Verb VER (to see)

In Portuguese, verbs are grouped by their endings: -ar, -er, and -ir. The verb ver belongs to the -er group. However, it is an irregular verb. This means it does not always follow the standard pattern you might learn for verbs like comer (to eat). The irregularity mostly happens in the "Eu" (I) form. For most other people—like "you," "he," or "we"—it stays relatively predictable. You can think of ver as a regular verb that just likes to dress up differently for the first-person party. When you use ver, you are usually describing a passive action. You are not necessarily trying to look at something; the image just happens to you. If you are actively pointing your eyes at something, that is a different verb. We will get to that later. For now, focus on the fact that ver is your default setting for sight.

1. 1To conjugate ver in the present tense, follow these steps. Remember, the "Eu" form is the rebel here.
2. 2Start with the root for the "Eu" form. Instead of the usual pattern, it becomes vejo. Notice that extra j? It is there to keep the sound right. Say it like "VAY-zhoo."
3. 3For the "Tu" form (used mostly in Portugal and Southern Brazil), add -ês to the root v-. It becomes vês.
4. 4For "Ele," "Ela," or "Você" (he/she/you), use vê. This is the form you will use most often in casual conversation. It has a little hat (a circumflex accent) to keep it warm.
5. 5For "Nós" (we), use vemos. This one is actually regular! It follows the standard -er pattern perfectly.
6. 6For "Eles," "Elas," or "Vocês" (they/you all), use veem. Note the double 'e'. It used to have an accent, but modern spelling rules took it away to make your life easier. Use it without the hat.

Use ver when you are talking about physical sight. For example, if you are at a job interview and the boss shows you a contract, you say, Eu vejo o contrato. You also use it for entertainment. If you are sitting on your couch, you vê a movie or vê television. It is also perfect for social situations. If you run into a friend at the supermarket, you can say, Eu vejo meu amigo.

Another great use is for understanding. Just like in English when you say "I see what you mean," in Portuguese, you can use ver to show you follow an idea. If a friend explains why they are late, you can nod and say, Eu vejo. It makes you sound very natural and empathetic. You can also use it for "checking" things. If you need to check if there is milk in the fridge, you tell your roommate, Vou ver se tem leite (I’m going to see/check if there is milk). It is a very versatile little verb.

Do not use ver when you are performing an intentional, focused action. If you are staring intensely at a map or looking for your lost keys, use olhar (to look). Think of ver as the result and olhar as the effort. If you are at a movie theater or a stadium, some people prefer the verb assistir. While ver o filme is perfectly fine in Brazil, assistir ao filme is considered more formal and "correct" in school settings.

Also, avoid using ver when you mean "to meet" for the first time in a formal sense. For that, use conhecer. If you say Eu vejo o João, it means you see him with your eyes. If you say Eu conheço o João, it means you actually know him or have been introduced. Don't worry, if you mix them up, people will still understand you, but you might get a funny look if you say you "saw" someone you've known for twenty years as if they were a stranger.

The biggest trap is the "they" form: veem. People often confuse it with vêm (they come). Notice the difference? Veem has two 'e's and no accent. Vêm has one 'e' and a circumflex accent. If you say Eles vêm, you are saying they are arriving. If you say Eles veem, you are saying they are looking at something. It is a tiny difference that changes the whole meaning of your sentence.

Another common slip-up is forgetting the accent on vê (he/she/you). Without the accent, it is not a Portuguese word. That little hat is important! Finally, beginners often try to make the "Eu" form regular by saying "Eu ve." That sounds like you are starting to say something else and then gave up. Always remember the j: Eu vejo. It’s your secret weapon for sounding like a pro.

Let's compare ver with olhar and enxergar.

• Ver: The act of seeing. (Passive: "I see a bird.")
• Olhar: The act of looking. (Active: "I am looking at the bird.")
• Enxergar: The physical ability to see. (Medical/Capability: "I can't see/discern the bird without my glasses.")

Think of ver as the middle ground. It is the most common and the most flexible. If you are unsure, ver is usually your safest bet. It is like the "jeans and a t-shirt" of Portuguese verbs—it works almost everywhere.