alavanca
/a.laˈvɐ̃.kɐ/feminine
The English word lever is alavanca in Portuguese.
The term alavanca refers to a small piece used to trigger or control a mechanical device. Related to this is the verb alavancar, which is frequently used figuratively to mean 'to leverage' or 'to boost' something, such as a business or a career.
Meaning: small such piece to trigger or control a mechanical device (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of alavanca is alavancas.
How do you pronounce it?
The word alavanca has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable. The IPA is /a.laˈvɐ̃.kɐ/.
Did you know?
- The word alavanca comes from the combination of alar, meaning 'to haul', and panca.
- If you use the verb alavancar in a financial context, it specifically implies using debt or borrowed capital to increase the potential return of an investment.
- In a figurative sense, calling someone an alavanca in a project implies they are the essential catalyst for success, not just a helper.
Examples in context
- Tom puxou uma alavanca.Tom pulled a lever.This sentence shows how to use alavanca in the context of pulling a lever.Tatoeba #9287855 by bill, translation #2647887 by CK
- A máquina dá uma recompensa de comida quando o seu rato pressiona numa alavanca.The machine gives a food reward when your rat presses a lever.This sentence illustrates a machine rewarding a rat for pressing an alavanca.Tatoeba #10723408 by Cangarejo, translation #10723407 by Cangarejo
- Gire o manípulo para a direita para aumentar a pressão.Turn the lever to the right to increase the pressure.
- Puxe a alavanca para liberar o freio.Pull the lever to release the brake.
- Você poderia me passar a manete, por favor?Could you pass me the lever, please?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas is trying to fix a small mechanical tool in the garage.
- BeatrizLucas, essa alavanca está partida?Lucas, is this lever broken?
- LucasNão, mas a alavanca parece muito fraca.No, but the lever seems very weak.
- BeatrizVou tentar usar uma alavanca maior.I will try to use a larger lever.
- LucasTen cuidado para não a entortar.Be careful not to bend it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lever” translations and entries alavanca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alavanca, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
