Mastering the preposition “de” is key for fluency in Portuguese. While “de” has a versatile range of uses on its own, it also combines with definite articles to form important contractions like “do”, “da”, “dos”, and “das”. Knowing when to use each form is critical.
The Standalone Preposition “De”
On its own without contracting, “de” has several common functions:
- Indicating possession: O livro de Maria (Maria’s book)
- Linking nouns: O centro da cidade (The city center)
- Introducing the agent after a passive verb: O jogo foi cancelado devido à chuva (The match was canceled due to the rain)
- Expressing feelings: Estou com saudades de você (I miss you)
Forming Contractions
“De” combines with definite articles to form contractions:
- de + o = do
- de + a = da
- de + os = dos
- de + as = das
These contractions are required when “de” is followed by a definite article, not optional.
“Do”
“Do” is the contraction when “de” precedes a masculine singular noun:
- O som do trovão (The sound of the thunder)
- O cheiro do mar (The smell of the sea)
It can also form set phrases like:
- Do que precisamos? (What do we need?)
“Da”
Use “da” when “de” comes before a feminine singular noun:
- A saudade da minha terra (The longing for my homeland)
- A qualidade da educação (The quality of education)
It occurs in some set phrases like:
- Da próxima vez (Next time)
“Dos”
“Dos” is the contraction when “de” precedes a masculine plural noun:
- O cheiro dos incensos (The smell of incense)
- A beleza dos luares (The beauty of moonlights)
“Das”
Use “das” when “de” comes before a feminine plural noun:
- O brilho das estrelas (The brightness of the stars)
- A altura das montanhas (The height of mountains)
Conclusion
Paying attention to number and gender agreement will help you choose the correct “de” contraction naturally. With practice, native speakers use the proper form automatically. Mastering these contractions is vital for fluency.
