Are you eager to expand your Portuguese vocabulary? Learning how to express the concept of “taking” in Portuguese is a great place to start. From the formal to the informal, this guide will provide you with various ways to say “take” in Portuguese, along with valuable tips and examples. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Take” in Portuguese
When it comes to using “take” in a formal context, there are different words and phrases in Portuguese that convey this meaning. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Pegar: This is the general term for “take” in Portuguese and can be used in various situations. For example:
Por favor, pegue aquele livro na estante. (Please, take that book from the shelf.)
Tomar: Although “tomar” is commonly used as “to drink,” it can also mean “to take” in some contexts:
Tome esse remédio depois das refeições. (Take this medicine after meals.)
Receber: In certain scenarios, “receber” can be used to express the idea of taking something:
Você pode receber a sua encomenda amanhã. (You can take your order tomorrow.)
Capturar: It is typically used when “take” refers to capturing something or someone:
O caçador conseguiu capturar um pássaro raro. (The hunter managed to take a rare bird.)
Informal Ways to Say “Take” in Portuguese
When speaking informally, Brazilians often use colloquial expressions to say “take.” Here are a few examples:
- Pegar: Just like in formal Portuguese, “pegar” is commonly used informally as well:
Ei, pega esse livro pra mim, por favor? (Hey, can you take that book for me, please?)
Tirar: This verb is frequently used informally to convey the sense of “taking” something:
Tira essa mochila das costas, está te machucando. (Take that backpack off your back, it’s hurting you.)
Catar: Often used in Brazilian Portuguese, “catar” is employed when “take” is used to pick up or gather small objects:
Vou catar as moedas que estão no chão. (I’m going to take the coins that are on the floor.)
Regional Variations
Portuguese is spoken in various countries worldwide, and although the basic vocabulary remains the same, there may be regional variations. Here’s a glimpse into some of these variations:
- Portugal: In Portugal, instead of “pegar,” the word “apanhar” is commonly used:
Vou apanhar o autocarro para chegar à praia. (I’m going to take the bus to get to the beach.)
Brazil: Brazilians often use “pegar” as a general term for “take.” However, regional slang and expressions are prevalent:
No Rio de Janeiro, you might hear “banho de petróleo” to express taking a sunbath. (In Rio de Janeiro, you might hear “banho de petróleo” to express taking a sunbath.)
Additional Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to enhance your understanding of how to say “take” in Portuguese:
- Context Matters: Always consider the context in which you want to use “take” to select the most appropriate verb or expression.
- Study Phrases: Rather than focusing solely on individual translations, learn common phrases that include the concept of “take.” This will help you become more fluent in Portuguese.
- Practice with Native Speakers: Engaging in conversations with native Portuguese speakers will expose you to different ways of saying “take” and help you perfect your pronunciation.
- Watch Portuguese Content: By watching Portuguese movies, TV shows, or listening to podcasts, you will familiarize yourself with various uses of “take” and improve your language skills.
Now that you have a comprehensive guide on how to say “take” in Portuguese, you can confidently expand your vocabulary and communicate effectively. Remember, practice makes perfect! Enjoy your language learning journey and embrace every opportunity to use your new knowledge.
