Protegêla

Protegêla is a Portuguese verb phrase formed from the verb proteger (to protect) with the direct object pronoun ela (her). The combination expresses the idea “to protect her” and is used in sentences where the action is directed at a female third person.

Etymology and form. The phrase comes from proteger plus ela, joined to form protegê-la in standard orthography. The accent on the e in protegê-la helps preserve the original stress pattern of the verb when the pronoun is attached. In many contexts, the pronoun is written with a hyphen between the verb and the clitic (protegê-la), especially when the verb is in infinitive or gerund forms.

Grammar and usage. Proteger is a regular -er verb, and when a clitic pronoun is attached, the resulting form can include a hyphen: protegê-la. The clitic ela serves as the feminine direct object. This construction is common in Brazilian Portuguese, as well as in other dialects of the language, though pronoun choice may vary by region and formality. The form appears in various tenses and moods through standard conjugation, with the pronoun accompanying the infinitive, gerund, or imperative as appropriate.

Examples. É importante protegê-la de qualquer perigo. Vou protegê-la durante a viagem. Protege-a! These sentences illustrate how protegê-la is used to indicate protecting her directly, with the pronoun referring to a female third party.

See also. Enclitic pronouns in Portuguese, Portuguese grammar, proteger.