At the A1 level, the word 'descurar' is quite advanced. However, you can think of it as a fancy way to say 'to not take care of something'. Imagine you have a plant. If you don't give it water, you are 'descurando' the plant. Even though A1 learners usually use simpler words like 'não cuidar' (not take care) or 'esquecer' (to forget), knowing 'descurar' helps you understand more formal signs or notices. For example, a sign in a park might say 'Não descurar a limpeza' (Do not neglect the cleanliness). At this level, focus on the idea that it means 'to forget to be careful'. It is a regular verb ending in -ar, so it follows the same patterns as 'falar' or 'cantar'. You would say 'Eu descuro' (I neglect), 'Tu descuras' (You neglect), etc. Even if you don't use it in your own speaking yet, recognizing the root 'curar' (to care) will help you remember that it's about a lack of care.
At the A2 level, you are starting to build a more varied vocabulary. 'Descurar' is a great word to add to your list of verbs related to responsibilities and daily routines. You might use it to talk about your studies or your health. For instance, 'Eu não quero descurar o meu português' (I don't want to neglect my Portuguese). It is more formal than 'deixar de lado' (to put aside). At this level, you should be able to recognize the past tense 'descurei' and the future 'descurarei'. It's important to understand that 'descurar' is usually about things you should be doing regularly. It's not just a one-time mistake; it's a habit of not being careful enough. You might see this word in simple news articles or formal emails. Using it occasionally instead of 'esquecer' will make your Portuguese sound much more mature and polite, especially when talking to teachers or bosses.
At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'descurar' in both written and spoken contexts to express the concept of neglecting duties or maintenance. You are now moving beyond basic descriptions and starting to discuss more abstract concepts like 'descurar a amizade' (neglecting friendship) or 'descurar a imagem' (neglecting one's image). You should also be comfortable with the adjective form 'descurado' (neglected/untidy). For example, describing a 'jardim descurado' or a 'trabalho descurado'. At this level, you start to see the difference between 'descurar' and 'negligenciar'. While 'negligenciar' sounds very serious and almost legal, 'descurar' is the perfect word for everyday professional or personal contexts where someone has been a bit careless. You should also notice that it can be followed by the preposition 'de', though it's not strictly necessary. Practice using it in sentences like 'Não podemos descurar os pormenores' (We cannot neglect the details).
At the B2 level, 'descurar' becomes an essential part of your vocabulary for debates, formal reports, and complex storytelling. You should understand its nuances perfectly, especially how it differs from 'ignorar' or 'abandonar'. You are expected to use it to describe systemic failures or lack of attention in professional environments. For example, 'A empresa descurou a inovação tecnológica e perdeu mercado' (The company neglected technological innovation and lost market share). You should also be familiar with the reflexive form 'descurar-se', which implies a personal lapse in diligence. At this level, you can use the word to add weight to your arguments. Instead of saying something was 'badly done', you can say the details were 'descurados', which sounds much more precise. You should also be able to recognize the word in literary texts and understand the atmospheric quality it brings to descriptions of settings or characters.
At the C1 level, which is where 'descurar' truly belongs, you should use this word with absolute precision and stylistic flair. You understand that 'descurar' is not just about a lack of care, but often about a failure to uphold a certain standard or aesthetic. You use it in academic essays, legal discussions, and high-level business negotiations. You are aware of its etymological connection to 'curar' and 'procurar', and you can appreciate how it functions in complex sentence structures. For instance, you might use it in a concessive clause: 'Embora tenha tido sucesso, ele nunca descurou a base teórica do seu trabalho' (Although he was successful, he never neglected the theoretical basis of his work). You can also use it to discuss subtle social or political shifts, such as 'descurar os valores tradicionais'. At this level, you should also be able to distinguish 'descurar' from more obscure synonyms like 'preterir' or 'olvidar', choosing 'descurar' when the emphasis is specifically on the withdrawal of maintenance or attention.
At the C2 level, 'descurar' is a word you manipulate with ease to create specific rhetorical effects. You understand its historical weight and how it has been used by great Lusophone writers to denote moral or physical decay. You might use it in highly formal speeches or philosophical treatises to discuss the 'descuramento' (neglect) of the human condition or the environment. You are comfortable using it in its most archaic or literary forms, including the reflexive 'descurar-se de' in complex subjunctive constructions. For a C2 speaker, 'descurar' is part of a rich tapestry of verbs that describe the various ways humans interact with their responsibilities. You can use it to create irony, such as describing a perfectionist who 'descurou' the most obvious detail. Your mastery of the word allows you to use it in any context, from the most technical manual to the most lyrical poem, always ensuring that the nuance of 'failing to maintain care' is perfectly conveyed.

descurar في 30 ثانية

  • Descurar is a formal Portuguese verb meaning 'to neglect' or 'to fail to care for', often used for duties and maintenance.
  • It is a regular -ar verb, synonymous with 'negligenciar', but carries a nuance of failing to maintain a specific standard.
  • Commonly used in professional, academic, and literary contexts to describe a lapse in focus or responsibility regarding health or work.
  • It can be used as a transitive direct verb or with the preposition 'de', though the direct form is more modern.

The Portuguese verb descurar is a sophisticated term primarily used to describe the act of neglecting, disregarding, or failing to give the necessary attention to something that requires care or maintenance. While the common verb negligenciar is its closest synonym, descurar often carries a nuance of failing to maintain a standard or allowing something to decline due to a lack of diligence. It is frequently found in formal writing, professional feedback, and literary contexts. When you use this word, you are suggesting that there has been a lapse in responsibility, often in areas like health, education, professional duties, or interpersonal relationships. For example, a manager might warn an employee not to descurar the details of a contract, or a doctor might advise a patient not to descurar their diet. It is a word that implies a baseline of expected care that has not been met.

Register
Formal to Semi-Formal. It is less common in casual street slang but essential for business and academic proficiency.

Ao focar-se apenas no lucro, a empresa acabou por descurar a segurança dos trabalhadores.

Understanding the depth of descurar requires looking at its etymological roots. It stems from the Latin de- (indicating reversal or removal) and curare (to take care of). Thus, it literally means 'to un-care' or to withdraw the care that was once there. This distinguishes it from simply forgetting (esquecer); it is an active, though perhaps unintentional, withdrawal of attention. In a cultural sense, Portuguese speakers value the concept of zelo (zeal/care), and descurar is the direct failure of that virtue. It is often used in the negative to provide strong advice or warnings.

Nuance
Unlike 'abandonar' (to abandon completely), 'descurar' suggests the thing still exists but is being poorly maintained.

Não podemos descurar a nossa saúde mental em tempos de crise.

In contemporary usage, especially in Brazil and Portugal, the word appears frequently in political discourse. Opposition parties might accuse the government of having descurado public education or the environment. In these contexts, the word serves to highlight a perceived lack of priority. Furthermore, in the world of sports, a commentator might say a team lost because they descuraram the defense in the final minutes of the match. It conveys a sense of tactical error or a lapse in focus that leads to negative consequences.

O artista nunca deixou de descurar a técnica, mesmo sendo um génio.

Common Object
Studies, appearance, health, duties, maintenance, and relationships.

É um erro descurar a formação contínua dos funcionários.

Jamais deverias descurar dos teus amigos mais antigos.

Using descurar correctly involves understanding its syntactic flexibility. It is most commonly used as a transitive direct verb, meaning it takes an object directly without a preposition. For example, 'Ele descurou o jardim' (He neglected the garden). However, in more classical or literary Portuguese, you will frequently see it used as a transitive indirect verb with the preposition de: 'Ele descurou do jardim'. Both are grammatically acceptable, but the direct form feels more modern and streamlined in everyday professional communication. When constructing sentences, think about the specific aspect being neglected. It is rarely used for physical abandonment (like leaving a suitcase at a station) but rather for the failure to provide ongoing attention.

Professional Context
The CEO noted that the marketing department had been descurando (neglecting) the brand's online presence.

A administração não pode descurar as queixas dos clientes.

In the passive voice, the word becomes descurado (neglected/untended). This is a very common adjective. You might describe an old building as having a 'jardim descurado' (neglected garden) or a student as having a 'trabalho descurado' (sloppy/neglected work). This adjectival use emphasizes the state of the object resulting from the lack of care. When using it in the perfect tense, remember the conjugation: 'Eu descurei', 'Tu descuraste', 'Ele descurou'. It follows the regular pattern for -ar verbs, making it relatively easy to conjugate once you master the meaning.

Personal Context
If you focus too much on work, you might descurar (neglect) your family life.

Ele tem um aspeto um pouco descurado ultimamente.

Another important aspect is the reflexive use, though it is less common than the simple transitive form. One might say 'descurar-se de algo', meaning to become careless about something. 'Ele descurou-se das suas obrigações' (He became careless about his obligations). This emphasizes the subject's internal state of laxity. In academic writing, you might see it used to describe a researcher who overlooked a specific variable: 'O autor descurou a análise dos dados demográficos'. Here, it implies a lack of thoroughness.

Não te descures dos teus estudos nesta fase final.

Grammar Note
The verb is regular. In the present tense: eu descuro, tu descuras, ele descura, nós descuramos, vós descurais, eles descuram.

Muitos governos descuram o investimento na cultura.

You are most likely to encounter descurar in formal settings rather than casual conversations over beer. In the news, it is a staple for journalists reporting on social issues. If a bridge collapses, the news report will likely mention that 'a manutenção foi descurada' (the maintenance was neglected). In Portuguese and Brazilian television news, particularly during political debates, candidates often accuse their opponents of descurar the needs of the poor or the safety of the cities. It is a powerful rhetorical tool because it implies a moral failure of responsibility. If you listen to business podcasts or read economic journals like Jornal de Negócios or Exame, you will see it used to describe companies that failed to innovate or neglected their customer base.

News Media
Frequent in headlines regarding public health, infrastructure, and environmental policies.

O relatório aponta que o hospital descurou os protocolos de higiene.

In the academic world, professors use this word when critiquing students' work. A feedback note might say, 'Não deves descurar a revisão bibliográfica' (You must not neglect the literature review). It is also prevalent in literature. Classic authors like Eça de Queirós or Machado de Assis used it to describe the moral decay or the physical untidiness of their characters. In a modern office setting, a manager might use it during a performance review to gently but firmly point out areas where an employee's attention has slipped. It is a word that commands respect because it belongs to the higher registers of the language.

Literature
Used to create a sense of atmosphere or to characterize someone's lack of discipline.

A personagem vivia numa casa descurada, cheia de pó e memórias.

Interestingly, you also find it in the health and wellness sector. Personal trainers and nutritionists often blog about not descurando the importance of sleep or hydration. In this context, it is used to remind people that health is a holistic system where no part should be ignored. Similarly, in the legal system, a lawyer might argue that a party descurou their contractual obligations. It is a versatile word that bridges the gap between everyday 'neglect' and high-level 'dereliction of duty'.

Ao treinar para a maratona, nunca descures o descanso.

Legal Context
Often used in contracts to define the failure to exercise due diligence or care.

A lei não permite que um tutor descure do bem-estar do menor.

One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers learning Portuguese is confusing descurar with desculpar (to excuse or apologize) or descansar (to rest). While they sound somewhat similar, their meanings are entirely unrelated. Another common error is using it as a synonym for 'forgetting' (esquecer). While forgetting can lead to descurar, the two concepts are different. Descurar implies a continued state of neglect, while esquecer is a single event of failing to remember. For example, you might esquecer to lock the door once, but if you descurar the security of your house, it means you have been consistently careless over a period of time.

Confusion 1
Descurar (Neglect) vs. Desculpar (Excuse). 'Peço desculpa' is not 'Peço descura'.

Não deves descurar (neglect) a tua aparência, mas deves desculpar (excuse) as falhas dos outros.

A second common mistake is regarding the preposition. As mentioned, descurar can be used with or without de. However, English speakers often try to use other prepositions like em or com based on English patterns like 'neglectful in' or 'neglect with'. In Portuguese, it is either direct or uses de. For instance, 'descurar os estudos' or 'descurar dos estudos' are correct, but 'descurar nos estudos' is less common and might be seen as an error depending on the region and context. Be mindful of this when translating directly from English.

Confusion 2
Descurar (Neglect) vs. Descansar (Rest). 'Vou descansar' means I am going to rest, not that I am going to neglect something.

Depois de tanto trabalho, ele foi descansar, mas sem descurar as suas tarefas urgentes.

Finally, some learners use descurar when they really mean ignorar (to ignore/not know). If you ignore someone's question because you didn't hear it, that's not descurar. Descurar implies you are aware of the responsibility but are failing to fulfill it. If you are aware that a project needs a final review but you decide to skip it, you are descurando the final phase. Understanding this distinction is key to achieving C1-level proficiency in Portuguese. You must show that you understand the ethical or procedural failure involved in the word.

Ignorar um facto é uma coisa; descurar um dever é outra bem diferente.

Confusion 3
Descurar (Neglect) vs. Desleixar (to be sloppy). 'Desleixar' is more informal and often reflexive (desleixar-se).

Ele desleixou-se na sua aparência, o que é uma forma de descurar a imagem pessoal.

To truly master descurar, you should compare it with its synonyms and related terms. The most direct synonym is negligenciar. However, negligenciar is often used in legal or medical contexts to describe a failure that leads to harm. Descurar is slightly more versatile and can describe a general lack of care. Another alternative is desatender, which means to fail to attend to something. This is often used in customer service or when someone fails to follow instructions. Olvidar is a more literary way of saying 'to forget' or 'to neglect', often used in poetry or classical prose to describe someone forgetting their roots or their past.

Comparison: Descurar vs. Negligenciar
Descurar: Lack of care/maintenance. Negligenciar: Serious failure to perform a duty.

O governo negligenciou a segurança, mas o cidadão descurou a sua própria proteção.

Another interesting comparison is with desleixar-se. This is a reflexive verb that translates roughly to 'to let oneself go' or 'to become sloppy'. It is much more informal than descurar. If you stop shaving and wearing clean clothes, you are desleixando-se. If you stop maintaining your car, you are descurando the car's maintenance. Preterir is another formal alternative, meaning to set aside or prioritize something else over another. It's often used when someone is passed over for a promotion or when one subject is neglected in favor of another. For example, 'Ele preteriu os estudos pelo trabalho'.

Comparison: Descurar vs. Desleixar-se
Descurar: Formal, focused on the object. Desleixar-se: Informal, focused on the person's attitude.

Nunca te desleixes, pois isso leva a descurar as coisas importantes.

Finally, consider menosprezar (to underestimate or look down upon) and omitir (to omit or fail to mention). While menosprezar is about attitude, descurar is about action (or lack thereof). You might menosprezar a competitor, leading you to descurar your own preparation. Omitir is specifically about leaving something out, like a detail in a report. If you omit a chapter in a book, you might be said to have descurado that part of the story. Understanding these subtle differences allows you to choose the exact right word for the situation, which is the hallmark of a C1 speaker.

Comparison: Descurar vs. Menosprezar
Descurar: Practical neglect. Menosprezar: Intellectual or emotional disdain.

Não deves menosprezar o teu adversário, nem descurar o teu treino.

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The root 'cura' is the same as in 'curator' (someone who takes care of a museum) and 'cure' (to take care of a disease). So, when you 'descurar', you are doing the opposite of being a curator!

دليل النطق

UK /dɨʃ.ku.ˈɾaɾ/
US /des.ku.ˈɾaʁ/
The stress is on the final syllable: des-cu-RAR.
يتقافى مع
cantar falar amar andar olhar pensar mudar chegar
أخطاء شائعة
  • Pronouncing it as 'des-CU-rar' (stressing the middle syllable).
  • Confusing the 's' sound in Portugal (sh) with the 's' sound in Brazil.
  • Forgetting to tap the 'r' in the European version.
  • Confusing the spelling with 'discurar' (incorrect).
  • Muddling the 'u' sound into an 'o' sound.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 4/5

Common in literature and news, but requires understanding of formal tone.

الكتابة 5/5

Using it correctly requires knowledge of collocations and prepositions.

التحدث 5/5

Hard to integrate into casual speech without sounding overly formal.

الاستماع 4/5

Clear pronunciation but can be confused with similar-sounding verbs.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

cuidar esquecer trabalho saúde limpeza

تعلّم لاحقاً

negligenciar preterir zelar diligência desleixo

متقدم

omissão incúria desmazelo imprudência imperícia

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Regular -ar Verb Conjugation

Eu descuro, Tu descuras, Ele descura...

Transitive Direct vs. Indirect

Descurar algo VS Descurar de algo.

Past Participle as Adjective

Um jardim descurado (The participle acts as an adjective).

Reflexive Pronouns

Ele descurou-se (He became careless).

Negative Imperative

Não descures (Don't neglect).

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

Não deves descurar a tua saúde.

You should not neglect your health.

Simple negative advice using 'dever' + infinitive.

2

Ele descurou o jardim da casa.

He neglected the house garden.

Past tense (pretérito perfeito) of a regular -ar verb.

3

Eu não descuro os meus estudos.

I do not neglect my studies.

Present tense, first person singular.

4

Nós nunca descuramos a família.

We never neglect the family.

Present tense, first person plural.

5

Ela descurou a limpeza do quarto.

She neglected the cleaning of the room.

Third person singular, past tense.

6

Eles descuram a alimentação.

They neglect their diet.

Third person plural, present tense.

7

Tu descuras a tua gata?

Do you neglect your cat?

Question in the second person singular.

8

O menino descurou os brinquedos.

The boy neglected his toys.

Pretérito perfeito with a simple subject.

1

É importante não descurar a prática do idioma.

It is important not to neglect language practice.

Impersonal expression 'É importante' followed by infinitive.

2

O motorista descurou a segurança do carro.

The driver neglected the car's safety.

Focus on a specific responsibility.

3

Se descurares o trabalho, o chefe fica zangado.

If you neglect the work, the boss gets angry.

Conditional 'se' with the future subjunctive.

4

Ela tem descurado a sua aparência ultimamente.

She has been neglecting her appearance lately.

Present perfect continuous (ter + past participle).

5

Não podemos descurar os nossos amigos.

We cannot neglect our friends.

Modal verb 'poder' in the negative.

6

O aluno descurou a revisão para o exame.

The student neglected the revision for the exam.

Focus on a specific task (revision).

7

Muitas pessoas descuram o descanso necessário.

Many people neglect the necessary rest.

General statement about habits.

8

Você descurou o aviso do médico.

You neglected the doctor's warning.

Direct object following the verb.

1

Apesar do sucesso, ele nunca descurou a humildade.

Despite the success, he never neglected humility.

Concessive phrase 'Apesar de' used with 'descurar'.

2

Não deves descurar os pormenores deste contrato.

You should not neglect the details of this contract.

Use of 'pormenores' (details) as the object.

3

Se continuarem a descurar o ambiente, haverá problemas.

If they continue to neglect the environment, there will be problems.

Future conditional with 'continuar a' + infinitive.

4

O aspeto descurado daquela casa assustava os vizinhos.

The neglected look of that house scared the neighbors.

Adjective 'descurado' modifying 'aspeto'.

5

Ela descurou-se das suas tarefas domésticas.

She became careless about her domestic chores.

Reflexive form 'descurar-se de'.

6

Nunca descuramos a qualidade dos nossos produtos.

We never neglect the quality of our products.

Business context usage.

7

Ele foi criticado por descurar a sua formação.

He was criticized for neglecting his training.

Passive construction with 'por' + infinitive.

8

Seria um erro descurar a segurança digital.

It would be a mistake to neglect digital security.

Conditional 'seria' followed by infinitive.

1

A administração não pode descurar as exigências dos sindicatos.

The management cannot neglect the unions' demands.

Formal business/political context.

2

Ao focar-se na expansão, a marca descurou o atendimento ao cliente.

By focusing on expansion, the brand neglected customer service.

Gerund 'ao focar-se' indicating cause/effect.

3

O investigador não deve descurar nenhuma variável no estudo.

The researcher must not neglect any variable in the study.

Academic context.

4

A cidade parece descurada pelo atual governo municipal.

The city seems neglected by the current municipal government.

Passive participle 'descurada' as a state.

5

Não te descures dos teus princípios morais.

Do not neglect your moral principles.

Imperative negative with 'de'.

6

Ele descurou o acompanhamento pós-operatório.

He neglected the post-operative follow-up.

Medical/Professional context.

7

Muitos artistas descuram a parte financeira da carreira.

Many artists neglect the financial part of their career.

Generalization about a professional group.

8

É perigoso descurar a manutenção das infraestruturas.

It is dangerous to neglect the maintenance of infrastructures.

Strong warning using 'É perigoso'.

1

Descurar a dimensão ética da política é um convite ao autoritarismo.

Neglecting the ethical dimension of politics is an invitation to authoritarianism.

Abstract philosophical/political subject.

2

O autor descurou a coesão narrativa em prol do experimentalismo.

The author neglected narrative cohesion in favor of experimentalism.

Literary criticism context.

3

A instituição foi acusada de descurar o seu dever de vigilância.

The institution was accused of neglecting its duty of vigilance.

Legal terminology 'dever de vigilância'.

4

Jamais se deve descurar a importância da diplomacia cultural.

One must never neglect the importance of cultural diplomacy.

Impersonal 'se' with 'jamais' for emphasis.

5

A sua escrita, embora rica, por vezes descura a clareza.

His writing, although rich, sometimes neglects clarity.

Stylistic critique using 'embora'.

6

Eles descuraram de tal modo a segurança que o desastre era inevitável.

They neglected security to such an extent that disaster was inevitable.

Consecutive clause 'de tal modo... que'.

7

O relatório sugere que houve um descuramento sistemático das normas.

The report suggests that there was a systematic neglect of the norms.

Use of the noun 'descuramento'.

8

Não podemos permitir que a pressa nos leve a descurar o rigor.

We cannot allow haste to lead us to neglect rigor.

Subjunctive 'leve' following 'permitir que'.

1

A ontologia da obra parece descurar a relação entre o ser e o tempo.

The ontology of the work seems to neglect the relationship between being and time.

Highly academic/philosophical usage.

2

Ao descurar a herança clássica, a modernidade arrisca-se ao vazio.

By neglecting the classical heritage, modernity risks falling into a void.

Cultural/Sociological critique.

3

O diplomata descurou as subtilezas do protocolo, gerando um incidente.

The diplomat neglected the subtleties of protocol, causing an incident.

Nuanced professional failure.

4

Não se pode descurar o papel da subjetividade na interpretação histórica.

One cannot neglect the role of subjectivity in historical interpretation.

Historiographical discussion.

5

A sua retórica, conquanto brilhante, descura amiúde a verdade factual.

His rhetoric, although brilliant, frequently neglects factual truth.

Use of 'conquanto' (although) and 'amiúde' (frequently).

6

Descurar-se da própria essência é a maior das tragédias humanas.

To neglect one's own essence is the greatest of human tragedies.

Existential/Literary theme.

7

O projeto foi abandonado após se verificar que a equipa descurara os custos.

The project was abandoned after it was found that the team had neglected the costs.

Pluperfect tense 'descurara' for a past action before another past action.

8

A legislação vigente descura a proteção dos dados em ambientes virtuais.

The current legislation neglects data protection in virtual environments.

Legal/Technical critique.

تلازمات شائعة

descurar a saúde
descurar os estudos
descurar a manutenção
descurar os pormenores
descurar a aparência
descurar as obrigações
descurar o treino
descurar a segurança
descurar o aspeto
descurar a formação

العبارات الشائعة

Não descures!

— A strong piece of advice meaning 'Don't let your guard down' or 'Don't neglect it'.

Estás a ir bem, mas não descures!

Aspeto descurado

— Used to describe something or someone that looks messy or untended.

A casa tinha um aspeto descurado há anos.

Descurar o essencial

— To fail to pay attention to the most important part of something.

Ao focar nos detalhes, ele descurou o essencial.

Sem descurar

— An adverbial phrase meaning 'without neglecting'.

Trabalhou muito, sem descurar a família.

Descurar as raízes

— To forget or neglect one's origins or traditions.

O emigrante nunca descurou as suas raízes.

Descurar o dever

— To fail in one's moral or professional responsibility.

O guarda descurou o seu dever e o ladrão fugiu.

Descurar a qualidade

— To allow the standard of a product or service to drop.

A fábrica descurou a qualidade para reduzir custos.

Descurar o diálogo

— To stop communicating effectively in a relationship or negotiation.

O casal descurou o diálogo e acabou por se separar.

Descurar a vigilância

— To stop being careful or watchful.

Não podemos descurar a vigilância contra o vírus.

Descurar o futuro

— To fail to plan or prepare for what is coming.

Gastar tudo hoje é descurar o futuro.

يُخلط عادةً مع

descurar vs desculpar

English speakers confuse the sounds. Desculpar is to excuse; descurar is to neglect.

descurar vs descansar

Sounds similar but means to rest. You can rest without neglecting your duties!

descurar vs discursar

Means to give a speech. Don't neglect (descurar) your speech (discurso)!

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"Descurar a horta"

— To neglect one's own business or territory.

Ele estava tão preocupado com os outros que descurou a sua horta.

Informal/Metaphorical
"Deixar ao desamparo"

— Similar to descurar, but more extreme; to leave someone without any support.

Ele descurou os pais e deixou-os ao desamparo.

Formal
"Dormir sobre os louros"

— To stop trying after a success, often leading to descurar duties.

Ele ganhou o prémio e começou a dormir sobre os louros, descurando o trabalho.

Neutral
"Fazer vista grossa"

— To intentionally ignore something that should be addressed (a form of descurar).

O inspetor fez vista grossa e descurou a infração.

Informal
"Andar nas nuvens"

— To be distracted, which often leads to descurar responsibilities.

Ela anda nas nuvens e tem descurado os estudos.

Informal
"Fechar os olhos a"

— To ignore a problem, essentially descurando the solution.

Não feches os olhos ao que está a acontecer; não descures a situação.

Neutral
"Passar ao lado"

— To miss or neglect an opportunity or detail.

A oportunidade passou ao lado porque ele descurou a preparação.

Neutral
"Dar de ombros"

— To show indifference, leading to descurar a duty.

Ele deu de ombros e descurou o aviso do colega.

Informal
"Baixar a guarda"

— To stop being vigilant, a common context for descurar.

Não baixes a guarda nem descures a tua segurança.

Neutral
"Lavar as mãos"

— To refuse to take responsibility for something, thus descurando it.

Ele lavou as mãos e descurou o problema da equipa.

Neutral

سهل الخلط

descurar vs negligenciar

They are near-synonyms.

Negligenciar often implies a more serious, legal, or harmful failure, whereas descurar is about a lack of ongoing care.

O médico negligenciou o paciente (serious). O jardim foi descurado (aesthetic/maintenance).

descurar vs esquecer

Both involve a failure of attention.

Esquecer is a mental failure to recall; descurar is a practical failure to maintain or care for something over time.

Esqueci a chave. Descurei a segurança da casa.

descurar vs ignorar

Both involve not paying attention.

Ignorar can mean you don't know about something. Descurar means you know about it but aren't taking care of it.

Ignorei o barulho. Descurei o meu dever.

descurar vs desleixar-se

They both mean neglect.

Desleixar-se is reflexive and more about the person becoming sloppy. Descurar is usually about the object being neglected.

Ele desleixou-se. Ele descurou o trabalho.

descurar vs abandonar

Both involve leaving something.

Abandonar is to leave completely. Descurar is to leave in a state of poor maintenance while it still exists.

Abandonei a cidade. Descurei a minha casa na cidade.

أنماط الجُمل

A1

Eu não descuro [noun].

Eu não descuro a minha gata.

A2

Não deves descurar [noun].

Não deves descurar a tua saúde.

B1

Ele descurou [noun] por causa de [noun].

Ele descurou os estudos por causa do jogo.

B2

É fundamental não descurar [noun].

É fundamental não descurar a segurança.

C1

Ao descurar [noun], o sujeito [verb].

Ao descurar a ética, o político perdeu a confiança.

C1

Apesar de [verb], nunca descurou [noun].

Apesar de rico, nunca descurou a caridade.

C2

O descuramento de [noun] acarreta [noun].

O descuramento de deveres acarreta sanções graves.

C2

Conquanto [verb], descura amiúde [noun].

Conquanto inteligente, descura amiúde a lógica.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

descuramento (the act of neglecting)
descura (neglect/carelessness)

الأفعال

descurar (to neglect)

الصفات

descurado (neglected/untidy)
descurável (negligible - rare)

مرتبط

cuidar
cura
curadoria
procurar
segurar

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Medium-High in formal written Portuguese; Medium-Low in casual spoken Portuguese.

أخطاء شائعة
  • Eu peço descura. Eu peço desculpa.

    Confusing 'descurar' with 'desculpar' (to apologize).

  • Ele descurou em o trabalho. Ele descurou o trabalho.

    Using 'em' instead of no preposition or 'de'.

  • Vou descurar agora. Vou descansar agora.

    Confusing 'descurar' (neglect) with 'descansar' (rest).

  • O aluno descurou de estudar. O aluno descurou os estudos.

    While 'descurar de' is possible, it's usually followed by a noun, not an infinitive. Use 'deixou de estudar' for verbs.

  • Eu descuro-me os meus dentes. Eu descuro os meus dentes.

    Using the reflexive 'se' when a direct object is already present.

نصائح

Professionalism

Use 'descurar' in cover letters to say you 'never neglect' details. It sounds very impressive to employers.

Preposition Choice

If you are unsure, use it as a direct verb (no preposition). It's safer and more common in modern Portuguese.

Synonym Variety

Don't over-use 'negligenciar'. Swap it for 'descurar' to show you have a wider range of vocabulary.

Stress the End

Remember the stress is on 'RAR'. This is the most important part for being understood.

Cultural Nuance

In Portugal, 'descurar' is often linked to the idea of 'desleixo' (sloppiness), which is a significant social critique.

Adjectival Use

Use 'descurado' to describe settings in your writing to instantly create a sense of melancholy or decay.

Root Word

Connect it to 'cura' (care). Des-cura = No-care. It's the easiest way to never forget the meaning.

News Anchor Speech

Listen to Portuguese news (RTP or SIC). They use 'descurar' frequently when talking about government failures.

Warning Others

Use the phrase 'Não descures...' as a sophisticated way to give advice to a friend about their studies or health.

Academic Precision

In academic papers, use it to describe a gap in previous research: 'A literatura anterior descurou esta variável'.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of 'DIS-CARE'. 'Des-' is like 'Dis-' and '-curar' is like 'Care'. To descurar is to 'dis-care' or stop caring.

ربط بصري

Imagine a beautiful garden that is slowly being covered by weeds because the gardener stopped coming. That is a 'jardim descurado'.

Word Web

Duty Neglect Care Maintenance Responsibility Lapse Sloppy Attention

تحدٍّ

Try to use 'descurar' in a sentence about your own hobbies. For example: 'Eu nunca descuro a minha coleção de selos'.

أصل الكلمة

Derived from the Latin verb 'decurare', which is formed by the prefix 'de-' (expressing negation or reversal) and 'curare' (to take care of).

المعنى الأصلي: To stop caring for or to withdraw attention from something.

Romance (Latin root)

السياق الثقافي

It is a safe, formal word, but calling someone's work 'descurado' is a direct and serious critique.

The word 'neglect' is the closest equivalent, but 'descurar' feels slightly more specific to the 'maintenance' aspect of care.

Found in the works of Eça de Queirós, often describing the decadence of the 19th-century bourgeoisie. Used in legal documents in both Portugal and Brazil to define professional negligence. Appears in many Fado lyrics to describe a heart that was neglected by a lover.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Health and Wellness

  • Descurar a dieta
  • Descurar o sono
  • Não descurar o exercício
  • Saúde descurada

Professional/Business

  • Descurar os detalhes
  • Descurar o cliente
  • Manutenção descurada
  • Descurar a qualidade

Education

  • Descurar os estudos
  • Descurar a revisão
  • Não descurar a leitura
  • Trabalho descurado

Domestic Life

  • Descurar a casa
  • Jardim descurado
  • Descurar a limpeza
  • Não descurar as tarefas

Relationships

  • Descurar os amigos
  • Descurar a família
  • Diálogo descurado
  • Descurar o parceiro

بدايات محادثة

"Achas que as pessoas hoje em dia descuram muito a sua saúde mental?"

"Como é que um profissional pode evitar descurar os pequenos detalhes num projeto?"

"Já alguma vez descuroste uma amizade importante por falta de tempo?"

"Na tua opinião, o governo tem descurado a educação pública no teu país?"

"O que acontece quando um artista descura a técnica em favor da fama?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Reflete sobre uma área da tua vida que tenhas descurado ultimamente e como podes mudar isso.

Escreve sobre a importância de não descurar as nossas raízes culturais num mundo globalizado.

Descreve um lugar que visitaste que parecia descurado e que sentimentos isso te provocou.

Como equilibrar o trabalho e a vida pessoal sem descurar nenhum dos dois?

Analisa as consequências de descurar a proteção do meio ambiente para as próximas gerações.

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Yes, it is used in Brazil, although it is considered a formal word. In casual conversation, Brazilians might prefer 'deixar de lado' or 'negligenciar'.

Yes, you can 'descurar' your children or your friends, meaning you are not giving them the attention they need. However, 'negligenciar' is more common in legal contexts regarding people.

Yes, it always implies a failure or a lack of something that should be present. It is never used for a positive action.

'Descurar' is transitive (neglecting something). 'Descurar-se' is reflexive (neglecting oneself or becoming careless about something).

Both are correct. 'Descurar o trabalho' is more modern; 'Descurar do trabalho' is more traditional/literary.

Absolutely. It is very common for houses, gardens, cars, and machines that haven't been maintained.

Use 'descurado' (masculine) or 'descurada' (feminine). Example: 'Uma casa descurada'.

Yes, it's very common in reports and meetings to discuss areas that need more focus or investment.

Yes, it is a regular -ar verb and rhymes with all other regular -ar infinitives.

It is a C1 word, so it's not in the top 500 most common words, but it's essential for advanced fluency.

اختبر نفسك 180 أسئلة

writing

Escreve uma frase com 'descurar' e 'saúde'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Como darias um conselho a um amigo que não estuda?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Descreve um jardim que ninguém cuida usando 'descurado'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Escreve um pequeno parágrafo sobre os perigos de descurar a segurança no trabalho.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Usa 'descurar' num email formal para o teu chefe.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Explica a diferença entre 'descurar' e 'esquecer'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Cria uma frase no futuro do conjuntivo com 'descurar'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Faz uma crítica literária curta usando o termo 'descuramento'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Escreve uma frase negativa com 'descurar' e 'família'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Como dirias que uma empresa faliu por falta de cuidado?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Usa a expressão 'sem descurar' numa frase.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Cria um diálogo curto entre um médico e um paciente.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Escreve sobre a importância de não descurar a cultura.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Usa 'descurado' para descrever um aspeto físico.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Cria uma frase com 'descurar' no pretérito imperfeito.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Escreve um slogan publicitário para um seguro de saúde.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Como pedirias a alguém para não ignorar os detalhes?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Usa o verbo na 1ª pessoa do plural do presente.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Escreve uma frase sobre segurança digital.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Cria um título de notícia sobre manutenção de estradas.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronuncia 'descurar' com a tónica correta.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Diz: 'Eu não descuro a minha saúde'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Explica oralmente o que é um 'jardim descurado'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Dá um conselho a um colega usando 'Não descures'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Como dirias 'He neglected the details' em português?

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Lê em voz alta: 'A manutenção foi descurada'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Usa 'descurar' numa frase sobre o ambiente.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Como soa o 's' em Portugal nesta palavra?

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Cria uma frase oral com 'descuramento'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Debate: 'O governo descura a cultura?'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Diz 'descurado' no feminino plural.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Usa o verbo no pretérito perfeito, 1ª pessoa plural.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Como dirias 'Don't neglect your friends'?

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Explica o significado de 'descurar o essencial'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Faz uma frase com 'descurar-se de'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Qual é a diferença de som entre o Brasil e Portugal?

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Diz: 'É um erro descurar a formação'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Usa 'descurar' para falar de desporto.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Como dirias 'neglected state'?

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Faz uma pergunta usando 'descuraste'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Ouve e escreve: 'Não descures a tua saúde'.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Ouve e identifica o verbo: 'Ele descuroo o jardim'.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Identifica o adjetivo: 'A casa está descurada'.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

O que a pessoa não deve fazer? 'Não descures os estudos'.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Ouve a frase: 'Foi um descuramento total'. O que foi total?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Ouve o áudio e diz se é formal ou informal.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Ouve e completa: 'A empresa ___ a qualidade'.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Ouve: 'Descuraste o aviso'. O que foi ignorado?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Identifica o tempo verbal em: 'Descuraremos o perigo'.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Ouve e escreve o plural: 'Trabalhos descurados'.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

O que significa 'sem descurar' no áudio?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Ouve: 'A aparência dele é descurada'. Como ele é?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Ouve e identifica a preposição: 'Descurou dos amigos'.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Ouve: 'Jamais descures'. É uma ordem ou conselho?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Qual é a última palavra? 'Tudo foi descurado'.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Escreve o que acontece se descurares o teu carro.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

هل كان هذا مفيداً؟
لا توجد تعليقات بعد. كن أول من يشارك أفكاره!