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B1 verb 8 min read

perseguir

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips perseguir in 30 Seconds

Explanation perseguir in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should understand 'perseguir' in its most basic, physical sense. Think of it as 'chasing' in a playground or a cartoon. It's a word used for simple actions involving animals or children. You don't need to worry about complex metaphorical meanings yet. Focus on the idea of one thing running after another. For example, 'O cão persegue o gato' (The dog chases the cat). At this stage, just remember that it is an '-ir' verb and that it describes movement. You might see it in simple stories or picture books. It’s important to distinguish it from 'correr' (to run). While 'correr' is just the action of running, 'perseguir' is running with the goal of catching something. Keep your sentences short and focused on physical objects you can see.

As an A2 learner, you can start using 'perseguir' in slightly more complex but still concrete situations. You might use it to describe a scene in a movie or a news headline about a police chase. You should also be aware of the basic present tense conjugation, especially the irregular 'eu persigo'. You can start to use it with people, like 'A polícia persegue o ladrão' (The police chase the thief). You are also beginning to see the word in the context of sports—one player chasing another for the ball. At this level, you are moving from just animals to human interactions involving physical pursuit. You should also be able to recognize the past tense 'perseguiu' (he/she chased) in simple narratives about events that happened.

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle the metaphorical uses of 'perseguir'. This is where you talk about 'perseguir sonhos' (pursuing dreams) or 'perseguir objetivos' (pursuing goals). This is a very common way to use the word in conversations about the future, careers, and personal ambitions. You should be comfortable using it in the present, past, and future tenses. You also begin to understand the nuance between 'perseguir' and 'seguir'. At B1, you can explain that 'perseguir' involves more effort and determination. You might also encounter the noun form 'perseguição' in the context of history or social studies. You should be able to use the verb in a sentence like: 'Eu estou a perseguir uma oportunidade melhor de emprego' (I am pursuing a better job opportunity).

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'perseguir' in more formal and abstract contexts, such as political or legal discussions. You understand the concept of 'perseguição política' (political persecution) and can discuss why someone might be 'perseguido'. You can also use the verb to describe abstract things that 'haunt' or 'persistently follow' someone, like a bad reputation or a recurring thought. Your use of the verb should be grammatically precise, including correct use of the subjunctive mood ('Espero que ele persiga os seus ideais'). You can also differentiate 'perseguir' from more specific synonyms like 'assediar' (to harass) or 'fustigar' (to harrass/whip). You should be able to write an essay or give a presentation using this word to describe social movements or historical events.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the stylistic and emotional weight of 'perseguir'. You can use it in literary analysis to describe a character's 'relentless pursuit' of truth or revenge. You are aware of its use in idiomatic expressions and can use it to create sophisticated imagery in your writing. You understand the subtle differences in register—how 'perseguir' sounds in a legal document versus a poem. You can use it to describe complex psychological states, such as 'ser perseguido por sentimentos de culpa' (to be pursued/haunted by feelings of guilt). Your mastery of the verb's conjugation is perfect, including rare forms and complex sentence structures involving clitic pronouns ('perseguir-nos-ão'). You can use the word to debate nuanced topics like the ethics of 'perseguição mediática' (media hounding).

At the C2 level, 'perseguir' is a tool you use with total precision and creative flair. You understand its etymological roots and how they influence its modern usage across different Lusophone cultures (Portugal, Brazil, Angola, etc.). You can use it in philosophical discourse to discuss the human condition—the 'perseguição incessante da felicidade' (the incessant pursuit of happiness). You can play with the word's connotations to create irony or double meanings. You are familiar with its use in archaic or highly formal texts and can interpret it in various literary periods. You can effortlessly switch between its literal, metaphorical, and legal meanings in a single conversation or text, maintaining perfect flow and tone. You might use it to describe the way an idea 'persegue' an entire generation or how a scientific discovery was 'perseguida' through decades of trial and error.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

perseguir in 30 Seconds

Perseguir means to chase or pursue, used for physical movement like police chases or animals hunting.
It is also used metaphorically for striving toward goals, dreams, and personal or professional ambitions.
The verb carries a negative connotation of persecution or harassment in social and political contexts.
Grammatically, it is a third-conjugation verb with an irregular first-person singular present form: 'persigo'.

The Portuguese verb perseguir is a dynamic and multifaceted word that primarily translates to 'to pursue' or 'to chase.' While its most literal application involves physical movement—such as a predator chasing prey or a police officer chasing a suspect—it extends deep into metaphorical and abstract territories. In everyday Portuguese, you will encounter this word when people talk about their life goals, their careers, and even their persistent thoughts or dreams. It is a verb of intensity, suggesting a focused effort to reach, capture, or attain something that is moving away or is difficult to reach.

Physical Pursuit: This is the most direct use. It describes the act of following someone or something closely and rapidly. For example, 'O gato persegue o rato' (The cat chases the mouse). It implies a gap that the pursuer is trying to close.
Abstract Ambition: In a professional or personal development context, it means to strive for a goal. 'Perseguir um sonho' (To pursue a dream) is a very common expression in Portuguese literature and motivational speaking.

A polícia teve que perseguir o veículo por vários quilômetros antes de conseguir pará-lo com segurança.

Furthermore, perseguir carries a darker connotation related to harassment or victimization. When used in a social or political context, it refers to the systematic mistreatment of an individual or group. This is where we get the noun 'perseguição' (persecution). If someone feels they are being unfairly targeted by a boss or a government, they would use this verb to describe that persistent negative attention. It suggests an unwanted and often cruel persistence.

Não devemos perseguir apenas o dinheiro, mas sim a nossa felicidade e o bem-estar da nossa família.

Legal and Social Context: In legal terms, it can relate to stalking or persistent harassment, which is a crime in many Lusophone jurisdictions. It implies a pattern of behavior that causes fear or distress.

Muitos cientistas continuam a perseguir a cura para doenças raras, apesar dos inúmeros desafios financeiros.

Using perseguir correctly requires understanding its conjugation and its transitive nature. As a transitive verb, it usually takes a direct object—the person, animal, or goal being pursued. Because it is a third-conjugation verb ending in '-ir', it follows specific patterns, but watch out for the first-person singular present indicative: eu persigo. This internal vowel change (e to i) is a common feature in many Portuguese verbs but is essential for sounding like a native speaker.

Direct Pursuit of People: When talking about following someone physically: 'Os repórteres perseguiram o ator até ao hotel.' (The reporters chased the actor to the hotel). Here, the focus is on the physical act of trailing.
Pursuing Objectives: In more formal or motivational settings: 'Ela persegue uma carreira na medicina com muita dedicação.' (She pursues a career in medicine with much dedication). It implies a long-term, focused effort.

Se você perseguir dois coelhos ao mesmo tempo, acabará por não apanhar nenhum.

In the passive voice, it is often used to describe groups that are being oppressed: 'Eles foram perseguidos pelas suas crenças religiosas.' (They were persecuted for their religious beliefs). This usage is very common in historical and political discussions. It’s important to note that when perseguir is used in the sense of 'to haunt' (like a memory or a feeling), it personifies the abstract concept: 'Aquela imagem persegue-me desde o acidente.' (That image has haunted/pursued me since the accident).

O detetive decidiu perseguir a pista, mesmo sabendo que poderia ser perigoso.

The Imperative Mood: In commands: 'Persegue os teus sonhos!' (Pursue your dreams!). This is a powerful, encouraging way to use the verb, often seen in advertisements or inspirational posters.

The word perseguir is ubiquitous across various media and social strata in the Portuguese-speaking world. In the news, it is almost a daily occurrence, especially in crime reports or political analysis. You will hear anchors say things like 'A polícia continua a perseguir os suspeitos do assalto' (The police continue to pursue the robbery suspects). It provides a sense of ongoing action and urgency that 'procurar' (to look for) does not convey.

No cinema de ação, as cenas de perseguir carros são sempre as mais emocionantes para o público.

In the realm of sports, commentators use perseguir to describe a team or athlete trying to close the gap on a leader. 'O Benfica persegue o primeiro lugar da tabela' (Benfica is pursuing first place in the standings). It suggests a relentless hunt for victory. Similarly, in the world of business, a company might 'perseguir a liderança do mercado' (pursue market leadership), indicating a strategic and aggressive push to outdo competitors.

Social Media and Modern Life: In modern digital discourse, 'perseguir' can be used to describe cyberstalking or being 'hunted' by targeted advertisements. It captures the feeling of being followed by something digital or persistent.

Muitos jovens sentem-se pressionados a perseguir uma perfeição que só existe nas redes sociais.

In literature, from the classics of Camões to modern novelists like José Saramago, the concept of pursuit—whether of a person, an ideal, or a truth—is a central theme. The verb serves as a linguistic anchor for narratives of struggle and discovery. When you hear this word in a conversation, pay attention to the tone; it can range from the excitement of a chase to the heavy burden of being targeted.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is confusing perseguir with the simpler verb seguir. While they both translate to 'to follow' in certain contexts, they are not interchangeable. 'Seguir' is neutral; you follow a recipe, you follow a friend to a restaurant, or you follow someone on Instagram. 'Perseguir' is charged with intent—you are following to catch, to influence, or because you are obsessed. Using 'perseguir' when you mean 'seguir' can make you sound aggressive or strange.

Mistake: Seguir vs. Perseguir: Incorrect: 'Eu vou perseguir você até ao carro.' (I will chase you to the car - sounds creepy). Correct: 'Eu vou seguir você até ao carro.' (I will follow you to the car).

Erro comum: Perseguir instruções. Correto: Seguir instruções.

Another common pitfall is the conjugation of the first person singular in the present tense. Many learners try to say 'eu perseg_o' following the pattern of 'comer' or 'vender'. However, because it is an '-ir' verb with a stem change, it must be persigo. Forgetting this 'i' change is a hallmark of a beginner level. Similarly, in the subjunctive mood, this 'i' persists: 'que eu persiga', 'que tu persigas', etc.

Preposition Pitfalls: Learners often want to add a preposition like 'a' or 'por' after 'perseguir'. In most cases, it is a direct transitive verb: 'perseguir alguém' (no preposition needed).

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, several other Portuguese verbs might be more appropriate than perseguir. Understanding these alternatives will greatly enrich your vocabulary and allow for more precise expression. For instance, if the pursuit is more about searching than chasing, buscar or procurar are better choices. If the chase is part of a hunt, caçar is the specific term used for animals or fugitives.

Perseguir vs. Caçar: 'Perseguir' is the act of running after. 'Caçar' (to hunt) implies the intent to kill or capture permanently. You can pursue a suspect without hunting them like an animal.
Perseguir vs. Assediar: When the pursuit becomes negative and repetitive in a social or workplace setting, 'assediar' (to harass) is the more accurate and legally significant term.

Enquanto uns preferem perseguir a fama, outros preferem buscar a sabedoria em silêncio.

In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter encalçar. This is a sophisticated synonym that specifically means to be 'on the heels' of someone. Another interesting alternative is acossar, which suggests pursuing someone so closely that they feel trapped or cornered, often used in historical novels or descriptions of intense pressure.

Table of Nuance: 1. Seguir: Neutral following. 2. Perseguir: Intense chasing/pursuing. 3. Encalçar: Being right behind someone. 4. Assediar: Negative, harassing pursuit. 5. Buscar: Looking for/striving for.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'persecution' in English comes from the same Latin root. In Portuguese, the word stayed closer to its physical meaning of 'chasing' while also keeping the legal/social meaning.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pə.sə.ˈɡiɾ/

US /peɾ.se.ˈɡiɾ/

The stress is on the last syllable: per-se-GUIR.

Rhymes With

conseguir extinguir distinguir substituir partir dormir sentir pedir

Common Errors

Pronouncing the first 'e' too clearly (it should be reduced).
Making the 's' sound like 's' in 'snake' (it should be like 'z').
Stress on the second syllable instead of the last.
Mispronouncing the 'gui' as 'gwee' (the 'u' is silent).
Dropping the final 'r' too much in formal speech.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognates like 'pursue'.

Writing 5/5

Difficult due to the stem change (e to i) in some conjugations.

Speaking 4/5

Requires practice with the 'gui' sound and final 'r' tap.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation usually, but can be fast in news reports.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

seguir correr atrás pegar alcançar

Learn Next

conseguir prosseguir alcançar atingir assediar

Advanced

encalço fustigar acossar persecutório inexorável

Grammar to Know

Stem-changing verbs in -ir

Perseguir becomes 'persigo' in the first person singular present.

Direct Object Pronouns

Persegui-o (I chased him) - pronoun placement varies by dialect.

Subjunctive Mood for desires

Espero que tu persigas os teus sonhos.

Passive Voice with 'ser'

O ladrão foi perseguido pela polícia.

Gerund usage

Eles estão a perseguir (PT) / Eles estão perseguindo (BR).

Examples by Level

O cão persegue o gato no jardim.

The dog chases the cat in the garden.

Simple present tense, 3rd person singular.

As crianças perseguem a bola.

The children chase the ball.

Plural subject, verb ends in -em.

Eu persigo o meu amigo na brincadeira.

I chase my friend in the game.

Irregular first person: persigo.

Você persegue o pato?

Do you chase the duck?

Question form using 'você'.

O lobo persegue o coelho.

The wolf chases the rabbit.

Common animal behavior example.

Nós perseguimos o autocarro.

We chase the bus.

First person plural: -imos.

Eles perseguem o balão.

They chase the balloon.

Present tense plural.

O gato não persegue o rato hoje.

The cat does not chase the mouse today.

Negative sentence with 'não'.

A polícia persegue o carro vermelho.

The police chase the red car.

Police is a singular collective noun in Portuguese (a polícia).

O detetive persegue uma pista importante.

The detective pursues an important clue.

Abstract use: pursuing a clue.

Eles perseguiram o ladrão pela rua.

They chased the thief down the street.

Preterite tense: -aram.

O jogador persegue a bola de futebol.

The player chases the soccer ball.

Sports context.

Eu persigo o meu sonho de ser cantor.

I pursue my dream of being a singer.

Introduction to metaphorical use.

Ela persegue a borboleta com uma rede.

She chases the butterfly with a net.

Physical pursuit with a tool.

Os fãs perseguem o ator famoso.

The fans chase the famous actor.

Social context.

Nós vamos perseguir o objetivo da equipa.

We are going to pursue the team's goal.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

Muitas pessoas perseguem a felicidade sem sucesso.

Many people pursue happiness without success.

Metaphorical use of happiness as an object.

Ele persegue uma promoção no trabalho há meses.

He has been pursuing a promotion at work for months.

Use of 'há' to show duration.

É importante perseguir os nossos ideais.

It is important to pursue our ideals.

Infinitive used after an impersonal expression.

O governo persegue novas políticas de saúde.

The government pursues new health policies.

Institutional pursuit.

A ideia de viajar persegue-me constantemente.

The idea of traveling haunts/pursues me constantly.

Personification of an idea.

Eles decidiram perseguir a verdade sobre o caso.

They decided to pursue the truth about the case.

Abstract object: 'a verdade'.

Não persigas o que não podes alcançar.

Don't pursue what you cannot reach.

Negative imperative (tu form).

A empresa persegue a inovação tecnológica.

The company pursues technological innovation.

Business context.

O regime político persegue os dissidentes.

The political regime persecutes dissidents.

Persecution in a political sense.

Ela sente-se perseguida pelas expectativas da família.

She feels pursued/hounded by family expectations.

Passive participle used as an adjective.

O cientista persegue a cura para o cancro incansavelmente.

The scientist pursues the cure for cancer tirelessly.

Adverb 'incansavelmente' adds intensity.

As memórias da guerra perseguem o soldado.

Memories of the war haunt the soldier.

Haunting/abstract pursuit.

Devemos perseguir a justiça social para todos.

We must pursue social justice for all.

Ethical/Social context.

O autor persegue um estilo literário único.

The author pursues a unique literary style.

Artistic pursuit.

A polícia federal persegue uma rede de tráfico.

The federal police pursue a trafficking ring.

Complex legal pursuit.

Não deixes que o medo te persiga.

Don't let fear pursue you.

Subjunctive mood after 'deixar'.

A obra de Saramago persegue a desconstrução da realidade.

Saramago's work pursues the deconstruction of reality.

Highly abstract literary context.

O filósofo persegue a essência do ser humano.

The philosopher pursues the essence of the human being.

Philosophical register.

A imprensa perseguiu o político até à sua demissão.

The press hounded the politician until his resignation.

Media harassment context.

É um erro perseguir o lucro a qualquer custo.

It is a mistake to pursue profit at any cost.

Ethical critique of business.

O remorso persegue-o desde aquela noite fatídica.

Remorse has pursued/haunted him since that fateful night.

Existential/Psychological use.

A lei deve perseguir os crimes ambientais com rigor.

The law must pursue environmental crimes with rigor.

Legal/Institutional mandate.

Ela persegue a perfeição técnica em cada nota que toca.

She pursues technical perfection in every note she plays.

Artistic dedication.

Muitos tentam perseguir o tempo, mas ele é fugaz.

Many try to chase time, but it is fleeting.

Poetic/Metaphorical.

A narrativa persegue uma estética fragmentada e onírica.

The narrative pursues a fragmented and dreamlike aesthetic.

Advanced literary criticism.

O Estado não deve perseguir cidadãos por meras opiniões.

The State should not persecute citizens for mere opinions.

Constitutional/Legal discourse.

Perseguir uma quimera pode levar à ruína pessoal.

Pursuing a chimera (pipe dream) can lead to personal ruin.

Use of the high-level vocabulary word 'quimera'.

A melancolia persegue os seus versos como uma sombra.

Melancholy pursues his verses like a shadow.

High-level poetic imagery.

O investigador persegue a verdade, por mais amarga que seja.

The investigator pursues the truth, no matter how bitter it may be.

Concessive clause: 'por mais... que'.

A evolução persegue a adaptação constante das espécies.

Evolution pursues the constant adaptation of species.

Scientific personification.

Ele persegue a glória com uma sede quase patológica.

He pursues glory with an almost pathological thirst.

Psychological intensity.

A história persegue aqueles que tentam ignorar o passado.

History pursues those who try to ignore the past.

Grand philosophical statement.

Common Collocations

perseguir um sonho

perseguir um objetivo

perseguir implacavelmente

perseguir a felicidade

perseguir ideais

perseguir uma pista

perseguir a liderança

perseguir o lucro

perseguir uma carreira

perseguir a verdade

Common Phrases

Perseguir até ao fim

— To follow something until it is finished or caught.

Vou perseguir este projeto até ao fim.

Ser perseguido pela sorte

— To be very lucky (ironic use).

Parece que ele é perseguido pela sorte.

Viver a perseguir sombras

— To pursue things that aren't real or attainable.

Não vivas a perseguir sombras, foca-te na realidade.

Perseguir o prejuízo

— To try to recover from a loss or disadvantage.

A equipa está a perseguir o prejuízo após o golo sofrido.

Perseguir a glória

— To work hard to become famous or successful.

Muitos atletas perseguem a glória olímpica.

Deixar-se perseguir

— To allow oneself to be chased or influenced.

Ela não se deixa perseguir pelas opiniões alheias.

Perseguir com o olhar

— To follow someone or something with your eyes.

Ele perseguiu-a com o olhar até ela sair da sala.

Perseguir uma utopia

— To strive for an impossible ideal.

Perseguir uma utopia pode ser inspirador, mas difícil.

Perseguir o vento

— To do something useless (biblical/poetic).

Tentar agradar a todos é como perseguir o vento.

Perseguir o rastro

— To follow the trail left by something.

O cão perseguiu o rastro do dono.

Often Confused With

perseguir vs seguir

Seguir is neutral (to follow); perseguir is intense (to chase/pursue).

perseguir vs prosseguir

Prosseguir means to continue an action; perseguir means to chase a target.

perseguir vs conseguir

Conseguir means to achieve or manage to do something.

Idioms & Expressions

"Perseguir uma quimera"

— To pursue an impossible dream or illusion.

Ele está apenas a perseguir uma quimera com esse negócio.

Literary

"Cão que persegue a própria cauda"

— To be stuck in a loop of useless activity.

Tentar resolver isto sem dados é como um cão que persegue a própria cauda.

Informal

"Perseguir o sol"

— To travel towards the light or seek warmth/happiness.

No inverno, muitos turistas perseguem o sol no Algarve.

Poetic

"Perseguir a própria sombra"

— To be afraid of oneself or to be in a futile pursuit.

Desde o crime, ele vive a perseguir a própria sombra.

Informal

"Perseguir o arco-íris"

— To seek something unattainable (similar to English).

Deixa de perseguir o arco-íris e arranja um emprego real.

Informal

"Perseguir a caça"

— To be fully focused on the objective.

Ele está em modo de perseguir a caça, não vai parar agora.

Informal

"Perseguir o rabo"

— To go in circles without making progress.

Estamos apenas a perseguir o rabo nesta discussão.

Slang/Informal

"Perseguir fantasmas"

— To worry about things that don't exist or past issues.

Para de perseguir fantasmas do teu passado.

Neutral

"Perseguir a lua"

— To aim for the impossible.

Ela sempre perseguiu a lua, e por vezes alcançou as estrelas.

Poetic

"Perseguir a morte"

— To take extreme risks.

Aquele condutor está a perseguir a morte com essa velocidade.

Dramatic

Easily Confused

perseguir vs Seguir

Both mean 'to follow'.

Seguir is following a path or person without chasing; perseguir is chasing to catch.

Siga o líder vs. Persiga o fugitivo.

perseguir vs Prosseguir

Similar sound and prefix.

Prosseguir is about continuing a process; perseguir is about a target.

Prosiga com o trabalho vs. Persiga o seu sonho.

perseguir vs Apanhar

Related to the end goal of chasing.

Apanhar is the act of catching; perseguir is the act of chasing.

Ele perseguiu o autocarro mas não o apanhou.

perseguir vs Caçar

Both involve pursuit.

Caçar is specifically for hunting/killing; perseguir is more general.

O caçador caça o veado vs. O cão persegue o gato.

perseguir vs Investigar

Both can be used in police contexts.

Investigar is about finding info; perseguir is about physical or goal-oriented chase.

Investigar um crime vs. Perseguir um criminoso.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] persegue [Object]

O cão persegue o gato.

[Subject] está a perseguir [Object]

A polícia está a perseguir o ladrão.

É preciso perseguir [Abstract Goal]

É preciso perseguir os nossos sonhos.

[Subject] foi perseguido por [Reason]

Ele foi perseguido pelas suas ideias.

[Abstract Concept] persegue [Person]

A culpa persegue o homem.

Ao perseguir [Idea], [Subject] [Result]

Ao perseguir a glória, ele perdeu a paz.

Se você perseguir [Object], [Result]

Se você perseguir o sucesso, ele virá.

Eu persigo [Object]

Eu persigo a bola.

Word Family

Nouns

perseguição (pursuit/persecution)

perseguidor (pursuer/persecutor)

Verbs

perseguir (to pursue)

Adjectives

perseguido (pursued/persecuted)

perseguidor (pursuing/persecuting)

seguir

conseguir

prosseguir

persecutório

sequência

How to Use It

frequency

Very Common

Common Mistakes

Eu perseg_o o meu sonho. → Eu persigo o meu sonho.
The verb is irregular in the first person singular present; the 'e' changes to 'i'.
Eu persegui ao carro. → Eu persegui o carro.
Perseguir is a direct transitive verb and does not require the preposition 'a'.
Eu persigo as instruções do professor. → Eu sigo as instruções do professor.
Use 'seguir' for instructions or following someone normally; 'perseguir' is too intense.
O polícia perseguiu o ladrão a pé. → O polícia perseguiu o ladrão a pé.
This is actually correct, but students often confuse 'perseguir' with 'procurar' (to look for).
Eu vou perseguir com a reunião. → Eu vou prosseguir com a reunião.
Confusing 'perseguir' (to chase) with 'proseguir' (to proceed/continue).

Tips

Stem Change Alert

Remember the E to I shift in 'Eu persigo'. This is vital for all verbs ending in -eguir like conseguir and prosseguir.

Goals vs. People

Use it freely for goals (sonhos, objetivos), but be cautious with people to avoid sounding like a stalker.

Related Nouns

Learn 'perseguição' alongside the verb; you will hear it constantly in Portuguese news broadcasts.

Literary Flair

In writing, use 'perseguir' to show a character's deep obsession or relentless nature.

The 'GUI' Sound

Practice saying 'gee' (as in geese) for the 'gui' part. The 'u' is never pronounced here.

Historical Weight

Understand that in historical contexts, this word often refers to the suffering of groups during dictatorships or inquisitions.

Seguir vs Perseguir

Think of 'seguir' as walking behind and 'perseguir' as running behind with a purpose.

Pursue the Gear

Think of PER-SE-GUIR as PER-suing the GEAR. It helps link the meaning and the sound.

News Keywords

When you hear 'perseguição' on the radio, expect a story about a car chase or a legal case.

Transitive Nature

Don't put 'a' after it. It's 'perseguir o sonho', not 'perseguir ao sonho'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'PERson' trying to 'SEize' (SE-) a 'GEAR' (-GUIR) that is rolling away. They have to PER-SE-GUIR it!

Visual Association

Visualize a police car (perseguir) following a criminal, or a runner chasing a finish line.

Word Web

Chase Hunt Police Dreams Harass Follow Goal Run

Challenge

Write three goals you want to 'perseguir' this year using the first person 'Eu persigo'.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'persequi', which is composed of 'per-' (thoroughly) and 'sequi' (to follow). It literally meant to follow through to the end.

Original meaning: To follow persistently, to hunt down, or to prosecute in a legal sense.

Romance (Latin origin).

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'perseguir' with people you don't know well, as it can imply stalking or harassment (assediar).

English speakers often use 'chase' for physical things and 'pursue' for goals. Portuguese uses 'perseguir' for both, making it more versatile.

The film 'Cidade de Deus' (City of God) features many 'perseguição' scenes in the favelas. The poem 'Autopsicografia' by Fernando Pessoa touches on the pursuit of feeling. Brazilian singer Roberto Carlos has songs about pursuing love.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Law Enforcement

Perseguir o suspeito
Perseguição policial
Perseguir a alta velocidade
Perseguir a pé

Personal Ambition

Perseguir um sonho
Perseguir a carreira
Perseguir o sucesso
Perseguir um ideal

Animal Behavior

Perseguir a presa
Perseguir o gato
Perseguir o rastro
Perseguir o bando

Social/Political

Perseguir minorias
Perseguição religiosa
Perseguir dissidentes
Sentir-se perseguido

Psychological

Perseguido por pensamentos
Perseguido pelo passado
Perseguido pela culpa
Perseguido por fantasmas

Conversation Starters

"Qual é o sonho que você mais deseja perseguir na vida?"

"Você acha que a polícia deve perseguir carros em áreas residenciais?"

"Alguma vez você já se sentiu perseguido por uma ideia ou música?"

"Quais são os objetivos que a sua empresa está a perseguir este ano?"

"Você prefere perseguir a segurança ou a aventura?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um momento em que você teve que perseguir algo com muita determinação.

Reflexão: É melhor perseguir a perfeição ou a progressão constante?

Escreva sobre uma personagem de um livro que persegue um objetivo impossível.

Como você se sente quando alguém o persegue no trânsito?

O que significa para você 'perseguir a felicidade' no mundo moderno?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is very positive when used for goals like 'perseguir sonhos' (pursuing dreams). It only becomes negative when it implies harassment or victimization.

The 'Eu' form in the present tense is 'Eu persigo'. The 'e' changes to 'i'.

No, for social media, always use 'seguir'. Using 'perseguir' would sound like you are stalking them.

'Caçar' is to hunt, usually implying capture or killing. 'Perseguir' is the act of chasing, which may or may not lead to capture.

Usually, no. It is a direct transitive verb: 'Perseguir alguém'. However, you might see 'perseguir por' when giving a reason, like 'perseguir por motivos políticos'.

Yes, it is very common in news (perseguição policial) and history (perseguição religiosa).

Yes, feelings like 'remorso' (remorse) or 'medo' (fear) can 'perseguir' someone, meaning to haunt them.

Yes, to describe a team trying to catch up to a leader in the standings or a player chasing the ball.

It is 'persegue' for he/she/it, but 'persigo' for I. The 'i' only appears in the first person singular and the subjunctive.

The most direct opposite is 'fugir' (to flee) or 'desistir' (to give up).