olhar
/oˈʎa(ʁ)/
The English phrase 'look' is translated into Portuguese as olhar.
Olhar is the most general term for 'look' in Portuguese, specifically meaning to direct one's eyes toward something. You may also use the related noun aspecto when referring to someone's physical appearance or demeanor. If you wish to express the act of 'observing' something, you can use observar.
Meaning: to try to see (verb)
Which one should you use?
While olhar means to direct one's eyes toward something, the verb ver is used for the sense of 'seeing' or perceiving with the eyes. Additionally, the noun olhada refers to a single instance of looking or a quick glance, whereas olhar (as a noun) refers to the act of looking or a person's gaze.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, people often use olha só or olha lá to mean 'look'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/oˈʎa(ʁ)/
Did you know?
- The expression olhar para o lado (to look to the side) is often used idiomatically to describe ignoring a problem or pretending not to notice something.
- The Portuguese verb olhar shares its distant ancestor with the English word 'oculist', a term used for eye specialists.
- While English speakers use 'look' to mean 'appear' in sentences like 'you look tired', using olhar in this way in Portuguese would sound like you are physically directing your eyes at the tiredness itself.
Examples in context
- Eu não vou olhar.I'm not going to look.This sentence shows how to use olhar in a negative statement about intention.Tatoeba #6002952 by bill, translation #2547164 by CK
- Tom não quer olhar.Tom doesn't want to look.This sentence demonstrates a use of olhar to express a lack of desire.Tatoeba #6618435 by bill, translation #2012183 by CK
- Eu não ousei olhar.I didn't dare to look.This sentence shows how to use olhar to describe a lack of daring.Tatoeba #12851922 by laetitiamg, translation #2969298 by megamanenm
- Por favor, olhe para esse quadro.Please look at this painting.
- Vem ver o pôr do sol maravilhoso!Come and see the wonderful sunset!
- Dá uma olhada nessa foto engraçada!Take a look at this funny photo!
- Você precisa observar os detalhes para compreender melhor.You need to observe the details to understand better.
- Vem ver o que eu fiz na cozinha!Come and see what I made in the kitchen!
- Dá uma olhada nessa nova série, é incrível!Take a look at this new series, it's amazing!
- 112 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Mariana are standing on a balcony at night.
- LucasOlhe para o céu!Look at the sky!
- MarianaEu não consigo olhar.I cannot look.
- LucasPor que você não quer olhar?Why don't you want to look?
- MarianaTenho medo de olhar para baixo.I am afraid to look down.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “look” translations and entries olhar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries olhar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
