At the A1 level, you should learn rebocar primarily in its literal sense related to construction. It is a verb that describes a very common action: putting a smooth layer on a wall. You can think of it as 'fixing the wall' or 'making the wall ready for paint.' Since A1 learners focus on basic needs and daily life, you might use this word if you are describing your house or talking about a simple job. For example, 'O homem reboca a parede' (The man plasters the wall). It is a regular verb, so it follows the same pattern as 'falar' or 'estudar'. At this stage, focus on the present tense: 'Eu reboco', 'Você reboca'. Don't worry about the slang or the towing meanings yet. Just remember it involves cement, sand, and a wall. It is a useful word to know if you are living in a place where houses are being built or renovated, as you will see people doing this work every day. Think of it as a 'building block' word for your vocabulary. Even if you don't use it often, being able to recognize it in a simple sentence about a house will help you understand your surroundings better. Practice by pointing at a smooth wall and saying 'Esta parede está rebocada' (This wall is plastered). This helps connect the physical world to the new Portuguese word in your mind.
At the A2 level, you can begin to use rebocar in more complex sentences involving plans and obligations. You might use auxiliary verbs like 'precisar' (to need) or 'ter que' (to have to). For instance, 'Nós precisamos rebocar a cozinha antes de mudar' (We need to plaster the kitchen before moving). You should also learn the noun 'o reboco' (the plaster). At this level, you can also be introduced to the Brazilian meaning of 'to tow,' as it is very common in urban environments. If you are learning Brazilian Portuguese, knowing 'O carro foi rebocado' (The car was towed) is essential for survival in big cities. You will also start to notice the word in the past tense (Preterite). Remember the spelling change: 'Eu reboquei' (I plastered/I towed). This is a great way to practice the '-car' verb rule. You are moving beyond simple descriptions to being able to talk about events that happened or tasks that need to be finished. You might also hear it in the context of DIY (Do It Yourself) projects, which is a popular topic for A2 reading and listening practice. Try to use it when describing a sequence of events: 'Primeiro, ele comprou o cimento. Depois, ele rebocou a parede.' This shows you can link actions together logically.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with the technical and metaphorical uses of rebocar. You can explain the process in more detail using specific vocabulary like 'argamassa' (mortar), 'cimento' (cement), and 'acabamento' (finish). You should also be aware of the slang usage regarding makeup, as B1 is the level where you start to understand more informal, colloquial language. You might hear a friend say, 'Nossa, ela se rebocou toda!' and you should understand they are talking about heavy makeup, not construction. You can also use the word in the conditional or imperfect subjunctive to talk about hypothetical situations: 'Se eu tivesse dinheiro, eu mandaria rebocar toda a casa' (If I had money, I would have the whole house plastered). This shows a higher level of grammatical control. Additionally, you can start to distinguish between 'rebocar' and 'emassar' or 'estucar', showing you understand the nuances of construction work. You might also encounter the word in news reports about urban maintenance or traffic violations. At B1, you are expected to handle everyday situations, and being able to discuss home repairs or car troubles using the correct terminology is a key part of that. Practice by writing a short paragraph about a home renovation you would like to do, using rebocar correctly in context.
At the B2 level, you are expected to use rebocar with precision and understand its role in different regional dialects. You should know that in Portugal, 'estucar' is often preferred for interior work, while in Brazil, rebocar is used for both interior and exterior masonry. You should also be very familiar with the Brazilian usage of 'rebocar' for towing and how it relates to the noun 'reboque' (tow truck/trailer). At B2, you can use the word in more formal contexts, such as describing architectural styles or construction standards. For example, 'A técnica de rebocar com cal e areia é tradicional nesta região.' You should also be able to understand and use the word in idiomatic expressions or as part of a more complex narrative. The spelling change in the preterite ('reboquei') and the present subjunctive ('que eu reboque') should be second nature to you now. You can also engage in debates about urban planning or traffic laws where 'rebocar' (towing) might come up as a controversial topic. Your vocabulary should be rich enough to use synonyms like 'revestir' or 'remover' when appropriate to vary your speech and writing. Try to explain the difference between 'rebocar' and 'guinchar' to a fellow student to test your mastery of these nuances.
At the C1 level, your understanding of rebocar should include its historical and etymological roots, as well as its most subtle metaphorical applications. You can use the word in literary or academic contexts to describe the 'layering' or 'covering up' of something. For instance, a C1 speaker might use the concept of rebocar to describe a politician 'plastering over' a scandal with empty promises. You should have a deep appreciation for how this humble construction term has permeated the social fabric of Lusophone countries. You can analyze the cultural significance of an 'un-plastered' house (casa no tijolo) in Brazilian sociology, where it often serves as a symbol of economic struggle or the 'periferia' (outskirts). Your use of the word should be effortless across all registers, from the most technical manual to the most informal street slang. You should also be able to identify the word in older texts or regional literature where its usage might be slightly different. At this level, you are not just learning a word; you are learning the cultural weight it carries. You might even explore the use of the word in Portuguese or Brazilian music and poetry, where it can represent building a future or hiding a past. Challenge yourself by writing a metaphorical essay or story where the act of rebocar is a central theme.
At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over rebocar. You can use it with the same level of nuance as a native speaker who is also an expert in the field. You understand the chemical properties of different types of 'reboco' and can discuss the evolution of plastering techniques from the colonial period to the present day. You can use the word in high-level professional settings, such as in engineering or architectural firms, without any hesitation. Furthermore, you can play with the word's multiple meanings in sophisticated wordplay or puns. You understand the subtle sociolinguistic cues that determine when to use 'rebocar' versus 'guinchar' or 'remover' in different Lusophone cities. Your comprehension of the word in fast-paced, slang-heavy films or podcasts is perfect. You can also critique the use of the word in literature, noting how authors use it to ground their stories in a specific social reality. At C2, rebocar is a versatile tool in your linguistic arsenal, allowing you to express complex ideas about construction, movement, and social appearance with absolute precision and cultural authenticity. You might even find yourself correcting native speakers on the technical distinctions between different types of wall coatings!

rebocar في 30 ثانية

  • Rebocar primarily means to plaster a wall or ceiling in construction contexts.
  • In Brazil, it is frequently used to mean towing a broken or illegally parked car.
  • It is used as slang for applying a very thick, heavy layer of makeup.
  • The word is a regular -ar verb, but the first person preterite is 'reboquei'.

The Portuguese verb rebocar is a fundamental term in the world of construction, DIY home improvement, and even urban slang. At its most literal level, it refers to the act of applying a layer of mortar—typically a mixture of sand, cement, lime, and water—to a wall or ceiling to create a smooth, protective, and aesthetic surface. This process is essential because it prepares the rough masonry (bricks or blocks) for the final stages of decoration, such as painting or applying wallpaper. In the context of a construction site, you will hear the master builder (mestre de obras) or the bricklayer (pedreiro) discussing the need to rebocar certain areas before the rainy season begins or before the electrical installations are finalized. The term implies a level of craftsmanship and structural integrity; a poorly done job of rebocar can lead to cracks, humidity issues, and an uneven finish that ruins the visual appeal of a home.

Construction Context
To apply the final layer of cement and sand to a wall to make it smooth and ready for paint.
Automotive Context (Brazilian Slang)
To tow a vehicle that has broken down or is parked illegally.
Beauty Slang
To apply a very thick layer of makeup to the face, often used humorously or critically.

Beyond the physical act of masonry, rebocar has taken on vibrant metaphorical meanings in various Lusophone cultures. In Brazil, for instance, if your car breaks down on the highway, you might call a 'guincho' (tow truck) to rebocar your vehicle to the nearest mechanic. This usage stems from the idea of pulling or hauling something heavy. Furthermore, in the realm of fashion and beauty, young people often use the word to describe someone who has applied an excessive amount of foundation or concealer, jokingly saying they are 'rebocando a cara' (plastering their face). This versatility makes the word a fascinating study in how technical vocabulary migrates into daily life. Whether you are building a villa in the Algarve or navigating a busy street in São Paulo, understanding the nuances of rebocar is vital for clear communication.

O pedreiro vai rebocar a parede da sala amanhã de manhã para podermos pintar na próxima semana.

When you use this word, you are often talking about preparation and finishing. In construction, the 'reboco' (the noun form, meaning the plaster itself) acts as a skin for the building. It protects the structural elements from the elements—sun, wind, and rain. Therefore, when someone says they need to rebocar, they are often expressing a desire for protection and completion. It is a word that conveys hard work, manual labor, and the satisfaction of seeing a project come to life. In more formal architectural discussions, you might encounter synonyms like 'revestir' or 'emassar', but rebocar remains the most common and accessible term for the general public.

Não se esqueça de rebocar o teto antes de instalar as lâmpadas novas.

In summary, rebocar is a multifaceted verb that bridges the gap between technical masonry and everyday colloquialisms. It describes a process of transformation—taking something rough and making it smooth, taking something broken and moving it, or taking a surface and covering it. It is an active, energetic verb that requires a subject capable of physical effort or the application of layers. As you progress in your Portuguese journey, you will find that such words, rooted in common trades, offer some of the richest insights into the local culture and way of life.

Synonym: Revestir
A more formal term for coating a surface, used in technical manuals.

Using the verb rebocar correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature; you almost always rebocar something. In the construction context, the direct object is typically a wall (parede), a ceiling (teto), or a facade (fachada). The grammar is straightforward: it is a regular '-ar' verb, following the standard conjugation patterns of the first conjugation in Portuguese. For example, in the present tense, you would say 'Eu reboco', 'Tu rebocas', 'Ele reboca'. Because it is a technical action, it is frequently used in the infinitive form following auxiliary verbs like 'precisar' (to need), 'querer' (to want), or 'ir' (to go/future marker).

Eles precisam rebocar toda a parte externa da casa para evitar infiltrações.

When discussing the process, you might use adverbs to describe the quality of the work. You can rebocar bem (plaster well) or rebocar grosseiramente (plaster roughly). If you are giving instructions to a worker, you might use the imperative: 'Reboque esta parede primeiro!' (Plaster this wall first!). It is also common to see the verb in the passive voice when focusing on the state of the building: 'A parede foi rebocada ontem' (The wall was plastered yesterday). This emphasizes the completion of the task rather than the person who performed it.

Example: Future Tense
Nós rebocaremos os muros no próximo verão quando o clima estiver seco.
Example: Compound Tense
O mestre de obras tem rebocado as salas uma por uma com muita precisão.

In the Brazilian context of towing a car, the usage remains transitive. 'O caminhão vai rebocar o carro quebrado' (The truck is going to tow the broken car). Here, the focus shifts from masonry to logistics and mechanics. It is important to note that while 'rebocar' is used for towing, the noun for the tow truck itself is 'guincho' or 'reboque'. This can be a point of confusion for learners: 'O reboque rebocou o carro' (The trailer/tow truck towed the car). This repetition is common and grammatically sound in colloquial Brazilian Portuguese.

Se você estacionar em local proibido, a polícia vai rebocar seu veículo.

Finally, let us consider the slang usage regarding makeup. This is almost always used in an informal, often derogatory or humorous way. 'Ela passou horas se rebocando' (She spent hours plastering herself/applying makeup). In this case, the verb is used reflexively ('se rebocar'), indicating the action is performed on oneself. It suggests a lack of subtlety, as if the person is using a trowel instead of a makeup brush. Understanding these different syntactic structures—transitive for walls and cars, and reflexive for makeup—will help you sound much more like a native speaker.

Reflexive Slang
Pare de se rebocar e vamos logo para a festa!

If you walk through any neighborhood in a growing Portuguese or Brazilian city, you are likely to hear the word rebocar. It is the soundtrack of development. You’ll hear it in conversations between contractors and homeowners. For instance, a homeowner might complain, 'O pedreiro sumiu e ainda falta rebocar o muro!' (The bricklayer disappeared and the wall still needs plastering!). This reflects a common cultural trope in many Lusophone countries regarding the sometimes unreliable nature of independent contractors and the long duration of home renovation projects.

Cuidado com o balde de massa, estamos começando a rebocar a fachada.

On the radio or in traffic reports in cities like Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, you will frequently hear rebocar in the context of traffic management. A reporter might say, 'Há um carro quebrado na Marginal Pinheiros e o guincho já está a caminho para rebocar o veículo.' (There is a broken car on the Marginal Pinheiros and the tow truck is on its way to tow the vehicle). In this setting, the word is associated with the daily frustrations of urban life, traffic jams, and the efficiency (or lack thereof) of public services. It is a word of action and movement, often signaling that a blockage is about to be cleared.

Hardware Stores (Lojas de Material de Construção)
'Qual é a melhor areia para rebocar?' (What is the best sand for plastering?)
News Reports
'A prefeitura começou a rebocar as escolas públicas da região.'

Social media and YouTube tutorials are another prime location for this word. Brazilian 'Faça Você Mesmo' (DIY) channels are incredibly popular, and you will find thousands of videos with titles like 'Como rebocar parede passo a passo para iniciantes' (How to plaster a wall step-by-step for beginners). In these videos, the word is used in a technical, instructional tone. Similarly, in the beauty community, makeup artists might use the word 'reboco' or the verb 'rebocar' to describe a 'full-coverage' look. A beauty vlogger might say, 'Hoje vamos fazer aquele reboco de qualidade para esconder todas as imperfeições!' (Today we are going to do that high-quality 'plastering' to hide all imperfections!). Here, the word has been reclaimed as a positive, albeit humorous, term for high-coverage makeup.

A vizinha passou a tarde se rebocando para o casamento.

Finally, you will encounter rebocar in legal or administrative contexts regarding urban cleaning and parking enforcement. Signage might warn: 'Sujeito a guincho/reboque' (Subject to towing). While the verb 'rebocar' might not be on the sign, the traffic warden (marronzinho in SP or guarda municipal) will definitely use the verb when calling in the violation. 'Tivemos que rebocar três carros estacionados na frente da garagem.' (We had to tow three cars parked in front of the garage). Thus, the word spans the spectrum from the creative act of building a home to the punitive act of enforcing traffic laws.

DIY YouTube
'Aprenda a rebocar sem fazer sujeira.'

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning rebocar is confusing it with other stages of the wall-finishing process. In English, 'to plaster' is a broad term, but in Portuguese, the process is subdivided. Many students use rebocar when they actually mean 'pintar' (to paint) or 'emassar' (to apply spackle/putty). It is crucial to remember that rebocar is the structural layer of sand and cement. If you are just filling small holes in a wall before painting, the correct verb is 'emassar' or 'tapar buracos'. Using rebocar for a small touch-up might lead a contractor to think you want to redo the entire wall surface!

Errado: Vou rebocar o buraquinho do prego. (I will plaster the small nail hole.)
Correto: Vou tapar o buraquinho do prego.

Another common pitfall is the conjugation of the first person singular in the past tense (Preterite). Because the verb ends in '-car', the 'c' must change to 'qu' before an 'e' to maintain the hard /k/ sound. Many learners mistakenly write 'rebocei', which would be pronounced like 're-bo-say'. The correct form is reboquei. This is a standard rule for all Portuguese verbs ending in '-car' (like ficar -> fiquei, tocar -> toquei), but it is a frequent source of errors in written assignments and text messages.

Spelling Error
Writing 'rebocei' instead of 'reboquei'.
Conceptual Error
Using 'rebocar' for towing in Portugal (where 'rebocar' is understood but 'remover' or 'levar com o reboque' is more common for police actions).

In Brazil, the dual meaning of 'to tow' and 'to plaster' can lead to some comical misunderstandings for beginners. If you tell a friend, 'O carro foi rebocado', and they don't know your car was broken, they might look at you confused, wondering why someone would apply cement to your vehicle. Always ensure the context is clear. Furthermore, when using the slang for makeup, be careful with the tone. Since it implies that the makeup is thick like cement, it can be seen as an insult if said to someone who is proud of their appearance. Use it only with close friends or when describing yourself in a self-deprecating manner.

Errado: Ela está rebocando a pintura da tela. (She is plastering the painting on the canvas.)
Correto: Ela está restaurando a pintura da tela.

Finally, watch out for the preposition use. You reboca uma parede COM argamassa (you plaster a wall WITH mortar). Some learners try to use 'de' or 'em', but 'com' is the standard way to indicate the material used. Also, remember that rebocar is an action of the exterior or the base layer; if you are talking about delicate indoor plasterwork (like cornices or decorative ceilings), the more specific term estucar (to stucco/plaster with gypsum) might be more appropriate. Distinguishing between 'reboco' (sand/cement) and 'gesso' (gypsum/plaster of Paris) is a mark of an advanced speaker.

Technical Distinction
Rebocar = Sand/Cement/Lime. Estucar = Gypsum/Decorative plaster.

To truly master the vocabulary surrounding rebocar, you must understand its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. The most common technical alternative is revestir. While rebocar specifically refers to the mortar layer, revestir is a broader term that means 'to coat' or 'to cover' with any material, including tiles, wood, or stones. If a contract says the walls will be 'revestidas', it could mean anything from paint to expensive marble. Rebocar is much more specific to the masonry process itself.

Revestir vs. Rebocar
Revestir is general (any coating); Rebocar is specific (sand/cement mortar).
Emassar vs. Rebocar
Emassar is applying a thin putty (massa corrida) to smooth the surface; Rebocar is the thick base layer.

Another word often heard alongside rebocar is chapiscar. This is the very first step in the process, where a watery mix of cement and sand is 'thrown' onto the bricks to create a rough texture that helps the reboco stick. You cannot rebocar effectively without first chapiscar. Then there is emboçar, which is an intermediate layer between the 'chapisco' and the 'reboco'. In modern, everyday speech, many people group 'emboçar' and 'rebocar' together, but a professional mason will distinguish between them. Knowing these stages—chapiscar, emboçar, and finally rebocar—will make you sound like an expert in Portuguese construction.

Primeiro você deve chapiscar a parede, depois emboçar e só então rebocar.

In the context of towing a car, synonyms include guinchar and remover. Guinchar specifically refers to using a winch (guincho) to pull the car. It is very common in Brazil. In Portugal, you might hear 'levar de reboque'. If a car is being taken away by the authorities for a violation, the word remover is often used in official documents: 'O veículo foi removido para o pátio' (The vehicle was removed to the impound lot). However, in a casual conversation, 'O carro foi rebocado' is the go-to phrase for most Brazilians.

O serviço de guincho veio rebocar o caminhão que parou na subida.

For the metaphorical 'makeup' usage, alternatives include maquiar-se (to put on makeup - neutral) or pintar-se (to paint oneself - slightly informal). If you want to be even more descriptive about heavy makeup, you might use the phrase 'passar uma argamassa na cara' (to put mortar on one's face), which is a more intense version of the rebocar metaphor. Understanding these synonyms allows you to adjust your register from the technical precision of a construction site to the playful banter of a social gathering.

Guinchar (BR)
Specifically using a winch; very common for towing cars.
Estucar (PT)
More common in Portugal for interior smooth plastering (stucco).

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The secondary meaning of 'towing' comes from the nautical world, where 'rebocadores' (tugboats) would pull larger ships into the 'mouth' of a harbor.

دليل النطق

UK /ʁɛ.bu.ˈkaɾ/
US /he.bo.ˈkaʁ/
The stress is on the final syllable: re-bo-CAR.
يتقافى مع
Falar Cantar Andar Lugar Mar Olhar Pintar Achar
أخطاء شائعة
  • Pronouncing the 'c' as 's' in 'reboquei'.
  • Using an English 'r' sound at the beginning.
  • Making the 'o' too open like in 'hot'.
  • Stressing the first syllable.
  • Forgetting the 'u' sound in the 'o' for European Portuguese.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 2/5

Easy to recognize in context of housing or cars.

الكتابة 3/5

Requires remembering the 'qu' change in the preterite.

التحدث 2/5

Simple pronunciation, but don't mix up the meanings.

الاستماع 3/5

Can be confused with 'reboque' or other masonry terms.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

Parede Casa Carro Massa Pedreiro

تعلّم لاحقاً

Pintar Lixar Emassar Guinchar Arrumar

متقدم

Argamassa Desempenadeira Chapisco Emboço Impermeabilização

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Verbs ending in -car change 'c' to 'qu' before 'e'.

Rebocar -> Reboquei (not rebocei).

Use of 'ir' + infinitive for immediate future.

Vou rebocar a parede.

Passive voice with 'ser' + past participle.

A parede foi rebocada.

Reflexive pronouns for self-actions (slang).

Ela se rebocou.

Gerund formation for ongoing actions.

Eles estão rebocando.

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

Eu vou rebocar a parede.

I am going to plaster the wall.

Future with 'vou' + infinitive.

2

O pedreiro reboca a casa.

The bricklayer plasters the house.

Simple present tense.

3

Nós rebocamos o muro.

We plaster the wall.

First person plural present.

4

Eles querem rebocar o teto.

They want to plaster the ceiling.

Verb 'querer' + infinitive.

5

Você sabe rebocar?

Do you know how to plaster?

Verb 'saber' for skills.

6

A parede precisa de rebocar.

The wall needs plastering.

Often used as 'precisa ser rebocada'.

7

Ele reboca bem.

He plasters well.

Adverb 'bem' modifying the verb.

8

Eu não reboco hoje.

I don't plaster today.

Negative sentence.

1

O guincho veio rebocar o meu carro.

The tow truck came to tow my car.

Brazilian usage for towing.

2

Ontem, eu reboquei a sala pequena.

Yesterday, I plastered the small living room.

Preterite with spelling change 'qu'.

3

Eles vão rebocar a fachada na segunda-feira.

They are going to plaster the facade on Monday.

Future tense construction.

4

Você pode rebocar este pedaço aqui?

Can you plaster this piece here?

Polite request with 'pode'.

5

A polícia vai rebocar os carros na rua.

The police will tow the cars on the street.

Future tense, Brazilian context.

6

Não é fácil rebocar o teto do banheiro.

It's not easy to plaster the bathroom ceiling.

Infinitive as subject.

7

Eles já terminaram de rebocar o quarto?

Have they already finished plastering the bedroom?

Present perfect concept.

8

Eu reboquei o muro para protegê-lo da chuva.

I plastered the wall to protect it from the rain.

Preterite and purpose clause.

1

Se o tempo estiver bom, vamos rebocar a garagem.

If the weather is good, we will plaster the garage.

Future subjunctive in 'if' clause.

2

Ela se rebocou toda para ir à festa de formatura.

She plastered herself (put on heavy makeup) for the graduation party.

Reflexive slang usage.

3

O mestre de obras disse que é preciso rebocar antes de pintar.

The foreman said it's necessary to plaster before painting.

Indirect speech.

4

Nós tínhamos rebocado a parede, mas a chuva estragou tudo.

We had plastered the wall, but the rain ruined everything.

Pluperfect tense.

5

É importante rebocar com uma mistura de areia fina.

It's important to plaster with a fine sand mixture.

Impersonal expression.

6

O carro foi rebocado porque estava em frente à garagem.

The car was towed because it was in front of the garage.

Passive voice.

7

Eu gostaria que você rebocasse esta parede amanhã.

I would like you to plaster this wall tomorrow.

Imperfect subjunctive after 'gostaria que'.

8

Eles estão rebocando o prédio inteiro este mês.

They are plastering the whole building this month.

Present continuous.

1

A prefeitura ordenou rebocar as fachadas dos prédios históricos.

The city council ordered the facades of historic buildings to be plastered.

Formal administrative context.

2

Embora tenha chovido, eles conseguiram rebocar a área interna.

Although it rained, they managed to plaster the indoor area.

Concessive clause with 'embora'.

3

O mecânico avisou que teria que rebocar o caminhão até a oficina.

The mechanic warned that he would have to tow the truck to the workshop.

Conditional tense in indirect speech.

4

Não adianta apenas rebocar; é preciso tratar a infiltração primeiro.

There's no point in just plastering; you need to treat the leakage first.

Colloquial 'não adianta'.

5

Ela prefere se rebocar com produtos de alta cobertura.

She prefers to 'plaster' herself with high-coverage products.

Slang with 'preferir'.

6

O reboco caiu porque não souberam rebocar a superfície úmida.

The plaster fell off because they didn't know how to plaster the damp surface.

Causal sentence.

7

Sempre que rebocamos, usamos uma desempenadeira de madeira.

Whenever we plaster, we use a wooden float.

Temporal clause with 'sempre que'.

8

Espero que eles reboquem o muro antes que as visitas cheguem.

I hope they plaster the wall before the guests arrive.

Present subjunctive after 'espero que'.

1

A elite costuma rebocar suas falhas com discursos moralistas.

The elite often 'plasters over' their flaws with moralistic speeches.

Metaphorical/Literary usage.

2

É imperativo rebocar a estrutura com materiais que resistam à salinidade.

It is imperative to plaster the structure with materials that resist salinity.

Technical/Formal register.

3

O autor utiliza o ato de rebocar como metáfora para a reconstrução da identidade.

The author uses the act of plastering as a metaphor for the reconstruction of identity.

Literary analysis.

4

Caso eles não reboquem a tempo, a estrutura ficará comprometida.

In case they don't plaster in time, the structure will be compromised.

Subjunctive in conditional 'caso'.

5

A técnica de rebocar à mão está sendo substituída por máquinas de projeção.

The technique of hand-plastering is being replaced by projection machines.

Passive voice with gerund.

6

Não se deve rebocar sobre camadas antigas sem antes lixar a superfície.

One should not plaster over old layers without first sanding the surface.

Impersonal 'se'.

7

O carro, tendo sido rebocado indevidamente, gerou uma disputa judicial.

The car, having been towed improperly, generated a legal dispute.

Participle clause.

8

Ao rebocar a fachada, os operários descobriram afrescos do século XIX.

While plastering the facade, the workers discovered 19th-century frescoes.

Temporal 'ao' + infinitive.

1

O restauro exigiu rebocar as áreas degradadas com argamassa de cal histórica.

The restoration required plastering the degraded areas with historical lime mortar.

Highly technical restoration vocabulary.

2

A empresa de logística foi contratada para rebocar as barcaças pelo rio Amazonas.

The logistics company was hired to tow the barges along the Amazon River.

Nautical/Industrial context.

3

Subjacente à necessidade de rebocar, reside o desejo humano de perenidade e estética.

Underlying the need to plaster lies the human desire for permanence and aesthetics.

Philosophical/Complex structure.

4

Pudesse ele rebocar o passado, certamente o faria com uma camada de esquecimento.

Could he plaster over the past, he would certainly do it with a layer of forgetfulness.

Literary conditional/subjunctive inversion.

5

A patologia do reboco manifesta-se quando se negligencia o tempo de cura.

The pathology of the plaster manifests itself when the curing time is neglected.

Scientific/Engineering register.

6

Instigados pela pressa, os construtores optaram por rebocar sem a devida impermeabilização.

Instigated by haste, the builders opted to plaster without proper waterproofing.

Past participle as adjective/adverbial.

7

O ato de se rebocar excessivamente reflete, por vezes, uma profunda insegurança ontológica.

The act of 'plastering' oneself excessively reflects, at times, a profound ontological insecurity.

Psychological/Academic register.

8

Conquanto fosse necessário rebocar, a escassez de materiais impediu o progresso da obra.

Although it was necessary to plaster, the scarcity of materials prevented the progress of the work.

Conjunction 'conquanto'.

المرادفات

Revestir Emboçar Estucar Guinchar Remover Emassar Chapiscar Rebocar (slang)

الأضداد

Descascar Demolir Estacionar Limpar

تلازمات شائعة

Rebocar parede
Rebocar teto
Massa para rebocar
Rebocar carro
Rebocar a cara
Mandat rebocar
Rebocar com cal
Rebocar por fora
Rebocar por dentro
Aprender a rebocar

العبارات الشائعة

Mão na massa

— Getting to work, often used when starting to plaster.

Vamos colocar a mão na massa e rebocar tudo!

Parede no tijolo

— A wall that hasn't been plastered yet.

A casa ainda está na parede no tijolo.

Reboque de qualidade

— A well-done plastering job or high-quality makeup.

Este reboco de qualidade vai durar anos.

Lugar de reboque

— A place where cars are towed to (impound).

O carro foi para o lugar de reboque.

Serviço de reboque

— Towing service.

Ligue para o serviço de reboque agora.

Capa de reboco

— The layer of plaster.

A capa de reboco ficou muito grossa.

Pedreiro de acabamento

— A mason specialist in plastering and finishing.

Contratei um pedreiro de acabamento para rebocar.

Fazer o reboco

— The act of plastering.

Eles estão fazendo o reboco da sala.

Rebocado e pintado

— Finished and painted.

O muro já está rebocado e pintado.

Sujeito a reboque

— Subject to towing (parking sign).

Cuidado, aqui é sujeito a reboque.

يُخلط عادةً مع

rebocar vs Pintar

Pintar is applying color; rebocar is applying the cement base.

rebocar vs Emassar

Emassar is smoothing with putty; rebocar is the structural layer.

rebocar vs Chapiscar

Chapiscar is the very first rough spray of cement.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"Rebocar a alma"

— To fix oneself internally or cover up deep flaws.

Ele tenta rebocar a alma com viagens caras.

Literary
"Passar reboco"

— To put on too much makeup.

Ela passou tanto reboco que nem a reconheci.

Informal
"Parece um reboco"

— Describing something very thick or stiff.

Este bolo ficou duro, parece um reboco.

Informal
"Cair o reboco"

— To age significantly or lose one's 'cover'.

Depois da festa, o reboco caiu e vimos o cansaço.

Humorous
"Rebocar o passado"

— To try to hide previous mistakes.

Não adianta rebocar o passado sem pedir desculpas.

Metaphorical
"Massa de reboco"

— Someone who is easily shaped or influenced.

Ele não tem opinião, é uma massa de reboco.

Rare/Slang
"Rebocar o estômago"

— To eat something heavy to 'line' the stomach.

Vou comer um pão para rebocar o estômago antes da cerveja.

Informal
"Até o reboco"

— To the extreme, covering everything.

Eles limparam a casa até o reboco.

Informal
"Rebocar a vida"

— To renovate one's life.

Ano novo, hora de rebocar a vida.

Inspirational
"Firme como reboco"

— Very sturdy or unmoving.

Ele ficou firme como reboco diante da crítica.

Informal

سهل الخلط

rebocar vs Reboque

It's the noun form.

Reboque is the trailer/tow truck; Rebocar is the action.

O reboque rebocou o carro.

rebocar vs Arrebocar

Very similar spelling.

Arrebocar is a less common variant of the same word.

Ele arrebocou o muro.

rebocar vs Estucar

Both involve plastering.

Estucar usually involves gypsum (gesso) and is for interiors.

Vou estucar o teto.

rebocar vs Guinchar

Both mean to tow.

Guinchar is more specific to the winch mechanism.

O guincho veio guinchar o carro.

rebocar vs Revestir

Both mean covering a wall.

Revestir includes tiles, stones, etc.; Rebocar is just mortar.

Vou revestir a parede com mármore.

أنماط الجُمل

A1

Eu vou [verb] a [noun].

Eu vou rebocar a parede.

A2

[Noun] precisa ser [past participle].

A parede precisa ser rebocada.

B1

Se eu [subjunctive], eu [conditional].

Se eu tivesse tempo, eu rebocaria o muro.

B2

É necessário que você [subjunctive].

É necessário que você reboque a sala.

C1

Ao [verb], descobrimos que...

Ao rebocar, descobrimos a infiltração.

C1

Embora [subjunctive], [main clause].

Embora reboquem bem, são lentos.

C2

Subjacente a [noun], está [noun].

Subjacente ao ato de rebocar, está o cuidado.

C2

Fosse ele [verb], [conditional].

Fosse ele rebocar o passado, não conseguiria.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

Reboco (plaster)
Reboque (trailer/tow truck)
Rebocador (tugboat/person who plasters)

الأفعال

Rebocar (to plaster/tow)
Arrebocar (archaic variant)

الصفات

Rebocado (plastered/towed)
Rebocável (towable)

مرتبط

Argamassa
Cimento
Pedreiro
Guincho
Espátula

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Common in construction and Brazilian daily life.

أخطاء شائعة
  • Eu rebocei a parede. Eu reboquei a parede.

    Verbs in -car change to -quei in the preterite.

  • Vou rebocar o carro (in Portugal). Vou chamar o reboque para o carro.

    'Rebocar' for cars is more Brazilian; Portugal uses 'reboque' as a noun phrase.

  • Ele está rebocando o quadro. Ele está pintando o quadro.

    Don't use 'rebocar' for artistic painting.

  • A parede está com muito rebocar. A parede está com muito reboco.

    Use the noun 'reboco' for the material, not the infinitive.

  • Ela se rebocou de alegria. Ela se encheu de alegria.

    'Rebocar' isn't used for emotions, only physical layers or towing.

نصائح

Past Tense Spelling

Remember: Eu reboquei. The 'qu' is essential to keep the hard 'k' sound.

Process Order

Chapiscar -> Emboçar -> Rebocar. This is the professional sequence.

Brazilian Towing

If your car is towed in Brazil, you say 'Meu carro foi rebocado'.

Makeup Metaphor

Use 'reboco' for heavy makeup only in informal, joking contexts.

Material Mix

A good 'reboco' needs the right ratio of sand, cement, and lime.

Stress the End

Always stress the last syllable: re-bo-CAR.

Portugal Usage

In Portugal, 'estucar' is very common for smooth interior walls.

Preparation

Always wet the bricks before you start to rebocar so the water isn't sucked out of the mix.

Contracting

When hiring, clarify if the price includes 'reboco' or just 'alvenaria' (brickwork).

Towing Safety

When a car is being 'rebocado', make sure the handbrake is off if it's being pulled.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of a 'REal BOundary for the CAR'—when a car is towed, it's moved to a new boundary. Or 'RE-BOC-ing' a wall is like putting a 'BOdy Coat' on it.

ربط بصري

Imagine a mason throwing a gray 'coat' onto a red brick wall to hide the bricks.

Word Web

Parede Cimento Pedreiro Massa Carro Guincho Maquiagem Acabamento

تحدٍّ

Try to use 'rebocar' in three different sentences today: one about a wall, one about a car, and one about makeup.

أصل الكلمة

From the Portuguese 're-' (again/back) + 'boca' (mouth), originally meaning to fill or stop up an opening or 'mouth' of a hole.

المعنى الأصلي: To fill gaps or smooth out an opening in a wall.

Romance (Latin roots).

السياق الثقافي

Be careful using 'rebocar' for makeup; it can be offensive as it implies the person is 'fake' or 'ugly' without it.

English uses 'plaster' for walls and 'tow' for cars; Portuguese uses the same word 'rebocar' for both in many regions.

Construction workers in many Brazilian 'Novelas' are often shown 'rebocando'. Songs about 'favela' life often mention the 'tijolo' and 'reboco'. YouTube DIY influencers like 'Paloma Cipriano' have famous videos on how to 'rebocar'.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

At a construction site

  • Onde está a massa?
  • Pode rebocar aqui?
  • Ficou bem liso.
  • Precisa de mais cimento.

In traffic (Brazil)

  • Meu carro quebrou.
  • Chame o reboque.
  • Vão rebocar meu carro?
  • Onde fica o pátio?

Home renovation

  • Quanto custa rebocar?
  • Quero rebocar a cozinha.
  • O reboco está caindo.
  • Vamos pintar depois.

Beauty salon/Slang

  • Que reboco é esse?
  • Ela se reboca muito.
  • Maquiagem pesada.
  • Parece uma máscara.

Hardware Store

  • Quero areia para reboco.
  • Qual cimento é melhor?
  • Preciso de uma desempenadeira.
  • Vende massa pronta?

بدايات محادثة

"Você já tentou rebocar uma parede sozinho em casa?"

"No seu país, é comum as pessoas rebocarem as próprias casas?"

"O que você faz quando seu carro quebra e precisa rebocar?"

"Você acha que as pessoas se 'rebocam' demais com maquiagem hoje em dia?"

"Qual é a parte mais difícil de uma reforma: rebocar ou pintar?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Descreva um dia de trabalho em uma obra, usando a palavra 'rebocar'.

Escreva sobre uma vez que seu carro (ou de alguém) precisou ser rebocado.

O que você pensa sobre a metáfora de 'rebocar o passado'?

Imagine que você é um pedreiro. Explique para um cliente por que é importante rebocar bem.

Reflita sobre o uso de gírias como 'se rebocar' na cultura jovem.

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

While understood, Portuguese people usually say 'levar de reboque' or 'chamar o reboque'. 'Rebocar' is much more common in Brazil for this.

Yes, it follows the -ar pattern, but remember the 'reboquei' spelling change in the preterite.

'Argamassa' is the material (mortar). 'Reboco' is the layer applied to the wall using that material.

No, 'rebocar' implies a very thick, excessive layer. For normal makeup, use 'maquiar-se'.

Yes, you can 'rebocar o teto'.

Mainly a 'desempenadeira' (float) and a 'colher de pedreiro' (trowel).

Usually 'remover' or 'levar de reboque'.

Yes, tugboats (rebocadores) 'rebocam' ships into harbors.

No, 'reboco' is sand and cement. 'Gesso' is gypsum (plaster of Paris).

It's often a matter of cost; 'rebocar' is a finishing stage that can be expensive.

اختبر نفسك 185 أسئلة

writing

Write a sentence using 'rebocar' in the present tense.

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

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'I need to tow my car.'

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

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Describe the process of plastering in one sentence.

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

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence using the past tense 'reboquei'.

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

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Use 'rebocar' as slang for makeup.

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

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'The wall was plastered yesterday.'

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

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a question asking someone if they can tow your vehicle.

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

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Use the word 'reboco' (noun) in a sentence.

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

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a formal sentence about construction standards.

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

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Explain why we 'rebocar' a wall.

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

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Use 'rebocar' in the future subjunctive (se...).

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

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence about a tow truck (reboque).

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

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'They are plastering the building.'

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

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Use 'rebocar' in a negative sentence.

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

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence using 'rebocador' (tugboat).

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

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Describe a poorly plastered wall.

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

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'Don't tow my car!'

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

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Use 'rebocar' in the conditional tense.

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

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence about the tools for plastering.

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

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Use 'rebocar' metaphorically.

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

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronounce 'rebocar' out loud.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronounce 'reboquei'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'I need to plaster my room.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'The car was towed.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Explain the difference between rebocar and pintar.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Don't tow me!'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Use 'rebocar' in a question about a house.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Tell a story about a broken car using 'rebocar'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'The plaster is falling.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronounce 'desempenadeira'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'I will plaster the wall tomorrow.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'They are plastering the building.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Use the slang 'se rebocar' in a sentence.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'We need more sand to plaster.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronounce 'argamassa'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'The tugboat is strong.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Is it finished?' (about plastering).

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'I don't know how to plaster.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Wait for the plaster to dry.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'The police towed the car.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and write: 'Vou rebocar o muro.'

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

Listen and write: 'O carro foi rebocado.'

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

Listen for the verb: 'Eles estão rebocando a sala.'

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

Listen and write: 'O reboco está úmido.'

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

Listen and write: 'Reboquei a parede ontem.'

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

Listen and identify: Is it construction or a car? 'O guincho veio rebocar.'

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

Listen and identify: 'O pedreiro vai rebocar.'

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

Listen and write: 'Não se reboque tanto.'

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

Listen and write: 'O rebocador chegou no porto.'

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

Listen and write: 'Precisamos de cimento para rebocar.'

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

Listen and write: 'A fachada está sendo rebocada.'

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

Listen and write: 'O reboque quebrou.'

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

Listen and write: 'Eles rebocaram o navio.'

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

Listen and write: 'Parede sem reboco.'

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

Listen and write: 'Vou mandar rebocar.'

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

/ 185 correct

Perfect score!

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