levantar
/le.vɐ̃ˈta(ʁ)/
The English phrase 'get up' is translated into Portuguese as levantar.
It can mean to rise from one's bed or a chair, or it can mean to lift or raise an object.
Meaning: to rise from one's bed (verb)
Which one should you use?
The base form levantar is used as a transitive verb meaning 'to lift' or 'to raise' an object, such as raising a hand. To specifically mean the act of a person rising from a bed or a chair, the reflexive form is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say that a person is rising from a bed or a chair, the verb is typically used in its reflexive form (using pronouns like me, te, se, nos or se). Without a reflexive pronoun, levantar often implies lifting or raising an object.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /le.vɐ̃ˈta(ʁ)/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
When you mean that a person is rising themselves, be sure to include the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos or se).
Did you know?
- The word levantar is used in the phrase levantar poeira, which means 'to kick up dust' or create a stir and cause a commotion.
- The word levantar shares the same Latin root as the English word 'levitate'.
- The phrase levantar a bola is used in sports and conversation to mean 'to set someone up' or provide an opportunity for someone else to succeed.
Examples in context
- É hora de levantar.It's time to get up.This sentence shows how to use levantar to express it is time to get up.Tatoeba #2051862 by Ricardo14, translation #442011 by CK
- Eu vou me levantar.I'll get up.This sentence uses levantar to express the intention of getting up.Tatoeba #5037316 by Ricardo14, translation #2247739 by CK
- Hora de se levantar.Time to get up.This sentence uses levantar to express the time to get up.Tatoeba #393687 by brauliobezerra, translation #20090 by CM
- Senhor, erga-se para receber sua premiação.Sir, get up to receive your award.
- Meninos, levantem-se e arrumem seus quartos.Boys, get up and clean your rooms.
- 62 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mariana is trying to wake Felipe up on a weekend morning.
- MarianaFelipe, você precisa levantar agora!Felipe, you need to get up now!
- FelipeEu não quero levantar hoje.I don't want to get up today.
- MarianaMas você tem que levantar para o café.But you have to get up for breakfast.
- FelipeTudo bem, eu vou levantar.Alright, I will get up.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “get up” translations and entries levantar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries levantar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
