Meaning of Enterrar in Brazilian Portuguese

Let’s learn the meaning of “enterrar” in Brazilian Portuguese. This versatile verb carries several meanings and uses, extending beyond its primary translation as “to bury.” In this blog post, we will explore how it is used in everyday conversation, delve into some colloquial expressions that feature the word, and understand its cultural significance within Brazil’s rich linguistic landscape. Whether you’re a language learner or simply curious about Brazilian Portuguese nuances, understanding “enterrar” offers fascinating insights into both language and culture.

What is the Meaning of Enterrar in Brazilian Portuguese?

In Brazilian Portuguese, the verb “enterrar” primarily means to bury something or someone. This can refer to the physical act of placing objects, including deceased individuals, underground. However, enterrar also carries metaphorical meanings and is often used in a broader sense. For instance, it might be employed when talking about putting an end to habits or memories that one wishes to forget—essentially ‘burying’ them in their past. Additionally, this term could describe deeply embedding certain qualities or traits within oneself such as values and beliefs.

Used in a Sentence:

Enterrar é um verbo que pode ser usado em diferentes contextos. Aqui estão alguns exemplos de frases:

1. Vamos enterrar o tesouro no quintal para ninguém encontrar.
(Let’s bury the treasure in the backyard so nobody can find it.)

2. Depois do funeral, eles foram ao cemitério para enterrar a avó.
(After the funeral, they went to the cemetery to bury their grandmother.)

3. Decidi enterrar meu passado e começar uma nova vida.
(I decided to bury my past and start a new life.)

What is the Etymlogy of Enterrar

The word “enterrar” in Brazilian Portuguese originates from the Latin term “interrare,” which is derived from “terra,” meaning earth or ground. The prefix “in-” adds a sense of into to the root, thus giving it the literal interpretation of putting something into the earth. Over time, this verb has evolved and been adopted by various Romance languages with similar meanings related to burying or interring objects underground. In contemporary usage within Brazil’s diverse linguistic landscape, enterrar retains its foundational connotations but also extends metaphorically to imply suppressing feelings or concealing information.

Is there any Cultural Significance to Enterrar in Brazilian Portuguese?

In Brazilian Portuguese, the verb “enterrar” primarily means to bury something or someone, a concept that carries significant cultural weight in Brazil. This action is deeply intertwined with various religious and spiritual practices prevalent across the country. For instance, during funeral ceremonies, enterrar symbolizes not just a physical burial but also represents sending off loved ones on their journey into the afterlife according to Christian beliefs which are predominant in Brazil. Additionally, this term can metaphorically extend to signify putting an end to past grievances or hardships—often used colloquially as ‘enterrar o passado’ (burying the past). Thus, enterrar encapsulates both literal and figurative aspects of closure and farewell within Brazilian culture.

How do you Pronounce Enterrar in Brazilian Portuguese?

To pronounce “enterrar” in Brazilian Portuguese, start by saying the first syllable as ‘en’, similar to how you would say the English word “enter.” The stress falls on the second syllable: ‘te’. This part is pronounced like ‘teh’. Finally, finish with ‘rrar’, where the double ‘r’ should be pronounced with a strong guttural sound that is somewhat harsher and more forceful than an English rolled R. It’s akin to clearing your throat or pronouncing it like a French gargling R sound. Altogether, it sounds like en-TEH-har.

Synonyms and Antonyms

In Brazilian Portuguese, the verb “enterrar” primarily means to bury something in the ground. Synonyms for “enterrar” include “sepultar,” which also refers to burial but often carries a more formal or solemn connotation, and “soterrar,” implying covering something completely with earth or another substance. On the other hand, antonyms of “enterrar” would be verbs like “desenterrar” or “exumar,” both meaning to dig up what has been buried. Another antonym is “descobrir”, typically used when revealing information that was previously hidden or unknown rather than physically unearthing an object.

What is Enterrar in Different Languages?

Enterrar is a verb in Portuguese that primarily means “to bury.” While its core meaning remains consistent, the nuances and usage can vary slightly across different languages. In Spanish, ‘enterrar’ also translates to “bury,” often used both literally, such as burying something underground, and figuratively, like burying emotions or memories. In English, the direct translation retains this primary sense of physically placing something under the ground but lacks some of the metaphorical uses found in Romance languages. Each language might adapt this verb to fit cultural contexts uniquely associated with burial practices or expressions.

Collocations Using Enterrar in Brazilian Portuguese

In Brazilian Portuguese, the verb “enterrar” is often used in various collocations that enrich its meaning beyond simply ‘to bury’. For instance, one might say “enterrar a dor” to express the process of overcoming grief or sorrow. In sports contexts, especially football (soccer), Brazilians use phrases like “enterrar o jogo,” which means decisively winning or finishing off a game. Another common usage can be found in informal speech as “enterrar dinheiro”, implying investing money into something with little hope of return – akin to literally burying it underground. These examples highlight how versatile and expressive the term “enterrar” can be when paired appropriately within different conversational themes.

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

To help remember the meaning of “enterrar” in Brazilian Portuguese, which is to bury or inter, you can use a simple mnemonic: think of entering earth. The word itself sounds like “enter” and when something is buried it literally enters into the earth. This visual association between entering (going inside) and enterrar (burying under ground) makes it easier to recall whenever you come across this verb in conversation or writing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the word “enterrar” in Brazilian Portuguese carries a primary meaning of burying something beneath the ground, whether it be an object or a deceased being. However, its usage extends metaphorically to describe suppressing emotions or memories and even concluding tasks definitively. Understanding such versatile applications helps non-native speakers grasp not just language nuances but also cultural contexts.

As you continue your journey learning Brazilian Portuguese, remember that each new word adds depth and color to your conversations and understanding of this vibrant culture. Keep exploring different words and their meanings; practice regularly to enhance both your vocabulary and fluency. Happy learning!