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A2 verb 9 min read

reunir-se

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

Explanation reunir-se in your Level:

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

reunir-se in 30 Seconds

Reunir-se: To meet or get together for a common purpose.
It's a reflexive verb, meaning the '-se' is essential.
Used for social gatherings, work meetings, and planned events.
Key takeaway: Intentional assembly of people.

The Portuguese verb 'reunir-se' is a reflexive verb that translates to 'to meet' or 'to get together' in English. It signifies the act of individuals coming together, typically for a specific purpose, occasion, or shared activity. This can range from formal meetings in a professional setting to informal gatherings with friends and family. The reflexive pronoun '-se' is attached to the infinitive, indicating that the action is performed by the subject on itself, or that the subjects are acting upon each other. For example, 'Nós vamos reunir-nos amanhã' means 'We are going to meet tomorrow'. This verb is versatile and can be used in various social and professional contexts. It implies a deliberate act of coming together, rather than a chance encounter. The purpose of the reunion can be for discussion, celebration, collaboration, or simply for companionship. When a group of people decides to come together, they reunem-se. This could be a family getting together for a holiday, colleagues meeting for a project, or friends gathering for a party. The act of reuniting emphasizes the collective nature of the event.

Key Concept: 'Reunir-se' implies a conscious decision to gather, often with a shared objective or for a specific event. The '-se' part is crucial for the reflexive nature of the verb, meaning the subjects are meeting each other or coming together as a group.

Os amigos decidiram reunir-se no parque no sábado.

The verb is conjugated according to the subject. For example, 'eu reúno-me' (I meet), 'tu reúnes-te' (you meet - informal), 'ele/ela/você reúne-se' (he/she/you meet - formal), 'nós reunimo-nos' (we meet), 'vós reuni-vos' (you all meet - archaic/regional), 'eles/elas/vocês reúnem-se' (they/you all meet). The context will determine the formality and the nature of the gathering. It's a fundamental verb for describing social interactions and organized events. Consider the difference between a casual encounter ('encontrar-se') and a planned meeting ('reunir-se'). 'Reunir-se' suggests a more intentional coming together. This verb is essential for discussing plans, social events, and professional collaborations. It's about forming a group, whether temporarily or for ongoing interactions. The act of gathering can be for a specific purpose, like a meeting, or for a more social occasion, like a party or a dinner. The core idea is coming together as a collective entity. It's frequently used when talking about clubs, associations, or any group that has regular or scheduled gatherings. For instance, a book club might reunir-se monthly to discuss a novel. A committee might reunir-se to make decisions. The verb emphasizes the action of coming together from separate places or states to form a unified group for a period of time.

A equipa vai reunir-se para planear o projeto.

Usage Contexts: - Social gatherings (family, friends)
- Professional meetings (colleagues, committees)
- Club or association meetings
- Planning sessions
- Celebrations

Vamos reunir-nos para discutir as ideias.

Using 'reunir-se' correctly involves understanding its reflexive nature and conjugating it properly. The core meaning is 'to come together' or 'to meet'. Here's how it fits into various sentence structures:

Basic Structure: Subject + Conjugated form of 'reunir-se' + (Optional: purpose/location/time)

Nós vamos reunir-nos na próxima semana.

In this sentence, 'Nós' (we) is the subject, and 'vamos reunir-nos' is the conjugated form in the near future tense. The '-nos' is the reflexive pronoun for 'nós'.

Indicating Purpose: Often, 'reunir-se' is followed by a preposition like 'para' (for/to) and an infinitive verb or a noun phrase indicating the purpose of the meeting.

Os membros do clube reuniram-se para discutir o novo livro.

Here, 'os membros do clube' (the club members) is the subject. 'reuniram-se' is the past tense conjugation. 'para discutir o novo livro' (to discuss the new book) explains why they met.

Specifying Location or Time: You can add phrases indicating where or when the meeting takes place.

A família irá reunir-se em casa dos avós no Natal.

'A família' (the family) is the subject. 'irá reunir-se' is the future tense. 'em casa dos avós no Natal' (at the grandparents' house on Christmas) specifies the location and time.

Formal vs. Informal: The conjugation and pronoun usage can vary slightly, especially in European Portuguese versus Brazilian Portuguese, and between formal and informal registers. The '-se' ending is common, but in informal spoken Brazilian Portuguese, the reflexive pronoun might be placed before the verb or even omitted in very casual contexts, though this is less common with 'reunir-se' itself.

O conselho reúne-se mensalmente.

'O conselho' (the council) is the subject. 'reúne-se' is the present tense. 'mensalmente' (monthly) indicates frequency.

Questions: To ask when or where a meeting will happen, you can use question words.

Quando é que vocês se vão reunir?

'Quando é que' (When) starts the question. 'vocês se vão reunir' is the future tense for 'vocês' (you all/plural). Note the placement of 'se' before 'vão'.

You'll encounter 'reunir-se' in a wide variety of everyday conversations and media. Its commonality stems from the universal human need and practice of gathering. Here's where you're most likely to hear it:

Social Media and Messaging: When friends make plans, they might message each other saying things like: 'Vamos reunir-nos para um café?' (Shall we get together for a coffee?) or 'Precisamos de reunir-nos em breve.' (We need to meet up soon.)

A festa vai reunir muitos amigos.

Family Gatherings: Discussions about holidays, birthdays, or simply getting together often use this verb. For example: 'A família inteira vai reunir-se na casa da praia este ano.' (The whole family will gather at the beach house this year.)

As equipas de futebol reúnem-se para treinar.

Workplace and Professional Settings: Meetings, team discussions, and conferences frequently use this term. You might hear: 'O diretor pediu para nos reunirmos às 10h.' (The director asked us to meet at 10 am.) or 'Os departamentos vão reunir-se para alinhar estratégias.' (The departments will meet to align strategies.)

Os alunos reuniram-se para estudar para o exame.

News and Media: News reports often mention politicians, leaders, or groups coming together. 'Os líderes mundiais reuniram-se para discutir a crise climática.' (World leaders met to discuss the climate crisis.)

Educational Settings: Students might talk about forming study groups: 'Vamos reunir-nos na biblioteca para preparar o trabalho.' (Let's get together in the library to prepare the assignment.)

Os vizinhos reuniram-se para resolver o problema.

Learners often make a few key mistakes when using 'reunir-se'. Understanding these pitfalls will help you use the verb more accurately.

Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun: The most frequent error is omitting the reflexive pronoun ('-me', '-te', '-se', '-nos', '-vos', '-se'). 'Reunir' on its own means 'to gather' or 'to collect' something external, not for people to meet each other. For example, you might 'reunir documentos' (gather documents), but people 'reunem-se'.

Incorrect: Nós reunimos para a festa.
Correct: Nós reunimo-nos para a festa.

Incorrect Pronoun Agreement: The reflexive pronoun must agree with the subject. Using the wrong pronoun leads to grammatical errors.

Incorrect: Ele reunimos-se.
Correct: Ele reúne-se.

Confusing with 'Encontrar-se': 'Encontrar-se' also means 'to meet', but it often implies a more casual or chance encounter, or simply 'to be found'. 'Reunir-se' specifically implies a planned gathering for a purpose.

Incorrect (for a planned meeting): Os colegas encontraram-se para discutir o projeto.
Correct: Os colegas reuniram-se para discutir o projeto.

Overuse in Very Informal Settings: While perfectly acceptable, in extremely casual chat among close friends, a simpler phrase might sometimes be used, though 'reunir-se' is still very common. The key is that 'reunir-se' implies a more intentional coming together than just bumping into someone.

Incorrect: Eles vão se juntar para a festa.
Correct: Eles vão reunir-se para a festa.

While 'reunir-se' is a primary verb for meeting, several other words and phrases can be used depending on the nuance and context. Understanding these alternatives enriches your vocabulary.

Encontrar-se: Meaning: To meet, to encounter, to find oneself.
Nuance: Often implies a more casual meeting, a chance encounter, or simply the act of finding each other. It can also mean 'to be located'. 'Reunir-se' is more about a planned gathering with a purpose.

Reunir-se: Os colegas reuniram-se para discutir o projeto.
Encontrar-se: Encontrámo-nos na rua por acaso. (We met on the street by chance.)

Juntar-se: Meaning: To join, to get together, to unite.
Nuance: Similar to 'reunir-se', but can also imply joining an existing group or forming a union. It's very common for informal social gatherings.

Reunir-se: A equipa vai reunir-se para planear as próximas etapas.
Juntar-se: Vamos juntar-nos para ver o jogo. (Let's get together to watch the game.)

Congregar-se: Meaning: To gather, to assemble, often in a religious or formal context.
Nuance: More formal than 'reunir-se', often used for large assemblies or congregations.

Reunir-se: Os acionistas reuniram-se para a assembleia geral.
Congregar-se: Os fiéis congregaram-se na igreja. (The faithful gathered in the church.)

Ter uma reunião: Meaning: To have a meeting.
Nuance: This is a phrase rather than a single verb, and it specifically refers to a formal or business meeting.

Reunir-se: Vamos reunir-nos para discutir o orçamento.
Ter uma reunião: O diretor vai ter uma reunião com a equipa de marketing. (The director will have a meeting with the marketing team.)

Compare and Contrast

Reunir-se: Planned, purposeful gathering of people.
Encontrar-se: Can be planned or chance, less emphasis on purpose.
Juntar-se: Informal gathering, joining a group.
Congregar-se: Formal assembly, often religious or large-scale.
Ter uma reunião: Specifically having a formal meeting.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The concept of 'reuniting' has been important across cultures and languages for millennia, reflecting the fundamental human desire for connection and community. The Latin root 'unire' itself relates to the idea of oneness or being one.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʁu.niʁˈsɨ/

US /hu.niʁˈsi/

re-u-NIR-se (stress on NIR)

Rhymes With

sentir-se partir-se dormir-se sorrir-se agir-se fugir-se seguir-se agir-se

Common Errors

Pronouncing the initial 'r' like the English rolled 'r'.
Making the final 'e' too prominent.
Incorrect stress placement, e.g., on the first syllable.
Not using the correct vowel sounds for 'u' and 'i'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Understanding 'reunir-se' in reading requires recognizing the reflexive pronoun and its conjugation. Context is key to differentiating it from 'reunir' or 'encontrar-se'.

Writing 3/5

Writing requires accurate conjugation and correct placement of the reflexive pronoun, which can be challenging for learners.

Speaking 3/5

Producing the correct reflexive pronoun and conjugation in spoken Portuguese can be difficult due to its non-native sound.

Listening 2/5

The reflexive pronoun is often clearly audible, and context usually makes the meaning clear once the verb is recognized.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

reunir encontrar juntar festa reunião

Learn Next

comparecer congregar-se associar-se convocar deliberar

Advanced

cimeira assembleia conselho confraternização colaboração

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Verbs

'Reunir-se' is a reflexive verb. This means the action is performed by the subject on itself or other members of the same group. The reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, vos, se) must agree with the subject and is often placed before the conjugated verb or attached to the infinitive/gerund.

Verb Conjugation

Present tense: Eu reúno-me, Tu reúnes-te, Ele/Ela/Você reúne-se, Nós reunimo-nos, Vós reuni-vos, Eles/Elas/Vocês reúnem-se.

Future Tense (Ir + Infinitive)

Nós vamos reunir-nos. (We are going to meet.)

Prepositions with 'Reunir-se'

'Reunir-se para' (to meet for a purpose), 'Reunir-se com' (to meet with someone), 'Reunir-se em' (to meet at a place).

Subjunctive Mood

É importante que eles se reunam. (It is important that they meet.)

Examples by Level

Os amigos vão reunir-se.

The friends are going to meet.

Simple future tense with 'ir' + infinitive. Reflexive pronoun '-se' for 'eles'.

Nós reunimo-nos para comer.

We meet to eat.

Present tense conjugation for 'nós'. Reflexive pronoun '-nos'.

A família reúne-se no Natal.

The family meets at Christmas.

Present tense conjugation for 'a família' (singular subject). Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

Eles querem reunir-se.

They want to meet.

Verb 'querer' followed by infinitive 'reunir-se'.

Vamos reunir-nos amanhã.

Let's meet tomorrow.

Imperative/suggestion using 'vamos' + infinitive. Reflexive pronoun '-nos'.

O grupo vai reunir-se.

The group is going to meet.

Future tense with 'ir' + infinitive. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

Eles reuniram-se ontem.

They met yesterday.

Past tense (preterite) conjugation for 'eles'. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

Precisamos de nos reunir.

We need to meet.

Verb 'precisar de' followed by infinitive. Reflexive pronoun '-nos'.

Os colegas de trabalho vão reunir-se na sala de conferências.

The work colleagues are going to meet in the conference room.

Future tense with 'ir' + infinitive. Specifies location. Reflexive pronoun '-se' for 'eles'.

A equipa de projeto reuniu-se para discutir os próximos passos.

The project team met to discuss the next steps.

Past tense (preterite). Purpose indicated by 'para'. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

Podemos reunir-nos depois do trabalho para tomar um café?

Can we meet after work for a coffee?

Modal verb 'poder' + infinitive. Suggestion/question. Reflexive pronoun '-nos'.

Eles gostam de se reunir aos domingos.

They like to meet on Sundays.

Present tense with 'gostar de' + infinitive. Indicates a recurring event. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

A diretoria vai reunir-se para aprovar o orçamento.

The board of directors is going to meet to approve the budget.

Future tense with 'ir' + infinitive. Specifies purpose. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

Nós reunimo-nos frequentemente para estudar juntos.

We meet frequently to study together.

Present tense. Indicates frequency. Purpose indicated by 'para'. Reflexive pronoun '-nos'.

As associações de moradores reuniram-se para debater problemas locais.

The residents' associations met to debate local issues.

Past tense (preterite). Purpose indicated by 'para'. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

Quando é que a equipa se vai reunir?

When is the team going to meet?

Question structure. Future tense with 'ir' + infinitive. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

Os líderes das nações decidem reunir-se periodicamente para discutir acordos de paz.

The leaders of the nations decide to meet periodically to discuss peace agreements.

Present tense with 'decidir' + infinitive. Indicates regularity and a formal purpose. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

Após a crise, os membros da empresa reuniram-se para reavaliar a estratégia.

After the crisis, the company members met to re-evaluate the strategy.

Past tense (preterite). Context of a challenge. Purpose indicated by 'para'. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

Gostaria de saber se podemos reunir-nos na próxima terça-feira para finalizar os detalhes.

I would like to know if we can meet next Tuesday to finalize the details.

Conditional tense ('Gostaria de saber se'). Modal verb 'poder' + infinitive. Specifies time and purpose. Reflexive pronoun '-nos'.

Os artistas locais costumam reunir-se em cafés para trocar ideias e inspiração.

Local artists usually meet in cafes to exchange ideas and inspiration.

Present tense with 'costumar' + infinitive. Indicates a habit. Purpose indicated by 'para'. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

A comissão de ética irá reunir-se extraordinariamente para analisar a denúncia.

The ethics committee will meet extraordinarily to analyze the complaint.

Future tense with 'ir' + infinitive. Adverb 'extraordinariamente' implies urgency. Purpose indicated by 'para'. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

O objetivo é que todos nos reunamos para celebrar o sucesso do projeto.

The objective is for all of us to meet to celebrate the project's success.

Subjunctive mood ('reunamos') after 'que' expressing purpose/goal. Reflexive pronoun '-nos'.

Eles procuraram reunir-se com os representantes sindicais para negociar melhores condições.

They sought to meet with the union representatives to negotiate better conditions.

Past tense (preterite) with 'procurar' + infinitive. Purpose indicated by 'para'. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

Quando se reuniram os fundadores da empresa pela primeira vez?

When did the company founders meet for the first time?

Question structure. Past tense (preterite). Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

Os peritos internacionais propuseram que os países membros se reunissem em cimeira extraordinária para abordar a crise humanitária.

The international experts proposed that the member countries meet in an extraordinary summit to address the humanitarian crisis.

Past tense (preterite) with 'propor' + subjunctive clause ('se reunissem'). Formal context. Purpose indicated by 'para'. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

Apesar das divergências, os líderes da oposição conseguiram reunir-se para traçar uma frente unida.

Despite the disagreements, the opposition leaders managed to meet to draw up a united front.

Past tense (preterite) with 'conseguir' + infinitive. Implies overcoming obstacles. Purpose indicated by 'para'. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

O objetivo da reunião é que os stakeholders se reúnam para alinhar expectativas e definir prioridades.

The objective of the meeting is for the stakeholders to meet to align expectations and define priorities.

Present tense. Subjunctive mood ('reúnam') after 'que' expressing purpose. Formal business context. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

É imperativo que os investigadores se reúnam para partilhar os resultados preliminares da pesquisa.

It is imperative that the researchers meet to share the preliminary research findings.

Subjunctive mood ('reúnam') after 'É imperativo que'. Formal, academic context. Purpose indicated by 'para'. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

A organização planeia reunir-se com os seus doadores para apresentar o progresso alcançado e solicitar apoio contínuo.

The organization plans to meet with its donors to present the progress achieved and request continued support.

Future tense with 'planear' + infinitive. Formal fundraising context. Purpose indicated by 'para'. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

Os membros da academia se reunirão amanhã para a eleição do novo presidente.

The members of the academy will meet tomorrow for the election of the new president.

Future tense. Formal, institutional context. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

Após semanas de negociação, as partes conseguiram finalmente reunir-se para assinar o acordo.

After weeks of negotiation, the parties finally managed to meet to sign the agreement.

Past tense (preterite) with 'conseguir' + infinitive. Implies a successful conclusion to a long process. Purpose indicated by 'para'. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

Que tipo de assuntos se costumam reunir para discutir numa reunião de condomínio?

What kind of matters do people usually meet to discuss in a condominium meeting?

Question structure. Present tense with 'costumar' + infinitive. Reflects common practice. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

Os embaixadores foram convocados a reunir-se com urgência para deliberar sobre a escalada da tensão geopolítica.

The ambassadors were summoned to meet urgently to deliberate on the escalation of geopolitical tension.

Passive voice ('foram convocados') + infinitive. Formal, diplomatic context. Purpose indicated by 'para'. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

A empresa, em face da iminente falência, procurou reunir-se com os seus credores para renegociar a dívida.

The company, in the face of imminent bankruptcy, sought to meet with its creditors to renegotiate the debt.

Past tense (preterite) with 'procurar' + infinitive. Describes a critical situation. Purpose indicated by 'para'. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

É fundamental que os órgãos de fiscalização se reúnam para garantir a transparência e a legalidade dos processos.

It is fundamental that the oversight bodies meet to ensure the transparency and legality of the processes.

Subjunctive mood ('reúnam') after 'É fundamental que'. Focus on governance and accountability. Purpose indicated by 'para'. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

Os intelectuais da época costumavam reunir-se em salões literários para debater as novas correntes filosóficas.

The intellectuals of the time used to meet in literary salons to debate the new philosophical currents.

Past tense (imperfect) with 'costumar' + infinitive. Describes historical practice. Purpose indicated by 'para'. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

O consórcio de empresas deverá reunir-se nas próximas semanas para definir os termos do acordo de fusão.

The consortium of companies is expected to meet in the coming weeks to define the terms of the merger agreement.

Future tense with 'dever' + infinitive. Formal business transaction. Purpose indicated by 'para'. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

A sociedade civil insiste em que os governantes se reúnam e apresentem soluções concretas para os problemas sociais.

Civil society insists that the rulers meet and present concrete solutions for social problems.

Present tense with 'insistir em que' + subjunctive clause ('se reúnam'). Emphasizes public demand. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

Sem que se reunissem para uma análise aprofundada, seria impossível antecipar as consequências da nova legislação.

Without meeting for an in-depth analysis, it would be impossible to anticipate the consequences of the new legislation.

Subjunctive mood ('reunissem') in a subordinate clause introduced by 'sem que'. Hypothetical situation. Purpose indicated by 'para'. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

O comité de crise foi instado a reunir-se imediatamente para avaliar os riscos emergentes.

The crisis committee was urged to meet immediately to assess the emerging risks.

Passive voice ('foi instado') + infinitive. Implies urgency and authority. Purpose indicated by 'para'. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

A complexidade da situação exigiu que os representantes de todas as partes interessadas se reunissem num fórum de diálogo inclusivo.

The complexity of the situation demanded that representatives of all interested parties meet in an inclusive dialogue forum.

Past tense (preterite) with 'exigir que' + subjunctive clause ('se reunissem'). Focus on complexity and inclusivity. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

O objetivo primordial era que os académicos de renome se reunissem para debater os avanços e as lacunas da investigação contemporânea.

The primary objective was for renowned academics to meet to debate the advances and gaps in contemporary research.

Past tense (imperfect) with 'era que' + subjunctive clause ('se reunissem'). Focus on academic discourse and critical analysis. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

Para mitigar o impacto ambiental, as indústrias foram incentivadas a reunir-se com especialistas em sustentabilidade.

To mitigate the environmental impact, industries were encouraged to meet with sustainability experts.

Past tense (preterite) in passive voice ('foram incentivadas') + infinitive. Focus on proactive environmental measures. Purpose indicated by 'para'. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

A convocatória para que os membros da sociedade civil se reunissem visava consolidar um movimento unificado contra a opressão.

The call for members of civil society to meet aimed to consolidate a unified movement against oppression.

Past tense (preterite) with 'visava' + infinitive clause. Focus on activism and social change. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

É crucial que as agências reguladoras se reúnam de forma contínua para antecipar e responder a novas ameaças à segurança global.

It is crucial that regulatory agencies meet continuously to anticipate and respond to new global security threats.

Present tense. Subjunctive mood ('reúnam') after 'É crucial que'. Focus on proactive security and continuous collaboration. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

Os cronistas da época relatavam com frequência como os artistas se reuniam em tertúlias para partilhar inspirações.

The chroniclers of the time frequently reported how artists used to meet in gatherings to share inspirations.

Past tense (imperfect) with 'relatavam' + subordinate clause. Focus on historical cultural practices. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

O protocolo estipulava que os representantes diplomáticos se reunissem em sessões privadas para discutir assuntos sensíveis.

The protocol stipulated that diplomatic representatives meet in private sessions to discuss sensitive matters.

Past tense (imperfect) with 'estipulava que' + subjunctive clause ('se reunissem'). Focus on formal procedures and diplomacy. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

A convergência de ideias só se tornou possível após os filósofos se reunirem para confrontar as suas teorias divergentes.

The convergence of ideas only became possible after the philosophers met to confront their divergent theories.

Past tense (preterite) with 'após' + infinitive clause. Focus on intellectual progress through debate. Reflexive pronoun '-se'.

Common Collocations

reunir-se para

reunir-se com

reunir-se em

reunir-se hoje/amanhã/ontem

reunir-se periodicamente

reunir-se extraordinariamente

reunir-se para discutir

reunir-se para decidir

reunir-se para planear

reunir-se para celebrar

Common Phrases

Vamos reunir-nos!

— Let's get together! This is an enthusiastic invitation to meet.

A festa foi ótima, todos disseram 'Vamos reunir-nos!' para a próxima.

Precisamos de nos reunir.

— We need to meet. This implies a necessity or importance for the meeting.

O projeto está atrasado, precisamos de nos reunir o quanto antes.

Quando é que nos vamos reunir?

— When are we going to meet? A direct question about the timing of a planned meeting.

Ainda não definimos a data, mas quando é que nos vamos reunir?

Os membros reuniram-se.

— The members met. A simple statement of fact that a group met.

A notícia foi que os membros da associação reuniram-se ontem.

A família vai reunir-se.

— The family is going to meet. Used for family gatherings, especially for holidays or special occasions.

No Natal, a família vai reunir-se como todos os anos.

A equipa reuniu-se.

— The team met. Common in professional contexts.

A equipa de vendas reuniu-se para analisar os resultados trimestrais.

Reunimo-nos para discutir.

— We meet to discuss. Highlights the purpose of the gathering.

Reunimo-nos para discutir os detalhes do evento.

Eles costumam reunir-se.

— They usually meet. Indicates a regular or habitual meeting.

Eles costumam reunir-se todas as sextas-feiras.

Reunir-se com alguém.

— To meet with someone. Emphasizes the interaction with specific individuals.

O diretor decidiu reunir-se com os representantes dos funcionários.

Reunir-se para celebrar.

— To meet to celebrate. Used for joyful occasions.

Os amigos vão reunir-se para celebrar a boa notícia.

Often Confused With

reunir-se vs reunir

The non-reflexive form 'reunir' means to gather or collect things (e.g., 'reunir documentos') or to bring people together *by* someone (e.g., 'O professor reuniu os alunos'). 'Reunir-se' is when the subjects meet each other.

reunir-se vs encontrar-se

'Encontrar-se' can mean to meet, but often implies a more casual or chance encounter, or simply 'to be found'. 'Reunir-se' implies a planned gathering with a specific purpose.

reunir-se vs juntar-se

'Juntar-se' is similar but often more informal and can imply joining an existing group or forming a union. 'Reunir-se' is more general for planned meetings.

Idioms & Expressions

"Reunir os ponteiros"

— Literally 'to bring the hands together', this idiom means to synchronize or align efforts, often in a situation where different parties need to work together towards a common goal. It implies a coordinated effort.

Precisamos de reunir os ponteiros para que este projeto seja um sucesso.

Neutral

"Reunir o que é preciso"

— To gather what is necessary, to collect the required resources or information. It's about preparation.

Antes de reunir o que é preciso para a viagem, ele consultou o mapa.

Neutral

"Reunir a família"

— To bring the family together, especially for a significant event like a holiday, celebration, or important announcement. It emphasizes the emotional and social aspect of gathering.

No aniversário da avó, a família inteira vai reunir a família.

Informal to Neutral

"Reunir forças"

— To gather strength, to muster one's energy or determination, often in anticipation of a challenge or difficult task.

Ele precisou de reunir forças para enfrentar a situação difícil.

Neutral

"Reunir-se em espírito"

— To feel connected or united with others, even when physically apart. It's a metaphorical way of coming together through shared feelings or thoughts.

Mesmo longe, sentiam que se reuniam em espírito para apoiar a causa.

Figurative/Neutral

"Reunir os cacos"

— Literally 'to pick up the pieces', this idiom means to recover from a setback or failure, to try to put things back together after a difficult experience.

Após a perda, ele teve que reunir os cacos e seguir em frente.

Figurative/Neutral

"Reunir todos os elementos"

— To gather all the necessary information, evidence, or components to understand a situation fully or to complete a task.

O detetive precisou de reunir todos os elementos antes de fazer a acusação.

Neutral

"Reunir vontades"

— To bring together different desires or intentions, to find common ground or consensus among various wishes.

Foi difícil reunir vontades para decidir o destino das férias.

Figurative/Neutral

"Reunir a nata"

— To gather the best or most select group of people, the elite. Similar to 'the cream of the crop'.

O evento conseguiu reunir a nata da sociedade.

Neutral/Slightly Informal

"Reunir o seu pessoal"

— To gather one's own people, team, or followers, often for a specific instruction, briefing, or to rally them.

O capitão decidiu reunir o seu pessoal para dar as últimas instruções.

Neutral

Easily Confused

reunir-se vs reunir

Both verbs share the same root and involve the idea of bringing things or people together.

'Reunir' is transitive and means to gather or collect external items or people. For example, 'O pai reuniu os filhos para dar uma notícia.' (The father gathered his children to give news.) 'Reunir-se' is reflexive and means people meet each other, implying a mutual action. For example, 'Os filhos reuniram-se com o pai.' (The children met with the father.)

O professor vai reunir os trabalhos dos alunos (gather the students' assignments). Os alunos vão reunir-se com o professor (meet with the professor).

reunir-se vs encontrar-se

Both verbs mean 'to meet'.

'Encontrar-se' can refer to a chance encounter ('Encontrámo-nos na rua') or a planned meeting, but it often lacks the strong implication of a specific purpose that 'reunir-se' has. 'Reunir-se' is more about a deliberate assembly for a defined objective.

Vamos encontrar-nos no centro da cidade? (Let's meet downtown? - could be casual) vs. Vamos reunir-nos para discutir o projeto. (Let's meet to discuss the project. - implies purpose)

reunir-se vs juntar-se

Both imply people coming together.

'Juntar-se' is often used for informal social gatherings or for joining a group. It can be more casual than 'reunir-se'. 'Reunir-se' is more versatile and can be used for both formal and informal planned meetings with a clear purpose.

Vamos juntar-nos para ver o jogo. (Let's get together to watch the game - informal) vs. Os diretores vão reunir-se para decidir sobre a fusão. (The directors will meet to decide on the merger - formal, purposeful)

reunir-se vs comparecer

Both relate to being present at an event or meeting.

'Comparecer' means to attend or show up, focusing on the act of being present at a scheduled event. It doesn't imply the interaction or mutual coming together that 'reunir-se' does. 'Reunir-se' is about the act of meeting each other, while 'comparecer' is about attending.

Todos os membros devem comparecer à reunião. (All members must attend the meeting.) vs. Os membros vão reunir-se para discutir os pontos da pauta. (The members will meet to discuss the agenda items.)

reunir-se vs assembleia

An 'assembleia' is a type of meeting, so the contexts are related.

'Assembleia' is a noun referring to a large meeting or gathering, typically formal, of an organization's members. 'Reunir-se' is the verb that describes the action of people coming together for such an event (or other types of meetings). You 'reunir-se' for an 'assembleia'.

Os membros da associação vão reunir-se para a assembleia geral. (The association's members will meet for the general assembly.)

Sentence Patterns

Subject + reunimos-nos + [time/place/purpose]

Nós reunimo-nos amanhã no parque.

Vamos + reunir-nos + [time/place/purpose]

Vamos reunir-nos para comer.

Subject + reunir-se + para + infinitive

Os amigos reuniram-se para jogar.

Subject + reunir-se + em + location

A equipa reúne-se na sala de reuniões.

Subject + gostar de + se reunir

Eles gostam de se reunir aos sábados.

Subject + decidir + reunir-se

Os líderes decidiram reunir-se para debater.

Subject + conseguir + reunir-se

Apesar das dificuldades, eles conseguiram reunir-se.

É importante que + Subject + se + subjunctive form of reunir-se

É importante que os peritos se reunam para partilhar informações.

Word Family

Nouns

reunião

Verbs

reunir

reunir-se

reunificação

reunificador

reunido

reunir

How to Use It

frequency

Very High

Common Mistakes

Forgetting the reflexive pronoun '-se'. → Nós reunimo-nos para a festa.
The verb 'reunir-se' is reflexive. The pronoun '-nos' must be used with 'nós' to indicate that the subjects are meeting each other. Simply saying 'Nós reunimos' would imply gathering something external.
Using the wrong reflexive pronoun. → Eles reúnem-se amanhã.
The reflexive pronoun must agree with the subject. For 'eles' (they), the correct pronoun is '-se', not '-nos' or '-me'.
Confusing 'reunir' with 'reunir-se'. → A equipa vai reunir-se para planear o projeto.
'Reunir' means to gather or collect something (e.g., 'reunir informações'). 'Reunir-se' means people meet each other. The '-se' is essential for people meeting.
Incorrect conjugation of the verb part. → Eu reúno-me para discutir.
The verb 'reunir' itself needs to be conjugated correctly according to the subject. 'Reúno' is the correct first-person singular present tense form, followed by the reflexive pronoun '-me'.
Using 'reunir-se' for a chance encounter. → Encontrámo-nos na rua por acaso.
'Reunir-se' implies a planned meeting with a purpose. For unplanned encounters, 'encontrar-se' is more appropriate. 'Encontrámos' is the correct conjugation for 'nós' in the past tense.

Tips

Don't Forget the '-se'!

The reflexive pronoun '-se' is crucial for 'reunir-se'. It signifies that the subjects are meeting *each other*. Without it, 'reunir' has a different meaning (to gather/collect). Always check that your reflexive pronoun agrees with the subject.

Context is King

While 'reunir-se' is versatile, pay attention to the context. Is it a formal business meeting ('ter uma reunião'), a casual get-together ('juntar-se'), or a chance encounter ('encontrar-se')? This will help you choose the most appropriate verb or phrase.

Use it in Sentences

The best way to master 'reunir-se' is to use it. Try creating sentences about your own plans, like 'Eu vou reunir-me com os meus amigos no sábado' or 'A minha equipa reúne-se todas as segundas-feiras'. The more you practice, the more natural it will become.

Focus on the Stress

The stress in 'reunir-se' falls on the syllable '-nir-'. Practice saying words like 'reunir', 'sentir-se', 'partir-se' to get a feel for this stress pattern, which is common in Portuguese verbs ending in '-ir'.

Value of Gathering

In Portuguese-speaking cultures, gathering with family and friends is highly valued. Understanding 'reunir-se' helps you participate in discussions about social events and community life, which are central aspects of these cultures.

Synonym Exploration

Explore synonyms like 'juntar-se' and 'encontrar-se'. Understand their nuances: 'juntar-se' is often more informal, while 'encontrar-se' can imply chance. Knowing these alternatives will make your Portuguese more precise.

Reflexive Pronoun Agreement

Always ensure the reflexive pronoun agrees with the subject. For 'nós', it's '-nos' (nós reunimo-nos). For 'eles/elas/vocês', it's '-se' (eles reúnem-se). This is a common point of error for learners.

Listen Actively

When listening to Portuguese, actively listen for the verb 'reunir-se'. Try to identify the subject, the context, and the purpose of the meeting. This will improve your comprehension and help you internalize its usage.

Collocation Power

Learn common collocations like 'reunir-se para discutir', 'reunir-se com', and 'reunir-se em'. These combinations are frequently used and will make your sentences sound more natural.

Tense Consistency

When describing plans, use future tenses ('vamos reunir-nos', 'irão reunir-se'). For past events, use the preterite ('reuniram-se') or imperfect ('reuniam-se') depending on whether it was a single event or a recurring one.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a group of friends 'reuniting' after a long time. They are so happy to 're-unite' that they form a big circle, with everyone in the 're-unite' circle. The '-se' at the end reminds you that it's about them meeting each other.

Visual Association

Picture a group of people holding hands in a circle, forming a united bond. The circle represents the act of coming together, and the people within it are 'reunindo-se'.

Word Web

Gather Meet Assemble Convene Come together Socialize Connect Unite

Challenge

Try to describe three different situations where people would 'reunir-se'. For example, a family reunion, a business meeting, and a study group. Use the verb 'reunir-se' in your descriptions.

Word Origin

The verb 'reunir-se' comes from the Latin verb 'reunire', which means 'to join again' or 'to reunite'. It is formed from the prefix 're-' (again) and 'unire' (to unite).

Original meaning: To join again, to unite.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Portuguese

Cultural Context

The verb itself is neutral. However, the context in which people 'reunir-se' can carry cultural weight, such as the importance of family gatherings or the formality of business meetings.

In English, we have 'to meet', 'to get together', 'to gather', 'to assemble'. 'Reunir-se' is closest to 'to meet' or 'to get together' when referring to people meeting each other, especially in a planned way.

The concept of family reunions is a recurring theme in many Portuguese and Brazilian films and literature. The word 'reunião' (meeting) is ubiquitous in professional and academic contexts. Social gatherings ('encontros', 'convívios') are a staple of Portuguese culture, often involving 'reunir-se'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Planning a social event with friends.

Vamos reunir-nos?
Quando é que nos vamos reunir?
Precisamos de nos reunir para organizar a festa.

A family gathering.

A família vai reunir-se no Natal.
Eles gostam de se reunir todos os domingos.
Reunimo-nos para celebrar o aniversário da avó.

A business meeting.

A equipa vai reunir-se na sala de conferências.
O diretor pediu para reunir-se com os funcionários.
A empresa decidiu reunir-se para discutir os resultados.

A club or association meeting.

Os membros do clube reúnem-se mensalmente.
Vamos reunir-nos para eleger o novo presidente.
A associação costuma reunir-se para planejar atividades.

Discussing future plans or projects.

Precisamos de nos reunir para planear.
Quando é que vamos reunir-nos para falar sobre o projeto?
Eles vão reunir-se para decidir os próximos passos.

Conversation Starters

"What's the best way to organize a group of friends to meet up?"

"Tell me about a memorable time your family got together."

"If you could organize any kind of meeting, what would it be about?"

"How often do you think people should meet up with their colleagues?"

"What are some of the challenges of getting people to agree to meet?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you had to 'reunir-se' with someone you hadn't seen in a long time. How did it feel?

Imagine you are planning a large event. Who would you need to 'reunir-se' with, and what would be the purpose?

Write about a family tradition that involves people 'reunindo-se'.

Reflect on a professional meeting you attended. Was it productive? Why or why not?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of people 'reunindo-se' frequently versus infrequently?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The key difference lies in the reflexive pronoun '-se'. 'Reunir' is a transitive verb meaning to gather or collect external things or to bring people together *by* someone. For example, 'O professor reuniu os alunos' means 'The teacher gathered the students'. 'Reunir-se' is reflexive, meaning the subjects are meeting each other. For example, 'Os alunos reuniram-se' means 'The students met'.

No, 'reunir-se' can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For formal settings, you might hear 'Os líderes se reunirão para discutir a crise'. For informal settings, 'Vamos nos reunir para um café?' is common. The context and accompanying words determine the formality.

Generally, no. 'Reunir-se' implies a planned gathering with a purpose. For chance encounters, 'encontrar-se' is more appropriate. For example, 'Encontrámo-nos na rua por acaso' (We met on the street by chance).

The '-se' is a reflexive pronoun. In 'reunir-se', it indicates that the action of meeting is reciprocal among the subjects. The subjects are meeting *each other* or coming together as a group.

You conjugate 'reunir' and then add the appropriate reflexive pronoun that matches the subject. For example: Eu reúno-me, Tu reúnes-te, Ele/Ela/Você reúne-se, Nós reunimo-nos, Vós reuni-vos, Eles/Elas/Vocês reúnem-se.

Common prepositions include 'para' (to/for), 'com' (with), and 'em' (in/at). 'Reunir-se para' indicates the purpose (e.g., 'para discutir'), 'reunir-se com' indicates companions (e.g., 'com os colegas'), and 'reunir-se em' indicates the location (e.g., 'em casa').

Yes, common synonyms include 'juntar-se' (often more informal), 'encontrar-se' (can be casual or chance), and 'congregar-se' (more formal, large assemblies). The best choice depends on the context and nuance.

'Reunir-se' is generally used for planned meetings with a specific purpose, whether formal or informal. 'Juntar-se' is often used for more casual social gatherings or for joining an existing group. For instance, you might 'reunir-se' for a business meeting, but 'juntar-se' for a casual movie night.

The most common way is 'Vamos reunir-nos!'. You can also say 'Precisamos de nos reunir' (We need to meet) or 'Podemos reunir-nos?' (Can we meet?).

The past tense (preterite) for 'eles/elas/vocês' is 'reuniram-se'. For example, 'Eles reuniram-se ontem à noite.' (They met last night.)