Não pense nisto vs Não pense neste problema.

neste vs deste

Both involve 'este'.

Deste is de + este (of this); Neste is em + este (in this).

Gosto deste livro (of this) vs Li isso neste livro (in this).

Structures de phrases

Eu estou neste [lugar].

Eu estou neste café.

Neste [tempo], eu vou [verbo].

Neste sábado, eu vou descansar.

Neste caso, [consequência].

Neste caso, não podemos ir.

Eu acredito neste [substantivo abstrato].

Eu acredito neste ideal.

Neste âmbito, [análise].

Neste âmbito, a empresa cresceu.

O foco está neste [ponto].

O foco está neste ponto crítico.

Neste prisma, [perspectiva].

Neste prisma, a solução é óbvia.

Tudo reside neste [conceito].

Tudo reside neste paradoxo.

Famille de mots

Apparenté

nesta (feminine singular)

nestes (masculine plural)

nestas (feminine plural)

nisto (neutral)

este (demonstrative pronoun)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in both written and spoken Portuguese.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'neste' with feminine nouns. → nesta
Neste is masculine. You cannot say 'neste mesa'. You must say 'nesta mesa' because 'mesa' is feminine.
Saying 'em este' instead of contracting. → neste
Contractions are mandatory in Portuguese. 'Em este' sounds very unnatural and is a common beginner mistake.
Using 'neste' for objects far away. → naquele
If the object is far from both the speaker and the listener, you must use 'naquele'. 'Neste' is only for things close to you.
Confusing 'neste' with 'nisto'. → nisto (if no noun follows)
'Neste' needs a noun after it. 'Nisto' is used alone for abstract ideas. Don't say 'nisto livro'.
Using 'neste' for the listener's objects. → nesse
If you are talking about something the other person is holding, you should use 'nesse', not 'neste'.

Astuces

Check the Noun Gender

Before using 'neste', verify that the noun is masculine. If you're talking about a 'cidade' (city), you must use 'nesta'.

The Touch Test

If you can reach out and touch the object, 'neste' is definitely the right choice. If it's further away, consider 'nesse' or 'naquele'.

Current Time

Always use 'neste' for the time period you are currently in (this week, this month, this year).

Formal References

In reports, use 'neste' to refer to the document itself ('neste relatório'). it sounds professional and clear.

Don't Pause

Treat 'neste' as one word. Don't say 'ne... ste'. It should flow quickly into the following noun.

Brazilian Casualness

Don't be confused if you hear Brazilians say 'nesse' for things close to them. They are being informal, but you should stick to 'neste' while learning.

Neste vs No

Use 'neste' when you want to point. Use 'no' when you just want to state a location without emphasis.

The 'N' Rule

Think of the 'N' as standing for 'Now' or 'Near'. If it's happening Now or it's Near, use Neste.

Referencing Text

Use 'neste capítulo' or 'neste parágrafo' to guide your reader through your writing.

Listen for the Vowel

The 'e' at the end of 'neste' is a key difference from the plural 'nestes'. Listen closely for that final 's' sound.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'N' for 'Near' and 'Este' for 'This'. NE-STE = Near-This. If it's Near, use Neste!

Association visuelle

Imagine yourself standing inside a big box. You point at the floor of the box and say 'Neste'. You are IN THIS box.

Word Web

em este nesta nestes nestas nisto nesse naquele

Défi

Try to find five masculine objects in your current room. Point to each one and say out loud: 'O que tem neste [object name]?' (What is in this [object]?).

Origine du mot

Derived from the contraction of the Latin preposition 'in' and the demonstrative pronoun 'istum'.

Sens originel : In this (thing/place nearby).

Romance (Indo-European).

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral grammatical tool.

English speakers often struggle because they want to use 'this' for everything. Remember that 'neste' is specifically 'IN this'.

Neste barco (Common theme in Portuguese maritime poetry) Neste país (Common political slogan/complaint) Neste momento (Song title by various artists)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At Home

Neste armário
Neste quarto
Neste sofá
Neste prato

At Work

Neste projeto
Neste documento
Neste escritório
Neste setor

Time Planning

Neste mês
Neste ano
Neste feriado
Neste fim de semana

Giving Directions

Neste caminho
Neste cruzamento
Neste lado da rua
Neste prédio

Abstract Discussion

Neste caso
Neste sentido
Neste contexto
Neste ponto de vista

Amorces de conversation

"O que você mais gosta neste bairro?"

"Você já trabalhou neste tipo de projeto antes?"

"O que você vai fazer neste fim de semana?"

"Você viu o que aconteceu neste filme?"

"Como está o clima neste país hoje?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escreva sobre um objeto especial que você guarda neste momento na sua gaveta.

O que você espera alcançar neste ano em relação ao seu aprendizado de português?

Descreva as pessoas que você vê neste lugar onde você está agora.

Reflita sobre uma mudança importante que ocorreu neste mês na sua vida.

Como você se sente neste exato momento e por quê?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

While 'em este' is grammatically understandable, it is almost never used in modern Portuguese. The contraction 'neste' is considered mandatory for natural-sounding speech and writing. Using 'em este' will make you sound like a non-native speaker or like you are reading a very old 16th-century text.

It depends entirely on the gender of the noun that follows. 'Neste' is for masculine nouns (neste livro, neste carro). 'Nesta' is for feminine nouns (nesta mesa, nesta casa). Always check the gender of your noun first!

Yes, but with a caveat. In formal writing and professional settings, Brazilians use 'neste' correctly. However, in casual daily conversation, many Brazilians use 'nesse' for everything, even for things close to themselves. If you want to be correct, use 'neste' for things near you.

You use 'nestes' for masculine plural (nestes livros) and 'nestas' for feminine plural (nestas casas). The 's' at the end makes it plural, just like the nouns they modify.

'Neste' must be followed by a noun (neste momento). 'Nisto' is neutral and stands alone to refer to a situation or an unspecified thing (Eu não acredito nisto). You can't say 'nisto momento'.

Mostly, but it can also mean 'on this' or 'at this' depending on the context. For example, 'neste fim de semana' is 'on this weekend' and 'neste momento' is 'at this moment'. The preposition 'em' covers all three English prepositions.

Yes, if you are referring to something inside or about a person metaphorically. For example, 'Eu confio neste homem' (I trust in this man). It is common when the person is right there with you.

'Neste' is neutral. It is used in both casual conversation and formal writing. It is the standard way to express 'in this' for masculine nouns.

The 'n' comes from the preposition 'em'. In Portuguese, when 'em' combines with words starting with vowels like 'este', 'esse', or 'aquele', the 'm' changes to 'n' for better sound flow.

In Lisbon, it sounds like 'NESHT'. The 's' is like 'sh' and the final 'e' is almost silent. It is very different from the Brazilian 'NES-tchee'.

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