lisonjear في 30 ثانية
- A verb meaning to flatter or praise, often used in formal social contexts.
- Can be sincere (feeling honored) or insincere (manipulative praise for personal gain).
- Commonly used as an adjective 'lisonjeado' to mean 'flattered' or 'honored'.
- Follows regular -ar verb conjugation and belongs to a formal/literary register.
The Portuguese verb lisonjear is a sophisticated term that primarily means to flatter or to praise someone excessively, often with an underlying motive of self-interest or manipulation. However, unlike some of its harsher synonyms, it carries a dual nature that can range from deceitful sycophancy to a polite expression of being honored. Understanding this word requires a keen eye for social context and intent. In its most literal sense, it is the act of telling someone what they want to hear to gain favor. In a more refined social setting, it is used reflexively—sentir-se lisonjeado—to express that one feels deeply complimented or distinguished by an invitation, an award, or a kind word.
- Social Manipulation
- When used to describe someone else's behavior, it often implies that the praise is insincere. It suggests a strategic move to soften someone's defenses or to climb a social or professional ladder.
Ele tentou lisonjear o chefe para conseguir uma promoção rápida, mas todos perceberam a falsidade.
- The Passive Honor
- In its passive or reflexive form, the word shifts from 'manipulative' to 'grateful'. If someone says 'Fico lisonjeado', they are saying they feel honored or complimented by your gesture.
Fico muito lisonjeado com o seu convite para ser o padrinho do casamento.
The word originates from the Old French 'losengier', and it has maintained its status as a 'higher-register' word in Portuguese. You won't hear it every day in a casual bar conversation, but you will certainly encounter it in literature, formal speeches, and professional environments where etiquette is paramount. It is a word of shadows and light—it can describe the dark art of the sycophant or the bright glow of a person receiving a well-deserved tribute. When you use it, you signal a high level of linguistic competence because you are navigating the subtle boundary between genuine appreciation and tactical praise.
- The Aesthetic Context
- It can also be used to describe how something makes a person look. A dress or a specific light can 'lisonjear' someone's appearance, making them look better than they usually do.
Esta iluminação suave costuma lisonjear qualquer rosto.
To master 'lisonjear' is to master the art of Portuguese social nuance. It is not just about the words said, but the intention behind them. Whether you are warning a friend about a 'lisonjeador' (a flatterer) or expressing your own 'lisonja' (flattery/honor), you are engaging with a word that has shaped courtly and professional life for centuries. It remains one of the most effective verbs for describing the complex dance of human ego and social advancement.
Using lisonjear correctly involves understanding its various grammatical structures. As a regular '-ar' verb, its conjugation follows the standard pattern, making it relatively easy to use once you grasp the context. It can be used as a transitive verb (to flatter someone), a reflexive verb (to flatter oneself), or in a passive sense (to be flattered). Each of these forms serves a distinct communicative purpose in Portuguese.
- Direct Object Usage
- When you flatter someone directly, the person being flattered is the direct object. This is often used to describe an action with intent.
Não tente me lisonjear; eu sei que meu trabalho ainda precisa melhorar.
- Reflexive Form (Lisonjear-se)
- This form is used when someone takes pride in something or feels honored by a situation. It is often followed by the preposition 'de' or 'por'.
Ela lisonjeia-se de ser a melhor aluna da turma.
One of the most common ways you will use this word is in the past participle form, lisonjeado, acting as an adjective. This is the standard way to say 'I am flattered'. It agrees in gender and number with the subject: lisonjeado (masculine singular), lisonjeada (feminine singular), lisonjeados (masculine plural), and lisonjeadas (feminine plural).
- Passive/Adjectival Use
- Used with the verb 'estar' or 'ficar' to describe a temporary state of feeling honored.
Ficamos muito lisonjeados com as suas palavras gentis durante a cerimônia.
In literary contexts, you might see the noun 'lisonja'. Using 'lisonjear' effectively means knowing when to stop. Overusing it can make you sound like you are trying too hard to be formal. It is best reserved for situations where a standard 'elogiar' (to praise) doesn't capture the weight of the compliment or the possible ulterior motive involved. It is a tool for precision in the social landscape of the Lusophone world.
While lisonjear might not be the word you use to order a coffee, it is ubiquitous in specific domains of Portuguese-speaking life. If you are watching a Brazilian soap opera (novela) or a Portuguese period drama, 'lisonjear' is the go-to verb for characters plotting to gain influence or for romantic interests expressing deep admiration. It is a word of the parlor, the boardroom, and the red carpet.
- In the Media and Arts
- Interviews with celebrities often feature this word. When an actor is asked how they feel about a nomination, they will almost certainly say, 'Estou muito lisonjeado'. It is the standard 'humble-brag' vocabulary of the public eye.
O autor disse que se sente lisonjeado por ver seu livro adaptado para o cinema.
- In Corporate Environments
- In formal emails or meetings, 'lisonjear' acts as a lubricant for professional relations. It allows for a level of respect that 'elogiar' might lack. However, it is also used in the breakroom to gossip about someone who is trying too hard to please the manager.
Cuidado com ele, ele adora lisonjear quem está no poder.
In politics, 'lisonjear' is frequently used by commentators to describe how one politician might be courting another's support. It describes a 'courtship' that is based more on vanity and ego than on policy. If you listen to a political podcast in Portuguese, listen for the noun 'lisonja' when they discuss how a candidate is trying to win over a specific demographic.
- In Fashion and Design
- Magazines use the adjective 'lisonjeiro' to describe clothes that make the wearer look good. 'Um corte lisonjeiro' is a flattering cut.
A revista recomendou cores que costumam lisonjear o tom de pele moreno.
Ultimately, 'lisonjear' is a word that lives in the space between the heart and the head. It is used when we want to acknowledge the impact of a compliment, whether we are giving it, receiving it, or observing it with a skeptical eye. In the Lusophone world, where social graces are highly valued, this word is an essential piece of the cultural puzzle.
Learning lisonjear comes with a few traps for English speakers. The most common mistake is not about the grammar, but the intensity and register. Because 'flatter' is a common word in English, students often use 'lisonjear' in situations where it feels too heavy or formal for the Portuguese context.
- Mistake 1: Confusing it with 'Elogiar'
- 'Elogiar' is a neutral, positive word for 'to praise'. If you tell a friend 'I like your shoes', you are 'elogiando'. If you use 'lisonjear' for a simple compliment, it sounds like you think your friend is trying to manipulate you or that the compliment is incredibly significant.
Errado: Você me lisonjeou quando disse que o café estava bom.
- Mistake 2: Gender Agreement in 'Lisonjeado'
- Since 'lisonjeado' is often used as an adjective, English speakers often forget to change the ending for women. A woman must always say 'Estou lisonjeada'.
Errado (mulher falando): Eu fico muito lisonjeado.
Another subtle mistake is the pronunciation of the 'j'. In Portuguese, the 'j' is like the 's' in 'pleasure' or 'vision'. Some English speakers mistakenly pronounce it like the 'j' in 'judge'. This can make the word unrecognizable to native speakers. Ensure you practice the soft, buzzing 'j' sound.
- Mistake 3: Overuse of the Reflexive
- While 'lisonjear-se' is correct, using it too much can make you sound arrogant, as if you are constantly patting yourself on the back. Use it sparingly for genuine moments of pride.
Contexto: Ele se lisonjeia de sua própria inteligência o tempo todo.
Finally, remember that 'lisonjear' often carries a 'hidden agenda' connotation. If you want to tell someone their work is great without any secondary meaning, stick to 'parabenizar' or 'elogiar'. Use 'lisonjear' when the praise is so high it feels like a grand gesture or when you suspect the person is 'laying it on thick'.
Portuguese is rich with words for praise and flattery, each with its own flavor. Choosing the right one depends on whether you want to be polite, critical, or casual. Lisonjear sits in the middle-to-high register, but there are several alternatives you should know.
- Bajular
- This is much more negative than 'lisonjear'. It means 'to fawn over' or 'to bootlick'. It always implies insincerity and a lack of dignity on the part of the flatterer.
Parem de bajular o diretor; ele não vai mudar de ideia.
- Elogiar
- The most common and safe word for 'to praise'. It is almost always positive and sincere. Use this for everyday compliments.
O professor elogiou o esforço dos alunos no projeto.
Other interesting alternatives include adular, which is similar to bajular but often implies a more persistent, annoying type of flattery. There is also incensar, a literary term meaning 'to burn incense for', used metaphorically to mean praising someone as if they were a god.
- Puxar o saco (Slang)
- This is the most common informal way to say 'to suck up'. It is very common in Brazil. A 'puxa-saco' is a 'yes-man' or a 'brown-noser'.
Ninguém gosta daquele cara porque ele vive puxando o saco do gerente.
When deciding which word to use, ask yourself: Is the praise honest? Is the situation formal? If you want to express that you are honored in a formal way, 'lisonjear' is your best friend. If you want to call out a coworker for being fake, 'bajular' or 'puxar o saco' are more appropriate. This spectrum of words allows you to express exactly how much you trust the praise being given.
أمثلة حسب المستوى
Ele gosta de lisonjear a professora.
He likes to flatter the teacher.
Present tense, 3rd person singular.
Eu fico lisonjeado com o presente.
I am flattered by the gift.
Passive use with 'fico'.
Ela não quer me lisonjear.
She doesn't want to flatter me.
Infinitive after 'quer'.
Você me lisonjeia muito.
You flatter me a lot.
Direct object 'me'.
É bom lisonjear os amigos?
Is it good to flatter friends?
Infinitive as subject.
O menino lisonjeia a mãe.
The boy flatters the mother.
Simple present.
Estamos lisonjeados aqui.
We are flattered here.
Plural adjective agreement.
Não lisonjeie o seu irmão.
Don't flatter your brother.
Imperative negative.
Ela se sente lisonjeada com o convite.
She feels flattered by the invitation.
Reflexive 'se sente'.
O diretor lisonjeou os funcionários ontem.
The director flattered the employees yesterday.
Preterite tense.
Eles lisonjeiam o rei para ganhar ouro.
They flatter the king to win gold.
Present tense, plural.
Eu sempre lisonjeio quem eu amo.
I always flatter those I love.
First person singular.
Você está tentando me lisonjear?
Are you trying to flatter me?
Present continuous construction.
Nós ficamos lisonjeados com a visita.
We were flattered by the visit.
Preterite of 'ficar'.
Ela lisonjeou o marido com palavras doces.
She flattered her husband with sweet words.
Preterite with instrumental 'com'.
Não é necessário lisonjear ninguém.
It is not necessary to flatter anyone.
Impersonal construction.
O vendedor tentou lisonjear a cliente para fechar a venda.
The salesman tried to flatter the customer to close the sale.
Compound verb 'tentou lisonjear'.
Fico lisonjeado que você tenha lembrado do meu aniversário.
I'm flattered that you remembered my birthday.
Subjunctive 'tenha lembrado' after 'lisonjeado que'.
É comum lisonjear os superiores em grandes empresas.
It's common to flatter superiors in large companies.
Impersonal infinitive.
Ela lisonjeia-se de sua habilidade na cozinha.
She prides herself on her skill in the kitchen.
Reflexive with preposition 'de'.
O elogio foi tão exagerado que pareceu apenas lisonjear.
The praise was so exaggerated that it seemed only to flatter.
Consecutive clause 'tão... que'.
Não se deixe lisonjear por falsas promessas.
Don't let yourself be flattered by false promises.
Reflexive imperative 'deixe-se'.
O espelho costuma lisonjear quem tem boa autoestima.
The mirror usually flatters those who have good self-esteem.
Metaphorical use.
Se você me lisonjear, eu posso pensar no seu caso.
If you flatter me, I might think about your case.
Future subjunctive 'lisonjear'.
A crítica lisonjeou o novo filme do diretor estreante.
The review flattered the new film by the debut director.
Subject is an abstract noun 'a crítica'.
Sinto-me lisonjeado por fazer parte deste projeto inovador.
I feel flattered to be part of this innovative project.
Reflexive 'sinto-me' + 'por' + infinitive.
O político lisonjeava a multidão com promessas vazias.
The politician was flattering the crowd with empty promises.
Imperfect tense for ongoing action.
Ela percebeu que ele só queria lisonjeá-la para conseguir o favor.
She realized he only wanted to flatter her to get the favor.
Enclitic pronoun 'lisonjeá-la'.
O vestido lisonjeava a sua silhueta de forma elegante.
The dress flattered her silhouette in an elegant way.
Use for aesthetic appearance.
Não lisonjeie o ego dele, ele já é muito convencido.
Don't flatter his ego; he's already very conceited.
Negative imperative.
Eles se lisonjeiam mutuamente para manter a harmonia no grupo.
They flatter each other mutually to maintain harmony in the group.
Reciprocal reflexive.
A lisonja constante pode obscurecer a verdade.
Constant flattery can obscure the truth.
Noun form 'lisonja'.
O diplomata soube lisonjear os representantes estrangeiros com maestria.
The diplomat knew how to flatter the foreign representatives with mastery.
Infinitive after 'soube'.
A obra lisonjeia a inteligência do leitor ao não explicar tudo.
The work flatters the reader's intelligence by not explaining everything.
Abstract subject 'a obra'.
Ficaria lisonjeado se aceitasse o meu convite para a conferência.
I would be flattered if you accepted my invitation to the conference.
Conditional 'ficaria' with imperfect subjunctive 'aceitasse'.
É perigoso lisonjear um tirano, pois a lisonja pode se tornar sua única verdade.
It is dangerous to flatter a tyrant, as flattery can become his only truth.
Complex sentence with 'pois'.
O autor lisonjeia-se de nunca ter cedido às pressões do mercado.
The author prides himself on never having yielded to market pressures.
Reflexive with compound infinitive 'ter cedido'.
A luz do entardecer lisonjeava as colinas, dando-lhes um tom dourado.
The evening light flattered the hills, giving them a golden hue.
Literary/poetic use.
Não me lisonjeia saber que fui escolhido apenas por falta de opção.
It doesn't flatter me to know I was chosen only for lack of an option.
Negative subject 'não me lisonjeia'.
A retórica dele visava lisonjear os instintos mais básicos do eleitorado.
His rhetoric aimed to flatter the electorate's most basic instincts.
Verb 'visar' + infinitive.
A corte vivia em uma redoma de lisonja, alheia à realidade do povo.
The court lived in a dome of flattery, oblivious to the people's reality.
Noun 'lisonja' in a metaphorical phrase.
Lisonjear a vaidade alheia é uma ferramenta milenar de ascensão social.
Flattering others' vanity is a millennial tool for social climbing.
Gerund-like infinitive as subject.
O filósofo alertava que lisonjear a si mesmo é o primeiro passo para a ruína.
The philosopher warned that flattering oneself is the first step to ruin.
Reflexive with 'a si mesmo' for emphasis.
A lisonjaria excessiva acabou por desgastar a relação entre os sócios.
Excessive flattery ended up wearing down the relationship between the partners.
Noun 'lisonjaria' (rare/formal).
Ele lisonjeava os clássicos em seus textos, imitando-lhes o estilo.
He flattered the classics in his texts, imitating their style.
Metaphorical use for artistic homage.
Sinto-me deveras lisonjeado com a vossa magnânima recepção.
I feel truly flattered by your magnanimous reception.
Archaic/Very formal 'deveras' and 'vossa'.
A pintura lisonjeia a modelo, ocultando as marcas do tempo.
The painting flatters the model, hiding the marks of time.
Artistic context.
Não se lisonjeie com vitórias fáceis; o verdadeiro desafio ainda virá.
Don't flatter yourself with easy victories; the true challenge is yet to come.
Negative imperative reflexive.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
— A playful or serious way to tell someone to stop complimenting you.
Pare com isso, não me lisonjeie!
— Standard formal reply to an invitation.
Muito lisonjeada com o convite para a palestra.
— Used to move past compliments to get to the real point.
Lisonjas à parte, precisamos falar de negócios.
— To live off the praise of others or to be addicted to flattery.
O artista vivia de lisonjas da corte.
— To be fooled by someone's flattery.
Ela caiu em lisonjas e acabou perdendo dinheiro.
— To flatter because you want something specific.
Ele só a lisonjeia por interesse financeiro.
— A low-quality or obvious attempt at flattery.
Isso foi apenas uma lisonja barata.
— To feel extremely honored.
Sinto-me altamente lisonjeado com esta medalha.
— To make someone look better than they are.
A maquiagem lisonjeia a aparência dela.
— When two people compliment each other excessively.
Eles passaram a noite trocando lisonjas.
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
— Literally 'to lick the feet'; an extreme and degrading way to flatter someone.
Ele lambe os pés do patrão para não ser demitido.
informal— While not directly 'flatter', it means to act in your own interest, often using flattery to do so.
Ele lisonjeia o diretor apenas para puxar a brasa para a sua sardinha.
informalSummary
Lisonjear is a versatile Portuguese verb that bridges the gap between polite gratitude and strategic flattery. While 'elogiar' is for everyday praise, 'lisonjear' is for significant honors or calculated sycophancy. Example: 'Fico lisonjeado com o prêmio' (I am honored by the award).
- A verb meaning to flatter or praise, often used in formal social contexts.
- Can be sincere (feeling honored) or insincere (manipulative praise for personal gain).
- Commonly used as an adjective 'lisonjeado' to mean 'flattered' or 'honored'.
- Follows regular -ar verb conjugation and belongs to a formal/literary register.
محتوى ذو صلة
مزيد من كلمات emotions
a sério?
A2seriously?, an expression of surprise, disbelief, or to check earnestness
abalado
A2مهزوز أو مضطرب عاطفياً. كان مهزوزاً جداً بعد الحادث.
abalar
A2هزّ أو أزعج بشدة. لقد هز الخبر أركان المجتمع.
abalo
A2Shock, emotional disturbance; a sudden, disturbing, or upsetting emotional experience.
abandonado
B1Left by the owner or inhabitants; deserted.
abatidamente
B1بطريقة مكتئبة أو محبطة. يعبر عن القيام بشيء ما مع شعور عميق بالهزيمة أو التعب النفسي والجسدي.
abatido
A2يبدو محبطاً جداً اليوم بعد سماع الخبر.
abatimento
A2Dejection; a sad and depressed state; low spirits.
abertamente
A2علانية؛ بطريقة غير مخفية.
abismado
B1Filled with astonishment or wonder.
