explorar
/is.ploˈɾa(ʁ)/
To exploit in Portuguese is explorar. Wiktionary also lists explotar.
Meaning: use for one’s advantage (verb)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| explorar | /is.ploˈɾa(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /es.ploˈɾa(ʁ)/ (Brazil) |
|
| explotar | Brazil |
The verb is used to mean using something or someone for one's own advantage. It is also used to mean 'to explore', such as investigating or traveling through an area.
Which one should you use?
The word explorar carries two distinct English meanings: 'to exploit' (taking advantage of someone or something) and 'to explore' (investigating or traveling through an area).
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form explotar is a variant used in Brazil.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of explorar is explorado, which can function as an adjective to describe someone or something that has been exploited.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable. The IPA is /is.ploˈɾa(ʁ)/.
Did you know?
- The Latin root explōrāre is believed to come from plōrāre, meaning 'to shout'. This suggests the original meaning was to scout an area by shouting to see who would answer.
- In Brazilian Portuguese, explorar is often used in a positive sense to mean 'making the most of' an opportunity or a resource, rather than just taking advantage of someone.
- In the context of natural resources, explorar is the standard term for 'mining' or 'drilling' in Portuguese, whereas English usually distinguishes between exploring for oil and exploiting it.
Examples in context
- É condenável explorar a credulidade de uma pessoa.It's reprehensible to exploit a person's gullibility.This sentence demonstrates the use of explorar to describe the act of taking advantage of a person's gullibility.Tatoeba #3109267 by carlosalberto, translation #10079344 by Nylez
- Nós devemos aproveitar os recursos naturais de forma sustentável.We should exploit natural resources sustainably.
- As empresas não devem tirar proveito dos trabalhadores com baixos salários.Companies should not exploit low-wage workers.
- Nosso objetivo é explorar novos mercados para aumentar as vendas.Our goal is to exploit new markets to increase sales.
- Ela tirou vantagem da minha falta de experiência e me vendeu um produto ruim.She exploited my lack of experience and sold me a bad product.
- Eles aproveitaram a situação para obter lucro.They exploited the situation for profit.
- O artista explorou habilmente a luz e as sombras em sua pintura.The artist skillfully exploited light and shadows in his painting.
- Ele tentou explorar a situação para ganhar dinheiro.He tried to exploit the situation to make money.
- Não devemos explorar a boa vontade dos funcionários.We should not exploit the goodwill of the employees.
Example conversation
Lucas and Beatriz are discussing a bad job offer.
- LucasO salário é muito baixo, Beatriz.The salary is very low, Beatriz.
- BeatrizEles querem explorar a sua mão de obra.They want to exploit your labor.
- LucasEu acho que você tem razão, Lucas.I think you are right, Lucas.
- BeatrizNão aceite esse emprego.Do not accept this job.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “exploit” translations and entries explorar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries explorar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
