acordar — meaning in English: to wake up

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Guess the translation for to wake up

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 'acordar' in everyday situations, such as when discussing morning routines or making plans with friends. For example, someone might say, 'Eu vou acordar cedo amanhã para ir à praia,' meaning 'I will wake up early tomorrow to go to the beach.' It's also common in casual conversations about sleep or rest.

Synonyms & nuances

'Acordar' is often used interchangeably with 'despertar,' which also means 'to wake up.' However, 'despertar' can carry a more poetic or dramatic nuance, often referring to a more profound awakening, such as in a metaphorical or spiritual sense. You would choose 'acordar' for straightforward, everyday use.

Culture

'Acordar' originates from the Latin word 'accordare', which means 'to agree' or 'to come to an arrangement.' Interestingly, in Portuguese-speaking cultures, waking up is often associated with starting the day fresh, and it's common to greet others with 'Bom dia!' (Good morning) immediately after waking. This emphasizes the importance of morning interactions in social settings.

FAQ

Q.What is the conjugation of 'acordar' in the present tense?

'Acordar' is a regular -ar verb. In the present tense, it is conjugated as: eu acordo (I wake up), tu acordas (you wake up), ele/ela/você acorda (he/she/you wakes up), nós acordamos (we wake up), vós acordais (you all wake up), eles/elas/vocês acordam (they wake up).

Q.Can 'acordar' be used in a reflexive form?

Yes, 'acordar' can be used reflexively as 'acordar-se,' which emphasizes the action of waking up oneself. For example, 'Eu me acordo às seis horas' means 'I wake myself up at six o'clock.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'acordar'?

A common mistake is confusing 'acordar' with 'despertar.' While they both mean 'to wake up,' remember that 'acordar' is more commonly used in everyday conversation, whereas 'despertar' might be reserved for more poetic expressions.

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Portuguese Vocabulary