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A2 verb 7 دقيقة للقراءة

maltratar

Core Meaning
To mistreat, to abuse; to treat someone badly or cruelly. This verb implies causing harm, suffering, or distress to another being, often through actions or neglect. It's a strong word that conveys a negative and harmful interaction.
Contexts of Use
The word 'maltratar' is frequently used in discussions about animal welfare, child protection, domestic violence, and any situation where vulnerable individuals or creatures are subjected to harsh or abusive treatment. It can also describe a more general, though still negative, way of treating someone, such as being rude, disrespectful, or unkind.
Nuances
While 'maltratar' can encompass severe forms of abuse, it can also refer to less extreme but still negative behaviors. The severity is often understood from the context. For instance, 'maltratar um animal' might imply neglect or physical harm, whereas 'maltratar um colega de trabalho' could mean consistently undermining them or speaking to them disrespectfully. It's important to note that 'maltratar' is not typically used for inanimate objects unless metaphorically.
Connotation
The word carries a strong negative connotation, evoking feelings of disapproval, sympathy for the victim, and condemnation of the perpetrator. It is a word used to highlight injustice and suffering.

É inaceitável maltratar os animais.

It is unacceptable to mistreat animals.

Não se deve maltratar ninguém.

One should not mistreat anyone.

A criança foi vítima de quem a deveria proteger; foi maltratada.

The child was a victim of those who should have protected her; she was mistreated.

Ele tem o hábito de maltratar os seus empregados com palavras duras.

He has a habit of mistreating his employees with harsh words.

A forma como ela foi tratada na reunião foi um claro exemplo de como maltratar alguém em público.

The way she was treated in the meeting was a clear example of how to mistreat someone in public.
Verb Conjugation
'Maltratar' is a regular -ar verb. Its conjugations follow the standard pattern. For example, in the present tense: 'eu maltrato', 'tu maltratas', 'ele/ela/você maltrata', 'nós maltratamos', 'vós maltratais', 'eles/elas/vocês maltratam'. In the past tense (preterite): 'eu maltratei', 'tu maltrataste', 'ele/ela/você maltratou', etc.
Subject-Verb Agreement
Ensure the verb agrees with its subject in number and person. If the subject is plural ('os vizinhos'), the verb must also be plural ('maltratam'). If the subject is singular ('o cão'), the verb is singular ('maltrata').
Direct Object
'Maltratar' always takes a direct object. You mistreat someone or something. Examples: 'maltratar um animal', 'maltratar um colega', 'maltratar um filho'. Pronouns can also function as direct objects: 'maltratá-lo' (to mistreat him/it), 'maltratá-la' (to mistreat her/it).
Common Sentence Structures
1. Subject + maltratar + direct object: 'O homem maltratou o seu cavalo.' (The man mistreated his horse.)
2. Subject + ser + maltratado + por + agent: 'O cão foi maltratado por seus donos.' (The dog was mistreated by its owners.)
3. Infinitive as object of another verb: 'É errado maltratar os outros.' (It is wrong to mistreat others.)
4. Gerund construction: 'Eles foram acusados de maltratar os funcionários.' (They were accused of mistreating the employees.)
Using with Adverbs
Adverbs can modify the intensity or manner of mistreatment. Examples: 'maltratar severamente' (to severely mistreat), 'maltratar constantemente' (to constantly mistreat), 'maltratar verbalmente' (to verbally mistreat).

A lei proíbe maltratar qualquer ser vivo.

The law prohibits mistreating any living being.

Ninguém merece ser maltratado desta forma.

Nobody deserves to be mistreated in this way.

O treinador foi demitido por maltratar os jogadores.

The coach was fired for mistreating the players.

Ela confessou que costumava maltratar o seu gato quando estava zangada.

She confessed that she used to mistreat her cat when she was angry.

As crianças que maltratam animais podem ter problemas de comportamento.

Children who mistreat animals may have behavioral problems.
News and Current Events
You will frequently encounter 'maltratar' in news reports discussing cases of abuse, neglect, or cruelty, particularly concerning children, the elderly, or animals. Headlines might read: 'Polícia investiga caso de idoso maltratado em lar' (Police investigate case of elderly person mistreated in care home) or 'Denúncias de maltratar de animais em abatedouro' (Reports of mistreating animals in slaughterhouse).
Legal and Social Services
In legal contexts, social work, and psychological discussions, 'maltratar' is a key term. It's used in official documents, court testimonies, and therapeutic sessions to describe harmful actions or patterns of behavior. For example, a social worker might report that 'a criança relatou que o padrasto a maltratava fisicamente' (the child reported that the stepfather physically mistreated her).
Animal Welfare Campaigns
Animal rights organizations and shelters extensively use 'maltratar' in their campaigns to raise awareness and solicit donations. Public service announcements might feature slogans like 'Não maltrate os animais, adote um amigo!' (Don't mistreat animals, adopt a friend!).
Discussions about Relationships
In everyday conversations about relationships, whether romantic, familial, or professional, 'maltratar' can be used to describe consistently bad treatment. Someone might say, 'Sinto que o meu chefe me maltrata com tarefas impossíveis' (I feel my boss mistreats me with impossible tasks).
Education and Parenting
In educational settings or discussions about parenting, educators and parents might warn against or discuss the consequences of mistreating others. A teacher might tell a student, 'Não podes maltratar os teus colegas mais novos' (You cannot mistreat your younger classmates).

A organização de defesa dos animais apelou para que as pessoas não maltratem os seus bichos de estimação.

The animal welfare organization appealed for people not to mistreat their pets.

No tribunal, a vítima descreveu como o agressor a maltratava psicologicamente.

In court, the victim described how the aggressor psychologically mistreated her.

É comum ouvir nas notícias casos de pais que maltratam os seus filhos.

It is common to hear in the news about parents who mistreat their children.
Confusing with 'Maltrato' (Noun)
A common error is using the noun 'maltrato' (mistreatment, abuse) when a verb is needed, or vice versa. 'Maltratar' is the action of mistreating. For example, one should say 'Ele foi acusado de maltratar o animal' (He was accused of mistreating the animal), not 'Ele foi acusado de maltrato o animal'. 'Maltrato' is the result or the act itself: 'O maltrato animal é crime' (Animal mistreatment is a crime).
Incorrect Verb Conjugation
As with any verb, learners might struggle with the correct conjugation, especially in less common tenses or moods. For instance, confusing the preterite ('maltratou') with the imperfect ('maltratava') can change the meaning significantly. 'Ele maltratou o cão' implies a single, completed action, while 'Ele maltratava o cão' suggests a habitual or ongoing action in the past.
Missing the Direct Object
'Maltratar' is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. Saying 'Ele maltrata' without specifying who or what is being mistreated is grammatically incomplete and can sound awkward. It's essential to always include the object: 'Ele maltrata os seus empregados' (He mistreats his employees).
Overuse or Underuse
Some learners might overuse 'maltratar' for any slight negative interaction, diluting its strong meaning. Conversely, others might avoid it, opting for weaker phrases like 'tratar mal' even when the situation warrants the stronger term 'maltratar'. It's important to gauge the severity of the action. For mild rudeness, 'tratar mal' or 'ser desagradável' might be more appropriate.
Confusion with Similar Verbs
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