Knowing how to say “get up” in Portuguese is essential when learning the language. Whether you’re visiting a Portuguese-speaking country or interacting with Portuguese speakers in a formal or informal setting, being able to communicate this simple action is crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to say “get up” in Portuguese, along with some regional variations. We’ll also provide tips, examples, and insights to enhance your understanding. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Get Up” in Portuguese
If you want to express the concept of “getting up” in a formal context, such as when addressing someone older, an authority figure, or a person you don’t know well, you can use the following phrases:
a) Levante-se
The most common way to say “get up” formally in Portuguese is “levante-se.” This phrase is used with the reflexive pronoun “se” attached to the verb “levantar,” which means “to lift” or “to raise.” Here’s an example:
“Por favor, levante-se e tome assento.” (Please get up and take a seat.)
b) Erga-se
Another formal way to convey “get up” in Portuguese is by using “erga-se.” This phrase is derived from the verb “erguer,” which means “to lift up.” Although less common than “levante-se,” it is still used in formal situations. Here’s an example:
“Senhor, erga-se para receber sua premiação.” (Sir, get up to receive your award.)
2. Informal Ways to Say “Get Up” in Portuguese
When speaking in a more casual or informal setting, such as with friends, family, or peers of a similar age, you can use the following phrases:
a) Levanta-te
“Levanta-te” is the informal equivalent of “levante-se” and is used to address a single person. It is commonly used among friends and people of the same age group. Here’s an example:
“Acorda, levanta-te! Vamos ao mercado juntos.” (Wake up, get up! Let’s go to the market together.)
b) Levantem-se
If you’re addressing a group of people informally, you should use “levantem-se.” This phrase is the plural form of “levanta-te” and is used when speaking to multiple individuals. Here’s an example:
“Meninos, levantem-se e arrumem seus quartos.” (Boys, get up and clean your rooms.)
3. Regional Variations
Portuguese is spoken in various countries, and each region may have some slight variations in vocabulary and expressions. While the phrases mentioned above are universally understood in Portuguese, there are a few regional variations worth noting:
a) Brazil
In Brazil, the most common way to say “get up” informally is “acorda,” which means “wake up.” This phrase is often used interchangeably with “levantar” (to get up) and is frequently employed among friends and family:
“Acorda e aproveita o dia!” (Wake up and enjoy the day!)
b) Portugal
In Portugal, the formal and informal phrases mentioned earlier are commonly used, but there is also a regional expression worth mentioning. Instead of saying “levantar” (to get up), some Portuguese speakers use “desamassar” which literally means “to unrumple” or “to smooth out” when referring to getting up from bed:
“Ele demorou a desamassar-se depois da longa viagem.” (He took a while to get up after the long trip.)
Conclusion
Now you have a comprehensive guide on how to say “get up” in Portuguese. Whether you’re in a formal or informal context, you can confidently express this simple action using different phrases. Remember, “levante-se” and “erga-se” are used to address someone formally, while “levanta-te” and “levantem-se” are for casual or informal situations. Additionally, be aware of regional variations like “acorda” in Brazil and “desamassar” in Portugal. Practicing these phrases will undoubtedly enhance your spoken Portuguese skills, fostering better communication with native speakers. Enjoy your journey of learning Portuguese and have fun interacting with the language!
