Portuguese · Greetings & Essentials
"They" in Portuguese: eles
eles
Note: all female: elas
They in Portuguese is eles for mixed or all-male groups. All-female groups use elas. Verbs often drop the pronoun: (Eles) chegaram.
Coworkers
Eles terminam o relatório hoje.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce eles
Say it
EH-lees / EH-lahs
/ˈe.les/
EH-lees. Elas is EH-lahs.
"They" in Portuguese: quick reference
| Portuguese | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| eles | they (masc./mixed) Default entry form. | Default entry form. |
| elas | they (all female) Feminine group. | Feminine group. |
| eles mesmos | they themselves Emphasis. | Emphasis. |
| para eles | for them Prepositional. | Prepositional. |
How to use eles in real life
- 1Coworkers
Eles terminam o relatório hoje.
They finish the report today.
Work.
- 2Guests arriving
Eles já estão no elevador.
They’re already in the elevator.
Arrival.
- 3Gift plan
Comprei ingressos para eles.
I bought tickets for them.
Object of prep.
Mistakes English speakers make with eles
Incorrect: They chegaram cedo.
Correct: Eles chegaram cedo.
Use eles (or elas), not English they.
Incorrect: Elas foram… (for a mixed group)
Correct: Eles foram…
Mixed groups use eles in standard Brazilian Portuguese.
Good to know
Eles is the entry form and covers mixed groups. Switch to elas for all women. Pronouns drop often when the verb ending -am/-ão is clear.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Waiting for classmates
ChatPal
Eles avisaram o horário?
Did they give the time?
You
Eles avisaram: chegam às oito.
They said: they arrive at eight.
ChatPal
Ótimo. Então eles não vão se atrasar.
Great. Then they won’t be late.
You
Eu reservo a mesa.
I’ll reserve the table.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"They" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "They" in Portuguese
They (mixed/male)?
Eles.
They (all female)?
Elas.
For them?
Para eles / para elas.
Must I say eles?
Often optional if the verb shows plural.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
