VOCAB: SET 9 Flashcards
“em que”
“in which” (or “where”)
(the casual everyday version of “no qual” - a ciadade em que vivo - the city in which/where i live”)
engolir
to swallow, gulp down
(common verb versus “tragar”)
pender & “pender para”
to hang, lean, or be inclined toward something, usually due to weight or imbalance.
: “O quadro está a pender para o lado.” (The picture is leaning to one side.)
“Pender para” = to lean toward, to have a tendency or preference.
• Exemplo: “Ele tende a pender para decisões rápidas.” (He tends to lean toward quick decisions.)
(note: encostar is your go-to for everyday “leaning” actions where somethings rests on something, while pender is more descriptive of something that hangs or tilts by itself.)
pendurar & estar a pendurado/a
Pendurar = to hang or suspend something, typically on a hook or from a surface.
• Exemplo: “Vou pendurar o casaco.” (I’m going to hang up my coat.)
Estar pendurado/a = to be hanging.
• Exemplo: “A lâmpada está pendurada no teto.” (The light is hanging from the ceiling.)
embaciado/a
literal: foggy, steamed up, or blurry (commonly used for mirrors or glass).
metaphorical: unclear or figuratively hazy (like memory or vision).
: “O espelho ficou embaciado depois do banho.” (The mirror fogged up after the shower.)
: “Tenho uma memória embaciada do que aconteceu.” (I have a hazy memory of what happened.)
descarregar
(3 common meanings)
Descarregar = to download (files, media, etc.): “Vou descarregar a aplicação.” (I’m going to download the app.)
Descarregar = to drain (for batteries or devices losing charge): “A bateria descarregou-se.” (The battery drained.)
Descarregar = to let off or vent (emotions or stress): “Ele descarregou a frustração no treino.” (He vented his frustration during training. - note this is colloquial and “desabafar” is the main verb for “venting frustrations”)
desabafar
to vent, to let out frustrations, or to get something off your chest (: “Preciso de desabafar contigo.” (I need to vent to you.)
With “com” - When venting to someone, “com” is commonly added to show with whom you’re sharing your feelings.
• Exemplo: “Preciso de desabafar com alguém.” (I need to vent to someone.)
esgotar (v)
esgotado (adj)
esgotante (adj)
esgotamento (n)
to exhaust, to drain, to use up. (Summary: Esgotar (to exhaust), esgotado/a (exhausted), esgotante (exhaisting), esgotamento (exhaustion).)
: “O treino esgotou toda a minha energia.” (The workout exhausted all my energy.)
: “Ela está esgotada depois do trabalho.” (She is exhausted after work.)
: “Ele sofreu um esgotamento.” (He suffered exhaustion.)
reduzir
to reduce, decrease
(Used for reducing things on purpose, like risks, pollution, or costs: “Precisamos reduzir os custos.” (We need to reduce costs.)
(versus Diminuir - which can mean to reduce but is more often used to describe decreasing naturally or in quantity like “A temperatura diminuiu.” (The temperature decreased.)
curtir
to enjoy, to have a good time, to chill out.
(: “Vamos curtir a praia hoje.” (Let’s enjoy the beach today.)
or: “Ele está a curtir em casa.” (He’s chilling at home.)
Curtir (old usage) = to tan or cure leather, its original meaning in Portuguese - today it’s almost exclusively used to mean enjoying or relaxing. “Curtir” is now widely used in PT for having fun, chilling, or enjoying oneself, especially in casual or social contexts.)
avaliar
to evaluate, assess.
Noun: Avaliação - evaluation, assessment.
.Adjective: Avaliado/a - evaluated, assessed.
Exemplo: “Os professores vão avaliar os testes.” (The teachers will evaluate the tests.)
julgar
to judge, form an opinion.
Noun: Julgamento - judgment, trial.
Adjective: Julgador/a - judging (person), judgmental.
“O júri vai julgar os participantes.” (The jury will judge the participants.)
relembrar
to recall, to remember again, to remind (Nuance: Implies actively bringing something back to memory or reminding oneself/someone.)
(1. “Preciso relembrar o que ele disse ontem.” (I need to recall what he said yesterday.)
(While “recordar” is also widely used, “relembrar” adds a slight nuance, often implying that you’re making an effort to remember or reminding someone of something.)
tossir
To cough.
(“Ele começou a tossir durante a reunião.” (He started to cough during the meeting.)
engasgar-se
To choke (when food or liquid gets stuck).
(“Engasguei-me com um pedaço de pão.” (I choked on a piece of bread.)
(Note: Can refer to both mild and more severe choking. If it’s very serious, you might add “gravemente” (severely) to emphasize the severity: “Engasgou-se gravemente e precisou de ajuda.” (He choked severely and needed help.)
superar
to overcome or surpass
(1. superar uma perda = to get over a loss - Ex.: Ela levou tempo, mas superou a perda.
- superar as expectativas = to exceed expectations - Ex.: O desempenho dele superou as expectativas.
Note: Superar implies moving beyond challenges, while recuperar is more about regaining a previous state, like health.)
prazer (n, m)
pleasure, enjoyment, satisfaction.
(“Prazer em conhecer-te.” — Nice to meet you.” or “O prazer é meu.” — The pleasure is mine.” or “Foi um prazer.” — It was a pleasure.)
assediar
to harass
(in a formal or legal way, eg sexual harrassment, “Ele foi acusado de assediar os colegas de trabalho.” — He was accused of harassing his coworkers.)
enfurecer (se)
To enrage or infuriate (strong)
(“Essas injustiças enfurecem-me.” — These injustices enrage me.)
enervar
To make someone nervous or strongly irritated
(“A maneira como ele fala enerva-me.” — The way he talks irritates me.)
importunar
To pester or bother persistently (slightly formal)
(“Ele importuna os vizinhos com barulho.” — He bothers the neighbors with noise.)
atrapalhar
To get in someone’s way, disrupt (mildly bothersome)
(Desculpa, não quero atrapalhar.” — Sorry, I don’t want to get in the way.)
incomodar
To disturb or bother (neutral tone)
(“Posso fechar a porta para não te incomodar?” — Can I close the door so I don’t bother you?)
afligir
To upset or trouble (slightly formal, less commonly used)
(“A situação está a afligir toda a gente.” — The situation is troubling everyone.)
valer
valer a pena
valer-se de
valer = to be worth, to have value
valer a pena = to be worth it
valer-se de = to take advantage of, to use (something to one’s benefit)
(“vale a pena” = it’s worth it - and also “valeu (mano) for “thanks” vs obrigado are both common expressions)
- valer - Este carro vale muito dinheiro.
(This car is worth a lot of money.) - valer a pena - Vale a pena visitar Lisboa.
(It’s worth visiting Lisbon.) - valer-se de - Ela valeu-se das suas conexões.
(She took advantage of her connections.)
murchar
“to wilt,” “to shrivel,” or “to lose energy.”
(You’ll hear it mostly in the context of plants, flowers, or sometimes people looking drained or down.
- A planta murchou sem água. - The plant wilted without water.)
- Ele murchou depois de ouvir as más notícias. - He looked deflated after hearing the bad news.)
“tem de haver”
“there has to be / there must be”
(how this is said in PT, eg “tem de haver algo que possamos fazer - there must be something we can do”)
calhar
to happen by chance (the main meaning)
- To happen by chance or coincide: “Calhou bem teres vindo.” It worked out well that you came.)
- To suit or fit: “A hora calha bem para mim.” - The time suits me well.)
“se calhar”
“perhaps”
(When you say “se calhar”, you’re essentially saying, “If it happens by chance…” but in a more laid-back, “maybe” kind of way. It’s a natural part of Portuguese in Portugal, while “talvez” feels slightly more formal.
Examples with “se calhar”:
• “Se calhar, vou sair mais cedo hoje.” Maybe I’ll leave early today.)
• “Se calhar, é melhor não irmos.” Maybe it’s better we don’t go.)
“Se calhar pensas que”
Very casual and conversational, equivalent to “Maybe you think that.”
“bora”
“Bora” is a casual, slangy way to say “let’s go” or “let’s do it”. It comes from “embora” (meaning “let’s go” or “to leave”), but shortened up to sound way more relaxed:
“Bora lá!” = Let’s go!
“Bora começar?” = Shall we get started?
“Bora embora.” = Let’s get out of here.
“Bora nessa?” = Are we down for that?
“Bora aí?” = Are we going there?
“querer dizer”
“to mean” (used to express intention or clarification)
• “O que queres dizer?” = What do you mean?
• “Queria dizer isso, mas esqueci-me.” = I meant to say that yesterday.
• “O que queres mesmo dizer?” = What do you really mean?
1. “That’s not what I meant”
• “Não era isso que eu queria dizer.”
(Literally: That wasn’t what I meant to say.)
2. “You know what I meant”
• “Sabes o que eu queria dizer.”
(Literally: You know what I meant to say.)
distrair, distrair-se
distraír = to distract; to be distracted
• “Não me distraias!” = Don’t distract me!
• “Ele distraiu-se com a televisão.” = He got distracted by the TV.
• “Estou distraído.” = I’m distracted.
• “Distraí-me no trabalho.” = I was distracted at work.
doer vs. magoar
(w/note on proper usage)
• “Magoar” is used when someone or something causes harm—physically or emotionally—to another person or even themselves. It can be intentional or accidental, covering everything from bumping into someone by mistake to saying something hurtful.
• “Magoei-te sem querer.” = I hurt you by accident.
• “Palavras podem magoar.” = Words can hurt
• “Doer”, on the other hand, describes feeling pain or discomfort that happens to you, typically as an effect rather than an action. It’s impersonal and doesn’t carry the idea of someone causing harm.
hurt.)
• “Isso dói?” = Does that hurt?
• “A cabeça dói.” = The head hurts.
• “Ontem doeu muito.” = Yesterday it hurt a lot.
quadros
(3 common meanings)
. Frames - for pictures or photos:
• “Comprei novos quadros para as fotos.”
(I bought new frames for the photos.)
- Paintings - often refers to art on canvas:
• “Os quadros do museu são impressionantes.”
(The paintings in the museum are impressive.) - Whiteboards or chalkboards - like in schools or offices:
• “Escreve isso no quadro.”
(Write that on the board.)
resgatar (v)
resgate (n)
(2 common meanings)
1: To rescue or recover something/someone.
2/ to redeem
(and “resgate” is the noun for the “redemption”)
(Ela resgatou o cão perdido.” (She rescued the lost dog. or “Resgatámos o nosso dinheiro.” (We recovered our money.)
(“Ela fez o resgate dos pontos acumulados.” (She redeemed the accumulated points.)
Reflexive (resgatar-se): Changes meaning to “save oneself” or “escape.”
(Ele resgatou-se de uma situação difícil.” (He got himself out of a tough situation.)
“num instante”
Similar to “in no time” and very casual.
(“Vou lá num instante.”
(I’ll be there soon/in no time.)
“daqui a pouco”
“soon” / “in a little while.”
(Daqui a pouco, já é inverno.”
(Soon, it’ll already be winter
manusear
to handle (delicately or with care; usually for physical objects)
(segurar is the common verb for to hold, this is a specific verb:
• “Manuseia com cuidado.” = Handle it carefully.
• “Sabe como manusear o equipamento.” = He/She knows how to handle the equipment.
• “Manusear objetos frágeis pode ser complicado.” = Handling fragile objects can be tricky.)
“de alguma forma”
“somehow”
(“De alguma forma, ele sabia.” - somehow, he knew”)
capacidade
(vs. habilidade)
“capacidade” often refers to both physical and abstract abilities without needing extra clarification.
Physical: “Capacidade pulmonar” (“Lung capacity”).
Abstract: “Capacidade de resolver problemas” (“Ability to solve problems”).
“habilidade” leans more toward skills or talents “Habilidade de falar línguas.” (Ability to speak languages).
revelar
(“deixar escapar”)
(“abrir o jogo”)
to reveal
“Deixar escapar” “to reveal” in a casual sense, meaning “to let slip.” (unintentionally / accidentally)
“Ela deixou escapar que tinha um segredo. She let it slip that she had a secret.)
“abrir o jogo” - “to reveal” when someone is intentionally coming clean or spilling the beans.
(“Ela abriu o jogo e confessou que foi ela.”
(She came clean and confessed it was her.)
Context: Used when someone decides to be honest or stop hiding something. It’s often used for dramatic or direct revelations.
“de uma vez só”
“all at once / in one go”
(“Ela fez isto de uma vez só.”
(She did this all at once / in one go.)
contribuir (v)
contribuição (n)
to contribute
contribution
Sobrar
to be left over, to remain
(“Sobrou pizza depois da festa.” - There was pizza left after the party., or “Não sobrou tempo para terminar o trabalho.” - There was no time left to finish the work.)
(NOTE: “restar” is the more formal or polished choice for “to be remain, be left” - . “Depois de tudo, resta apenas esperar.” - After everything, all that remains is to wait.” or “Resta decidir quem vai ser o responsável.” - It remains to be decided who will be responsible.)
“Sem consideração por” (formal)
“Sem se importar com” (casual).
“without regard for”
(“Ele fez isso sem consideração por a segurança deles.” - He did it without regard for their safety.)
“Ele agiu sem se importar com as consequências.” - He acted without regard for the consequences.)
faltar
(4 common meanings)
to lack, to miss, to be absent, to be left to do
- To be missing/lacking:
“Falta açúcar na despensa.” There’s no sugar in the pantry.) - To be absent:
“Ela faltou à aula ontem.” She missed class yesterday.) - To be left to do (tasks, steps)
Só falta fazer o último relatório.” Only the last report is left to do.) - To not attend/skip:
“Não faltes à reunião, é importante.” - Don’t miss the meeting, it’s important.)
restar
to remain, to be left
(consider this a more polished or formal choice than “sobrar” or “faltar” in most situations:
- To remain/be left (abstract or formal contexts):
“Depois do jantar, restaram poucos minutos para conversar.” -After dinner, only a few minutes remained to talk.) - To be left to do (often abstract):
“Resta decidir quem vai liderar o projeto.” - It remains to decide who will lead the project.) - To remain (figurative, hope or options):
“Resta-nos ter paciência.” - All we can do now is be patient.)
formulário (n, m)
A form (used for documents you fill out).
“Preciso de preencher este formulário. - I need to fill out this form.)
Slangy Ways to Say “Paperwork” or “Application”
A. “Papelada” (Paperwork):
Informal and a bit negative—like “a bunch of paperwork.”
: “Tenho de tratar da papelada para o seguro.”
(I have to deal with the paperwork for the insurance.)
B. “Ficha” (Application or form):
More casual than “formulário”, often used in simpler contexts (e.g., school, gym).
: “Tens de preencher a ficha para o cartão de crédito.”
(You need to fill out the application for the credit card.)
olhadela
“a look” or “a glance”
(“Só para dar uma olhadela.”
Informal way to say “just taking a look.” Example: “Passei aqui só para dar uma olhadela.”
(I just stopped by to take a look.)
Synonyms for “Olhadela”:
“Espiadela”: Similar to “olhadela”, but it has a sense of sneaking a look.
: “Deu uma espiadela pela janela.” - He sneaked a peek through the window.)
“Vista de olhos”: A slightly more formal or neutral way to say “a quick look.”
: “Dá uma vista de olhos neste relatório.” Take a look at this report.)
“Já lá vão”
(& “já passaram”)
“it’s already been” or “it’s been (a while)”
(“Já lá vão quase 2 anos”: “It’s been almost 2 years now.”
• Literally, “There go almost 2 years,” which is a common way to refer to time passing.)
(note that this is used commonly, and is generally interchangeable with “já passaram”)
de novo
outra vez
mais uma vez
novamente
(all similar, w/distinctions)
all used for “again” - but:
de novo: very common (“Vou tentar de novo amanhã.”
(I’ll try again tomorrow.)
outra vez: again, another time (also common, eg “Outra vez? Já me disseste isso!”
(Again? You’ve already told me that!)
mais uma vez: again, one more time (“Vou explicar mais uma vez.” I’ll explain one more time.)
novamente: again, used more formally/polished (“Peço desculpa, mas preciso que explique novamente.” -I’m sorry, but I need you to explain it again.)
joia / joias (n, f)
bujigangas (n, f, slangy term)
jewelry
Slangy Term: “Bujigangas” → Informal, more like “trinkets” or “bling.”
(“Ela adora usar joias caras.” She loves wearing expensive jewelry.)
(“Ela tem bujigangas giras, mas nada caro.”
(She has cute jewelry, but nothing expensive.)
brinco / brincos
earring, earrings
Dangly Earrings: “Brincos compridos” or “brincos pendurados.”
Studs: “Brincos de botão.”
(Example: “Prefiro brincos compridos e não de botão.”)
pulseira
bracelet, wristband (and can also mean “watch band”)
colar / colares (n, m)
“fio” (informal, colloquial)
necklace
(note: identical spelling to verb “colar”)
“fio” = common with simple chains
(“O colar que ela usa é lindíssimo.” - The necklace she’s wearing is gorgeous.)
(“Ele usa sempre um fio ao pescoço.” - He always wears a chain around his neck.)
deslumbrante (adj)
Stunning, dazzling.
• Usage: Common in formal and informal contexts; works for people, objects, and abstract things.
(“Ela estava deslumbrante no casamento.” (She was stunning at the wedding.)
“A vista é deslumbrante.” (The view is stunning.)
jeitoso, jeitosa
(3 common meanings)
- Nice-looking, attractive (can imply good physical proportions). (Usage: Casual and cheeky; mostly used for people)
(“Ela é jeitosa, não achas?” (She’s attractive, don’t you think?)
- Handy or skillful (for people): (“Ele é jeitoso com ferramentas.” (He’s good with tools.)
- Practical, convenient, or suitable (for objects or situations): (“Este carro é jeitoso para viajar.” -This car is convenient for traveling.)
charmoso/charmosa
Charming, attractive.
(“Ele é muito charmoso.” (He’s very charming.)
“Que filme charmoso.” (What a charming movie.)
“guito” or “massas”
(slang of “massas,” not pasta)
“guito” is informal Portuguese slang for “money.” equivalent to terms like “cash,” “dough,” or “bucks” in English.
(“Este mês não há guito para luxos.”(This month, there’s no money for luxuries.)
“massas” is very common - “Massas” comes from the literal meaning of “masses” (plural of “massa”), which means “dough” or “paste” in Portuguese. It’s used metaphorically to mean “money,” similar to how “dough” is used in English.
lisonjear (v)
lisonja (n)
lisonjeado/a (adj)
to flatter / flattery / flattered
Verb: Lisonjear = To flatter
: “Ele lisonjeia o chefe para ser promovido.”
(He flatters the boss to get promoted.)
Noun: Lisonja = Flattery
: “Aceitou a lisonja com um sorriso tímido.”
(He accepted the flattery with a shy smile.)
Adjective: Lisonjeado/Lisonjeada = Flattered
: “Fico lisonjeado com o teu convite.”
(I’m flattered by your invitation.)
bajular
To fawn over, to butter up, to grovel (kiss up to, etc)
formal compared to the casual “dar graxa” for sucking up…
Tone: Negative, suggests insincerity or exaggeration (versus “lisonjear” for “to flatter”):
(“Ele está sempre a bajular o chefe.” - He’s always buttering up the boss.)
“menores de idade”
“minors (underage)”
(“Este filme não é para menores de idade.” - This movie is not for minors.)
(might see just “menor” for a minor” in writing but full expression is common, and technically “menoridade” - “minority” could appear in formal reference to age)
“aqui por perto”
vs: “aqui perto”
- Aqui perto = Nearby
• Indicates proximity in a general sense.
• Less emphasis on being “right next to you” or extremely close.
Example: “Há uma loja aqui perto.” There’s a shop nearby.)
- Aqui por perto = Close by
• Adds a slightly stronger sense of closeness or “around here somewhere.”
• Feels a bit more conversational or specific.
Example: “Ele mora aqui por perto.” He lives close by.)
Key Difference:
• “Aqui perto” is more neutral and focuses on general nearness.
• “Aqui por perto” feels more casual and can imply something is both close and within the immediate vicinity or surrounding area.
“a não ser (que)”
(2 very common meanings)
“unless” or “except for” (and “exceto para” is formal or precise vsn of “except for”)
Use “a não ser que” when followed by a verb (a condition or action).
“Não vou, a não ser que chames um táxi.” I won’t go unless you call a taxi.)
Use “a não ser” alone when followed by a noun or noun phrase (an exception).
“A loja não abre, a não ser aos domingos.” The store doesn’t open except on Sundays.)
espalhar
(3 common meanings)
1/ scatter = dispersar ou distribuir coisas ou objetos.
Ex.: “O vento espalhou as folhas.” (The wind scattered the leaves.)
2/ radiate = emitir ou transmitir luz, som ou emoções.
Ex.: “Ela espalhou alegria por onde passou.” (She radiated joy wherever she went.)
3/expand = crescer, alargar ou ocupar espaço.
Ex.: “A cidade espalhou-se muito nos últimos anos.” (The city expanded a lot in recent years.)
“ir de avião”
to fly by plane
(note that “voar” is fornany type of flight, but for planes people use this)
(Costumo ir de avião para o Porto.” (I usually travel by plane to Porto.)
adquirir
to acquire, gain, or obtain (ahd-kee-REER).
Common? Yes, especially for formal or written contexts. For conversational use, “ganhar” (to gain) is often more natural.
:
“Preciso adquirir novos conhecimentos.” I need to acquire new knowledge.)
aperfeiçoar, aperfeiçoar-se
to improve, refine, or perfect (ah-per-fay-SO-ar).
Common? Yes, in contexts of skill refinement, but “melhorar” (to improve) is more common in casual speech.
:
“Ele quer aperfeiçoar o sotaque dele.” He wants to improve his accent.)
desenvolver
to develop (general use).
Common? Extremely common and versatile—no simpler alternative needed.
:
“Quero desenvolver as minhas capacidades.” I want to develop my skills.)
criar
(2 common meanings)
1/ to raise (children, animals) or 2/ to create (art, ideas, or projects etc).
Common? Very common for both meanings. For “create,” it’s the go-to verb in all contexts.
Example (raise): “Estou a criar os meus filhos sozinha.” I’m raising my kids on my own.)
Example (create): “Ela criou uma obra de arte incrível.”
(She created an incredible piece of art.)
educar
educar = to educate or teach (values, behavior, or skills)
(Educar vs. ensinar (to teach):
Educar = Teaching values or life skills.
Ensinar = Teaching specific knowledge or subjects
Common? Yes, but often used alongside “criar” when focusing on raising children to instill values.
:
“Os pais devem educar os filhos com respeito.” Parents should raise their kids with respect.)
instruído/a
educated, knowledgeable (focused on formal learning).
Common? Less common in daily conversation, often used in formal or descriptive contexts.
:
“Ele é um homem bem instruído.” He is a well-educated man.)
culto/a
cultured, well-educated (focused on knowledge, sophistication, or life experience).
Common? Common for describing people with intellectual or cultural refinement.
:
“Ela é uma pessoa muito culta.” She is a very cultured person.)
educação
(2 common meanings)
education (can mean schooling or manners depending on context).
Common? Very common, but context matters—it can mean formal education or politeness.
Example (formal): “A educação dele é excelente.”
(His education is excellent.)
Example (manners): “Ele tem muita educação.” He has very good manners.)
formação
(ter formação em)
education, training, or formal qualifications
(“ter formação em” (to have a degree in)
Common? Very common for professional or academic contexts.
:
“Ela tem uma formação em psicologia.” She has a degree in psychology.)
licenciatura
bachelors degree (only)
Licenciatura: Undergraduate/bachelor’s.
Mestrado: Graduate/master’s.
Doutoramento: Postgraduate/PhD.
juntar-se
(reflexive form of juntar)
to join someone/group, to meet up/come together (common, like “ir ter com” - but more conversational)
(1. To join someone or a group: “Queres juntar-te a nós para o jantar?” Do you want to join us for dinner?)
or “Ela juntou-se ao grupo tarde.” She joined the group late.)
- To come together/meet up:
“Juntámo-nos na praça para conversar.” We met up at the square to chat.)
“nem que seja”
“even if it’s” (emphasizes determination or willingness).
(1. “Vou aprender, nem que seja sozinho.” I’ll learn, even if it’s alone.)
2. “Termino o projeto hoje, nem que seja de madrugada.”
(I’ll finish the project today, even if it’s at dawn.)
3. “Vou ao jantar, nem que seja por 10 minutos.” I’ll go to the dinner, even if it’s just for 10 minutes.)
“dar conta de”
(vs “reparar”)
To realize, become aware (stronger awareness than “reparar”, which is the common verb for noticing things)
Used when someone realizes something over time, not just noticing visually.
✅ “Só dei conta de que estava sem a carteira quando cheguei a casa.” (I only realized I didn’t have my wallet when I got home.)
✅ “Ele deu conta do erro tarde demais.” (He realized the mistake too late.)
also:
To notice something, “Deste conta do erro na fatura?” Did you notice the mistake on the invoice?)
abranger (v)
abrangente (adj)
abrangência (n)
Abranger (verb) = to encompass, include
Abrangente (adjective) = comprehensive, wide-ranging
Abrangência (noun) = scope, range
- To include or encompass:
O projeto abrange várias áreas de estudo. The project encompasses several fields of study.) - To cover a geographical or conceptual scope: O estudo abrange toda a região norte.
(The study covers the entire northern region.) - To have a broad perspective (figurative): A explicação foi bastante abrangente.
(The explanation was quite comprehensive.)
bombar
(3 common colloquial/slang meanings)
- To rock / to be lively (figurative):
A festa está a bombar! (The party is rocking! - or tudo a bombar - To work out / pump iron (informal):
• Ele anda a bombar no ginásio. (He’s been hitting the gym hard.) - To be in demand or popular (slang):
• Essa música está a bombar nas rádios. (That song is trending on the radio.)
Root: Comes from “bomba” (bomb/pump), but is mostly figurative now. Want more specific uses?
mexer
(4 common meanings)
(separate card for mexer-se)
Mexer = To stir (Very common in cooking or drinks): Mexi o café com açúcar. (I stirred the coffee with sugar.)
Mexer = To touch (Extremely common, especially in warnings): Não mexas nisso. (Don’t touch that.)
Mexer = To move (slightly) (Common for small adjustments): Mexi a lâmpada para melhor luz. (I moved the lamp for better light.)
Mexer = To interfere/meddle (Fairly common for tampering): O puto mexeu nos papéis: The kid messed with the papers.
mexer-se
(4 common meanings)
Mexer-se = To move oneself (Common, especially in warnings): Não te mexas! (Don’t move!)
Mexer-se = To get moving/active (Fairly common for exercise or effort): Tens de te mexer mais. (You need to get moving.)
Mexer-se = To wiggle/shake (Common for restless behavior): O puto não para de se mexer. (The kid won’t stop wiggling.)
Mexer-se = To make an effort/try (Colloquial and common): Se não te mexeres, não consegues nada. (If you don’t make an effort, you won’t achieve anything.)
“em cima da hora”
at the last minute, short notice:
(“Desculpa por ser em cima da hora. = Sorry for the short notice.
Chegaste em cima da hora. = You arrived just in time.
Ela decidiu cancelar em cima da hora. = She decided to cancel at the last minute.”)
molengão
slowpoke, sluggish person, procrastinator
(“O João é um molengão, nunca faz nada com pressa.”
(João is such a slowpoke, he never does anything quickly.)
Molengão vs Mandrião
• Molengão: Focuses on slowness or being sluggish. Can also imply indecisiveness or procrastination. It’s playful and commonly used.
• Mandrião: Focuses on laziness and avoiding effort. Feels a bit harsher and has an old-timey vibe, though still used in humorous contexts.
à procura de
looking for, in search of
(Estou à procura de trabalho. = I’m looking for work)
(Ando à procura de um carro em segunda mão. = I’ve been looking for a second-hand car.)
perguntar-se
(when as reflexive)
To wonder (to ask oneself). Also means “to question” or “ask” in other contexts.
(note: less common than “será que” for “i wonder” - perguntar-se suggest deliberate introspection or can feel more poetic etc)
1: “Pergunto-me se ele vai chegar.” (I wonder if he’ll arrive.)
2: “Ela perguntou-se sobre o futuro.” (She wondered about the future.)
3 (questioning): “Perguntei-me se era verdade.” (I questioned if it was true.)
“ficar a pensar”
To wonder (to keep thinking). Can also imply “ponder” or “dwell on” something.
(note: less common than “será que” for “i wonder” - “ficar a pensar” suggests continuing thought, dwelling, not quick speculation)
1: “Fiquei a pensar na resposta dela.” (I wondered about her reply.)
2: “Depois do filme, fiquei a pensar no enredo.” (After the movie, I kept wondering about the plot.)
3 (dwelling): “Ele ficou a pensar no erro que cometeu.” (He dwelled on the mistake he made.)
“estar a procurar”
vs
“estar à procura”
Good question! The difference between “à procura” and “a procurar” comes down to grammar and meaning:
- “À procura” (with grave accent):
• This is a fixed phrase that means “looking for” or “in search of”.
• The grave accent occurs because it’s a contraction of “a” (preposition) + “a” (feminine definite article).
• Example:
• “Está à procura de um carro.” (She is looking for a car.)
• Literally: “She is in the search of a car.” - “A procurar” (without accent):
• This is the construction for a verb in the infinitive form (gerund-like). It translates as “searching” or “trying to find.”
• It describes the action of searching rather than being in a state of looking.
• Example:
• “Está a procurar um carro.” (She is searching for a car.)
• Literally: “She is searching for a car.”
Why “à procura” is correct in your sentence:
• The phrase “à procura” is idiomatic and widely used in Portuguese when describing someone in the state of looking for something.
• Using “a procurar” would focus on the physical act of searching, which is less common and can sound overly literal in this context.
Think of “à procura” as the natural, everyday way to express “looking for” in Portuguese.
“já nem sei”
I don’t even know anymore; I’m confused now
Meaning 1: Expressing confusion
• “Já nem sei o que é verdade ou mentira.” I don’t even know what’s true or false anymore.)
Meaning 2: Showing indecision
• “Já nem sei se quero sair ou ficar em casa.” I don’t even know if I want to go out or stay home.)
“passar pela cabeça”
a common idiom in Portuguese, meaning “to think about something briefly” or “for something to cross one’s mind.”
:
• “Isso passou-me pela cabeça, mas não tinha a certeza.” That crossed my mind, but I wasn’t sure.)
• “Já te passou pela cabeça que ele possa estar certo?” Has it ever crossed your mind that he might be right?)
espirrar (v)
espirro (n)
to sneeze / a sneeze
“já nem sei”
like saying “I don’t even know anymore”
• “Já nem sei o que é verdade ou mentira.”
(I don’t even know what’s true or false anymore.)
• “Já nem sei se quero sair ou ficar em casa.”
(I don’t even know if I want to go out or stay home.)
“dar graxa”
“Dar graxa” means to suck up, flatter excessively, or brown-nose someone to gain favor. It’s a common informal expression in Portugal.
- “O gajo anda sempre a dar graxa ao chefe.” (That guy is always sucking up to the boss.)
- “Não gosto de gente que anda sempre com graxa.” (I don’t like people who are always brown-nosing.)
Breakdown:
• “Graxa” literally means shoe polish.
