When to Use para mim or para eu in Portuguese

The use of personal pronouns may be a tricky thing to learn. After all, when should we use Para mim or Para eu in Portuguese? Well, it depends. Both are correct but should be used in different situations. Brazilians get it wrong all the time as well. We are here to help you with a few Portuguese tips so you learn and reach fluency in Portuguese once and for all.

Para mim or Para eu in Portuguese?

The use of the pronoun ‘eu’ (I, in English) occurs when it is the subject of the sentence. On the other hand, the pronoun ‘mim’ (Me or Myself, in English) is used as a complement, an object of the sentence.

Portuguese tips

When to use Para eu in Portuguese:

If you complete a sentence with a verb, then use Para eu in portugues.

Example 1: Thiago fez este bolo para eu comer.

The sentence above should read like this in English: Thiago baked this cake for me. However, there is a verb at the end of the sentence. Thiago baked this cake for me to eat.

The sentence above showcases a verb complementing the pronoun ‘eu’. In this case, ‘eu’ is the one who suffers the action of the verb ‘comer’.

Example 2: Comprei esta roupa nova para eu usar.

In English: I bought this new outfit for me to use.

Final tip: Para eu in portuguese should be used whenever the subject is followed by a verb in its infinitive form, indicating an action.

When to use ‘Para mim’ in Portuguese:

The Portuguese pronoun ‘Mim’ should never be accompanied by a verb. So, this pronoun is usually seen at the end of sentences. But there are a few exceptions. That is why you should always pay attention to the verb first and foremost.

Example 1: Thiago fez este bolo para mim. (Thiago baked this cake for me)

Example 2: Comprei esta roupa nova para mim. (I bought this new outfit for myself.)

In the examples above, there are no verbs complementing the pronoun ‘mim’. This means that the use of ‘para mim’ is correct.

Final tip: “Mim” must only be used when having a complementary function in a sentence.

Pay attention to the grammar

In the end, there is a famous saying in Brazil adults often use to teach children when to use ‘Para mim’ or ‘Para eu’ in Portuguese. People often say: ‘Mim não faz nada’, which means ‘Mim’ doesn’t do anything. In other words, the pronoun ‘Mim’ can never be the one practicing the action of the verb.

Exercise

Practice what you have just learned by completing the sentences below:

a) Esse brigadeiro é para ___ e não para você.

b) Você pode conferir minha prova e ver se tem algum erro para ___ corrigir?

c) Para ___ poder fazer isso, preciso de ajuda.

d) Para ___, estudar Português é muito divertido.

e) Mãe, você comprou um livro novo para ___?

f) Há muita roupa para __ lavar.

g) Quando chegar em casa, ligue para ___.

h) Fiz um chá gelado para ___ beber.

Answers

a) mim; b) eu; c) eu; d) mim; e) mim; f) eu; g) mim; h) eu.

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