Indirect Speech: Present to Imperfect (He said he was...)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
When reporting what someone said in the past, shift the verb tense one step back into the past.
- If the reporting verb is in the past (disse), shift the original present tense to the imperfect (pretérito imperfeito).
- Pronouns must shift to match the new perspective (e.g., 'eu' becomes 'ele/ela').
- Time expressions must shift (e.g., 'hoje' becomes 'naquele dia').
Overview
Indirect speech, or discurso indireto in Portuguese, allows you to report what someone said without quoting their exact words. It is an essential grammatical structure for recounting conversations, relaying information, or summarizing statements. This particular rule focuses on a critical aspect of indirect speech: the tense backshift from the Presente do Indicativo (Present Indicative) to the Pretérito Imperfeito do Indicativo (Imperfect Indicative) when the reporting verb is in a past tense.
This transformation is not arbitrary; it maintains temporal coherence. When you report a statement made in the past, the original speaker's Present action or state is now viewed from a past vantage point. Therefore, it becomes a past action or state from your current perspective, necessitating the use of the Imperfect Indicative.
Mastering this backshift, alongside corresponding changes in pronouns and temporal/locative adverbs, is fundamental for conveying reported speech accurately and naturally in Portuguese at a B2 level.
How This Grammar Works
disse (said), perguntou (asked), or respondeu (answered), the verb in the reported clause must backshift into a past tense. For statements originally made in the Presente do Indicativo, this backshift specifically means they become Pretérito Imperfeito do Indicativo. This grammatical phenomenon ensures that the reported action or state is temporally aligned with the moment it was reported.Eu estou cansado (I am tired). If someone said this in the past, say, yesterday, and you report it today, you cannot grammatically say Ele disse que está cansado if referring to that past utterance. The original estar (present) is no longer current from your reporting perspective.estava (imperfect). The Imperfect Indicative here describes a state or action that was ongoing or true at the moment of the original utterance in the past. It effectively recontextualizes the original speaker's present into your narrative's past.Ela disse que queria ir embora (She said she wanted to leave) accurately reports Eu quero ir embora (I want to leave). This systematic tense change is a cornerstone of indirect speech in Portuguese, reflecting the relative time frames involved in communication.Formation Pattern
Present Indicative statement or question involves several systematic transformations. Each step ensures grammatical accuracy and clarity of meaning in the reported clause.
dizer (to say), falar (to speak/say), perguntar (to ask), responder (to answer), comentar (to comment), afirmar (to affirm), explicar (to explain), or sugerir (to suggest). The Pretérito Perfeito Simples is most common for single past reporting events, while the Pretérito Imperfeito can indicate habitual reporting.
Ele disse... (He said...)
Eles perguntaram... (They asked...)
Ela comentou... (She commented...)
que (that).
Eu gosto de café.
Ele disse que gostava de café.
se (if/whether).
Você está bem?
Ela perguntou se eu estava bem.
onde, quem, quando, como, por que, o que, qual).
Onde você mora?
Ele perguntou onde eu morava.
eu (I) | ele/ela (he/she) |
você (you) | eu (I) / ele/ela (he/she) / você (you)* |
nós (we) | eles/elas (they) |
meu/minha (my) | dele/dela (his/hers) |
nosso/nossa (our) | deles/delas (theirs) |
você can remain você in indirect speech if the reporter is addressing the same 'you' as the original speaker, or it might become eu or ele/ela depending on the context. For B2, practice direct changes to avoid ambiguity.
Eu quero meu livro.
Ele disse que queria o livro dele.
agora (now) | naquele momento (at that moment) |
hoje (today) | aquele dia (that day) |
ontem (yesterday) | no dia anterior (the day before) |
amanhã (tomorrow) | no dia seguinte (the next day) |
aqui (here) | lá/ali (there) |
este/esta (this) | aquele/aquela (that) |
Eu estou aqui agora.
Ela disse que estava lá naquele momento.
Presente do Indicativo must be conjugated into the Pretérito Imperfeito do Indicativo.
falar (to speak) | comer (to eat) | partir (to leave) |
eu | falava | comia | partia |
você/ele/ela | falava | comia | partia |
nós | falávamos | comíamos | partíamos |
vocês/eles/elas | falavam | comiam | partiam |
Imperfecto |
ser | era |
ter | tinha |
vir | vinha |
pôr | punha |
Eu trabalho muito.
Ele disse que trabalhava muito.
Nós somos estudantes.
Eles afirmaram que eram estudantes.
When To Use It
Present to Imperfect backshift in indirect speech is crucial for a variety of communicative situations, particularly when recounting events or information previously conveyed. Its primary function is to accurately reflect the past nature of the original utterance from the reporter's perspective.- Original:
A Maria: "Eu preciso de ajuda com este projeto." - Report:
A Maria disse que precisava de ajuda com aquele projeto.(Maria said she needed help with that project.)
- Original:
O político: "A economia está crescendo rapidamente." - Report:
O político afirmou que a economia estava crescendo rapidamente.(The politician stated that the economy was growing rapidly.)
Imperfect indicates that the opinion was held at the time of speaking.- Original:
Ele: "Este filme é o melhor do ano." - Report:
Ele comentou que aquele filme era o melhor do ano.(He commented that that film was the best of the year.)
Present described a habitual action or ongoing state, the Imperfect is the natural choice for reporting it, as it perfectly captures past habitual or continuous actions.- Original:
Ela: "Eu sempre leio antes de dormir." - Report:
Ela disse que sempre lia antes de dormir.(She said she always read before sleeping.)
disse, perguntou). If the reporting verb is in the present (diz, pergunta), no backshift occurs: Ele diz que está cansado. This distinction underscores the importance of the reporting verb's tense in governing the reported clause.Common Mistakes
Present to Imperfect backshift. Understanding these pitfalls and their underlying reasons is crucial for achieving accurate and natural Portuguese.- Incorrect:
Ela disse que o Brasil é um país grande.(If referring to a past statement) - Correct:
Ela disse que o Brasil era um país grande. - Why it's wrong: The reporting verb
disseestablishes a past temporal frame. From that past moment, the original speaker'sPresentis now apastevent. Even if Brazil is still a large country, theImperfect(era) indicates it was a large country at the time she said it. This distinguishes the act of saying from the timeless truth.
- Original:
Ele: "Eu moro aqui." - Incorrect (if reporting from a different location/time):
Ele disse que morava aqui. - Correct:
Ele disse que morava lá. - Why it's wrong:
Aquirefers to the speaker's current location. If you, the reporter, are elsewhere,aquibecomes misleading. Similarly,meumust becomedele/delato reflect the original speaker's possession.
Ele diz..., Ela pergunta...), the reported clause usually remains in the present tense.- Incorrect:
Ele diz que tinha muito trabalho.(Iftinharefers to a current state) - Correct:
Ele diz que tem muito trabalho. - Why it's wrong: If the reporting verb is present, the reported information is framed as being current or generally true at the time of reporting. No temporal distance necessitates a backshift.
Pretérito Imperfeito with Pretérito Perfeito: While both are past tenses, their functions differ. The Imperfect describes habitual actions, ongoing states, or descriptions in the past, which aligns with how a past Present statement is viewed. The Perfeito describes completed actions.- Original:
Nós estamos felizes. - Incorrect:
Eles disseram que estiveram felizes.(This implies they were happy for a completed period, not necessarily at the moment they spoke.) - Correct:
Eles disseram que estavam felizes. - Why it's wrong: The original
estamosindicates an ongoing state. TheImperfect(estavam) perfectly captures this ongoing nature from a past perspective.
Ele falou que gosta de café instead of gostava). However, this is considered grammatically informal and should generally be avoided by B2 learners aiming for standard, correct Portuguese, especially in writing or formal speaking. Always default to the backshift.Real Conversations
Understanding how the Present to Imperfect backshift is used in authentic, modern Portuguese conversations deepens your comprehension beyond textbook examples. This rule is prevalent in everyday interactions, from casual chats to more formal communication.
1. Casual Storytelling and Gossip: This is where the rule shines. When recounting a friend's comment, a funny observation, or the latest fofoca (gossip), indirect speech is natural and efficient.
- Scenario: You're telling a friend about a conversation with another person.
- `
Tense Shift: Present to Imperfect
| Direct (Present) | Indirect (Imperfect) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
|
Eu sou
|
Ele era
|
He was
|
|
Eu estou
|
Ele estava
|
He was
|
|
Eu tenho
|
Ele tinha
|
He had
|
|
Eu quero
|
Ele queria
|
He wanted
|
|
Eu gosto
|
Ele gostava
|
He liked
|
|
Eu falo
|
Ele falava
|
He spoke
|
|
Eu como
|
Ele comia
|
He ate
|
|
Eu durmo
|
Ele dormia
|
He slept
|
Meanings
This rule governs how we report speech that occurred in the past, requiring a shift from present tense to the imperfect tense to maintain logical consistency.
Reporting past states
Describing a state that was true at the time of speaking.
“Ela disse que morava em Lisboa.”
“Ele afirmou que gostava de café.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subject + disse + que + Subject + Imperfect
|
Ele disse que estava feliz.
|
|
Negative
|
Subject + disse + que + não + Imperfect
|
Ela disse que não queria ir.
|
|
Question
|
Subject + perguntou + se + Subject + Imperfect
|
Ele perguntou se eu estava pronto.
|
|
Short Answer
|
N/A
|
Ele disse que sim.
|
|
Time Shift
|
Hoje -> Naquele dia
|
Ele disse que estava ocupado naquele dia.
|
|
Pronoun Shift
|
Eu -> Ele/Ela
|
Ele disse que ele estava cansado.
|
Formality Spectrum
O diretor afirmou que a decisão era necessária. (Workplace)
O diretor disse que a decisão era necessária. (Workplace)
O chefe falou que a decisão era necessária. (Workplace)
O chefe mandou a real que a decisão era necessária. (Workplace)
The Backshift Flow
Tense Shift
- Present -> Imperfect
Pronoun Shift
- Eu -> Ele/Ela
Time Shift
- Hoje -> Naquele dia
Direct vs Indirect
Decision Tree
Is the reporting verb in the past?
Common Reporting Verbs
Verbs
- • Disse
- • Falou
- • Afirmou
- • Perguntou
- • Contou
Examples by Level
Ele disse que estava bem.
He said he was fine.
Ela disse que queria água.
She said she wanted water.
Ele disse que era brasileiro.
He said he was Brazilian.
Ela disse que tinha fome.
She said she was hungry.
Ele disse que não gostava de peixe.
He said he didn't like fish.
Ela disse que morava aqui.
She said she lived here.
Eles disseram que estavam cansados.
They said they were tired.
Ele perguntou se eu estava pronto.
He asked if I was ready.
O professor disse que a aula começava às oito.
The teacher said the class started at eight.
Ela afirmou que não sabia a resposta.
She stated she didn't know the answer.
Ele contou que viajava muito.
He said he traveled a lot.
Disseram que o filme era bom.
They said the movie was good.
Ele mencionou que precisava de ajuda com o projeto.
He mentioned he needed help with the project.
Ela declarou que não concordava com a decisão.
She declared she didn't agree with the decision.
Eles garantiram que estavam fazendo o possível.
They guaranteed they were doing their best.
Ele explicou que não podia comparecer.
He explained he couldn't attend.
O diretor afirmou que a empresa buscava novos mercados.
The director stated the company was seeking new markets.
Ela confidenciou que sentia falta da família.
She confided she missed her family.
Ele reiterou que não tinha conhecimento do caso.
He reiterated he had no knowledge of the case.
Disseram que o plano não funcionava como esperado.
They said the plan didn't work as expected.
O autor salientou que a obra refletia a realidade da época.
The author highlighted that the work reflected the reality of the time.
Eles alegaram que não possuíam os recursos necessários.
They claimed they didn't possess the necessary resources.
Ela sustentou que a teoria não explicava o fenômeno.
She maintained that the theory didn't explain the phenomenon.
Ele observou que a situação exigia cautela.
He observed that the situation required caution.
Easily Confused
Learners often mix quotes with indirect structures.
Learners use the perfect tense when the imperfect is needed for states.
Learners keep the 'eu' from the original quote.
Common Mistakes
Ele disse que está cansado.
Ele disse que estava cansado.
Ela disse que eu quero ir.
Ela disse que ela queria ir.
Ele disse que feliz.
Ele disse que estava feliz.
Ele disse: estou feliz.
Ele disse que estava feliz.
Ele disse que não gosta.
Ele disse que não gostava.
Ele perguntou que eu estava pronto.
Ele perguntou se eu estava pronto.
Ela disse que tinha fome ontem.
Ela disse que tinha fome naquele dia.
Ele disse que vai vir.
Ele disse que ia vir.
Ela disse que sabia a resposta hoje.
Ela disse que sabia a resposta naquele dia.
Ele disse que tem feito muito trabalho.
Ele disse que tinha feito muito trabalho.
Ele disse que a situação é grave.
Ele disse que a situação era grave.
Ela afirmou que não concorda.
Ela afirmou que não concordava.
Disseram que o plano funciona.
Disseram que o plano funcionava.
Ele mencionou que quer sair.
Ele mencionou que queria sair.
Sentence Patterns
Ele disse que ___ ___.
Ela perguntou se ___ ___.
O cliente disse que ___ ___ ___.
Eles afirmaram que ___ ___ ___ ___.
Real World Usage
Ela disse que estava no show!
Ele disse que ia chegar tarde.
O gerente disse que precisava de alguém proativo.
O recepcionista disse que o café estava incluído.
O entregador disse que estava na porta.
O autor afirmou que a teoria era falha.
Check the Reporting Verb
Don't Forget Pronouns
Time Markers
Regional Variation
Smart Tips
Use the imperfect tense to describe states in the past.
Use the imperfect tense for past habits.
Use 'se' for yes/no questions.
Shift the future to the conditional.
Pronunciation
Intonation
The reporting clause usually has a neutral tone, while the reported clause carries the original speaker's emotion.
Reporting
Ele disse que... (rising tone)
Signals the start of the reported content.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Past reporting pulls the verb back into the past.
Visual Association
Imagine a time machine. When you say 'disse' (past), you pull the lever back, and the verb travels from the 'Present' room to the 'Imperfect' room.
Rhyme
When the past is in the lead, the imperfect is what you need.
Story
Maria told me she was tired. I told my friend, 'Maria disse que estava cansada.' My friend asked if she was okay. I replied, 'Ela disse que precisava dormir.'
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about what your friends said yesterday using the imperfect tense.
Cultural Notes
In Brazil, 'falou' is often used instead of 'disse' in informal contexts.
In Portugal, 'disse' is more common, and the use of the conditional for future-in-the-past is very standard.
In formal writing, use 'afirmou', 'declarou', or 'sustentou'.
Indirect speech evolved from Latin constructions where the accusative with infinitive was used.
Conversation Starters
O que o seu professor disse na última aula?
O que seus amigos disseram sobre o filme?
O que o seu chefe disse sobre o projeto?
O que as notícias disseram sobre o clima?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Ele disse que ___ (estar) cansado.
Find and fix the mistake:
Ela disse que quer ir.
Which is correct?
Ele disse: 'Eu sou feliz.'
The reporting verb must be in the past to trigger the backshift.
A: 'Estou com fome.' B: 'Ele disse que ___ com fome.'
que / disse / ele / estava / feliz
Ele disse que ___ (querer) ir.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesEle disse que ___ (estar) cansado.
Find and fix the mistake:
Ela disse que quer ir.
Which is correct?
Ele disse: 'Eu sou feliz.'
The reporting verb must be in the past to trigger the backshift.
A: 'Estou com fome.' B: 'Ele disse que ___ com fome.'
que / disse / ele / estava / feliz
Ele disse que ___ (querer) ir.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesMinha mãe perguntou se eu ___ (querer) ajuda.
Match the verbs.
que / disse / estava / Ele / cansado
Original: "Não tenho tempo."
João disse: 'Eu perdi meu livro'. -> João disse que ele perdeu meu livro.
He said he was happy.
Ela perguntou ___ eu gostava de café.
Original: 'Vou viajar hoje.' -> Ela disse que ia viajar...
O chefe avisou que não pode vir.
perguntou / onde / morava / Ela / eu
She said she didn't know.
Direct -> Indirect Pronoun
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
To show that the action happened in the past relative to the reporting time.
Then you don't need to shift the tense.
Only if the action is still true or very recent.
Use 'se' or a question word like 'onde' or 'quando'.
Yes, the core rule is the same.
Future tense shifts to the conditional.
Yes, in standard and formal Portuguese.
It will sound like you are reporting a current event, which might be confusing.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Dijo que estaba...
None, the structure is identical.
Il a dit qu'il était...
French uses 'imparfait' while Portuguese uses 'imperfeito'.
Er sagte, dass er...
German uses mood shifts rather than just tense shifts.
Kare wa ... to itta.
Japanese does not backshift tenses.
Qala annahu...
Arabic does not require a tense shift.
Ta shuo...
Chinese has no tense conjugation.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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