ereto
/eˈɾɛ.tu/
The English word 'upright' can be translated into Portuguese as ereto or aprumado.
Meaning: vertical, erect (adj)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| ereto | /eˈɾɛ.tu/ (Brazil) /iˈɾɛ.tu/ (Portugal) |
| aprumado | /a.pɾuˈma.du/ (Brazil) /ɐ.pɾuˈma.du/ (Portugal) |
Use the term to describe something that is vertical or erect in a physical sense.
Which one should you use?
The word ereto is used to describe the physical state of being vertical. In contrast, aprumado often carries the connotation of having good posture or being properly aligned.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective ereto must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For feminine nouns, use ereta and for masculine plural nouns, use eretos.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /eˈɾɛ.tu/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The term aprumado is closely related to the word 'chumbo', which means 'lead'. It originates from the practice of using a plumb line to ensure a structure is perfectly vertical.
- If you are describing a person who is 'upright' in terms of moral integrity, Portuguese speakers are more likely to use words like íntegro rather than ereto.
- While ereto describes a physical position, the word aprumado can be used as a compliment to describe a person with an elegant, disciplined, and dignified bearing.
Examples in context
- Ela sempre mantém a postura direita durante as reuniões.She always maintains an upright posture during meetings.
- Por favor, mantenha-se em pé durante o show.Please, remain upright during the show.
- Ele caminhou de forma reta e confiante.He walked upright and confidently.
- Ele manteve o corpo ereto durante a cerimônia.He kept his body erect during the ceremony.
- O soldado permaneceu ereto perante o capitão.The soldier remained upright before the captain.
- Tente ficar ereto para evitar dores nas costas.Try to stand erect to avoid back pain.
Example conversation
Rodrigo is helping Beatriz improve her posture.
- RodrigoBeatriz, tente manter o tronco mais ereto.Beatriz, try to keep your torso more upright.
- BeatrizAssim está melhor, Rodrigo?Is it better like this, Rodrigo?
- RodrigoSim, agora você está na posição correta.Yes, now you are in the correct position.
- BeatrizObrigada pela ajuda com a minha postura.Thank you for the help with my posture.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “upright” translations and entries ereto, aprumado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aprumado, ereto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
