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B1 verb 16 min read

vem

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips vem in 30 Seconds

Explanation vem in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'vem' is introduced as a basic building block for describing movement. Students learn it as part of the verb 'vir' (to come) in the present tense. The focus is on simple, concrete actions: 'Ele vem aqui' (He comes here) or 'Você vem amanhã?' (Are you coming tomorrow?). At this stage, learners are taught to distinguish 'vem' from 'vai' (goes). The emphasis is on the third-person singular form because it is used with 'ele', 'ela', and 'você' (the common way to say 'you' in Brazil). Learners also encounter 'vem' in very basic social invitations like 'Vem cá' (Come here). The goal for an A1 student is to understand that 'vem' indicates something moving toward the speaker. They might not yet understand the irregular past tenses or complex prepositions, but they can use 'vem' to talk about people arriving or the time of a bus. It is a word of immediate reality and physical presence. Exercises at this level usually involve simple subject-verb matching and identifying the direction of movement in pictures.

At the A2 level, the use of 'vem' expands to include more abstract concepts and temporal expressions. Students begin to use 'vem' to describe the weather ('A chuva vem'), time ('O fim de semana vem aí'), and simple origins ('Ela vem do Brasil'). They also start to learn the difference between 'vem' (singular) and 'vêm' (plural), although they might still struggle with the written accent. A2 learners are introduced to the 'Vem + infinitive' structure to express purpose, such as 'Ele vem visitar a avó' (He is coming to visit his grandmother). They also begin to recognize 'vem' in common public signs and announcements. The concept of 'vem' as an auxiliary verb in very simple continuous constructions might be touched upon, like 'O tempo vem passando' (Time has been passing). At this level, the focus is on building confidence in using 'vem' in a variety of daily situations, such as shopping ('O troco vem agora') or talking about family history. The learner is moving from just physical movement to the idea of 'coming' as a general concept of arrival and source.

At the B1 level, the learner is expected to have a solid grasp of 'vem' and its irregular nature. This is the stage where the distinction between 'vem' (singular) and 'vêm' (plural) becomes a mandatory part of their written accuracy. B1 students explore more idiomatic uses, such as 'O que vem por aí' (What's coming up/next) and 'Vem de encontro a' (To meet/collide with). They also start using 'vem' with the gerund more frequently to describe processes that have been developing over time: 'A tecnologia vem transformando nossas vidas' (Technology has been transforming our lives). This 'vir + gerund' construction is a key feature of intermediate Portuguese. Learners at this level also understand the nuances of prepositions used with 'vem', such as the difference between 'vem de' (origin) and 'vem para' (destination). They are also introduced to more formal synonyms like 'provém' and 'advém'. The B1 level is about moving beyond the literal and using 'vem' to describe trends, logical conclusions, and complex social interactions. They can also use 'vem' in the imperative form more naturally in casual conversations.

At the B2 level, students use 'vem' with a high degree of precision and are aware of its stylistic implications. They can distinguish between 'vem ao encontro de' (agrees with) and 'vem de encontro a' (clashes with), which is a common point of confusion even for native speakers. B2 learners use 'vem' in sophisticated rhetorical structures, such as 'Daí vem a importância de...' (From that comes the importance of...). They are comfortable with the verb's role in complex sentences and can use it to maintain cohesion in a text. The use of 'vem' as an auxiliary with the gerund is now a natural part of their repertoire for expressing durative actions with a starting point in the past. They also understand the historical and etymological use of 'vem' in academic or literary contexts. At this level, the learner can also appreciate the word's use in poetry and song lyrics, understanding the emotional weight it can carry. Accuracy in writing the plural 'vêm' is expected to be near-perfect. The B2 student doesn't just use 'vem'; they choose it over other verbs to achieve a specific tone or focus.

At the C1 level, the word 'vem' is used with complete fluency and an understanding of its most subtle nuances. The learner can use it in highly formal or academic writing to trace the origins of theories, laws, or social phenomena. They are familiar with archaic or literary uses of the verb 'vir' that might appear in classical Portuguese literature. C1 speakers can use 'vem' in complex idiomatic expressions without hesitation and can play with the word's meanings for rhetorical effect. They understand the regional variations in how 'vem' is used and pronounced across the Lusophone world (e.g., the differences between European and Brazilian usage of the imperative). The 'vir + gerund' construction is used to express subtle shades of meaning regarding the continuity and progression of events. At this level, 'vem' is no longer a 'vocabulary word' to be studied, but a flexible tool that the speaker manipulates to express complex thoughts about causality, history, and future projections. They can also identify and correct subtle errors in others' use of the word, such as incorrect prepositional pairings or accent placement.

At the C2 level, the mastery of 'vem' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. The learner has a profound understanding of the verb's etymological journey from Latin 'venire' and how its various forms have evolved. They can use 'vem' in any context, from the most technical scientific paper to the most evocative piece of creative writing. The C2 level involves an appreciation for the 'hidden' grammar of the word—how it interacts with other parts of speech to create rhythm and emphasis in a sentence. They are aware of the rarest idioms and the most obscure literary references involving the word. A C2 speaker can discuss the philosophical implications of 'coming' versus 'going' in Portuguese culture and how the verb 'vir' shapes the Lusophone worldview. They have complete control over all its irregular forms and can use them in the most complex subjunctive or conditional structures if needed. For a C2 learner, 'vem' is a thread in the vast tapestry of the Portuguese language, used with an instinctive sense of its history, its power, and its infinite possibilities for expression.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

vem in 30 Seconds

The word 'vem' is the 3rd person singular present tense of the verb 'vir' (to come), meaning 'he/she/it comes' or 'is coming'.
It is primarily used to describe physical movement toward the speaker or a designated location, but also applies to time and origins.
In informal Brazilian Portuguese, 'vem' is frequently used as a command (imperative) to tell someone to 'come here' or 'join in'.
Learners must distinguish it from the plural 'vêm' (with an accent) and the verb 'vê' (from 'ver', meaning 'to see').

The Portuguese word vem is the third-person singular present indicative form of the irregular verb vir, which translates to 'to come' in English. At its core, this word indicates movement toward the person speaking or toward a specific point of reference that has been established in the conversation. It is one of the most fundamental verbs in the Portuguese language, used across all registers from casual street talk to high-level academic discourse. When you say 'Ele vem,' you are stating that 'He comes' or 'He is coming.' The simplicity of the word belies its vast utility in expressing not just physical movement, but also temporal progression, the origin of ideas, and the manifestation of feelings. In the Lusophone world, the concept of 'coming' is deeply tied to the sense of presence and arrival. Unlike the verb ir (to go), which implies movement away from the speaker, vem brings the action closer. This distinction is vital for English speakers who sometimes struggle with the 'go vs. come' logic in specific contexts. For example, if you are at a party and calling a friend, you would say 'Vem para cá!' (Come here!), emphasizing the destination where you currently are.

Physical Displacement: The most common use involves a person, animal, or object moving from a distant location toward the speaker. 'O trem vem' (The train is coming) is a classic example of this spatial logic.
Temporal Sequence: It describes events that are approaching in time. 'O feriado vem aí' means the holiday is coming up or is just around the corner, suggesting an inevitable arrival in the timeline.

A encomenda vem amanhã pelo correio.

Translation: The package comes tomorrow by mail.

Beyond physical movement, vem is frequently used to describe the source or origin of something. When discussing where someone is from, you might hear 'Ela vem de uma família grande' (She comes from a large family). This usage mirrors the English 'comes from' perfectly. Furthermore, it is used in the context of inspiration or derivation: 'Essa ideia vem de um livro antigo' (This idea comes from an old book). In Brazil, vem also functions as an informal imperative. Although the 'correct' grammatical imperative for 'você' is 'venha', most Brazilians will simply say 'Vem cá' to mean 'Come here'. This makes the word essential for everyday social interaction. It is a word of invitation, a word of arrival, and a word of historical tracing. Understanding vem requires an appreciation for how Portuguese speakers perceive space. If you are inviting someone to your house, you are the center of the world, and they vêm (plural) or vem (singular) to you. If you are both going to a third location, you would use ir. This word also appears in many idiomatic expressions that describe the state of things, such as 'O que vem de baixo não me atinge' (What comes from below doesn't affect me), a common way to say one is indifferent to petty criticism.

De onde vem esse barulho estranho?

Abstract Derivation: Used to explain the logic or source of a thought or feeling. 'Meu medo vem da infância' (My fear comes from childhood).

In summary, vem is a powerhouse of a word. It covers the arrival of people, the delivery of goods, the passage of time, the roots of heritage, and the informal commands that bind friends together. Its irregular nature makes it a bit tricky for beginners, but because it is used so frequently, it quickly becomes second nature. Whether you are waiting for a bus, asking about a friend's background, or inviting someone to join you for a coffee, vem is the linguistic bridge that connects the distant 'there' to the immediate 'here'. It captures the dynamic essence of life in motion, always bringing something or someone into the speaker's sphere of existence.

Using vem correctly requires an understanding of its subject-verb agreement and its relationship with prepositions. As the third-person singular form of vir, its subjects are typically ele (he), ela (she), você (you - singular/formal), or any singular noun like o carro (the car) or a notícia (the news). The most basic structure is [Subject] + [vem] + [Origin/Destination]. For instance, 'Ele vem de Portugal' (He comes from Portugal). Here, the preposition de indicates the point of origin. Conversely, if you want to indicate the destination, you might use para or a: 'Ela vem para a festa' (She is coming to the party). Note that in modern Brazilian Portuguese, para is much more common than a in spoken language. The verb is also used to form continuous actions when paired with a gerund, though this is less common than the standard estar + gerund construction. You might hear 'A situação vem melhorando' (The situation has been improving), where vem acts as an auxiliary verb to suggest an ongoing process that started in the past and continues to the present.

With Prepositions: 'Vem de' for origin; 'Vem para' or 'Vem a' for destination; 'Vem com' for accompaniment.
As an Auxiliary: Used with a gerund to show a gradual, ongoing action: 'O mundo vem mudando' (The world has been changing).

Você vem comigo ou fica aqui?

Translation: Are you coming with me or staying here?

One of the most important aspects for B1 learners is the distinction between vem (singular) and vêm (plural). While they sound identical in many Brazilian dialects (both often pronounced like 'vẽy'), the written distinction is crucial for exams and formal writing. 'O cliente vem' (The customer comes) vs. 'Os clientes vêm' (The customers come). Additionally, vem is used in the 'Vem aí' construction, which is the Portuguese equivalent of 'Coming soon'. You will see this on movie posters, TV advertisements, and social media announcements. 'Vem aí a nova temporada!' (The new season is coming soon!). This structure uses the adverb aí (there/near you) to create a sense of anticipation. In idiomatic usage, vem can be followed by an infinitive to express purpose: 'Ele vem buscar as chaves' (He is coming to get the keys). This is a direct parallel to the English 'come to [do something]'.

Tudo o que é bom vem para quem sabe esperar.

In more complex sentences, vem can be part of a relative clause. 'A ajuda que vem do governo é insuficiente' (The help that comes from the government is insufficient). Here, vem agrees with 'ajuda'. It is also common in impersonal constructions or when the subject is a collective noun: 'A gente vem aqui sempre' (We come here always). Even though 'a gente' means 'we', it takes the third-person singular verb, hence vem. Another nuance is the use of vem in the sense of 'to be included' or 'to be provided'. For example, 'O manual vem na caixa' (The manual comes in the box). This is very useful for shopping and technical contexts. If you are asking if a meal includes a side dish, you might ask 'O prato vem com batatas?' (Does the dish come with potatoes?). This versatility makes vem an indispensable tool for navigating daily life in a Portuguese-speaking country. Mastering its various prepositional pairings will significantly boost your fluency and make your speech sound more natural and less like a direct translation from English.

The word vem is omnipresent in the Lusophone world. If you step off a plane in Lisbon, Luanda, or Rio de Janeiro, you will hear it within minutes. In the bustling streets of São Paulo, you'll hear street vendors shouting 'Vem, vem, vem ver a promoção!' (Come, come, come see the sale!). In this context, it acts as an invitation, a linguistic hook to draw people in. It is the language of the marketplace, full of energy and movement. On the radio, Brazilian pop and MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) are filled with this word. Think of the famous song lyrics where artists invite a lover to 'vem pra mim' (come to me). It carries a romantic, almost magnetic quality in music, signifying the desire for proximity and connection. In news broadcasts, you'll hear 'A notícia vem de Brasília' (The news comes from Brasília), establishing the source of information. It is a word that anchors the listener, telling them exactly where the flow of data or people is originating from.

Public Announcements: In train stations or subways: 'O próximo trem vem em dois minutos' (The next train comes in two minutes).
Social Invitations: Friends texting each other: 'Vem pra cá logo!' (Come here already!), showing the informal imperative use.

Vem vem vem, vem pro meu mundo!

Common refrain in Brazilian party songs.

In a professional setting, vem is used to discuss results and origins of projects. A manager might say, 'O sucesso do projeto vem do nosso esforço coletivo' (The success of the project comes from our collective effort). In this scenario, the word is formal and serves to attribute credit. In Portuguese schools and universities, teachers use it to explain etymology: 'A palavra 'paz' vem do latim 'pax'' (The word 'paz' comes from the Latin 'pax'). You will also encounter vem in literature and poetry, where it often takes on a more metaphysical meaning, describing the arrival of death, love, or the change of seasons. The poet Fernando Pessoa or the songwriter Caetano Veloso use the verb vir to describe the movement of existence itself. It is not just a verb of legs and wheels; it is a verb of the soul's journey. Even in the digital world, YouTube titles frequently use 'Vem ver' (Come see) as a call to action, and 'O que vem por aí' (What's coming) to tease future content. It is a word that spans the entire spectrum of human communication, from the most basic animalistic call to the most complex philosophical inquiry.

A chuva vem vindo, melhor fechar as janelas.

In domestic life, parents use vem constantly with their children. 'Vem comer!' (Come eat!), 'Vem tomar banho!' (Come take a bath!). It is one of the first verbs a Portuguese-speaking child learns to understand and respond to. Because it implies a movement toward the caregiver, it is associated with safety and necessity. In sports commentary, you will hear it when a player is approaching the goal: 'Lá vem ele, o atacante!' (Here he comes, the striker!). The 'Lá vem' construction is a very common way to announce an arrival that is visible to the speaker. This ubiquitous presence across all facets of life—family, work, entertainment, and the arts—makes vem a cornerstone of Portuguese. Whether it is the 'vem' of a mother calling her child or the 'vem' of a scientist describing the origin of a virus, the word is a vital pulse in the living body of the language. To know vem is to know the direction of life in the Portuguese-speaking world: always moving toward the heart of the matter.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with vem is confusing it with its plural counterpart vêm. In English, 'comes' and 'come' are distinguished by the 's', but in Portuguese, the distinction is purely orthographic (written) through the use of the circumflex accent. This is known as an 'accento diferencial'. Remember: Ele vem (singular, no accent) vs. Eles vêm (plural, with accent). Before the 1990 Orthographic Agreement, there were even more complex rules, but today, this is the main one to watch out for. Another common error is the confusion between vem (from vir - to come) and vê (from ver - to see). Because they look somewhat similar, beginners often mix them up. 'Ele vê' means 'He sees', while 'Ele vem' means 'He comes'. A simple way to remember is that vem has an 'm' like 'movement' or 'me' (coming to me), while vê is short and relates to vision.

Singular vs. Plural: Mistake: 'Eles vem aqui.' Correct: 'Eles vêm aqui.' The accent is mandatory for plural subjects.
Vir vs. Ver: Mistake: 'Ele vem o filme.' (He comes the movie). Correct: 'Ele vê o filme.' (He sees the movie).

Cuidado! Ele vê você, mas não vem até você.

Translation: Careful! He sees you, but he doesn't come to you.

Another subtle mistake involves the misuse of prepositions. English speakers often want to say 'vem em' for 'comes in' (as in 'comes in the box'), but in Portuguese, while 'vem na caixa' is correct, describing an arrival at a city usually requires 'a' or 'para'. Saying 'Ele vem em Lisboa' sounds like he is already inside Lisbon and moving within it, rather than arriving there. The correct way to say 'He is coming to Lisbon' is 'Ele vem a Lisboa' or 'Ele vem para Lisboa'. Additionally, learners often forget that vir is highly irregular. While vem is the present tense, the past tense is veio. Many students try to regularize it to 'veu' or 'viu' (which actually means 'he saw'), leading to significant confusion. It is also important to note the difference between vir (to come) and virar (to turn). 'Ele vem' (He comes) vs. 'Ele vira' (He turns). These small phonological and orthographic differences can change the meaning of a sentence entirely.

Eles vêm de longe, por isso estão cansados.

Finally, there is the 'ir' vs. 'vir' confusion mentioned earlier. If you are going to a friend's house, and you are currently at your own house, you must say 'Eu vou' (I am going). You can only say 'Eu venho' (I am coming) if you are already at the destination or if you are describing a habitual action of coming to that place. English is much more flexible with 'I'm coming!' (meaning 'I'm on my way to you'), but in Portuguese, if you are moving away from your current spot, 'estou indo' is the standard. Using vem in the wrong direction is a hallmark of a beginner. To sound like a B1 speaker, you must master the 'speaker-centric' nature of vem. It is always about the arrival at the point where the speaker is or the point they are focusing on. Avoiding these common pitfalls—the plural accent, the 'ver' confusion, the prepositional errors, and the directional logic—will elevate your Portuguese from basic to intermediate and beyond.

While vem is the most common way to say 'comes', Portuguese offers several alternatives depending on the nuance you want to convey. The most frequent synonym is chega (from chegar - to arrive). While vem focuses on the movement toward a point, chega focuses on the completion of that movement. If someone is on their way, you say 'Ele vem'. If they have just reached the door, you say 'Ele chega'. Another alternative is aparece (from aparecer - to appear/show up). This is often used for unexpected or casual arrivals. 'Ele sempre aparece sem avisar' (He always shows up without warning). In more formal or scientific contexts, you might use provém (from provir - to originate/stem from). This is a direct cognate of 'provide' or 'provenance' and is used to describe origins: 'Este vinho provém da região do Douro' (This wine originates from the Douro region). It sounds much more sophisticated than simply using vem.

Vem vs. Chega: Vem: Focus on the path/movement. 'O ônibus vem vindo.' (The bus is coming along).
Chega: Focus on the arrival. 'O ônibus chega às dez.' (The bus arrives at ten).
Vem vs. Provém: Vem: General/Common. 'A água vem da chuva.'
Provém: Formal/Technical. 'A receita provém de impostos federais.'

A inspiração surge quando menos se espera.

'Surge' (arises/appears) is a great alternative for abstract coming.

Another interesting alternative is deriva (from derivar - to derive). This is used specifically for things that come from a source through a process. 'A palavra deriva do grego' (The word derives from Greek). While vem works here too, deriva is more precise. In the context of news or rumors, you might hear circula (circulates). 'Uma notícia circula pela cidade' (News is coming/circulating through the city). For something that comes in the sense of being born or starting, nasce (is born) is a powerful alternative. 'O sol nasce' (The sun comes up/is born). Furthermore, retorna (returns) can be used if the 'coming' is actually a 'coming back'. 'Ele retorna amanhã' (He comes back tomorrow). Using these alternatives allows you to be more specific about the nature of the movement. Is it an arrival? A return? An emergence? A derivation? By choosing the right word, you show a deeper command of the language's nuances.

O lucro advém de boas decisões financeiras.

Lastly, consider the verb aproximar-se (to approach). If the 'coming' is a physical act of getting closer, this verb is very descriptive. 'O inverno se aproxima' (Winter is coming/approaching). This sounds more poetic and evocative than 'O inverno vem'. In summary, while vem is your reliable 'Swiss Army knife' verb, learning its synonyms like chegar, aparecer, provir, derivar, and aproximar will help you express yourself with greater clarity and style. Each of these words carries a slightly different 'flavor' that can change the tone of your sentence from a simple statement of fact to a detailed description of an event. As you progress to B1 and B2 levels, start replacing vem with these more specific alternatives when the context allows, and you will find your Portuguese sounding much more sophisticated and natural.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"A referida verba vem do tesouro nacional."

Neutral

"O ônibus vem sempre atrasado."

Informal

"Vem cá rapidinho, quero te mostrar uma coisa."

Child friendly

"Vem ver o cachorrinho, que fofo!"

Slang

"Não vem com esse papo furado pra cima de mim."

Fun Fact

The distinction between 'vem' and 'vêm' is one of the few places in Portuguese where a circumflex accent is used solely to distinguish singular from plural in the present tense, a remnant of older forms where the plural had an extra syllable.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /vẽɪ̃/

US /vẽɪ̃/

The word is a monosyllable, so the stress is on the only vowel sound present.

Rhymes With

tem bem além quem nem contém porém amém

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like English 'vehm' with a hard 'm' at the end.
Failing to nasalize the vowel, making it sound like 'vay'.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'vê' (which has no nasal sound).
Pronouncing the plural 'vêm' and singular 'vem' differently in regions where they should be identical.
Adding an extra syllable like 've-mi'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize, but the accent in the plural form can be missed.

Writing 4/5

Difficult because of the irregular conjugation and the singular/plural accent distinction.

Speaking 3/5

The nasal pronunciation can be tricky for English speakers to master.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'vê' (sees) or 'vêm' (plural) in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

eu você ele/ela aqui de para

Learn Next

vêm (plural) veio (past) virá (future) venha (subjunctive/imperative) ir (to go)

Advanced

provir advir intervir sobrevir perpassar

Grammar to Know

Nasalization of terminal 'm'

In 'vem', the 'm' is not a consonant but a signal to nasalize the preceding vowel.

Accentual Distinction (Acento Diferencial)

Vem (singular) vs. Vêm (plural). This applies to 'vir' and its derivatives like 'convir'.

Irregular Present Tense

The verb 'vir' is irregular: venho, vens, vem, vimos, vindes, vêm.

Auxiliary usage with Gerund

Vir + gerund indicates an action that started in the past and continues progressively.

Brazilian Informal Imperative

Using the 3rd person singular indicative 'vem' as a command for 'você'.

Examples by Level

Ele vem aqui hoje.

He comes here today.

Simple present tense, 3rd person singular.

Você vem para a escola?

Are you coming to school?

Question using 'você' with the singular verb.

O ônibus vem agora.

The bus is coming now.

Subject is a singular noun.

Ela vem de carro.

She is coming by car.

Preposition 'de' shows the means of transport.

Vem cá, por favor.

Come here, please.

Informal imperative used in Brazil.

O gato vem quando chamo.

The cat comes when I call.

Habitual action in the present.

De onde você vem?

Where do you come from?

Using 'vem de' to ask about origin.

O café vem com açúcar?

Does the coffee come with sugar?

Using 'vem com' to mean 'is included'.

O verão vem chegando.

Summer is coming.

Present continuous sense with 'chegando'.

A notícia vem de longe.

The news comes from far away.

Abstract subject 'notícia'.

Ele vem visitar a gente amanhã.

He is coming to visit us tomorrow.

Vem + infinitive to show purpose.

O dinheiro vem do trabalho.

Money comes from work.

Stating a general truth about origin.

Vem aí um novo filme.

A new movie is coming up.

The common 'Vem aí' expression.

A encomenda vem pelo correio.

The package comes by mail.

Passive arrival of an object.

Ela vem sempre à mesma hora.

She always comes at the same time.

Frequency adverb 'sempre' used with the verb.

O cheiro vem da cozinha.

The smell comes from the kitchen.

Sensory origin.

A inflação vem subindo muito.

Inflation has been rising a lot.

Vir + gerund expressing a continuous process.

Essa ideia vem de um livro que li.

This idea comes from a book I read.

Abstract origin of a thought.

O sucesso vem com a persistência.

Success comes with persistence.

Conditional origin of a state.

Ela vem se sentindo melhor ultimamente.

She has been feeling better lately.

Vir + reflexive pronoun + gerund.

O que vem por aí é surpresa.

What is coming up is a surprise.

Idiomatic 'por aí' for the near future.

A ajuda vem na hora certa.

Help comes at the right time.

Temporal precision.

De onde vem tanto entusiasmo?

Where does so much enthusiasm come from?

Questioning the source of an emotion.

O manual vem dentro da caixa.

The manual comes inside the box.

Inclusion of an item.

Sua atitude vem de encontro ao que eu penso.

Your attitude clashes with what I think.

Idiom 'de encontro a' meaning opposition.

A proposta vem ao encontro dos nossos interesses.

The proposal meets our interests.

Idiom 'ao encontro de' meaning agreement.

O governo vem implementando novas leis.

The government has been implementing new laws.

Formal use of vir + gerund for policy.

A tristeza vem sem avisar.

Sadness comes without warning.

Personification of an emotion.

Daí vem a necessidade de mudança.

From that comes the need for change.

Rhetorical structure 'Daí vem...'

O lucro vem crescendo a cada trimestre.

Profit has been growing every quarter.

Economic context with vir + gerund.

O conhecimento vem através da experiência.

Knowledge comes through experience.

Philosophical statement on learning.

A palavra vem sendo mal interpretada.

The word has been being misinterpreted.

Vir + gerund in the passive voice.

A legitimação do poder vem do consenso social.

The legitimation of power comes from social consensus.

Academic/Political usage.

O autor vem explorando esse tema há décadas.

The author has been exploring this theme for decades.

Literary analysis context.

Toda essa polêmica vem à tona agora.

All this controversy comes to light now.

Idiom 'vir à tona' (to surface/come to light).

A fragilidade do sistema vem se tornando evidente.

The fragility of the system has been becoming evident.

Complex auxiliary structure with reflexive.

A inspiração vem do cotidiano mais simples.

Inspiration comes from the simplest daily life.

Abstract source of creativity.

Seu comportamento vem corroborar minhas suspeitas.

Your behavior comes to corroborate my suspicions.

Vem + infinitive in a formal/legal sense.

A tecnologia vem suprir uma lacuna no mercado.

Technology has been filling a gap in the market.

Business strategy context.

A mudança vem de dentro para fora.

Change comes from the inside out.

Metaphorical usage.

O conceito de justiça vem perpassando a história.

The concept of justice has been pervading history.

Highly academic use of 'perpassar' with 'vir'.

A melancolia que vem do fado é profunda.

The melancholy that comes from fado is profound.

Cultural/Literary reference.

O progresso não vem sem sacrifícios hercúleos.

Progress does not come without Herculean sacrifices.

Sophisticated use of adjectives and negation.

A verdade vem sempre a galope.

The truth always comes at a gallop (quickly).

Portuguese proverb/idiom.

A obra vem sendo aclamada pela crítica internacional.

The work has been being acclaimed by international critics.

Passive voice with gerund and 'vir'.

A solução vem a calhar neste momento de crise.

The solution comes in handy in this moment of crisis.

Idiom 'vir a calhar' (to come in handy/be timely).

A beleza vem do equilíbrio entre forma e função.

Beauty comes from the balance between form and function.

Aesthetic philosophical statement.

O que vem de baixo não me atinge.

What comes from below does not affect me.

Common Brazilian idiom for social resilience.

Common Collocations

Vem aí

De onde vem

Vem cá

Vem com

Vem de

Vem logo

Vem vindo

Vem para

Vem a calhar

Vem de encontro

Common Phrases

Lá vem ele.

— Used to announce someone's arrival, often with a specific tone (excitement or annoyance).

Lá vem ele com as mesmas desculpas.

O que vem depois?

— Asking about the next step or event in a sequence.

Terminei a fase um. O que vem depois?

Isso vem de família.

— Used to say a trait or characteristic is hereditary or traditional.

Ela toca piano muito bem; isso vem de família.

Vem por mim.

— A casual way to say 'Trust me' or 'Follow my lead' in some contexts.

Vem por mim, esse caminho é mais rápido.

Tudo vem a seu tempo.

— A proverb meaning everything happens when it is supposed to.

Tenha paciência, tudo vem a seu tempo.

Vem de longe.

— Used to describe a long-standing tradition or a journey from a distant place.

Nossa amizade vem de longe.

Não vem que não tem.

— A Brazilian slang phrase meaning 'Don't try it' or 'It's no use trying to trick me'.

Não vem que não tem, eu não vou te emprestar dinheiro.

Vem de baixo.

— Refers to someone starting from a humble beginning or a lower social status.

Ele é um empresário de sucesso, mas vem de baixo.

Vem à tona.

— When a secret or a hidden fact becomes public knowledge.

A verdade finalmente vem à tona.

Vem com tudo.

— Used to describe something arriving with great force or intensity.

O novo ano vem com tudo!

Often Confused With

vem vs vê

Third person singular of 'ver' (to see). 'Ele vê' (He sees) vs. 'Ele vem' (He comes).

vem vs vêm

Third person plural of 'vir' (to come). Identical or similar pronunciation but used for plural subjects.

vem vs veem

Third person plural of 'ver' (to see). 'Eles veem' (They see). Note the double 'e'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Vem a calhar"

— To be very convenient or to happen at the perfect moment.

Esse café vem a calhar agora.

neutral

"O que vem de baixo não me atinge"

— Criticism from people I don't respect doesn't bother me.

Ela falou mal de mim, mas o que vem de baixo não me atinge.

informal

"Vem de encontro a"

— To clash with or be opposed to something.

Essa lei vem de encontro aos direitos humanos.

formal

"Vem ao encontro de"

— To agree with or satisfy a need/desire.

A nova política vem ao encontro dos desejos do povo.

formal

"Vem por aí"

— Something that is about to happen in the near future.

Muita chuva vem por aí.

neutral

"Não vem ao caso"

— That is irrelevant or beside the point.

O preço não vem ao caso agora, o importante é a qualidade.

neutral

"Vem de trás"

— Something that has been happening for a long time or has deep roots.

Esse problema vem de trás, não é novo.

neutral

"Vem do coração"

— Something done with sincerity or genuine emotion.

Este presente vem do coração.

informal

"Vem e vai"

— Something that is inconsistent or transitory.

A moda vem e vai.

neutral

"Se vier, vem"

— Accepting whatever happens without trying to control it (using the subjunctive 'vier' but related to 'vem').

Não estou preocupado com o futuro; se vier, vem.

informal

Easily Confused

vem vs virar

Sounds similar to the infinitive 'vir'.

'Vir' means to come; 'Virar' means to turn or to become. 'Ele vem' (He comes) vs. 'Ele vira' (He turns).

Ele vira a esquina quando vem para cá.

vem vs vim

Often confused by learners as the present form.

'Vim' is the first person singular past tense (I came). 'Vem' is third person singular present (He comes).

Eu vim ontem, mas ele vem hoje.

vem vs vão

Opposite direction.

'Vão' is the plural of 'go' (ir). Learners often mix up the 'v' verbs.

Eles vão para lá, mas ela vem para cá.

vem vs vêm

The accent is the only difference.

'Vem' is singular; 'Vêm' is plural. This is a purely orthographic rule in many dialects.

O menino vem; os meninos vêm.

vem vs vem (imperative) vs venha

Both mean 'Come!'.

'Vem' is informal/Brazilian standard; 'Venha' is formal/European standard.

Vem cá, meu filho! / Venha aqui, senhor.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] vem aqui.

Ela vem aqui.

[Subject] vem de [Place].

O avião vem de Paris.

[Subject] vem [Gerund].

A economia vem crescendo.

Vem aí [Subject].

Vem aí a chuva.

[Subject] vem ao encontro de [Noun].

Isso vem ao encontro do que eu queria.

Daí vem o/a [Noun].

Daí vem a minha preocupação.

[Subject] vem à tona.

O escândalo vem à tona.

[Subject] vem a calhar.

Sua visita vem a calhar.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high. It is one of the top 50 most used verbs in Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

Eles vem aqui amanhã. → Eles vêm aqui amanhã.
The plural form of 'vir' in the present tense must have a circumflex accent.
Ele vê de Portugal. → Ele vem de Portugal.
'Vê' means 'sees' (from ver). 'Vem' means 'comes' (from vir).
Eu estou vindo para sua casa. (While still at home) → Eu estou indo para sua casa.
In Portuguese, 'vir' is only used for movement toward the speaker's current location.
O livro vem em a caixa. → O livro vem na caixa.
The preposition 'em' plus article 'a' must contract to 'na'.
Ele vem de encontro ao meu desejo. (When meaning he agrees) → Ele vem ao encontro do meu desejo.
'De encontro a' means to clash; 'ao encontro de' means to agree/meet.

Tips

The Plural Accent

Always remember the circumflex accent for the plural: Ele vem / Eles vêm. It's a small detail that makes a big difference in your writing quality.

Nasalization is Key

Don't pronounce the 'm' like in 'room'. Keep your mouth slightly open and let the air go through your nose. It sounds more like 'vẽy'.

Vem vs. Vai

If you are at the destination, use 'vem'. If you are moving away from where you are, use 'vai'. Portuguese is very strict about this.

Auxiliary Power

Use 'vem' + gerund (e.g., vem melhorando) to describe things that have been happening gradually. it makes you sound very advanced.

Brazilian Imperative

In Brazil, don't be afraid to use 'Vem cá'. It's the standard way to invite someone over or start a chat.

Context Clues

If you hear 'vem' and 'vê' in the same sentence, focus on the subject and the action to distinguish 'coming' from 'seeing'.

Formal Alternatives

In essays, try using 'provém' or 'deriva' instead of 'vem' when talking about the origins of ideas or facts.

The 'V' Shape

Visualize the letter V as a path where everything converges to a single point—you! That is the essence of 'vem'.

Vem a calhar

Memorize this phrase. It's a great way to say 'This is perfect timing' or 'This is very useful right now'.

Don't say 'estou vindo' if you're not there yet

If you are calling someone to say you are on your way to them, say 'estou indo', not 'estou vindo' (unless you are already very close).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'VEM' as 'VEry Much coming toward ME'. The 'M' at the end reminds you it's moving toward the speaker (me).

Visual Association

Imagine a giant letter 'V' acting like a funnel, pulling everything toward the center where you are standing. That is 'vem'.

Word Web

vir chegar origem destino presença futuro movimento convite

Challenge

Try to use 'vem' in three different ways today: once for a person, once for an object (like a bus), and once for an abstract idea (like 'winter is coming').

Word Origin

The word 'vem' originates from the Latin 'venit', which is the third-person singular present indicative of 'venire' (to come). Over centuries of linguistic evolution from Vulgar Latin to Old Portuguese, the final 't' was lost, and the nasalization of the vowel became a defining characteristic of the Portuguese form.

Original meaning: To move toward, to arrive, or to approach a specific person or place.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Western Romance > Galician-Portuguese > Portuguese.

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but be aware that using the imperative 'Vem cá' with a complete stranger in a formal setting might be seen as slightly too informal in Portugal.

English speakers often say 'I'm coming' when they are actually leaving their current location to go somewhere else. In Portuguese, you must use 'ir' (estou indo) in that case. Use 'vem' only for movement toward the current location of the person you are talking to.

The song 'Vem Morena' by Luiz Gonzaga. The common TV slogan 'Vem aí' used by Rede Globo to announce new shows. The poem 'Vem, Noite' by Fernando Pessoa.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Transportation

O táxi vem logo?
O próximo trem vem em qual linha?
Lá vem o meu ônibus.
A balsa vem de Niterói.

Socializing

Você vem à minha festa?
Vem cá sentar com a gente.
Ela vem acompanhada.
Vem quando puder.

Origins & History

De onde vem sua família?
Essa tradição vem de Portugal.
A palavra vem do árabe.
Isso vem de muito tempo atrás.

Shopping & Services

O produto vem com garantia?
A conta vem separada?
Vem brinde na compra?
O técnico vem hoje?

Nature & Weather

A chuva vem vindo.
O frio vem com força.
O sol vem saindo.
A maré vem subindo.

Conversation Starters

"De onde vem sua família originalmente? Você conhece a história deles?"

"Você acha que o sucesso vem mais da sorte ou do trabalho duro?"

"Vem cá, você já viu aquele novo filme que estreou ontem no cinema?"

"O que vem por aí na sua carreira? Você tem planos para o próximo ano?"

"Você prefere quando o verão vem cedo ou prefere o clima frio por mais tempo?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma ideia que vem à sua mente com frequência. De onde você acha que ela vem?

Descreva a sensação de quando um amigo que você não vê há muito tempo vem te visitar.

Reflita sobre a frase: 'Tudo o que é bom vem para quem sabe esperar'. Você concorda?

O que vem por aí na sua vida nas próximas semanas? Liste seus objetivos e expectativas.

Pense em uma tradição da sua família. De onde ela vem e por que é importante para você?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is singular. It is used with 'ele', 'ela', 'você', or any singular noun. For plural subjects, you must use 'vêm' with a circumflex accent. This is a very common point of confusion for students and even some native speakers in writing.

It is a nasal sound. Pronounce the 'v', then a nasalized 'e' that slides into an 'i' sound. Do not close your lips for the 'm' at the end; the 'm' just tells you to breathe through your nose while saying the vowel.

Yes, in Portuguese, the present tense often carries the meaning of an action happening right now. 'O trem vem' can mean 'The train comes' (habitually) or 'The train is coming' (right now).

'Vem' focuses on the movement toward a place (coming), while 'chega' focuses on the moment of arrival (arriving). 'Ele vem vindo' (He is on his way here) vs. 'Ele chega às 8h' (He arrives at 8).

No, it's generally not rude, especially in Brazil. It's a very common, friendly way to ask someone to come closer. However, in a very formal setting (like a business meeting with a superior), you should use 'Venha aqui'.

That is the plural form. If the subject is 'they' (eles/elas) or 'you all' (vocês), the verb must have the accent. For example: 'Eles vêm de longe'.

Absolutely. You can use it for anything that moves or arrives: 'A encomenda vem', 'O inverno vem', 'A ideia vem'.

It's an idiomatic way to say 'Coming soon' or 'Is on the way'. It's used for events, movies, weather, or news. Example: 'Vem aí o carnaval!'

Not always, but it often does. Use 'de' for origin (vem de casa) and 'para' or 'a' for destination (vem para a festa). If used as an imperative, it doesn't need one: 'Vem!'

You say: 'Ele vem de uma família rica'. The verb 'vem' plus the preposition 'de' perfectly matches the English 'comes from'.