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encorajar-se

B1 verb 12 min read

encorajar-se

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips encorajar-se in 30 Seconds

Explanation encorajar-se in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how verbs work in Portuguese. 'Encorajar-se' might seem complex because it has a reflexive pronoun ('se'). For now, think of it as a way to say 'I get brave.' You might not use it in complex sentences yet, but you can recognize it in simple phrases. It is built from the word 'coragem,' which is a good word to know early on. Imagine you are about to do something scary, like ordering food in Portuguese for the first time. You are 'encorajando-se'—you are telling yourself, 'I can do this!' At this stage, focus on the sound of the word and the fact that it involves the heart ('cor'). You will mostly see it in the present tense: 'Eu me encorajo.' It is a useful word to start building your emotional vocabulary in Portuguese, even if you only use it in very basic contexts. Don't worry too much about the hyphen or the exact rules of the pronoun yet; just try to associate the word with the feeling of being brave.

As an A2 learner, you are starting to use reflexive verbs more often, like 'levantar-se' or 'lavar-se.' 'Encorajar-se' follows the same pattern. You can now use it to describe simple daily actions where you need a bit of a push. For example, 'Eu me encorajo a estudar todos os dias.' You are also learning the past tense (pretérito perfeito), so you can say 'Ontem, eu me encorajei a falar com o professor.' At this level, it is important to remember that the 'me', 'te', 'se', and 'nos' change depending on who is taking courage. You should also start noticing that we usually use the preposition 'a' after this verb when another action follows. 'Encorajar-se a [fazer algo].' Practice saying short sentences about your language learning journey. This verb is perfect for that because learning a new language requires constant self-encouragement. You are building the foundation for more complex emotional expressions.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'encorajar-se' in various tenses, including the imperfect and the future. You are at the stage where you can explain *why* you are encouraging yourself. For instance, 'Eu me encorajava sempre que tinha uma apresentação na escola.' You understand that this verb is more specific than just 'getting excited' (animar-se); it's about overcoming an internal barrier or fear. You should also be aware of the placement of the reflexive pronoun in negative sentences ('Eu não me encorajei') and with auxiliary verbs ('Eu quero me encorajar'). This is the level where you can start using the word in professional or academic contexts to describe resilience. You might hear it in podcasts or read it in short stories. It's a key word for discussing personal development and goals. You are now moving beyond simple actions and into the realm of describing internal mental processes and motivations with more precision.

By B2, you are expected to use 'encorajar-se' with greater fluency and correct pronoun placement in both Brazilian and European Portuguese contexts. You understand the nuance between 'encorajar-se' and its synonyms like 'fortalecer-se' or 'incitar-se.' You can use the verb in the subjunctive mood to express desires or hypothetical situations: 'Espero que você se encoraje a aceitar o desafio.' You are also familiar with how the word appears in media and can discuss its cultural significance. For example, you can talk about how a character in a book 'se encorajou' to change their life. You should be able to identify and correct common mistakes, like forgetting the preposition 'a' or using the wrong pronoun. Your use of the word should feel natural and integrated into your overall ability to express complex emotions and intentions. You can also use it in more abstract ways, such as 'encorajar-se mutuamente' (to encourage each other), showing a grasp of reciprocal actions.

At the C1 level, your use of 'encorajar-se' should be sophisticated and stylistically varied. You can use it in formal writing, such as essays or reports, to discuss societal trends or psychological phenomena. You might use it in the 'mesóclise' form in very formal European Portuguese (e.g., 'encorajar-me-ei'), although this is rare. You understand the deep etymological roots of the word and can use it to make rhetorical points. Your vocabulary is rich enough that you choose 'encorajar-se' specifically when you want to emphasize the internal struggle for bravery, as opposed to other forms of motivation. You can engage in deep conversations about what it means to 'encorajar-se' in the face of adversity and can use the word to inspire others in a leadership role. You are sensitive to the different registers of the word and can adapt your usage based on your audience, whether you are in a casual chat or a formal presentation.

As a C2 learner, you have a masterly command of 'encorajar-se' and all its nuances. You can use it in literary analysis, philosophical debate, or high-level professional negotiation. You recognize the word in all its possible grammatical configurations and can play with its placement for emphasis or poetic effect. You are aware of its historical usage in Portuguese literature and can compare how the concept of 'encorajar-se' has evolved over time. You can use the verb to express the most subtle shifts in a person's resolve. Your understanding is so deep that you can even use it ironically or in complex metaphors. For you, the word is not just a verb but a tool for precise and evocative communication. You can explain the difference between 'encorajar-se' and 'ganhar ânimo' with the clarity of a native speaker. You are fully comfortable with the word in any Lusophone dialect and can switch between Brazilian and European pronoun placements with ease.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

encorajar-se in 30 Seconds

A reflexive verb meaning to encourage oneself or take heart.
Essential for discussing personal growth, overcoming fears, and self-motivation.
Formed from 'coragem' (courage), highlighting the internal 'heart' of bravery.
Requires proper reflexive pronoun agreement and usually the preposition 'a'.

The Portuguese verb encorajar-se is a reflexive gem that translates to 'to encourage oneself' or 'to take heart.' At its core, it is formed from the noun coragem (courage), which itself derives from the Latin cor (heart). In the Lusophone world, the heart is not just the organ of love, but the seat of bravery and willpower. When you use the reflexive form, you are describing an internal process of gathering your emotional and mental strength to face a challenge, a fear, or a daunting task. It is different from the simple transitive verb encorajar, which means to encourage someone else. In the reflexive sense, the subject and the object are the same person; you are the source of your own motivation.

Psychological Resilience: This word is frequently used in contexts involving personal growth, overcoming anxiety, or preparing for a significant life event like a job interview or a public speech. It implies a conscious effort to overcome hesitation.

Depois de muita hesitação, ela finalmente conseguiu encorajar-se a saltar de paraquedas.

In everyday conversation, you might hear this in a professional setting when a manager tells a team to find their inner strength, or in a more intimate setting when a friend describes how they found the nerve to ask someone on a date. The beauty of the word lies in its acknowledgement of the internal struggle. It suggests that courage is not a constant state, but something that can be summoned or built up through self-talk and determination. It is a very empowering verb because it places the agency of action directly within the individual.

Common Collocations: It is almost always followed by the preposition a or para when indicating the action one is taking courage for.

Preciso encorajar-me para enfrentar o meu chefe amanhã cedo.

Furthermore, the word carries a certain level of formality but is accessible enough for B1 learners to use in daily life. It is more sophisticated than simply saying 'ficar com coragem' (to stay with courage). It portrays the action of 'charging' oneself with bravery. In literary texts, you might see it used to describe a protagonist finding the strength to save their village or change their destiny. In modern self-help blogs in Portuguese, you will see it used to discuss 'self-empowerment' and 'overcoming limiting beliefs.'

Nós nos encorajamos mutuamente antes de entrar no palco para a peça.

Register and Tone: While not strictly formal, it is a 'correct' and polished way to speak. In very informal slang, people might use 'criar coragem,' but 'encorajar-se' shows a higher command of the language.

Ele se encorajou ao ler as cartas de apoio de sua família.

Vocês precisam encorajar-se se quiserem vencer este campeonato difícil.

Using encorajar-se effectively requires an understanding of reflexive pronoun placement, which is one of the more challenging aspects of Portuguese grammar for English speakers. The pronoun must agree with the subject: eu me encorajo, tu te encorajas, ele se encoraja, nós nos encorajamos, and eles se encorajam. Because it is a regular -ar verb, its conjugation follows the standard pattern, making it relatively easy to master once you get the pronoun right.

Reflexive Pronoun Agreement: Always ensure the pronoun matches the person performing the action. 'Eu me encorajei' means 'I encouraged myself.' Using the wrong pronoun is a common beginner error.

Eu me encorajei a falar em público pela primeira vez ontem.

In the present tense, it often describes a current effort to find strength. For example, 'Eu me encorajo todos os dias para ir à academia' (I encourage myself every day to go to the gym). In the past tense (pretérito perfeito), it describes a specific moment when courage was found: 'Ele se encorajou e pediu demissão' (He took courage and quit his job). The future tense is also common when setting goals: 'Eu me encorajarei a aprender uma nova língua no próximo ano' (I will encourage myself to learn a new language next year).

Prepositional Links: The verb is almost always followed by the preposition 'a' when followed by an infinitive verb. 'Encorajar-se a [verbo]'.

Eles se encorajaram a investir todas as suas economias no novo negócio.

When using the negative, the pronoun usually moves before the verb in both Brazilian and European Portuguese: 'Eu não me encorajei' (I didn't encourage myself). This is a crucial rule to remember for natural-sounding speech. Additionally, in the imperative mood (giving advice), it becomes 'Encoraje-se!' (Encourage yourself!). This is a powerful command often found in inspirational posters or when giving a pep talk to a friend who is feeling down.

Se você não se encorajar, ninguém o fará por você.

Nós precisamos nos encorajar para terminar este projeto no prazo.

Usage with Adverbs: You can modify the intensity with adverbs like 'lentamente' (slowly) or 'finalmente' (finally). 'Ela finalmente se encorajou'.

O atleta se encorajou ao ouvir os gritos da torcida no estádio.

In the real world, encorajar-se isn't just a textbook verb; it's a word that permeates Lusophone media, literature, and daily psychological discourse. You will frequently encounter it in Brazilian 'telenovelas' during pivotal moments of character development—when a protagonist decides to finally stand up to a villain or confess their love. It's a 'high-stakes' verb that signals a shift from passivity to action. In the news, it might appear in stories about entrepreneurs who found the courage to start businesses during economic crises, or in sports commentary when a team finds the spirit to make a comeback.

Self-Help and Podcasts: Portuguese-language podcasts focused on mindfulness and productivity often use this verb to discuss the 'inner game' of success. You will hear phrases like 'Como se encorajar em tempos de incerteza' (How to encourage yourself in times of uncertainty).

No podcast de hoje, vamos falar sobre como encorajar-se diante de novos desafios.

In literature, from the classic works of Machado de Assis to modern authors like Valter Hugo Mãe, the concept of 'encorajar-se' is used to explore the internal landscape of characters. It often depicts the moment of 'epiphany' or 'moral strength.' When reading Portuguese novels, look for this verb as a marker of a character's growth. In academic or formal essays, particularly those dealing with sociology or psychology, 'encorajar-se' is used to describe collective or individual agency in the face of systemic challenges.

Workplace Dynamics: During performance reviews or team-building exercises in companies like Petrobras or EDP, leaders might use this verb to promote a culture of proactivity and self-reliance.

É importante que cada funcionário saiba encorajar-se para buscar inovação.

You will also hear it in religious or spiritual contexts. In many Brazilian churches, the act of 'encorajar-se na fé' (encouraging oneself in faith) is a common theme in sermons, emphasizing that strength comes from within and from one's beliefs. Similarly, in sports, coaches often talk about how players need to 'encorajar-se' before a penalty kick or a final match. It's about that deep breath taken before a leap of faith. It is a word that connects the mundane struggles of life with the heroic virtues of courage.

O guia disse para nos encorajarmos antes de entrar na caverna escura.

Ela se encorajou ao ver que não estava sozinha naquela situação.

Educational Settings: Teachers use it to motivate students who are afraid of making mistakes. 'Não tenha medo de errar, encoraje-se a tentar de novo!'

Para aprender português, você deve encorajar-se a falar com nativos todos os dias.

Learning to use encorajar-se correctly involves navigating a few linguistic pitfalls. The most common mistake for English speakers is omitting the reflexive pronoun entirely. In English, 'to encourage' can sometimes imply self-encouragement depending on context, but in Portuguese, 'encorajar' without the pronoun *always* means you are encouraging someone else. If you say 'Eu encorajei a viajar,' a Portuguese speaker will ask 'Who did you encourage to travel?' You must say 'Eu me encorajei' to indicate the action was directed at yourself.

Missing Reflexive Pronouns: Incorrect: 'Eu encorajei a falar.' Correct: 'Eu me encorajei a falar.' The 'me' is essential to show the reflexive nature of the action.

Não se esqueça do 'se' quando quiser dizer que você tomou coragem: 'Eu me encorajei'.

Another frequent error is the incorrect placement of the pronoun, especially in relation to the word 'não' or other attractors. In Portuguese, certain words like 'não', 'que', 'quem', and 'sempre' pull the pronoun to the front of the verb (próclise). Beginners often say 'Eu não encorajei-me,' which sounds very unnatural. The correct form is 'Eu não me encorajei.' Mastering these 'attractor' words is key to moving from a B1 to a B2 level of proficiency.

Confusing with 'Animar-se': While similar, 'animar-se' is more about getting excited or being in a good mood. 'Encorajar-se' specifically implies overcoming fear or a lack of bravery. Don't use them interchangeably if you want to be precise.

Você se anima para uma festa, mas se encoraja para uma cirurgia.

A third mistake is using the wrong preposition. Some learners might try to use 'com' or 'de' after the verb. However, the standard preposition is 'a' or 'para' when followed by an infinitive. 'Encorajar-se a fazer algo' is the most common structure. Using 'de' (e.g., 'me encorajei de sair') is a transfer error from verbs like 'gostar de' or 'precisar de' and should be avoided to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Muitos alunos dizem 'me encorajar de', mas o correto é 'me encorajar a'.

Eles se encorajaram para a batalha final, não 'com' a batalha.

Agreement with 'Nós': In informal Brazilian Portuguese, people often use 'a gente' instead of 'nós'. If you use 'a gente', the verb and pronoun must be third-person singular: 'A gente se encoraja'. If you use 'nós', it must be 'Nós nos encorajamos'. Mixing them up is a common slip.

A gente se encoraja todos os dias para enfrentar o trânsito de São Paulo.

While encorajar-se is a powerful verb, Portuguese offers a rich palette of synonyms and related terms that can add nuance to your speech. Depending on whether you are talking about motivation, excitement, or raw bravery, you might choose a different word. Understanding these subtle differences is what separates a proficient speaker from a basic one.

Encorajar-se vs. Animar-se: As mentioned, encorajar-se is about courage (overcoming fear), while animar-se is about spirit or mood (getting excited). Use animar-se for social events and encorajar-se for difficult challenges.

Eu me animei com o convite para o cinema, mas me encorajei para falar com o diretor.

Another common alternative is the idiomatic expression criar coragem. This is very common in informal speech. It literally means 'to create courage.' You might say, 'Finalmente criei coragem para pular na piscina gelada.' While 'encorajar-se' sounds more deliberate and internal, 'criar coragem' sounds like a sudden spark of bravery. There is also fortalecer-se, which means 'to strengthen oneself.' This is often used when the process is more gradual and involves building mental or physical resilience over time.

Motivar-se vs. Encorajar-se: Motivar-se is more clinical or professional. You 'motivate yourself' to work hard or study. You 'encourage yourself' when you are afraid. The emotional weight of encorajar-se is much heavier.

Ele se motivou a bater as metas, mas teve que se encorajar para admitir o erro.

In more formal or literary contexts, you might find incitar-se or estimular-se. These verbs are often used when the self-encouragement is more intellectual or driven by a specific goal. 'Incitar-se' has a more aggressive, prodding tone, almost like poking oneself into action. 'Estimular-se' is more about providing the necessary stimuli for growth. Finally, there is the slangier tomar fôlego, which literally means 'to take a breath,' but is used metaphorically to mean gathering one's strength before a final push.

Tivemos que nos fortalecer psicologicamente antes da maratona.

Ela se estimulou através da música clássica enquanto estudava.

Determinar-se: This means to set one's mind on something. It is less about fear and more about focus. 'Eu me determinei a passar no exame'.

É preciso encorajar-se para ser diferente em um mundo de iguais.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'cor' is the same as in 'cordial', 'concord', and 'discord', showing how early speakers associated the heart with both bravery and agreement.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ẽ.ku.ɾɐ.ˈʒaɾ.sɨ/

US /ẽ.ko.ɾa.ˈʒaɾ.si/

The primary stress is on the syllable 'jar', which is the penultimate syllable of the verb itself.

Rhymes With

viciar-se lembrar-se sentar-se levantar-se queixar-se apaixonar-se aventurar-se adaptar-se

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'j' like an English 'j' (it should be like the 's' in 'pleasure').
Forgetting the nasal sound at the beginning (en-).
Stress on the wrong syllable (e.g., en-CO-ra-jar).
Making the 'r' too hard like a Spanish 'rr'.
Ignoring the reflexive pronoun sound entirely.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'courage' and reflexive endings.

Writing 5/5

Requires correct pronoun placement and preposition usage.

Speaking 6/5

The 'j' sound and reflexive flow can be tricky at speed.

Listening 5/5

Reflexive pronouns often blend into the verb in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

coragem medo falar fazer sentir

Learn Next

desafiar-se superar resiliência determinação ousar

Advanced

impetuosidade temeridade intrepidez galhardia estoicismo

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Pronoun Placement (Próclise)

Não me encorajei (Negative words attract the pronoun).

Prepositional Verbs

Encorajar-se a (Most reflexive verbs of effort take 'a').

Personal Infinitive

Para nos encorajarmos (Used when the infinitive has a clear subject).

Future Subjunctive in Conditionals

Se eu me encorajar, irei (Standard 'if' clause structure).

Imperative of Reflexive Verbs

Encoraja-te (Tu) / Encoraje-se (Você).

Examples by Level

Eu me encorajo a ler.

I encourage myself to read.

Simple present tense with reflexive pronoun 'me'.

Você se encoraja?

Do you encourage yourself?

Question form using the third person 'se' for 'você'.

Nós nos encorajamos.

We encourage ourselves.

First person plural 'nos' matches 'nós'.

Ele se encoraja muito.

He encourages himself a lot.

The adverb 'muito' follows the verb.

Ela se encoraja a falar.

She encourages herself to speak.

Uses the preposition 'a' before the infinitive 'falar'.

Eles se encorajam hoje.

They encourage themselves today.

Third person plural ending in '-am'.

Eu não me encorajo.

I do not encourage myself.

Negative 'não' pulls 'me' before the verb.

Encoraje-se agora!

Encourage yourself now!

Imperative mood (command).

Ontem eu me encorajei a correr.

Yesterday I took courage to run.

Pretérito Perfeito (past tense) for a finished action.

Você se encorajou para a prova?

Did you take courage for the exam?

Use of 'para' before a noun phrase.

Nós nos encorajamos antes do jogo.

We encouraged ourselves before the game.

Reflexive 'nos' with the past tense.

Ela sempre se encoraja de manhã.

She always encourages herself in the morning.

Frequency adverb 'sempre' pulls the pronoun forward.

Eles se encorajaram a viajar sozinhos.

They took courage to travel alone.

Plural past tense ending in '-aram'.

Eu preciso me encorajar mais.

I need to encourage myself more.

Reflexive pronoun with an auxiliary verb 'precisar'.

Você não se encorajou a pular?

Didn't you take courage to jump?

Negative question with pronoun placement.

Vamos nos encorajar hoje!

Let's encourage ourselves today!

First person plural imperative/exhortation.

Eu me encorajava ouvindo música antes das reuniões.

I used to encourage myself by listening to music before meetings.

Pretérito Imperfeito for a habitual action in the past.

Se você se encorajar, conseguirá o emprego.

If you take courage, you will get the job.

Future Subjunctive 'encorajar' used in a conditional 'if' clause.

Ela se encorajou tanto que finalmente viajou para o exterior.

She took so much courage that she finally traveled abroad.

Result clause with 'tanto que'.

É importante que nós nos encorajemos todos os dias.

It is important that we encourage ourselves every day.

Present Subjunctive 'encorajemos' after 'é importante que'.

Eles se encorajaram mutuamente durante a crise.

They encouraged each other during the crisis.

Reciprocal use of the reflexive verb.

Eu vou me encorajar a aprender piano.

I am going to encourage myself to learn piano.

Periphrastic future with 'ir' + infinitive.

Você se encorajaria a mudar de cidade?

Would you encourage yourself to change cities?

Conditional mood 'encorajaria'.

Mesmo com medo, ele se encorajou a entrar na floresta.

Even with fear, he took courage to enter the forest.

Concessive phrase 'mesmo com' setting the context.

Caso ele se encoraje, poderá liderar a equipe.

In case he takes courage, he will be able to lead the team.

Present Subjunctive after the conjunction 'caso'.

Ela tinha se encorajado muito antes de tomar a decisão final.

She had encouraged herself a lot before making the final decision.

Pretérito Mais-Que-Perfeito Composto (Past Perfect).

Não permitas que o medo te impeça de te encorajares.

Do not allow fear to prevent you from taking courage.

European Portuguese second person singular 'tu' with personal infinitive.

Ao se encorajarem, os soldados avançaram sem hesitação.

Upon taking courage, the soldiers advanced without hesitation.

Preposition 'ao' + reflexive infinitive to show timing.

Duvido que eles se encorajem a investir tanto dinheiro.

I doubt they will take courage to invest so much money.

Present Subjunctive after a verb of doubt 'duvido que'.

Eu me encorajaria se tivesse o apoio da minha família.

I would encourage myself if I had the support of my family.

Conditional mood paired with Imperfect Subjunctive.

É fundamental encorajar-se perante as injustiças do mundo.

It is fundamental to take courage in the face of the world's injustices.

Impersonal infinitive phrase as the subject.

Mesmo que ninguém ajude, ela se encorajará sozinha.

Even if no one helps, she will encourage herself alone.

Future tense with a concessive 'mesmo que' clause.

A personagem encoraja-se a romper com as tradições ancestrais.

The character takes courage to break with ancestral traditions.

Literary present tense with European pronoun placement.

Fez-se necessário que o povo se encorajasse para exigir mudanças.

It became necessary for the people to take courage to demand changes.

Imperfect Subjunctive in a formal passive construction.

Encorajar-se-ia se as circunstâncias fossem minimamente favoráveis.

One would take courage if the circumstances were even slightly favorable.

Mesóclise (conditional) - very formal European Portuguese.

A despeito das críticas, ele se encorajou a publicar o seu manifesto.

Despite the criticism, he took courage to publish his manifesto.

Advanced prepositional phrase 'a despeito de'.

Oxalá todos se encorajem a lutar pela preservação do meio ambiente.

Hopefully everyone takes courage to fight for environmental preservation.

Use of 'oxalá' to express a strong wish with the subjunctive.

Ao ter-se encorajado precocemente, ele evitou o desastre iminente.

By having taken courage early on, he avoided the imminent disaster.

Compound infinitive with reflexive pronoun.

Não há quem não se encoraje ao ver tamanha demonstração de bravura.

There is no one who doesn't take courage upon seeing such a demonstration of bravery.

Double negative construction for emphasis.

É imperativo que te encorajes antes que a oportunidade se desvaneça.

It is imperative that you take courage before the opportunity fades away.

Second person singular subjunctive with 'antes que'.

A resiliência humana reside na capacidade de encorajar-se perante o abismo.

Human resilience lies in the capacity to take courage before the abyss.

Philosophical use of the infinitive.

Tivesse ele se encorajado outrora, o desfecho seria decerto distinto.

Had he taken courage in the past, the outcome would certainly be different.

Inverted conditional (literary) using the pluperfect subjunctive.

Encorajar-se-ão os justos quando a verdade finalmente vier à tona.

The righteous will take courage when the truth finally comes to light.

Mesóclise (future) - archaic/formal style.

Subsiste no íntimo a necessidade de nos encorajarmos contra a letargia.

The need to encourage ourselves against lethargy subsists in our innermost being.

Personal infinitive in a complex sentence structure.

Embora se encoraje, o medo ainda sussurra nas dobras da sua mente.

Although he takes courage, fear still whispers in the folds of his mind.

Concessive 'embora' with the subjunctive.

Quanto mais se encoraja, mais percebe a vastidão do seu potencial.

The more one takes courage, the more one realizes the vastness of their potential.

Proportional construction 'quanto mais... mais'.

Não obstante o perigo, encorajar-se-á para salvaguardar os seus ideais.

Notwithstanding the danger, he will take courage to safeguard his ideals.

Formal 'não obstante' paired with future mesóclise.

A alma encoraja-se na quietude, longe do bulício ensurdecedor da cidade.

The soul takes courage in the stillness, far from the deafening bustle of the city.

Metaphorical and poetic usage.

Common Collocations

encorajar-se a fazer

encorajar-se para o desafio

encorajar-se mutuamente

precisar encorajar-se

tentar encorajar-se

encorajar-se perante o medo

encorajar-se com palavras

finalmente encorajar-se

encorajar-se a mudar

encorajar-se a falar

Common Phrases

Não se encoraja?

— A question asking if someone isn't finding the strength to do something. Used to gently prod someone.

Você ainda não se encorajou a pedir o aumento?

É preciso encorajar-se.

— A general statement of necessity. Life requires bravery.

Nesta vida, é preciso encorajar-se todos os dias.

Encoraje-se, amigo!

— A friendly exhortation to someone who is feeling hesitant.

Não desista agora. Encoraje-se, amigo!

Para se encorajar...

— Starting a sentence to explain a method of finding bravery.

Para se encorajar, ele costuma meditar.

Se eu me encorajar...

— Expressing a condition for a future action.

Se eu me encorajar, vou saltar de bungee jump.

Eles nunca se encorajam.

— Describing someone who is consistently fearful or stagnant.

Eles nunca se encorajam a sair da zona de conforto.

Tente se encorajar.

— A piece of advice suggesting an effort toward bravery.

Tente se encorajar antes da entrevista.

Como se encorajar?

— A common question in self-help contexts.

Como se encorajar quando tudo parece difícil?

Ela se encoraja sozinha.

— Emphasizing self-reliance in finding strength.

Ela não precisa de ninguém; ela se encoraja sozinha.

Nós nos encorajamos juntos.

— Highlighting solidarity and collective bravery.

Nós nos encorajamos juntos para enfrentar o problema.

Often Confused With

encorajar-se vs encorajar

Without the '-se', it means you are giving courage to someone else, not yourself.

encorajar-se vs animar-se

Means to get excited or happy; 'encorajar-se' specifically means to get brave.

encorajar-se vs corar

Means to blush (turn red); it sounds similar because of the 'cor' root but is unrelated to bravery.

Idioms & Expressions

"encher-se de coragem"

— To fill oneself with courage; very similar to encorajar-se but more vivid.

Ele se encheu de coragem e pulou.

Informal

"tomar o touro pelos cornos"

— To take the bull by the horns; to face a problem directly with courage.

Ela se encorajou e tomou o touro pelos cornos.

Idiomatic

"dar a cara a tapa"

— To put oneself out there; to be brave enough to face criticism.

É preciso se encorajar para dar a cara a tapa na internet.

Slang/Informal

"não ter papas na língua"

— To speak one's mind freely; often requires one to 'encorajar-se' first.

Ela se encorajou e não teve papas na língua com o patrão.

Informal

"meter a mão na massa"

— To get to work; often used after one has encouraged oneself to start.

Depois de se encorajar, ele meteu a mão na massa.

Informal

"perder o medo"

— To lose the fear; the result of encorajar-se.

Você precisa se encorajar para perder o medo de dirigir.

Neutral

"fazer das tripas coração"

— To make a huge effort despite great difficulty; a deep form of encorajar-se.

Ela se encorajou e fez das tripas coração para sustentar a família.

Idiomatic

"sacudir a poeira"

— To shake off the dust; to encourage oneself to move on after a failure.

Encoraje-se, sacuda a poeira e dê a volta por cima.

Informal

"ter peito"

— To have the 'chest' (guts) to do something.

Ele se encorajou porque tinha peito para enfrentar o perigo.

Informal

"ir com tudo"

— To go all in; the action taken once one is encouraged.

Se você se encorajar, vá com tudo!

Slang

Easily Confused

encorajar-se vs encorajar

Looks identical except for the reflexive pronoun.

Encorajar is transitive (action on others). Encorajar-se is reflexive (action on self).

Eu encorajei o meu filho. vs. Eu me encorajei.

encorajar-se vs animar-se

Both involve a positive emotional shift.

Animar-se is about mood and enthusiasm. Encorajar-se is specifically about overcoming fear or hesitation.

Eu me animei para a festa. vs. Eu me encorajei para a cirurgia.

encorajar-se vs arriscar-se

Both involve doing something potentially dangerous.

Arriscar-se means to take a risk. Encorajar-se is the internal mental preparation needed *before* taking that risk.

Eu me encorajei e depois me arrisquei no mar.

encorajar-se vs decidir-se

Taking courage often leads to a decision.

Decidir-se is the act of choosing. Encorajar-se is the act of finding the strength to make that choice.

Eu me encorajei a finalmente me decidir.

encorajar-se vs enfrentar

Both are related to facing something.

Enfrentar is the action of facing the obstacle. Encorajar-se is the internal process that precedes the facing.

Preciso me encorajar para enfrentar o inimigo.

Sentence Patterns

Eu me encorajo.

Eu me encorajo todos os dias.

Eu me encorajei a [verbo].

Eu me encorajei a nadar.

Se eu me encorajar, eu vou [verbo].

Se eu me encorajar, eu vou viajar.

Eu não me encorajei a [verbo].

Eu não me encorajei a saltar.

É preciso que nós nos encorajemos.

É preciso que nós nos encorajemos para vencer.

Ela tinha se encorajado antes de [verbo].

Ela tinha se encorajado antes de falar.

A despeito de tudo, ele se encorajou.

A despeito de tudo, ele se encorajou a lutar.

Tivesse eu me encorajado, nada disso seria assim.

Word Family

Nouns

coragem

encorajamento

corajoso

desencorajamento

Verbs

encorajar

desencorajar

coroar

Adjectives

encorajador

corajoso

encorajado

desencorajado

coração

ânimo

bravura

destemor

fortaleza

How to Use It

frequency

Common in psychological and motivational contexts; medium frequency in casual chat.

Common Mistakes

Eu encorajei a falar. → Eu me encorajei a falar.
Without the 'me', you are encouraging someone else. You must use the reflexive pronoun to show the action is directed at yourself.
Eu não encorajei-me. → Eu não me encorajei.
Negative words like 'não' attract the pronoun to the position before the verb. This is a fundamental rule of Portuguese syntax.
Eu me encorajei de viajar. → Eu me encorajei a viajar.
The correct preposition after 'encorajar-se' when followed by a verb is 'a', not 'de'.
Nós se encorajamos. → Nós nos encorajamos.
The reflexive pronoun must agree with the subject. 'Nós' always takes 'nos'. 'Se' is only for third person (ele/ela/eles/elas/você/vocês).
Vou encorajar-me para o amanhã. → Vou me encorajar para o amanhã. (In Brazil)
While 'encorajar-me' is correct in Portugal, using it in a casual Brazilian context sounds overly formal or archaic. Context matters!

Tips

Pronoun Agreement

Always match the pronoun to the subject. 'Eu me', 'Tu te', 'Ele se', 'Nós nos'. This is the most important rule for reflexive verbs like encorajar-se. If you get this wrong, the sentence loses its meaning or sounds very broken to a native speaker.

Root Recognition

Remember the root 'cor' means heart. When you 'encorajar-se', you are putting your 'heart' into the action. This helps you remember that the word is about deep, internal strength, not just a superficial mood change.

Brazilian vs European

If you are in Brazil, say 'Eu me encorajo'. If you are in Portugal, say 'Eu encorajo-me'. While both are understood, following the local rhythm will make you sound much more like a local and help you blend in better.

The 'A' Bridge

Always use 'a' as a bridge to the next action. 'Encorajei-me a partir.' Without the 'a', the sentence is incomplete. Think of 'a' as the arrow pointing from your courage to your next big move.

Don't Overuse

While it's a great word, don't use it for every single decision. Use it when there is a real sense of 'overcoming' something. For simple choices, 'decidir-se' or 'querer' is usually enough. Save 'encorajar-se' for the heroic moments of life.

The 'Não' Trap

Listen carefully for 'não me encorajei'. The 'não' changes the position of the pronoun. If you only listen for the pronoun after the verb, you might miss the negation entirely. Negative words are 'magnets' for pronouns in Portuguese.

Dramatic Effect

Use 'encorajar-se' to add a bit of emotional depth to your stories. Instead of saying 'I went to the stage,' say 'I encouraged myself and went to the stage.' It tells the listener that the action was important and difficult for you.

Daily Pep Talk

Every morning, say one thing to yourself in the mirror: 'Hoje, eu me encorajo a [falar mais português/trabalhar melhor/etc]'. This builds both your language skills and your actual confidence simultaneously!

Encorajar vs. Animar

Remember: Encorajar = Courage (Fear). Animar = Animal/Spirit (Mood). You 'encorajar-se' to jump off a cliff, but you 'animar-se' to go to a birthday party. Distinguishing these two will make your Portuguese sound very precise.

Use with Adverbs

Combine the verb with adverbs like 'finalmente', 'lentamente', or 'subitamente' to show how you found your courage. 'Subitamente, ela se encorajou!' adds excitement and narrative flair to your Portuguese sentences.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'EN-COURAGE-SE'. The 'EN' is like 'entering', the 'COURAGE' is obvious, and the 'SE' is 'self'. So, 'Enter courage into self'.

Visual Association

Imagine a tiny heart inside a person's chest glowing brighter and brighter until the person steps forward into the light.

Word Web

Coragem Coração Bravura Medo Ação Motivação Interior Força

Challenge

Write three things you need to take courage for this week using the phrase 'Eu me encorajo a...'.

Word Origin

From the Portuguese prefix 'en-' (into/within) + 'coragem' (courage) + the reflexive suffix '-se'. 'Coragem' comes from the Old French 'corage', which stems from the Latin 'cor' meaning 'heart'.

Original meaning: To put courage into oneself; literally to put heart into oneself.

Romance (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

The word is positive and safe for all contexts, but be mindful when using it with people suffering from severe clinical anxiety, as 'just taking courage' can be an oversimplification of their struggle.

English speakers often use 'take heart' or 'man up,' but 'encorajar-se' is more gender-neutral and focuses on the psychological aspect.

The writings of Fernando Pessoa often touch on the internal need to find courage in a chaotic world. Brazilian self-help author Paulo Coelho frequently uses themes of self-encouragement in 'The Alchemist'. Commonly used in Portuguese translations of Stoic philosophy (Seneca, Marcus Aurelius).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Education

Encorajar-se a estudar
Encorajar-se a perguntar
Encorajar-se para o exame
Encorajar-se a aprender

Professional

Encorajar-se a liderar
Encorajar-se para a entrevista
Encorajar-se a inovar
Encorajar-se a falar em público

Sports

Encorajar-se para a competição
Encorajar-se a treinar pesado
Encorajar-se após a derrota
Encorajar-se a vencer

Personal Relationships

Encorajar-se a pedir desculpas
Encorajar-se a dizer a verdade
Encorajar-se a conhecer pessoas
Encorajar-se a amar de novo

Health/Wellness

Encorajar-se a começar uma dieta
Encorajar-se para a cirurgia
Encorajar-se a meditar
Encorajar-se mentalmente

Conversation Starters

"Você já teve que se encorajar muito para fazer algo difícil?"

"Como você se encoraja quando está com medo de um desafio?"

"Você acha que é mais fácil encorajar os outros ou encorajar-se?"

"Qual foi a última vez que você se encorajou a sair da sua zona de conforto?"

"Você usa música ou livros para se encorajar em momentos de crise?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre um momento em que você se encorajou e o resultado foi positivo.

Quais são as três coisas que você precisa se encorajar a fazer este mês?

Descreva a sensação física de se encorajar antes de um grande evento.

Como a sua vida mudaria se você se encorajasse mais frequentemente?

Reflita sobre a diferença entre 'criar coragem' e 'encorajar-se' na sua experiência pessoal.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries. The main difference lies in the placement of the reflexive pronoun. In Brazil, you will mostly hear 'me encorajar', 'se encorajar', etc., placed before the verb. In Portugal, it is more common to hear 'encorajar-me' or 'encorajar-se', with the pronoun attached to the end by a hyphen. Both are correct, but follow the local preference for a more natural sound.

Yes, you can use it for any situation that requires a bit of an internal push. While it is often used for big fears, it is perfectly fine to use it for daily challenges. For example, 'Eu me encorajo a sair da cama quando está frio' (I encourage myself to get out of bed when it is cold). It adds a slightly dramatic but very human touch to your description of daily struggles.

'Encorajar-se' is a bit more formal and sounds more like a deliberate, internal process. 'Criar coragem' is much more common in everyday, informal conversation in both Brazil and Portugal. If you are talking to friends, 'criar coragem' is probably your best bet. If you are writing an essay or giving a speech, 'encorajar-se' sounds much more professional and polished.

It needs the preposition 'a' only when it is followed by another verb in the infinitive form. For example: 'Eu me encorajei a falar.' If you are encouraging yourself *for* something (a noun), you use 'para'. For example: 'Eu me encorajei para a luta.' If there is nothing following the verb, you don't need a preposition at all: 'Eu simplesmente me encorajei'.

It is a regular -ar verb. In the Pretérito Perfeito, it is: eu me encorajei, tu te encorajaste, ele se encorajou, nós nos encorajamos, vós vos encorajastes, eles se encorajaram. Remember to always use the corresponding reflexive pronoun. The past tense is very common because we often talk about the moments when we finally found the bravery to do something.

Yes, it can be used for collective self-encouragement. 'Nós nos encorajamos' means 'We encouraged ourselves' or 'We encouraged each other.' Context usually makes it clear whether it is reflexive (each person to themselves) or reciprocal (to each other). In a team setting, it is a very powerful verb to describe unity and shared bravery.

Yes, the noun is 'encorajamento' (encouragement) or 'coragem' (courage). While 'encorajamento' is usually the act of someone else encouraging you, 'autoencorajamento' is the specific technical term for self-encouragement. However, in casual speech, people just say 'ter coragem' or 'buscar coragem'.

It is considered neutral to slightly formal. It is not 'slang,' but it is not so formal that you can't use it with friends. It is a 'good' word that shows you have a high level of Portuguese. Using it correctly with the reflexive pronoun will definitely impress native speakers.

The most direct opposite is 'desencorajar-se' (to lose courage). Other opposites include 'desanimar-se' (to get discouraged/lose spirit) or 'acovardar-se' (to become a coward/shrink in fear). If you want to say you gave up because you were afraid, you would use 'desisti por medo'.

In the future subjunctive, which is very common, it remains 'encorajar'. For example: 'Se eu me encorajar, eu farei isso.' (If I take courage, I will do that). In the imperfect subjunctive, it is 'encorajasse': 'Se eu me encorajasse, eu faria isso.' (If I took courage, I would do that). This is useful for talking about hypothetical bravery.