Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| atirar | /a.t͡ʃiˈɾa(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /a.t͡ʃiˈɾa(ɾ)/ (São Paulo) |
| disparar | /d͡ʒis.paˈɾa(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /d͡ʒis.paˈɾa(ɾ)/ (São Paulo) |
The primary way to express the act of firing a shot is using the verb atirar. If you are referring to a single shot, such as a gunshot, the noun form is tiro. To refer to a photo shoot, you can use the phrases sessão de fotos or ensaio fotográfico. Additionally, the words rebento and broto can refer to the emerging stem and embryonic leaves of a new plant, while the interjections porcaria and droga are used to express disbelief.
Which one should you use?
While atirar is the general verb for shooting, disparar specifically emphasizes the act of triggering or releasing a shot, often used in more technical or sudden contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, fotografar is often preferred over bater when referring to taking pictures.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
atirar is pronounced /a.tʃiˈɾa(ʁ)/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- In Brazilian Portuguese, the phrase dar um tiro can be used idiomatically to mean taking a wild guess or making a random attempt at something.
- The Latin root of disparar, 'parare', means 'to prepare' or 'to arrange', suggesting that the act of shooting is linguistically linked to the preparation of something.
- The verb atirar is used much more broadly than 'to shoot' in English, as it is the standard way to say 'to throw' an object, like a ball or a stone.
Examples in context
- Eu vou atirar nele.I'm gonna shoot him.This sentence is useful for saying 'I'm gonna shoot him.' using atirar.Tatoeba #404806 by brauliobezerra, translation #1341 by human600
- Vou atirar em você!I'll shoot you.This sentence is useful for saying 'I'll shoot you.' using atirar.Tatoeba #4974655 by Ricardo14, translation #1890929 by CK
- Eu vou atirar nela.I will shoot her.This sentence is useful for saying 'I will shoot her.' using atirar.Tatoeba #8762078 by Jossiane, translation #1547685 by miflhanc
- O policial disparou sua arma para assustar o suspeito.The police officer shot his gun to scare the suspect.
- Vamos disparar algumas fotos para o álbum.Let's shoot some photos for the album.
- O jogador bateu direto para o gol!The player shot straight for the goal!
- Vamos bater uma foto para colocar no Instagram.Let's shoot a photo to post on Instagram.
- Vamos fazer uma sessão de fotos?Shall we do a photo shoot?
- Ela está preparando um ensaio fotográfico para a revista.She is preparing a photo shoot for the magazine.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two characters are playing a first-person shooter video game.
- BeatrizGabriel, não atirar agora!Gabriel, don't shoot now!
- GabrielPor que não? Eu vejo o inimigo.Why not? I see the enemy.
- BeatrizEspere eu dar o sinal para atirar.Wait for me to give the signal to shoot.
- GabrielTudo bem, Beatriz. Eu espero.Alright, Beatriz. I'll wait.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shoot” translations and entries atirar, disparar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries atirar, disparar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
