What is You: Definition and Meaning
Vocês is a Portuguese personal pronoun used to refer to a group of people, and is the equivalent of the pronoun "you" in English. It is used to address more than one person informally and is a common form of address in Brazil.
Origin and History of the Pronoun You
The origin of the pronoun "vocês" goes back to Vulgar Latin, where the pronoun "vos" was used to refer to more than one person. Over the centuries, the pronoun changed until it reached its current form in Portuguese. In Brazil, the use of "vocês" as a form of address is quite common, being used in both informal and formal situations.
Use and Application of the Pronoun You
The pronoun "vocês" is used in various ways in Brazilian Portuguese, both in speech and in writing. It can be used to refer to a group of people in a generic way, as in "Vocês estão convidados para a festa". It can also be used to address a person in a respectful way, as in "Excuse me, could you help me?".
Regional Variations of the Pronoun You
As in other languages, the pronoun "vocês" can vary regionally in Brazil. In some regions, it is common to use alternative forms such as "vós" or "cês" to refer to a group of people. These regional variations reflect the country's linguistic diversity.
Grammar and Syntax of the Pronoun You
In Portuguese grammar, the pronoun "vocês" is classified as a straight personal pronoun and is used as the subject of the sentence. It agrees in number with the verb in the sentence and is used with verbs conjugated in the second person plural. For example, "Are you studying for the exam?".
Colloquial and Informal Use of the Pronoun You
In colloquial and informal contexts, the pronoun "vocês" is often used in abbreviated form, as in "are you going out today?". This form of usage reflects the informality of spoken language and is common in everyday situations.
Idioms with the Pronoun You
The pronoun "vocês" is also used in various idiomatic expressions in Portuguese, such as "Vocês estão por dentro das novidades?". These expressions are common in spoken and written language and are used to convey ideas and feelings in a more expressive way.
Curiosities and Differences with Other Languages
Compared to other languages, the use of the pronoun "vocês" in Brazilian Portuguese has some differences. For example, in English, the pronoun "you" is used both to refer to one person and to a group of people, whereas in Portuguese, "vocês" is used exclusively to refer to more than one person.
Conclusion
In short, the pronoun "vocês" is an essential part of the Portuguese language and is used to refer to a group of people in an informal way. Its origin, use and regional variations reflect the richness and diversity of the Portuguese language in Brazil. We hope this glossary has cleared up your doubts about the meaning and application of the pronoun "vocês".
