The Portuguese Preposition "Com"

In Brazilian Portuguese, the preposition com is an essential and very common word. While it primarily translates to 'with' in English, its usage is quite versatile. Here are the three main ways you will use it:

1. Accompaniment and Instruments

This is the most direct equivalent to the English word 'with'. You use com to express who you are accompanied by, or what tool or instrument you use to perform an action.

• Quer ir com a gente? (Do you want to go with us?)
• Arrombaram a caixa com um pé de cabra. (They broke open the box with a crowbar.)

2. Accompanying Circumstances

Com is also used to describe the background conditions or circumstances happening at the same time as an action. In English, this can translate to 'with' or 'in', depending on the context.

• Acordei com dor de cabeça. (I woke up with a headache.)
• Ela gosta de dormir com a luz acesa. (She likes to sleep with the light on.)
• Reduza a velocidade com chuva. (Reduce your speed in the rain.)

3. Attitude, Behavior, and Reactions

Finally, com is used to indicate a reaction, attitude, or behavior towards someone or something. In English, this often translates to 'to', 'towards', or 'at'.

Note: When "com" is used with "me" (mim), it merges into the single word comigo (with me / to me).

• Ela sempre foi muito simpática comigo. (She was always very nice to me.)
• O que ele fez comigo não tem desculpa. (What he did to me is inexcusable.)
• Ficamos chocados com a notícia. (We were shocked at the news.)