Formal & Literary Personal Infinitive (Infinitivo Pessoal)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
The Personal Infinitive allows you to specify the subject of an infinitive verb, which is unique to Portuguese.
- Use it when the subject of the infinitive is different from the main clause subject: 'Para eles lerem'.
- Use it when the subject is ambiguous or needs emphasis: 'É importante tu saberes a verdade'.
- Do not conjugate if the subject is general or the same as the main verb: 'Quero comer'.
Overview
Ever felt like Portuguese was just trying to be different for the sake of it? While Spanish, French, and Italian are content with one type of infinitive, Portuguese decided to invent the infinitivo pessoal (personal infinitive). It is the "rebel child" of the Romance language family.
Most languages treat the infinitive like a fixed brick that never changes shape. Portuguese, however, lets you stick person-specific endings onto that brick. At the C1 level, you aren't just using this to tell a friend you're going to the gym.
You are using it to navigate legal contracts, write high-level academic essays, or craft a LinkedIn post that sounds like you actually graduated. It’s the difference between saying "It's important to study" and "It's important for us to study" using a single, elegant verb form. Think of it as your secret weapon for sounding sophisticated without being stiff.
If you’ve ever been frustrated that a translator app turned your complex thought into a pile of "que" clauses, this is your solution. It cuts through the clutter of subjuntivo and makes your sentences flow like a fado singer on a good night. Just don't use it to order a burger at 3 AM; you might get some very confused looks from the cashier.
How This Grammar Works
para (for/to), por (because of), sem (without), até (until), depois de (after), and antes de (before). In literary contexts, authors use it to create a specific rhythm or to emphasize who is performing an action without cluttering the page with pronouns.Formation Pattern
falar, comer, partir).
eu: (no ending - same as the base)
tu: add -es (falares)
ele/ela/você: (no ending - same as the base)
nós: add -mos (falarmos)
vós: add -des (falardes - mostly used in legal/religious/very old texts)
eles/elas/vocês: add -em (falarem)
eu and ele forms look identical to the impersonal infinitive. You only know they are "personal" because of the context or the presence of other conjugated forms in the sentence.
Para sermos felizes (For us to be happy).
When To Use It
- After Prepositions: This is the most common use.
Para eles terminarem o projeto, precisam de café(For them to finish the project, they need coffee). Use it afterpara,por,sem,até,antes de, anddepois dewhenever the subject of the infinitive is different from the main subject. - With Impersonal Expressions: When you start a sentence with "It is necessary," "It is good," or "It is better." For example:
É melhor vocês saírem agora(It's better that you guys leave now). It’s much more elegant than using theque + subjuntivostructure. - To Avoid Ambiguity: In long, complex sentences (common in legal or academic Portuguese), the personal infinitive clarifies who is doing what without repeating names or pronouns constantly.
- In Literary/Formal Style: Authors use it to set a specific tone. If you are writing a formal letter to a Portuguese university or a business proposal, this form is your best friend. It signals that you aren't just a "tourist" in the language; you live in its penthouse.
- Subject at the end: Sometimes, for poetic or emphatic reasons, the subject is placed after the personal infinitive:
Ao chegarem os convidados...(Upon the guests arriving...). This sounds very sophisticated, like you're narrating a high-end Netflix period drama.
Common Mistakes
- The "Same Subject" Trap: If the subject of the main verb and the infinitive are the same, you usually don't conjugate it.
Nós queremos comer(We want to eat) — Correct.Nós queremos comermos— Incorrect and sounds like you're trying way too hard. - Confusing it with the Future Subjunctive: For regular verbs, the personal infinitive and the future subjunctive look identical. The difference is the "trigger." Future subjunctive needs a conjunction like
se(if) orquando(when). Personal infinitive needs a preposition or an impersonal expression. If you mix them up, you might accidentally tell your boss "If we finished" instead of "In order for us to finish." Awkward. - Forgetting the
-em: Many learners forget to add the plural ending foreles/elas.Para eles chegaris a huge red flag that screams "I'm a beginner!" Even in casual Brazilian Portuguese, while some people skip it in speech, in writing (especially C1 level), it is mandatory. - Overusing
vós: Unless you are translating the Bible or writing a law that will be read in the year 1500, avoidfalardes. Use thevocêsform (falarem) instead. Usingvósin a WhatsApp group is a great way to be Roasted by your friends.
Contrast With Similar Patterns
Subjuntivo?" Yes, often you can.- Personal Infinitive vs. Subjunctive:
É preciso que vocês estudem(Subjunctive) vs.É preciso vocês estudarem(Personal Infinitive). Both mean "It's necessary that you study." The personal infinitive version is more concise and feels more "literary" or "European." The subjunctive version is more common in daily Brazilian speech. - Personal vs. Impersonal Infinitive: If the subject is general or unknown, use the impersonal (no endings).
É proibido fumar(Smoking is prohibited). If you are talking to a specific group of rebels:É proibido vocês fumarem(It's prohibited for you guys to smoke). - The "Ao" + Infinitive: This is a classic literary construction to show simultaneous actions.
Ao entrarem na sala, todos se calaram(Upon [them] entering the room, everyone went silent). In English, we use the "-ing" form, but the Portuguese version is much more precise about who is entering. It’s like having a director's commentary built into your grammar.
Quick FAQ
Is this used in Brazil or just Portugal?
Both! It's more frequent in spoken European Portuguese, but in Brazil, it's essential for any formal writing or professional communication.
Can I use it with any verb?
Yes, every single verb in Portuguese can be turned into a personal infinitive. Even ser, ir, and ter follow the regular pattern here.
Does it sound arrogant?
Only if you use it where it's not needed (like the "same subject" mistake). In the right context, it just sounds educated.
How do I practice this without a book?
Read Portuguese news sites like Público or Folha de S. Paulo. Look for prepositions and see what happens to the verbs that follow. You'll start seeing it everywhere, like when you buy a new car and suddenly see that same model on every street corner.
Conjugation of 'Falar' (Personal Infinitive)
| Person | Ending | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Eu
|
---
|
falar
|
|
Tu
|
-es
|
falares
|
|
Ele/Ela
|
---
|
falar
|
|
Nós
|
-mos
|
falarmos
|
|
Vós
|
-des
|
falardes
|
|
Eles/Elas
|
-em
|
falarem
|
Meanings
The Personal Infinitive is a unique Portuguese verb form that allows the infinitive to be conjugated to show a specific subject, distinguishing it from the impersonal infinitive.
Subject Specification
Clarifying who performs the action within an infinitive clause.
“Para nós termos sucesso, precisamos de foco.”
“Eles pediram para eu fazer o relatório.”
Literary/Formal Precision
Used in formal writing to maintain precise subject reference.
“Ao serem questionados, os réus calaram-se.”
“Por não terem estudado, falharam no exame.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Infinitive + Ending
|
Para eles falarem
|
|
Negative
|
Não + Infinitive + Ending
|
Para não falarem
|
|
Question
|
Infinitive + Ending + ?
|
É para eles falarem?
|
|
Passive
|
Ter/Ser + Past Participle
|
Por terem sido vistos
|
|
Reflexive
|
Infinitive + Ending + Pronoun
|
Para se sentarem
|
|
Compound
|
Ter + Past Participle
|
Por terem comido
|
Formality Spectrum
Para nós irmos. (Planning a trip)
Para a gente ir. (Planning a trip)
Para irmos. (Planning a trip)
Pra gente ir. (Planning a trip)
Personal Infinitive Usage
Triggers
- para for
- sem without
- por because
Subjects
- tu you
- nós we
- eles they
Examples by Level
Para nós comermos.
For us to eat.
Para eles falarem.
For them to speak.
Para tu ires.
For you to go.
Para eu fazer.
For me to do.
É importante tu saberes.
It is important for you to know.
Sem eles verem.
Without them seeing.
Por nós termos ido.
Because we had gone.
Ao eles chegarem.
Upon their arrival.
Agradeço por terem vindo.
I thank you for having come.
Eles pediram para nós esperarmos.
They asked us to wait.
Para não sermos vistos.
So we aren't seen.
Depois de eles saírem.
After they left.
É fundamental os alunos estudarem.
It is fundamental for students to study.
Apesar de eles terem tentado.
Despite them having tried.
Convém vocês estarem atentos.
It is advisable for you to be attentive.
Ao serem informados, reagiram mal.
Upon being informed, they reacted badly.
Por não terem sido avisados, perderam o prazo.
Because they weren't warned, they missed the deadline.
Ao estarmos a trabalhar, não atendemos.
While we are working, we don't answer.
Sem eles terem consciência, mudaram tudo.
Without them realizing, they changed everything.
Para podermos avançar, precisamos de dados.
To be able to advance, we need data.
Ao terem sido confrontados com os factos, os suspeitos calaram-se.
Upon being confronted with the facts, the suspects fell silent.
Por não terem os devidos conhecimentos, a tarefa tornou-se árdua.
Because they lacked the proper knowledge, the task became arduous.
Ao estarem eles presentes, a reunião decorreu melhor.
With them present, the meeting went better.
Sem eles terem tido a oportunidade de falar, a decisão foi tomada.
Without them having had the chance to speak, the decision was made.
Easily Confused
Learners use the base form when a specific subject is needed.
Both can follow 'para', but subjunctive implies mood/doubt.
The forms are identical for many verbs.
Common Mistakes
Para eu falo.
Para eu falar.
Para nós comemos.
Para nós comermos.
Para eles fala.
Para eles falarem.
Para tu falares.
Para tu falares.
Sem eles ver.
Sem eles verem.
Por nós termos ido.
Por nós termos ido.
Ao eles chegar.
Ao eles chegarem.
Agradeço por ter vindo (when referring to 'you plural').
Agradeço por terem vindo.
Para não sermos visto.
Para não sermos vistos.
Convém vocês estarem atento.
Convém vocês estarem atentos.
Ao serem confrontado.
Ao serem confrontados.
Por não terem os conhecimento.
Por não terem os conhecimentos.
Sem eles terem tido a oportunidade de falar.
Sem eles terem tido a oportunidade de falar.
Para podermos avançar.
Para podermos avançar.
Sentence Patterns
Para ___ ___, precisamos de tempo.
Sem ___ ___, não saberemos a verdade.
Por ___ ___, perdemos o comboio.
Ao ___ ___, eles ficaram felizes.
Real World Usage
Agradeço por terem enviado os ficheiros.
Para a gente se ver, manda mensagem.
É importante para mim aprender.
Sem eles saberem, mudei o perfil.
Para nós chegarmos ao hotel, precisamos de um táxi.
Para eles entregarem, preciso da morada.
The 'Que' Alternative
The 'Mim' Mistake
European vs Brazilian usage
Smart Tips
Conjugate the verb to match the subject.
Use the personal infinitive for clarity.
Check if it's a fact or a desire.
Always check for a subject.
Pronunciation
Ending stress
The stress usually falls on the penultimate syllable of the conjugated infinitive.
Rising
É para eles irem? ↑
Questioning the subject's action.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember the 'Personal' part by thinking of the ending as a 'name tag' for the subject.
Visual Association
Imagine a group of people wearing shirts with their names on them (the endings -es, -mos, -em) standing next to the verb.
Rhyme
If the subject is clear, add the ending to hear.
Story
Maria wanted to go to the party. She told her friends, 'Para nós irmos, precisamos de um carro.' Her friends agreed, 'Para eles irem, precisamos de gasolina.' They all went together.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences using 'para' + a conjugated infinitive for different subjects.
Cultural Notes
In informal Brazilian Portuguese, the impersonal infinitive is often used even when the personal one is technically required, especially in speech.
European Portuguese speakers are much stricter about using the personal infinitive in both speech and writing.
In academic writing, the personal infinitive is mandatory for clarity.
The personal infinitive evolved from the Latin infinitive, which gained personal endings in the early stages of the Portuguese language.
Conversation Starters
O que é preciso para vocês aprenderem português?
Por que é importante para os alunos praticarem?
O que vocês fariam sem terem internet?
Ao chegarem em casa, o que fazem primeiro?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Para eles ___ (falar), precisamos de silêncio.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Sem eles ver, fiz tudo.
Para que eles vão (subjunctive) -> Para eles ___ (infinitive).
The personal infinitive is used when the subject is the same as the main clause.
A: Por que eles saíram? B: Para ___ (chegar) a horas.
Order: (nós / para / termos / sucesso / precisamos)
Para vós ___.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesPara eles ___ (falar), precisamos de silêncio.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Sem eles ver, fiz tudo.
Para que eles vão (subjunctive) -> Para eles ___ (infinitive).
The personal infinitive is used when the subject is the same as the main clause.
A: Por que eles saíram? B: Para ___ (chegar) a horas.
Order: (nós / para / termos / sucesso / precisamos)
Para vós ___.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisespara / terminarem / é / vocês / importante / o curso
Without you (singular) knowing, I bought the tickets.
Match the following:
Which sentence sounds like a classic novel?
Apesar de eles ___ (ser) ricos, são muito simples.
Diga para os alunos ouvires com atenção.
Translate to Portuguese:
Which is more appropriate for a legal contract?
É proibido ___ (nós) entrarmos sem máscara.
Match the following:
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
It is a verb form that allows you to specify the subject of an infinitive.
When the subject of the infinitive is different from the main clause.
No, the subjunctive expresses mood/doubt, while the personal infinitive is for facts.
Add -es, -mos, -des, -em to the infinitive.
Yes, but often simplified in speech.
Using the impersonal form when the subject is specific.
Yes, it is highly recommended for clarity.
Most follow the standard pattern, but check stem-changing verbs.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Subjunctive or relative clauses
Spanish uses finite verbs where Portuguese uses the personal infinitive.
Subjunctive or 'pour que' + subjunctive
French cannot conjugate the infinitive.
zu-infinitive or subordinate clause
German infinitives are strictly non-finite.
Verb + koto/tame
Japanese verbs do not change for person in this way.
Masdar or subjunctive
Arabic does not have a personal infinitive.
Verb + purpose markers
Chinese has no conjugation.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
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