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A2 verb 12 Min. Lesezeit

acarinhar

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At the A1 level, you only need to know that acarinhar means to show love or pet an animal. It is a regular verb ending in -ar, so it follows the same pattern as 'falar' or 'amar'. You might use it in very simple sentences like 'Eu acarinho o meu gato' (I pet my cat) or 'A mãe acarinha o bebé' (The mother cuddles the baby). At this stage, focus on the physical act of petting or hugging gently. Don't worry about metaphorical meanings yet. Just remember that it is a 'nice' word used with family and pets. It is a transitive verb, so you put the object right after the verb. The pronunciation of the 'nh' is like the 'ny' in 'canyon' or 'onion'. This is a good word to use when talking about your pets or your family members in your first Portuguese conversations. It shows that you have a warm and friendly vocabulary.

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At the A2 level, you should start using acarinhar to describe daily routines and emotional connections. You can use it in the past tense (Preterite) to describe something you did, like 'Ontem, eu acarinhei o cão do meu vizinho' (Yesterday, I petted my neighbor's dog). You should also understand that it is different from 'cuidar' (to take care of). While 'cuidar' is about providing for needs, acarinhar is about providing affection. You might hear this word in children's stories or when people talk about their childhood. It is also the level where you learn that 'acarinhar' is more than just a touch—it's a gesture of care. You can use it with reflexive pronouns in simple ways, like 'Eles gostam de se acarinhar' (They like to cuddle each other). This level is about moving from basic labels to describing interactions between people and animals.

At the B1 level, you can begin to use acarinhar in more abstract and metaphorical contexts. You are now able to say things like 'Eu acarinho o sonho de ser médico' (I nurture the dream of being a doctor). This shows a higher level of linguistic sophistication. You should also be aware of the synonyms like 'afagar' and 'acariciar' and choose the right one depending on the context. You will encounter acarinhar in song lyrics and more complex reading materials. At this stage, you should understand the cultural importance of 'carinho' in Lusophone countries—it is not just a 'bonus' but a central part of social life. You might use the verb to describe how you comfort a friend who is sad: 'Eu tentei acarinhar a minha amiga quando ela perdeu o emprego.' This shows you understand the emotional support aspect of the verb.

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At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using acarinhar in professional or formal settings where a 'human touch' is discussed. For example, 'A empresa deve acarinhar os seus clientes mais fiéis' (The company should nurture its most loyal customers). Here, it doesn't mean physical cuddling, but rather providing special attention and care. You should be able to distinguish between the subtle nuances of 'acarinhar', 'mimar', and 'acalentar' in literature and complex discussions. Your use of the verb should feel natural and well-timed. You can also use the passive voice or more complex grammatical structures, such as 'É fundamental que as artes sejam acarinhadas pelo Estado' (It is fundamental that the arts be nurtured by the State). You understand that the word carries a connotation of protection and long-term commitment to the object's well-being.

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At the C1 level, you use acarinhar with the precision of a native speaker. You recognize its use in classical literature and can analyze how an author uses the verb to establish a character's personality or the mood of a scene. You might use it to describe sociological trends, such as how certain cultural traditions are being 'acarinhadas' (cherished/preserved) by younger generations. You understand the historical etymology and how it relates to other Romance languages. Your vocabulary includes related but rare terms like 'amimalhar' or 'paparicar', and you know exactly when 'acarinhar' is the superior choice for its balance of emotion and formality. You can use the verb in rhetorical devices or sophisticated persuasive writing to evoke empathy in your audience.

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At the C2 level, acarinhar is a tool for poetic and philosophical expression. You can explore the limits of the verb, using it in highly unusual but evocative ways to describe the relationship between humans and nature, or abstract concepts like time and memory. You might discuss the 'acarinhar' of a legacy or the way a nation 'acarinha' its identity through language. You have a deep understanding of regional variations—how the word might be received differently in Lisbon, Luanda, or Rio de Janeiro. You can use the verb to discuss complex psychological states, such as the 'auto-acarinhar' (self-nurturing) required for mental health. At this level, the word is no longer just a verb; it is a concept that you can manipulate to create rich, textured, and deeply resonant Portuguese prose.

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acarinhar in 30 Sekunden

Acarinhar is a regular Portuguese verb meaning to caress or show affection, deeply rooted in the concept of 'carinho' or tenderness.
It is used for physical acts like petting animals and emotional acts like nurturing dreams or projects with protective care.
Commonly heard in families, literature, and music, it represents a core cultural value of warmth and emotional openness in Lusophone countries.
Grammatically, it is a transitive verb that follows standard -ar conjugation rules, making it accessible for early-intermediate learners.

The Portuguese verb acarinhar is a multifaceted gem of the Lusophone lexicon, representing far more than a simple physical gesture. At its core, it translates to 'to show affection to,' 'to caress,' or 'to cuddle,' but these English equivalents often fail to capture the deep emotional resonance of the word. Derived from the noun carinho (tenderness or affection), the verb implies a deliberate, gentle, and protective act of love. In Portuguese culture, where physical warmth and emotional transparency are highly valued, acarinhar serves as a linguistic bridge between physical touch and soulful connection.

Emotional Intent: Unlike 'to touch' or even 'to stroke,' acarinhar requires a foundation of care. You wouldn't acarinhar a texture; you acarinhar a living being or a cherished concept.

People use this word most frequently in the context of family and intimate relationships. A parent might acarinhar a child to soothe them after a fall, or a person might acarinhar their partner during a quiet moment of bonding. It is also the standard verb used for showing affection to pets. If you are petting a dog with genuine love, you are acarinhando o cão.

Ao ver o neto chorar, a avó começou a acarinhar o seu rosto com ternura.

Beyond the physical, acarinhar has a beautiful metaphorical application. It can mean to 'nurture' or 'cherish' an idea, a dream, or a project. When a person spends time developing a creative thought, protecting it from criticism and helping it grow, they are acarinhando uma ideia. This usage highlights the protective element inherent in the word; to acarinhar is to keep something safe and warm. In social contexts, the word also appears when discussing how society should treat vulnerable groups. One might hear that we need to acarinhar the elderly or the less fortunate, meaning to treat them with the dignity, warmth, and special care they deserve.

Cultural Nuance: The word is deeply tied to the Lusophone concept of 'aconchego' (coziness/embrace). To acarinhar is to provide a sense of emotional home to someone else.

É importante acarinhar os nossos sonhos, mesmo quando o mundo parece difícil.

To use acarinhar correctly, one must understand that it is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object. You acarinhar *someone* or *something*. It is a regular '-ar' verb, making it one of the easiest patterns for learners to conjugate. However, its simplicity in form belies its complexity in feeling. It is a word of peace, soft hands, and open hearts. Ultimately, acarinhar is a call to action for kindness. Whether it is a physical stroke on the head of a kitten or the mental dedication to a lifelong ambition, the verb demands a gentle touch and a sincere intention. It is the linguistic embodiment of 'Tender Loving Care' (TLC) in the Portuguese-speaking world.

Using acarinhar in sentences requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a regular transitive verb. Because it belongs to the first conjugation (ending in -ar), it follows the most common conjugation pattern in Portuguese. This makes it highly accessible for students at the A2 level.

The Direct Object: In most cases, the verb is followed directly by the person or thing receiving the affection. Example: 'Eu acarinho o gato' (I pet the cat).

In the present tense, you will use it to describe current habits or immediate actions. For instance, 'Ela sempre acarinha os filhos antes de dormir' (She always cuddles her children before they sleep). This highlights a repetitive, nurturing routine.

Nós acarinhamos a ideia de viajar pelo mundo durante um ano.

When using the past tense, the Preterite Perfect is used for a completed act of affection ('Eu acarinhei o cão'), while the Imperfect is used to describe a state of being or a recurring past action ('Ele acarinhava o seu cavalo todos os dias'). The Imperfect is particularly common in literature to set a nostalgic or tender atmosphere. Metaphorical usage is a key way to elevate your Portuguese. You can 'acarinhar' a project, a memory, or a hope. This signals to the listener that you are treating this abstract concept with extreme care and dedication.

Common Structures: 1. [Subject] + [Verb] + [Direct Object] (A mãe acarinha o bebé). 2. [Subject] + [Verb] + [Metaphorical Object] (O artista acarinha a sua obra).

O governo deve acarinhar as pequenas empresas locais para estimular a economia.

In more advanced constructions, you might see the verb in the passive voice, though it is rare because affection is usually viewed as an active, personal choice. However, 'O projeto foi acarinhado por todos' (The project was nurtured by everyone) is a valid way to express collective support and care. Finally, the imperative form is often used in a persuasive or poetic sense. 'Acarinha quem te ama' (Cherish those who love you) is a common piece of advice in Portuguese-speaking cultures, emphasizing the importance of reciprocating affection. By mastering these structures, you move beyond basic communication into the realm of emotional expression.

Reflexive Potential: 'Acarinhar-se' can be used in poetic contexts to mean 'to snuggle up' or 'to treat oneself with kindness,' though 'aconchegar-se' is more common for the physical act of snuggling.

Tu precisas de te acarinhar um pouco mais e descansar.

Whether you are talking about a kitten, a spouse, or a long-held ambition, acarinhar provides the perfect linguistic vessel for your tenderness.

To truly understand acarinhar, one must look at its presence in the daily life and cultural artifacts of Portuguese-speaking countries. This is not a word confined to dictionaries; it is a living, breathing part of the social fabric.

In the Home: The most common place to hear this word is within the family unit. Parents use it constantly when speaking about their children. 'Vem cá para eu te acarinhar' (Come here so I can cuddle you) is a quintessential phrase of Lusophone childhood.

In the world of music, specifically Fado in Portugal and MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) in Brazil, acarinhar is a staple. Songwriters use it to evoke a sense of longing, comfort, or lost love. In Fado, it often appears in lyrics describing a mother’s love or the way the sea 'caresses' the shore. It adds a layer of poetic softness to the often melancholic melodies.

Naquela canção antiga, o poeta pedia ao vento para acarinhar os cabelos da sua amada.

Literature is another major domain for this verb. Classic authors like José Saramago or Machado de Assis utilize acarinhar to describe the internal emotional lives of their characters. It is often used to show a character's vulnerability—how they need to be 'acarinhados' by life or by others. In modern media and advertising, the word is frequently employed to sell products related to comfort, such as fabric softeners, baby products, or luxury bedding. The goal is to associate the brand with the warm, fuzzy feeling of being 'acarinhado'.

Social Media & Pets: If you browse Portuguese or Brazilian Instagram or TikTok, you will see 'acarinhar' in captions for pet videos. 'Acarinhando o meu melhor amigo' is a very popular caption for videos of people petting their dogs or cats.

Public discourse also utilizes the verb. Politicians or community leaders might speak about the need to acarinhar local traditions or small businesses. In this context, it means to protect, fund, and value these entities so they do not disappear. It suggests a paternalistic or protective stance from the speaker toward the subject.

O museu foi criado para acarinhar a história da nossa vila e não deixar que as memórias se apaguem.

Finally, in the workplace (especially in more modern, 'human-centric' companies), you might hear about 'acarinhar o talento'. This refers to nurturing employees, providing them with a good environment, and showing appreciation for their work. It is a shift from cold management to a more 'carinhoso' approach. From the lullabies sung to babies to the strategic plans of cultural institutions, acarinhar is everywhere. It is a word that reminds Portuguese speakers of their humanity and the importance of softness in a hard world.

For English speakers learning Portuguese, acarinhar presents a few subtle traps. While it is a regular verb, its semantic boundaries are different from English verbs like 'to pet' or 'to care for'.

Mistake 1: Over-Sexualization: In English, 'to caress' can sometimes have a heavy romantic or sexual connotation. While 'acarinhar' can be romantic, it is primarily a word of innocent affection. Using it for a pet or a child is perfectly normal and lacks any 'sensual' undertone unless specifically placed in that context.

Another frequent error is confusing acarinhar with acariciar. While they are synonyms, they are not always interchangeable. Acariciar is more focused on the physical sensation of the touch—the movement of the hand over skin or fur. Acarinhar is focused on the emotion behind the touch. If you want to emphasize that you love the person you are touching, use acarinhar.

Errado: Eu acarinho da minha avó quando ela está doente. (Correct: Eu cuido da minha avó).

The sentence above illustrates a third common mistake: using acarinhar to mean 'to take care of' in a general sense. If you are providing medical care, cooking meals, or managing someone's affairs, the verb is cuidar. You only acarinhar her if you are physically cuddling her or treating her with specific emotional tenderness. Learners also sometimes struggle with the 'metaphorical' versus 'literal' split. They might use acarinhar for things that don't make sense. For example, you wouldn't 'acarinhar' your car or your computer unless you were being very humorous or ironic. The object must be something that can 'feel' the affection or something that you have a deep emotional 'nurturing' relationship with (like a dream).

Mistake 4: Confusing with 'Acalentar': 'Acalentar' specifically means to lull to sleep or to soothe a crying baby. While you can 'acarinhar' a baby to 'acalentar' them, they are distinct actions. 'Acalentar' is the goal; 'acarinhar' is the method.

Não confundas: acarinhar (to show affection) com arranhar (to scratch)!

A final, more technical mistake involves the pronunciation of the 'nh' sound. English speakers often pronounce it like a hard 'n' or a 'ng' sound. If you say 'acarin-ar' instead of 'acari-nyar', the word loses its musicality and might be harder for natives to recognize immediately. By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the difference between 'cuidar' (taking care of) and 'acarinhar' (showing affection)—you will avoid the most common pitfalls and sound much more like a native speaker.

Portuguese is a language rich in 'affectionate' verbs. To truly master the nuances of acarinhar, you should know its neighbors in the semantic field.

Acariciar vs Acarinhar: Acariciar is more physical. It describes the hand moving over a surface. Acarinhar is more emotional. You can acarinhar someone with words or a look, but you acariciar with your hands.

Another close relative is afagar. This verb specifically refers to a gentle stroking motion, often on the head. It is very common when talking about petting animals or soothing a child's hair. While acarinhar is the broad act of showing love, afagar is the specific physical technique.

O avô costumava afagar a cabeça do neto enquanto contava histórias.

Then there is mimar. This translates to 'to spoil' or 'to pamper'. If acarinhar is about giving affection, mimar is about giving special treatment, gifts, or allowing someone to have their way. You acarinhar a baby because they need love; you mimar a child by giving them an extra dessert. Acalentar is another important alternative. It means to soothe, to comfort, or to lull. It is often used in the context of taking away someone's pain or helping them find peace. You acarinhar someone to show you love them; you acalentar them to make them stop crying or worrying.

Comparison Table: - Acarinhar: Broad emotional affection. - Acariciar: Physical caress. - Afagar: Gentle stroking (hair/head). - Mimar: Spoiling/Pampering. - Acalentar: Soothing/Lulling.

In literary contexts, you might encounter amimalhar. This is a more intense version of mimar and acarinhar combined, often implying a somewhat suffocating or excessive amount of affection, like a mother who won't let her child grow up.

Ela gosta de paparicar os seus convidados com muita comida e atenção.

If you want to talk about hugging, the verb is abraçar. While a hug is a form of acarinhar, it is a specific posture. You can acarinhar someone without hugging them (by stroking their hand, for example). Finally, the phrase dar festas is used in European Portuguese specifically for petting animals. 'Vou dar festas ao gato' means 'I'm going to pet the cat.' In this specific instance, it is more common than acarinhar, though acarinhar sounds more 'loving' and less 'mechanical'.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

Neutral

Informell

Child friendly

Umgangssprache

Wusstest du?

The word 'carinho' is often cited as one of the most beautiful words in Portuguese because it captures a specific type of gentle love that other languages need multiple words to describe.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ɐ.kɐ.ɾi.ˈɲaɾ/

US /a.ka.ɾi.ˈɲaʁ/

The primary stress is on the last syllable: a-ca-ri-NHAR.

Reimt sich auf

amar cantar falar olhar sonhar lugar mar andar

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'nh' as two separate sounds 'n' and 'h'.
Stressing the 'ri' syllable instead of the 'nhar' syllable.
Pronouncing the 'c' as a 'ch' sound (it should be a hard 'k').
Making the 'r' too heavy like an English 'r'.
Ignoring the nasal quality that sometimes accompanies the 'i' before 'nh'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize because of its root 'carinho' which is common.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires remembering the 'nh' spelling and regular -ar endings.

Sprechen 4/5

The 'nh' sound and the stress on the final syllable can be tricky for beginners.

Hören 3/5

Clear pronunciation usually, but can be confused with 'acariciar' in fast speech.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

carinho amor mão gato cuidar

Als Nächstes lernen

afagar mimar acalentar aconchego ternura

Fortgeschritten

amimalhar paparicar bafejar idolatrar venerar

Wichtige Grammatik

Regular -ar Verb Conjugation

Eu acarinho, Tu acarinhas, Ele acarinha...

Direct Object Pronouns

Eu acarinho o gato -> Eu acarinho-o.

Preterite vs Imperfect

Eu acarinhei (once) vs Eu acarinhava (regularly).

Present Subjunctive for Wishes

Espero que ela me acarinhe.

Infinitive after Prepositions

O prazer de acarinhar um animal.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

Eu acarinho o meu gato todos os dias.

I pet my cat every day.

Simple present tense, first person singular.

A mãe acarinha o bebé.

The mother cuddles the baby.

Third person singular, regular -ar verb.

Tu acarinhas o teu cão?

Do you pet your dog?

Question form using the second person singular.

Nós acarinhamos os animais.

We show affection to the animals.

First person plural form.

Eles acarinham o avô.

They show affection to the grandfather.

Third person plural.

Você acarinha o coelho?

Do you (formal) pet the rabbit?

Formal 'você' usage.

Ela acarinha a boneca.

She cuddles the doll.

Simple subject-verb-object.

O menino acarinha o passarinho.

The boy gently touches the little bird.

Definite article 'o' used with 'menino'.

Ontem, eu acarinhei o meu cão no parque.

Yesterday, I petted my dog in the park.

Preterite Perfect tense (completed action).

Ela gosta de acarinhar os seus filhos antes de dormir.

She likes to cuddle her children before sleeping.

Infinitive form after the verb 'gostar de'.

Nós vamos acarinhar os gatinhos na loja.

We are going to pet the kittens at the store.

Future construction with 'ir' + infinitive.

O meu pai sempre acarinhava o cavalo dele.

My father always used to pet his horse.

Imperfect tense (past habit).

É importante acarinhar quem amamos.

It is important to show affection to those we love.

Impersonal 'É importante' + infinitive.

Eles acarinharam a avó durante a festa.

They showed affection to the grandmother during the party.

Preterite Perfect, third person plural.

Eu quero acarinhar-te agora.

I want to cuddle you now.

Infinitive with enclitic pronoun (European PT style).

Não te esqueças de acarinhar o teu animal de estimação.

Don't forget to pet your pet.

Negative imperative form.

Eu acarinho a ideia de mudar de país no próximo ano.

I am nurturing the idea of moving countries next year.

Metaphorical use of the verb.

Ela acarinhou o rosto dele com muita ternura.

She caressed his face with much tenderness.

Use of the noun 'ternura' to add nuance.

Se eu tivesse um cão, eu acarinharia-o sempre.

If I had a dog, I would always pet it.

Conditional tense.

É necessário acarinhar os idosos na nossa comunidade.

It is necessary to care for/cherish the elderly in our community.

Social/metaphorical context.

Nós acarinhavamos aquele sonho desde crianças.

We had been nurturing that dream since we were children.

Imperfect tense for long-duration states.

Espero que tu acarinhes bem este presente.

I hope you cherish this gift well.

Present Subjunctive after 'Espero que'.

O artista acarinha cada detalhe da sua obra.

The artist nurtures every detail of his work.

Metaphorical use for creative work.

Eles sentiram-se muito acarinhados pela família.

They felt very cherished by the family.

Past participle used as an adjective/passive sense.

O governo deve acarinhar as artes para preservar a cultura.

The government must nurture the arts to preserve culture.

Formal/Political context.

Acarinhar um projeto exige tempo e dedicação.

Nurturing a project requires time and dedication.

Infinitive as a subject.

Ela sempre acarinhou a ambição de ser escritora.

She always nurtured the ambition of being a writer.

Preterite Perfect with abstract noun 'ambição'.

Os investidores estão a acarinhar a nova startup tecnológica.

The investors are nurturing the new tech startup.

Present continuous (European PT style).

Foi um gesto bonito acarinhar aquele estranho em dificuldades.

It was a beautiful gesture to show kindness to that stranger in difficulty.

Abstract usage for social kindness.

Embora fosse difícil, ele continuou a acarinhar a sua esperança.

Although it was difficult, he continued to nurture his hope.

Concessive clause + infinitive.

Precisamos de acarinhar o talento jovem no desporto.

We need to nurture young talent in sports.

Metaphorical use in professional development.

Acarinhando a terra, ela dará bons frutos.

By nurturing the land, it will give good fruit.

Gerund used to express means/method.

A literatura portuguesa acarinha temas de saudade e mar.

Portuguese literature cherishes themes of longing and the sea.

Literary/Analytical context.

O orador soube acarinhar o público com palavras de conforto.

The speaker knew how to win over/nurture the audience with words of comfort.

Nuanced use for social influence.

É imperativo que a sociedade acarinhe as suas minorias.

It is imperative that society cherishes its minorities.

Present Subjunctive in a formal requirement.

O autor acarinha as personagens com uma descrição detalhada.

The author nurtures the characters with a detailed description.

Metaphorical use in literary criticism.

Ela acarinha as memórias do seu país natal com nostalgia.

She cherishes the memories of her home country with nostalgia.

Emotional/Abstract usage.

Ao acarinhar esta tradição, evitamos o seu esquecimento.

By cherishing this tradition, we avoid its oblivion.

Gerund as a formal causal link.

O mestre acarinha o seu aprendiz com rigor e amor.

The master nurtures his apprentice with rigor and love.

Describing a complex mentorship relationship.

Não basta cuidar do corpo; é preciso acarinhar a alma.

It is not enough to take care of the body; it is necessary to nurture the soul.

Philosophical contrast between 'cuidar' and 'acarinhar'.

Acarinhar o fado é acarinhar a própria alma de Portugal.

To cherish Fado is to cherish the very soul of Portugal.

Philosophical identity statement.

O tempo, esse escultor implacável, nem sempre acarinha a beleza.

Time, that relentless sculptor, does not always cherish beauty.

Personification of 'time'.

Acarinhando a dúvida, o filósofo encontrou a sua verdade.

Nurturing doubt, the philosopher found his truth.

Abstract philosophical usage.

A pátria acarinha os seus heróis no panteão da história.

The homeland cherishes its heroes in the pantheon of history.

High-register patriotic language.

O silêncio pode acarinhar os pensamentos mais profundos.

Silence can nurture the deepest thoughts.

Metaphorical personification of silence.

É no acarinhar das pequenas coisas que reside a felicidade.

It is in the nurturing of small things that happiness resides.

Substantive use of the infinitive.

Acarinhar a língua é um dever de todos os lusófonos.

Cherishing the language is a duty of all Lusophones.

Linguistic advocacy/Formal register.

Ela acarinha a solidão como se fosse uma velha amiga.

She cherishes solitude as if it were an old friend.

Complex emotional metaphor.

Häufige Kollokationen

acarinhar um sonho

acarinhar o rosto

acarinhar uma ideia

acarinhar o cão

sentir-se acarinhado

acarinhar os idosos

acarinhar o talento

acarinhar a alma

acarinhar com o olhar

projeto acarinhado

Häufige Phrasen

Vem cá para eu te acarinhar.

— A warm invitation to receive a cuddle or affection.

A avó disse ao neto: 'Vem cá para eu te acarinhar.'

É preciso acarinhar as nossas tradições.

— An urging to protect and value cultural heritage.

O historiador afirmou que é preciso acarinhar as nossas tradições.

Sinto-me muito acarinhado.

— Expressing that one feels loved and well-treated.

Depois da surpresa, ele disse: 'Sinto-me muito acarinhado.'

Acarinhar o ego.

— To flatter someone or boost their self-esteem (can be negative).

Ele só disse aquilo para acarinhar o ego dela.

Acarinhar a esperança.

— To keep hope alive despite difficulties.

Mesmo na crise, ele acarinha a esperança de dias melhores.

Acarinhar o passado.

— To look back on memories with fondness and care.

Ela gosta de acarinhar o passado através das fotos.

Ser acarinhado pelo público.

— To be well-loved or popular with an audience.

O ator foi muito acarinhado pelo público no teatro.

Acarinhar a natureza.

— To treat the environment with care and respect.

Devemos acarinhar a natureza para o futuro.

Acarinhar com palavras.

— To use kind and supportive language to comfort someone.

Ela soube acarinhar a amiga com palavras doces.

Deixar-se acarinhar.

— To allow oneself to receive affection from others.

Às vezes é bom relaxar e deixar-se acarinhar.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

acarinhar vs acariciar

Acariciar is more about the physical touch itself, while acarinhar includes the emotion behind it.

acarinhar vs cuidar

Cuidar means to take care of (needs), while acarinhar means to show affection (feelings).

acarinhar vs arranhar

Arranhar means to scratch, which is the physical opposite of the gentle acarinhar.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"acarinhar a serpente no seio"

— To nurture someone who will eventually betray you (like 'nurturing a snake in one's bosom').

Ele ajudou-o, mas estava a acarinhar a serpente no seio.

Literary/Archaic

"acarinhar o monstro"

— To feed or encourage a bad habit or a negative situation.

Ao não dizer nada, estás a acarinhar o monstro.

Informal/Metaphorical

"acarinhar a ferida"

— To dwell on a past hurt or keep the pain alive instead of healing.

Não fiques a acarinhar a ferida; segue em frente.

Metaphorical

"acarinhar o silêncio"

— To enjoy and preserve a moment of quiet.

Eles ficaram apenas a acarinhar o silêncio da tarde.

Poetic

"acarinhar a dúvida"

— To hesitate or keep questioning something instead of deciding.

Ele continua a acarinhar a dúvida sobre o casamento.

Metaphorical

"acarinhar a preguiça"

— To indulge in being lazy or resting excessively.

No domingo, gosto de acarinhar a preguiça no sofá.

Informal

"acarinhar a sorte"

— To take care of one's opportunities so they don't disappear.

Tens de acarinhar a sorte que tiveste neste emprego.

Metaphorical

"acarinhar a solidão"

— To find comfort and peace in being alone.

Depois de anos de barulho, ele aprendeu a acarinhar a solidão.

Poetic

"acarinhar a criança interior"

— To practice self-care and attend to one's emotional needs from childhood.

A terapia ajudou-a a acarinhar a sua criança interior.

Psychological/Informal

"acarinhar o projeto com unhas e dentes"

— To nurture and protect a project with everything one has (combining 'acarinhar' with 'unhas e dentes').

Ela acarinha aquele projeto com unhas e dentes.

Informal

Leicht verwechselbar

acarinhar vs afagar

Both involve gentle touching.

Afagar is specifically a stroke (usually on the head), while acarinhar is any act of affection.

Ele afagou o gato (stroked its head) vs Ele acarinhou o gato (showed it love).

acarinhar vs mimar

Both are positive treatments.

Mimar is about spoiling or pampering (gifts/rules), while acarinhar is about pure affection.

A avó mima o neto com doces, mas acarinha-o com beijos.

acarinhar vs acalentar

Both are soothing.

Acalentar is specifically to lull or keep a hope alive; acarinhar is to show love.

Ela acalenta o bebé para ele dormir.

acarinhar vs abraçar

Hugging is a way to acarinhar.

Abraçar is the specific physical posture of a hug.

Eles abraçaram-se no aeroporto.

acarinhar vs paparicar

Both mean showing affection.

Paparicar is informal and implies doting or fussing over someone.

A tia adora paparicar os sobrinhos.

Satzmuster

Eu [verb] o/a [noun].

Eu acarinho o gato.

[Subject] gosta de acarinhar [Object].

Ela gosta de acarinhar os filhos.

[Subject] [verb in imperfect] a ideia de [infinitive].

Ele acarinhava a ideia de viajar.

É preciso [verb] o talento de [Group].

É preciso acarinhar o talento dos jovens.

Ao [verb] [Object], [Subject] [Action].

Ao acarinhar a tradição, o povo mantém a sua identidade.

No [verb substantive] de [Object] reside [Noun].

No acarinhar da alma reside a paz.

Any

[Subject] sente-se acarinhado por [Agent].

O cão sente-se acarinhado pelo dono.

Any

Não [verb in imperative] [Object]!

Não acarinhes a serpente!

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in all Lusophone countries, though more literary in Brazil.

Häufige Fehler

Eu acarinho de você. → Eu acarinho-te / Eu te acarinho.
Acarinhar is a direct transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'de'.
Eu acarinho o meu carro novo. → Eu estimo o meu carro novo.
Acarinhar is for living beings or abstract dreams, not inanimate objects like cars.
Pronouncing it as 'a-ca-rin-har'. → a-ca-ri-nyar.
The 'nh' is a single nasal sound, not a separate 'n' and 'h'.
Using 'acarinhar' to mean 'to take care of' medical needs. → Eu cuido do meu avô doente.
Acarinhar is for affection; cuidar is for general care and needs.
Confusing 'acarinhar' with 'arranhar'. → O gato arranha (scratches) vs Eu acarinho o gato (I pet).
These words sound similar but have opposite physical meanings.

Tipps

Use for Pets

If you are in Portugal, use 'acarinhar' or 'dar festas' when you want to pet a dog or cat. It sounds very natural and kind.

Nurture Your Dreams

Use 'acarinhar um sonho' in your writing to show that you are taking care of your future goals with love and patience.

No Prepositions

Remember: 'acarinhar' + [the person/animal]. Don't add 'de' or 'a' in between. It's a direct connection.

The NH sound

Practice the 'nh' sound by saying 'onion' slowly. The middle of that word is very close to the 'nh' in acarinhar.

Carinhoso

Learn the adjective 'carinhoso' (affectionate) alongside the verb. It's one of the best compliments you can give someone.

Portugal vs Brazil

In Portugal, 'acarinhar' is a daily verb. In Brazil, save it for more poetic or formal moments, and use 'fazer carinho' for daily life.

Comforting Friends

If a friend is sad, you can say 'Estou aqui para te acarinhar'. It's a very supportive and warm thing to say.

Look for it in Fado

If you listen to Fado, you will hear 'acarinhar' used to describe the ocean or a mother's hands. It helps you understand the 'saudade' context.

Imperfect Tense

Use the imperfect 'acarinhava' to talk about how you used to show affection to your childhood pets.

Respect the Elderly

In formal discussions about society, use 'acarinhar os idosos' to talk about treating the elderly with dignity and warmth.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'A-CARING-HEART'. A-CARIN-HAR sounds like you are using your caring heart to show love.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a giant, soft hand gently stroking the head of a small, happy kitten. That warm feeling is 'acarinhar'.

Word Web

carinho amor gato mãe ternura afago sonho bebé

Herausforderung

Try to use 'acarinhar' three times today: once for a pet, once for a person you love, and once for a goal you are working on.

Wortherkunft

From the Portuguese noun 'carinho', which likely comes from the Latin 'carere' (to lack/want) or 'carus' (dear/beloved). The verb is formed using parasynthesis (a- + carinho + -ar).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To treat as something 'dear' or 'beloved'.

Romance (Indo-European).

Kultureller Kontext

While 'acarinhar' is innocent, always be mindful of personal boundaries when applying physical affection in different cultures.

English speakers often use 'pet' or 'cuddle', but 'acarinhar' is more versatile as it covers both physical and metaphorical nurturing.

Amália Rodrigues' Fado lyrics often evoke the act of acarinhar. Children's books by Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen often use the word. Brazilian MPB songs (e.g., Caetano Veloso) use 'carinho' and 'acarinhar' to describe love.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Family

Acarinhar o bebé
Acarinhar a avó
Deixa-me acarinhar-te
Crescer num ambiente acarinhado

Pets

Acarinhar o cão
Acarinhar o gatinho
Ele gosta de ser acarinhado
Acarinhar atrás das orelhas

Dreams/Ideas

Acarinhar um projeto
Acarinhar um sonho antigo
Acarinhar uma ideia nova
Projeto muito acarinhado

Romance

Acarinhar o rosto do amado
Acarinhar com ternura
Momentos para nos acarinharmos
Um toque que acarinha

Social/Political

Acarinhar o talento nacional
Acarinhar as artes
Acarinhar as tradições
Acarinhar os mais vulneráveis

Gesprächseinstiege

"Tu costumas acarinhar os teus animais de estimação todos os dias?"

"Que tipo de projetos gostas de acarinhar no teu tempo livre?"

"Sentias-te muito acarinhado pelos teus avós quando eras criança?"

"Achas que é importante acarinhar os nossos sonhos, mesmo que pareçam impossíveis?"

"Como é que podemos acarinhar melhor os idosos na nossa sociedade?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Escreve sobre uma memória de infância em que te sentiste muito acarinhado por alguém da tua família.

Qual é o sonho que tens vindo a acarinhar nos últimos anos? Como o tens protegido?

Descreve a importância do carinho físico e emocional na tua vida diária.

Se tivesses um animal de estimação, como o irias acarinhar?

Reflete sobre a diferença entre cuidar de alguém e acarinhar alguém. Qual é mais importante para ti?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, absolutely! It is a very sweet and common way to describe showing affection in a relationship. It implies a tender, caring kind of love rather than just raw passion.

It is understood and used, especially in writing or songs, but in spoken Brazilian Portuguese, people usually say 'fazer carinho'. For example, 'Vou fazer carinho no meu cachorro' instead of 'Vou acarinhar o meu cachorro'.

Think of 'acariciar' as the physical action (a caress) and 'acarinhar' as the emotional action (showing affection). You can 'acariciar' a soft fabric, but you only 'acarinhar' something you care about.

Yes, it is a perfectly regular -ar verb. This makes it very easy to conjugate in all tenses: acarinho, acarinhei, acarinharia, etc.

Usually no, unless it's metaphorical (like a project or a dream). You wouldn't 'acarinhar' a table or a car unless you were being funny or very eccentric.

Generally no, it is a very positive word. However, 'acarinhar o ego' can be slightly negative, meaning to flatter someone excessively.

It is like the 'ny' in the English word 'canyon'. Place the middle of your tongue against the roof of your mouth.

Yes, it is one of the most common ways to say 'to pet an animal' in Portugal.

The noun form is 'carinho', which means affection, tenderness, or a caress.

It is neutral. You can use it with your family, but you can also use it in a formal speech about culture or social care.

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