criar
/kɾiˈa(ʁ)/
The Portuguese verb criar means to create or to raise.
criar can mean both 'to create' (as in an idea or an object) and 'to raise' (as in children or animals).
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, criar means 'to create / to raise'.
Which one should you use?
When used with animals, criar specifically refers to the act of breeding or raising them. In Portugal, the verb educar is often preferred over criar when referring to the act of education or raising children.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the verb criar is commonly used with the meaning of 'to raise' or 'to bring up' someone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The first-person singular preterite (past tense) form of criar is criei. The past participle criado can function as an adjective meaning 'raised'.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɾiˈa(ʁ)/
Did you know?
- The expression criar asa literally means 'to create wing' and is used idiomatically to describe someone who becomes overconfident or starts acting independently.
- The word criado originates from criar and historically referred to a servant, as they were someone 'raised' or provided for within a household.
- If you are in Portugal and want to talk about the way your parents raised you, using criar might sound like they simply 'produced' or 'bred' you like an animal.
Examples in context
- Ele criou uma obra-prima.He created a masterpiece.
- Os pais criaram seus filhos com amor e valores éticos.The parents raised their children with love and ethical values.
- Ele criou-se sozinho.He raised himself.
- Ele criou uma nova tecnologia revolucionária.He invented a new groundbreaking technology.
- Maria criou seus filhos com amor e dedicação.Maria raised her children with love and dedication.
- Os pais criaram os filhos com responsabilidade.The parents raised their children responsibly.
- É difícil criar um filho sozinho.It is hard to raise a child alone.
- Eles querem criar animais na fazenda.They want to raise animals on the farm.
- Você deve criar novas ideias para o projeto.You must create new ideas for the project.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Beatriz are discussing a new business idea.
- GabrielEu quero criar uma empresa de tecnologia.I want to create a technology company.
- BeatrizIsso parece um plano incrível, Gabriel.That sounds like an incredible plan, Gabriel.
- GabrielMas eu não sei como começar.But I don't know how to start.
- BeatrizEu posso te ajudar a planejar tudo.I can help you plan everything.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry criar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
