Learning Portuguese: Correcting Common Misconceptions about Irregular Verbs

Language learning can be a fascinating yet challenging journey, especially when dealing with irregular verbs. One such verb that often trips up beginners is pedir, the Portuguese word for to ask for or to request. This article aims to clarify the correct conjugations of pedir and address common misunderstandings, particularly in relation to Duolingo's teaching methods.

Understanding Irregular Verbs in Portuguese

Regular verbs in Portuguese generally follow a pattern in their conjugations. For example, the verb correr (to run) is a regular verb and follows the conjugation pattern: eu corro, tu corres, ele corre, etc.. However, some verbs, including pedir, do not follow these rules and are considered irregular. These verbs have unique conjugations for each person, leading to confusion among beginners.

The Irregular Verb pedir and Its Conjugations

The verb pedir has a series of distinct conjugations that do not follow the typical regular verb pattern. Nevertheless, Duolingo often teaches pedir as a regular verb to maintain simplicity for new learners. For advanced learners and native speakers of Portuguese, it is crucial to understand the correct conjugations:

Conjugations of pedir

Eu peo

Tu pedes

Ele/Você pede

Nós pedimos

Vós pedís (archaic)

Eles/Vocês pedem

It is essential to note that peo is the correct form for the first person singular, while pedo is a mistaken form of the verb, pedir. The verb pedo does not exist in Portuguese and can lead to confusion and inaccuracies.

Common Misconceptions and Practical Usage

One of the most common misconceptions in learning Portuguese is the improper use of pedo instead of peo. In common vernacular, especially in Brazil, you might often hear native speakers using phrases such as “Eu peo um drink” (I ask for a drink) or “Pedo pra Deus” (I pray to God). However, the correct phrase would be “Eu peo um drink” or “uma cerveja por favor” (1 beer please).

For instance, if you are in a bar and want to order a beer, it is more appropriate to say:

“Eu peo uma cerveja”

or

“uma cerveja por favor”

Saying “Eu peo uma cerveja” sounds more like a story or a casual recount of an event, rather than a direct request to order a drink.

Conclusion and Reporting Mistakes

Duolingo, while a popular tool for language learning, has its limitations, particularly when dealing with irregular verbs like pedir. It is important for language learners to correct such mistakes and report them to Duolingo so that future updates can include accurate language forms. Mistaking pedo for peo is a common beginner mistake, but it is crucial to avoid this error when speaking Portuguese.