levantar-se
In Portuguese, the phrase 'stand up' is translated as levantar-se.
The verb is used to describe the action of rising from a sitting position. You may also use the alternative phrase pôr-se de pé to mean 'to get on one's feet'.
Meaning: rise from a sitting position (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb levantar-se is composed of levantar, which means 'to lift' or 'to raise' and the reflexive pronoun se, meaning 'oneself'.
Which one should you use?
When you use the verb without the reflexive pronoun, levantar means to lift or raise an object rather than to stand up yourself. The phrase Coloque-se de pé is a formal way to say 'put yourself on your feet', while the informal expression Põe-te de pé means the same thing in an informal context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative forms change depending on whom you are addressing: use levante-se when giving a command to someone you address as 'você', and use levanta-te when addressing someone as 'tu'.
Did you know?
- In a romantic or flirtatious context, levantar can be used as slang in some Portuguese-speaking regions to mean 'picking up' or flirting with someone.
- While levantar-se means to stand up, the word levante can also refer to a sudden gust of wind or a specific type of eastern wind in coastal regions.
- While levantar-se is the standard way to say 'to stand up', in very informal Brazilian Portuguese, you might simply hear dar um pulo used in contexts where someone needs to 'get up and go' quickly.
Examples in context
- Por favor, levante-se e faça sua apresentação.Please stand up and deliver your presentation.
- Senhor(a), coloque-se de pé para a execução do Hino Nacional.Sir/Madam, stand up for the National Anthem.
- A participante elevou-se para questionar o palestrante.The participant stood up to question the speaker.
- Levanta-te, temos que sair agora.Stand up, we have to leave now.
- Fica de pé que vamos tirar uma foto.Stay on your feet, we're taking a picture.
- Põe-te de pé para dançarmos.Stand up so we can dance.
- Você deve levantar-se para sair.You must stand up to leave.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Camila are watching a movie in the living room.
- GabrielCamila, você quer levantar-se para pegar água?Camila, do you want to stand up to get some water?
- CamilaSim, eu estou com muita sede.Yes, I am very thirsty.
- GabrielEu também vou levantar-se para te ajudar.I will also stand up to help you.
- CamilaObrigada, Gabriel!Thanks, Gabriel!
