Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “stealing” in Portuguese! In this article, we will explore the formal and informal ways of expressing this term to give you a well-rounded understanding of the language. We will also provide various tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Stealing
When it comes to discussing stealing or theft in a formal context, Portuguese offers you some precise and culturally appropriate terms. Below, we have listed a range of formal expressions along with their English equivalents:
- Roubo – Theft
- Furto – Larceny
- Apropriação indébita – Misappropriation
- Desvio – Diversion
These terms are commonly used in legal, academic, or official settings when referring to acts of stealing. They convey the seriousness of the crime and are widely understood throughout Portuguese-speaking regions.
Informal Ways to Say Stealing
When speaking informally about stealing in Portuguese, you will encounter some colloquial expressions used in everyday conversation. Here are a few examples:
- Roubar – To steal
- Furtar – To snatch/to pilfer
- Levar sem pagar – To take without paying
- Pegar algo emprestado sem devolver – To borrow something without returning it
- Tirar sem permissão – To take without permission
These informal terms are widely used in conversations among friends, family, and acquaintances. They are less formal but adequately convey the meaning of stealing without sacrificing clarity or understanding.
Regional Variations
While Portuguese is spoken in several countries, the differences in how “stealing” is expressed are mostly seen in regional vocabulary variations. However, it is important to note that the formal and informal terms previously mentioned are universally understood in all Portuguese-speaking regions. Below, we highlight a few regional variations in expressiveness:
Brazilian Portuguese
Chapar – To steal (common in Sao Paulo, Brazil)
European Portuguese
Ganhar aos pontos – To win by stealing (common in Portugal)
These regional variations are not as commonly used as the previously mentioned formal and informal terms. However, if you happen to come across these expressions, it’s helpful to be aware of their meanings and regions of use.
Tips and Examples
Understanding how a term is used in context greatly improves your language skills. Here are a few tips and examples to help you effectively use the term “stealing” in Portuguese:
Tips:
- Pay attention to the tone and formality of the situation before choosing the appropriate expression.
- In formal settings, opt for words like “roubo” or “furto” to maintain a respectful tone.
- When speaking informally, feel free to use expressions like “roubar” or “levar sem pagar.”
- Combine your choice of word with relevant verbs, adjectives, or adverbs to specify the context.
- Listen to native speakers or engage in conversations to improve your understanding.
Examples:
- Ele cometeu um roubo em plena luz do dia. (He committed a theft in broad daylight.)
- Não acredito que ela conseguiu furtar minha carteira. (I can’t believe she managed to steal my wallet.)
- Aquela pessoa apropriou-se indébita do dinheiro do trabalho. (That person misappropriated the money from work.)
- Precisamos tomar cuidado para evitar o desvio de fundos da empresa. (We need to be careful to prevent diversion of company funds.)
- Ela costumava roubar doces da minha lancheira na escola. (She used to steal sweets from my lunchbox at school.)
Remember, context is key when it comes to choosing the right expression for “stealing” in Portuguese. With practice and exposure to the language, you will gain confidence in using these terms naturally.
We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights on how to say “stealing” in Portuguese. Whether you need to use the term formally or informally, you are now equipped with a range of expressions to effectively communicate in various situations. Happy learning!
