How to use “Nós” and “Eles” in Portuguese beginner examples

Introduction

Mastering subject pronouns is essential for any beginner in Brazilian Portuguese. This article explains how to use Nós and Eles, with clear grammar, everyday examples, common mistakes, and practical tips so you can start speaking and understanding simple sentences right away.

What are subject pronouns in Brazilian Portuguese?

Subject pronouns replace nouns that perform the action in a sentence. For beginners, the two pronouns we focus on here are Nós and Eles. They are used in everyday conversation, on signs, in schedules, and in messages.

Basic forms and English equivalents

Nós = we (inclusive of the speaker)

Eles = they (masculine or mixed group)

Note: For groups of only women, Brazilians use elas, but this article focuses on Eles and Nós as requested.

Conjugation patterns: present tense overview

To use Nós and Eles, you need to know verb endings in the present tense. For regular verbs, endings differ by conjugation group (-ar, -er, -ir).

Examples of present tense endings

For verbs ending in -ar: nós falamos, eles falam

For verbs ending in -er: nós comemos, eles comem

For verbs ending in -ir: nós abrimos, eles abrem

Practical vocabulary with Nós

Use Nós when you include yourself and at least one other person. Here are common phrases and contexts where beginners will see or use Nós.

Vocabulary and short phrases

nós somos – we are
nós temos – we have
nós vamos – we go / we are going
nós queremos – we want
nós podemos – we can

Everyday examples

nós somos estudantes
We are students — simple self-introduction for group study or class.

nós temos uma reserva
We have a reservation — useful at restaurants or hotels.

nós vamos ao mercado amanhã
We are going to the market tomorrow — planning with friends or family.

nós queremos pagar a conta
We want to pay the bill — practical when dining out in a group.

Short dialogues

A: Você e a Maria vêm?
B: Sim, nós vamos com você.
A: Are you and Maria coming?
B: Yes, we are coming with you.

Tips to remember Nós

When speaking, Brazilians often drop the subject pronoun because the verb conjugation shows who is acting. However, beginners should use Nós to make meaning clear and sound natural in simple conversations.

Tip: Pair Nós with nós + verb in the nós form: nós falamos, nós chegamos, nós estudamos.

Practical vocabulary with Eles

Use Eles to talk about groups that include men or mixed-gender groups. It also serves to refer to people, animals, or objects informally when masculine form applies.

Vocabulary and short phrases

eles são – they are
eles têm – they have
eles vão – they go / they are going
eles querem – they want
eles podem – they can

Everyday examples

eles são amigos
They are friends — describing a group you see or know about.

eles têm ingressos para o show
They have tickets for the show — useful when checking availability.

eles vão trabalhar cedo
They go to work early — common schedule info.

eles querem ajuda
They want help — practical at a service desk or in a classroom.

Short dialogues

Funcionário: Quem são as pessoas?
Cliente: Eles são meus colegas de trabalho.
Employee: Who are the people?
Customer: They are my coworkers.

Tips to remember Eles

Use Eles whenever the people you talk about are male or mixed gender. If the group is all female, use elas. Also, note that verbs after Eles take the third-person plural ending: eles falam, eles comem, eles abrem.

Common beginner mistakes and how to fix them

Mistake 1: Using the wrong verb ending for the pronoun

Incorrect: nós fala
Correct: nós falamos
Fix: Learn the nós ending for each verb group (-amos for -ar verbs, -emos for -er, -imos for -ir).

Mistake 2: Mixing up Eles and Elas

Incorrect: elas são meus amigos (if group is mixed)
Correct: eles são meus amigos
Fix: Use Eles for mixed or all-male groups; use elas only for all-female groups.

Mistake 3: Omitting the pronoun when meaning is unclear

Example: Vamos? Could mean you and I, or a group. If you mean we including the listener, say nós vamos? If you mean they go, say eles vão? when context is not clear.

Short practice exercises for beginners

Replace the noun with the correct pronoun and conjugate the verb.

1) Maria e eu estudar. -> nós estudamos

2) João e Pedro correr. -> eles correm

3) Minha família e eu viajar. -> nós viajamos

4) As meninas e os meninos comer. -> eles comem

Fill in the blanks with Nós or Eles and the correct verb form.

1) ____ vamos ao cinema amanhã. -> nós

2) ____ têm duas entradas. -> eles

3) ____ somos de São Paulo. -> nós

4) ____ falam português. -> eles

Practical contexts where beginners see these pronouns

Signage and schedules

os horários para nós são às 9h — the schedule for us is at 9:00 (seen on internal group schedules)

eles abrem às 8h — they open at 8:00 (useful on small-business signs)

Restaurant and hotel situations

nós temos uma reserva em nome de Silva — we have a reservation under Silva

eles pediram o prato do dia — they ordered the daily special

Messaging and planning

nós combinamos de nos encontrar às 15h — we agreed to meet at 3 PM

eles disseram que chegam às 18h — they said they arrive at 6 PM

Quick grammar summary

Subject pronoun + verb conjugation is the standard pattern. For present tense regular verbs:

-ar verbs: nós -amos, eles -am

-er verbs: nós -emos, eles -em

-ir verbs: nós -imos, eles -em

Always match the pronoun with the appropriate verb ending to make clear who performs the action.

Useful mini glossary

nós – we

eles – they (masculine or mixed)

estudamos – we study

falamos – we speak

comem – they eat

vão – they go

Realistic example conversations

Conversation at a café

A: Vocês vão pedir algo?
B: Nós vamos só tomar um café.
A: Are you all going to order something?
B: We are just going to have a coffee.

Conversation at work

A: Onde estão o Rafael e a Ana?
B: Eles estão na reunião.
A: Where are Rafael and Ana?
B: They are in the meeting.

Beginner tips to practice effectively

Tip 1: Make short personal sentences using Nós about your daily routine. Example: nós almoçamos juntos.

Tip 2: Describe people you see using Eles. Example: eles estão na fila.

Tip 3: Record short voice notes and listen for the correct verb endings after Nós and Eles.

Tip 4: Use flashcards that show a photo of a group and prompt you to write either Nós or Eles plus the verb.

Common phrases to memorize

nós somos amigos — we are friends

eles são professores — they are teachers

nós vamos juntos — we go together

eles chegam amanhã — they arrive tomorrow

Conclusion

Understanding and using Nós and Eles correctly is a cornerstone of beginner Brazilian Portuguese. Focus on matching the pronoun to the right verb endings, practice with everyday examples, and use the short dialogues and exercises in this guide to build confidence in real situations. With consistent targeted practice, forming clear sentences with nós and eles becomes natural.