alinhar
/a.lĩˈɲa(ʁ)/
To line up in Portuguese is to alinhar.
The verb alinhar means to get into a line. If you are specifically describing the reflexive action of people lining themselves up, the form alinhar-se is often used.
Meaning: get into a line (verb)
Which one should you use?
The pronominal form alinhar-se is used when the emphasis is on the people performing the action of lining themselves up.
How does it change in a sentence?
alinhar is a regular -ar verb in the first conjugation.
How do you pronounce it?
/a.lĩˈɲa(ʁ)/. The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Portuguese, alinhar is also the technical term used by mechanics to perform a 'wheel alignment' on a car to ensure the vehicle drives straight.
- The word linha used in the root of alinhar is also the word for a 'thread' or 'string' in sewing. This connects the concept of a straight line to a single continuous piece of fiber.
- In a figurative sense, alinhar can mean to agree or synchronize views with someone. If two people are alinhados, they are 'on the same page' regarding a plan or idea.
Examples in context
- Por favor, formem uma fila aqui.Please form a line here.
- Por favor, todos formem uma fila organizada.Everyone, please get in an organized line.
- Vamos formar uma fila aqui.Let's form a line here.
- Vamos fazer uma filinha para ir primeiro.Let's make a little line to go first.
- Onde devo fazer fila para o ônibus?Where should I line up for the bus?
- Precisamos entrar na fila cedo para o show.We need to get in line early for the concert.
- As crianças precisam se alinhar para a foto.The children need to line up for the photo.
- Precisamos alinhar as cadeiras para o evento.We need to line up the chairs for the event.
- Você pode alinhar os livros na estante?Can you line up the books on the shelf?
Example conversation
Mariana and Lucas are setting up for a small party at home.
- MarianaLucas, ajude-me a alinhar as mesas.Lucas, help me line up the tables.
- LucasClaro, Mariana. Onde você quer que eu as coloque?Of course, Mariana. Where do you want me to put them?
- MarianaVamos alinhar tudo perto da janela.Let's line everything up near the window.
- LucasPerfeito, vai ficar ótimo assim.Perfect, it will look great like that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry alinhar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
