Meaning of Empregar in Brazilian Portuguese

Let’s learn the meaning of Empregar in Brazilian Portuguese. This versatile verb goes beyond its basic translation to “employ” and is used in various contexts that can be quite enlightening for both language learners and fluent speakers alike. In this blog, we will explore how empregar is woven into everyday conversation, professional settings, and even idiomatic expressions, providing a comprehensive understanding of its usage and nuances.

What is the Meaning of Empregar in Brazilian Portuguese?

In Brazilian Portuguese, the verb “empregar” primarily means to employ or use. It is often used in contexts related to providing someone with a job or occupation, similar to its English counterpart ‘to employ.’ However, empregar can also extend beyond this meaning and be utilized more broadly as ‘to apply’ something such as skills, methods, resources etc., depending on the context it’s being used in. For instance saying “ele emprega bem o seu tempo” translates into he uses his time well. This versatile verb captures both the practical aspects of employment and broader applications of utilization within various scenarios.

Used in a Sentence:

1. Vou empregar novas técnicas de estudo para melhorar minhas notas.
– I will employ new study techniques to improve my grades.

2. A empresa decidiu não empregar mais funcionários este ano.
– The company decided not to hire more employees this year.

3. É importante saber como empregar bem o seu tempo livre.
– It’s important to know how to use your free time well.

What is the Etymlogy of Empregar

The word “empregar” in Brazilian Portuguese originates from the Latin term “implicare,” which means to involve or entangle. Over time, this evolved into the Old French “employer,” meaning to use or apply. The transition of these meanings and sounds eventually led Spanish and Portuguese languages to adopt it as “emplear” and “empregar,” respectively. In both cases, they retained a similar sense: to employ, utilize, or engage someone for work purposes. This etymological journey highlights how language evolves over centuries while maintaining core concepts across different cultures.

Is there any Cultural Significance to Empregar in Brazilian Portuguese?

In Brazilian Portuguese, the verb “empregar” primarily means to employ or use. However, its cultural significance extends beyond mere employment in a job context. In Brazil’s rich and diverse social fabric, where informal economies thrive and relationships often dictate professional opportunities more than formal qualifications do, “empregar” can also imply securing someone a position through personal networks or influence—known colloquially as “jeitinho brasileiro.” This aspect of empregar reflects an ingrained culture of mutual help and resourcefulness that is pivotal in understanding how Brazilians navigate both their professional lives and interpersonal relations.

How do you Pronounce Empregar in Brazilian Portuguese?

To pronounce “empregar” in Brazilian Portuguese, start by saying the first syllable as ’em’, similar to the English word ’embrace’. The second syllable is pronounced like ‘pre’, rhyming with ‘day’. Finally, end with a soft and quick ‘gar’ that sounds almost like the English word ‘car’ but with a softer g. It’s important to stress on the second syllable (‘pre’), making it slightly louder and longer than others. Overall, you should say it as em-PRE-gar.

Synonyms and Antonyms

In Brazilian Portuguese, “empregar” primarily means to employ or use. Synonyms for “empregar” include contratar (to hire), utilizar (to utilize), and aplicar (to apply). Each of these words can be used in similar contexts but may carry slightly different nuances; for example, contratar is specifically about hiring someone for a job while utilizar suggests using an object or resource effectively. On the other hand, antonyms of empregar would involve concepts like despedir or demitir which mean to dismiss from employment. Another opposite could be desprezar meaning to disregard something’s potential utility.

What is Empregar in Different Languages?

The term “empregar” in Brazilian Portuguese primarily means “to employ,” similar to its usage in European Portuguese. However, the nuances of this verb can vary slightly across different languages. For instance, in Spanish, a closely related language both culturally and linguistically due to their shared Latin roots, the equivalent word is “emplear.” In English, it translates directly as “to employ” or sometimes more broadly as “to use.” Meanwhile, French uses ’employer’ with very much the same applications. Each language might bring subtle differences based on context and cultural implications that influence how employment concepts are discussed within societies.

Collocations Using Empregar in Brazilian Portuguese

In Brazilian Portuguese, the verb “empregar” is often used in various contexts and collocations that are essential for mastering its usage. Commonly paired with nouns like “método,” “técnica,” or “força”, it forms phrases such as “empregar um método” (to employ a method), “empregar uma técnica” (to use a technique), or “empregar força” (to exert force). Additionally, when discussing employment, you might encounter it in terms like “estar empregado,” meaning to be employed. Understanding these combinations will not only enhance your vocabulary but also improve your fluency by helping you express ideas more naturally within different professional and everyday situations.

What are some Mnemonics to use to Remember the Meaning of Empregar in Brazilian Portuguese?

To easily remember the meaning of “empregar” in Brazilian Portuguese, which translates to “to employ” or “to use,” you can utilize mnemonics based on word association. For instance, think of a phrase like “Employ Greg!” where ‘Emp’ from ‘employ’ sounds similar to ‘Emp’ in empregar and helps link it back to its English equivalent. Another mnemonic could be visualizing someone using (or employing) various objects at work – imagine them saying they need to “empregar” tools for their tasks. This visualization not only reinforces the verb’s usage but also aids recall by associating common workplace actions with the term itself.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the word “empregar” in Brazilian Portuguese carries significant importance as it means to employ or use something effectively. Whether referring to securing a job position or utilizing an object skillfully, understanding and using such verbs can greatly enhance your grasp of the language. As you continue exploring Brazilian Portuguese, remember that each new term enriches your vocabulary and deepens your connection with this vibrant culture. Keep learning and practicing; every new word is a step closer to fluency!