partícipio

Partícipio is a grammatical term used in many Romance-language grammars to refer to a non-finite verb form that can function both as a verb-derived descriptor and as a component in complex tense or voice constructions. In practice, the standard spellings are participio in Spanish and particípio in Portuguese, with some variants appearing in different orthographies. The concept describes forms that originate from verbs and are used without a finite subject.

Most descriptions distinguish two broad groups: present (or active) participles and past (or passive) participles. Present participles typically convey ongoing action and can serve as adjectives or as parts of progressive aspects. Past participles generally denote completed action or a resulting state and are central to forming perfect tenses and passive voice in many languages. Some languages also have additional participial forms, but the present and past categories cover the core functions.

Usage examples illustrate their dual role. English present participle in phrases like “the running water” or “a smiling face” shows participles used as adjectives. English past participle in “a written report” or “the door was opened” demonstrates their role in perfect constructions and the passive voice. In Romance languages, past participles pair with auxiliary verbs to form compound tenses (as in Spanish he comido, Portuguese tenho comido) and can function adjectivally (Portuguese livro lido, Spanish casa rota). Participles may also participate in participial clauses and in passive constructions.

Etymology: the term derives from Latin participium, from participare “to share in, partake,” reflecting the form’s function at the boundary of verb and adjective.

See also: Participle, Participio, Particípio, Tense and aspect.