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A2 verb #3,500 am häufigsten 9 Min. Lesezeit

aparentar

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Erklärung aparentar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to describe people and things. You might not use the word 'aparentar' very often, as 'parecer' is easier to remember. However, learning 'aparentar' early helps you talk about age, which is a very common topic. For an A1 student, the most important thing is to know that 'aparentar' is used to say how old someone looks. Instead of just saying 'Ele é velho' (He is old), you can say 'Ele aparenta ser velho' (He appears to be old), which sounds more polite. You will mostly use it in the present tense: 'Eu aparento', 'Você aparenta', 'Ele aparenta'. It is a regular verb, so it follows the same pattern as 'falar' or 'estudar'. Focus on simple sentences like 'Ela aparenta 20 anos' or 'O carro aparenta ser novo'. This will help you build your descriptive vocabulary without getting bogged down in complex grammar. Remember, at this stage, it's all about basic visual descriptions. You are looking at someone and saying what your eyes see. If someone has grey hair, you might say they 'aparentam' more age than they have. It's a useful word for basic social interaction and for describing physical traits in a simple way.

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At the A2 level, you start to move beyond basic descriptions and begin to use more specific verbs like 'aparentar'. You should be able to use it to describe not just age, but also states of being. For instance, you can talk about someone appearing tired ('aparentar cansaço') or appearing happy ('aparentar felicidade'). At this level, you should also be comfortable using 'aparentar' in the past tense (Pretérito Imperfeito) to describe how things used to look: 'A casa aparentava estar abandonada' (The house appeared to be abandoned). You are also learning to distinguish between 'aparentar' and 'parecer'. While 'parecer' is for general opinions, 'aparentar' is your tool for visual evidence. You might use it when talking about health or emotions. For example, if a friend looks sick, you can say 'Você aparenta estar doente'. This shows a higher level of vocabulary than just using 'parecer' for everything. You should also start noticing 'aparentar' in simple texts or news snippets. It's a great word for making your Portuguese sound more descriptive and less repetitive. Practice using it with different adjectives and numbers for age to solidify your understanding of its sentence structure.

As a B1 learner, you are becoming more independent in your communication. You can now use 'aparentar' to express nuances and subtle observations. You might use it to describe situations where someone is trying to hide their true feelings. For example, 'Ele tentou aparentar calma, mas estava muito nervoso' (He tried to appear calm, but he was very nervous). This level of expression allows you to talk about social dynamics and internal vs. external realities. You should also be familiar with the noun form 'aparência' and how it relates to the verb. At B1, you are expected to handle more complex tenses, such as the Future or the Subjunctive: 'Espero que ele não aparente estar triste' (I hope he doesn't appear to be sad). You will also encounter 'aparentar' in more varied contexts, such as describing the condition of objects, buildings, or even abstract concepts like a 'situation' or an 'economy'. For instance, 'A economia aparenta uma leve melhora' (The economy shows a slight improvement). This shows you can use the verb in a more metaphorical or professional sense. You should also be aware of the difference between 'aparentar' and 'demonstrar'. While 'aparentar' is about the look, 'demonstrar' is about the action of showing. Understanding these distinctions is key to reaching the next level of fluency.

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At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'aparentar' with precision and in more formal settings. You should understand the stylistic choice of using 'aparentar' over 'parecer' to provide a more objective or descriptive tone. In professional environments, you might use it to report observations: 'O projeto aparenta ter algumas falhas estruturais' (The project appears to have some structural flaws). You are also able to use the verb in more complex grammatical structures, including conditional sentences and passive-like constructions. You should be comfortable discussing the concept of 'appearances' in a cultural context, perhaps debating the importance of 'aparentar' success in modern society. At this level, you can also use related terms like 'aparentemente' (apparently) fluently. You will notice 'aparentar' used in literature to create atmosphere or to hint at a character's hidden motives. For example, a character might 'aparentar' wealth while being in debt, a classic literary trope. Your ability to pick up on these nuances in reading and listening is a hallmark of the B2 level. You should also be able to use the verb to describe complex physical phenomena, like weather patterns or scientific observations, where the 'appearance' of something is a crucial piece of data.

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At the C1 level, your use of 'aparentar' should be indistinguishable from that of a native speaker in terms of nuance. You understand that 'aparentar' can be used to describe the 'veneer' of a situation, often with a hint of skepticism. You might use it in academic writing or high-level professional reports to describe data that seems to point in one direction but requires further investigation. For example, 'Os dados aparentam uma correlação, mas a causalidade ainda não foi provada' (The data appear to show a correlation, but causality hasn't been proven yet). You are also adept at using the verb in literary analysis, discussing how authors use the contrast between 'ser' (being) and 'aparentar' (appearing) to explore human nature. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use synonyms like 'denotar', 'configurar', or 'transparecer' when 'aparentar' isn't quite the right fit. You also understand the historical and etymological roots of the word, which helps you appreciate its use in older texts or formal legal documents. In conversation, you can use 'aparentar' to make sophisticated jokes or sarcastic remarks about someone's 'façade'. Your command of the verb allows you to play with the language, using it in various moods and voices to convey exactly the right level of certainty or doubt.

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At the C2 level, 'aparentar' is a tool for philosophical and highly abstract discourse. You can engage in deep discussions about the nature of reality vs. appearance, using 'aparentar' as a central verb. You might explore the works of Portuguese-speaking philosophers or poets (like Fernando Pessoa) and how they treat the concept of the 'mask' or the 'apparent self'. Your use of the verb is effortless, whether you are writing a complex legal brief, a scientific paper, or a piece of creative fiction. You can use 'aparentar' in highly specific registers, such as describing the 'aparentar' of a vintage wine or the 'aparentar' of an architectural style in a way that captures the essence of the subject. You are also aware of regional variations in how the word might be used across the Lusophone world, from Brazil to Angola to Portugal. At this level, you don't just know the word; you know its soul. You can use it to create rhythm in your prose or to add a specific 'color' to your speech. The distinction between 'aparentar' and its many synonyms is now second nature, allowing you to choose the perfect word for any context, no matter how subtle or specialized. You are a master of the Portuguese language, and 'aparentar' is just one of many instruments you play with total precision.

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Aparentar means 'to appear' or 'to seem,' specifically regarding physical looks, age, or a presented facade.
It is a regular -ar verb used mostly for visual observations rather than general opinions.
Commonly used to describe age: 'Ela aparenta 20 anos' (She looks 20 years old).
Distinguished from 'parecer' by its focus on physical evidence and its more formal tone.

The Portuguese verb aparentar is a sophisticated and essential tool for describing the gap between reality and perception. At its core, it means 'to appear' or 'to seem,' but it carries a specific weight often related to physical characteristics, age, or a deceptive outward showing. While the common verb parecer is used for general opinions or impressions, aparentar is frequently utilized when the speaker is making an observation about someone's physical state or the facade they present to the world. It is derived from the Latin apparentare, which links back to the idea of making something visible or evident. In modern Portuguese, it functions as a regular verb ending in '-ar', making it relatively easy for beginners to conjugate once they understand its contextual nuances.

Physical Appearance and Age: This is perhaps the most frequent use of the word. When you want to say someone looks younger or older than they actually are, you use aparentar. For example, 'Ele aparenta trinta anos' (He looks thirty years old). It suggests an objective observation of visible traits like wrinkles, hair color, or posture.
Deception and Facades: The verb also carries a connotation of 'putting on an appearance.' If someone is trying to look wealthy or calm despite being broke or anxious, they are 'aparentando' a certain state. It implies a surface-level truth that might not match the internal reality.
Formal and Literary Contexts: In literature or formal journalism, aparentar is preferred over parecer to add a layer of descriptive precision. It suggests a more deliberate focus on the visual evidence provided by the subject.

Apesar de estar muito cansada, ela tentava aparentar tranquilidade durante a reunião importante.

Translation: Despite being very tired, she tried to seem calm during the important meeting.

O suspeito aparentava estar sob o efeito de substâncias ilícitas quando foi abordado.

Translation: The suspect appeared to be under the influence of illicit substances when he was approached.

Muitas casas nesta rua aparentam ser abandonadas, mas têm moradores.

Translation: Many houses on this street appear to be abandoned, but they have residents.

Ele faz exercícios todos os dias para aparentar uma boa forma física aos sessenta anos.

Translation: He exercises every day to appear in good physical shape at sixty years old.

Não devemos julgar as pessoas pelo que elas aparentam ser na internet.

Translation: We should not judge people by what they appear to be on the internet.

In summary, aparentar is a versatile verb that bridges the gap between what is seen and what is real. Whether you are discussing the aesthetics of a building, the perceived age of a person, or the emotional mask someone wears, this verb provides the linguistic precision needed to describe the world as it presents itself to our eyes.

Using aparentar correctly requires understanding its role as a transitive or intransitive verb that usually links a subject to a quality or state. It is most commonly followed by an infinitive verb (like 'ser' or 'estar') or a direct object (like a number representing age). Below, we explore the grammatical structures and contextual applications of this verb in various scenarios.

Expressing Age: When talking about age, you don't need the preposition 'de'. You simply say 'aparentar [number] anos'.
Example: 'Ela tem cinquenta anos, mas aparenta trinta.' (She is fifty, but looks thirty.)
Using with 'Ser' and 'Estar': To describe a state or characteristic, combine it with 'ser' (permanent/essential) or 'estar' (temporary/situational).
Example: 'O prédio aparenta ser antigo.' (The building appears to be old.) vs 'Ele aparentava estar doente.' (He appeared to be sick.)
The Pronominal Form (Aparentar-se): While less common in modern speech, 'aparentar-se' can mean 'to make oneself appear' or 'to resemble'. In most cases, stick to the non-reflexive 'aparentar' for 'to look like'.

Vocês aparentam estar muito felizes com o novo projeto da empresa.

Translation: You all appear to be very happy with the company's new project.

O céu aparentava uma tempestade iminente no fim da tarde.

Translation: The sky appeared to indicate an imminent storm in the late afternoon.

Se você aparentar nervosismo, o cliente não confiará em você.

Translation: If you show nervousness, the client will not trust you.

When using aparentar in the past tense, remember that the Imperfect tense (aparentava) is often used to describe a continuous state of appearance, while the Preterite (aparentou) might describe a specific moment when someone showed a certain look. For example, 'Ele aparentava ser rico' suggests a general state, whereas 'Naquele momento, ele aparentou surpresa' highlights a specific reaction. Mastery of these subtle differences will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and precise.

While aparentar is a standard word, its usage fluctuates depending on the social setting. You will encounter it in everyday conversations, but it truly shines in descriptive contexts where details matter. Understanding the environments where this word thrives will help you recognize it in the wild and use it with confidence.

Social Gatherings and Gossip: In casual Brazilian or Portuguese social circles, people often comment on each other's looks. 'Nossa, ela não aparenta a idade que tem!' is a common compliment. Here, the word is used to express surprise at someone's youthful appearance.
Medical and Health Settings: Doctors and nurses use aparentar to describe a patient's clinical presentation. 'O paciente aparenta desidratação' (The patient appears dehydrated). It is a professional way to state an observation before a formal diagnosis is made.
Legal and Journalistic Reports: In news reports, journalists use it to remain objective. Instead of saying 'He was drunk,' they might say 'O motorista aparentava sinais de embriaguez' (The driver appeared to show signs of drunkenness). This protects the reporter while conveying the visual evidence.

Na televisão, os políticos tentam aparentar uma confiança que nem sempre possuem.

Translation: On television, politicians try to appear confident in a way they don't always possess.

In the workplace, you might hear a manager say, 'Este relatório aparenta estar completo, mas precisamos revisar os dados.' This usage highlights the superficial check vs. the deep dive. It’s also very common in fashion or interior design discussions: 'Este tecido aparenta ser seda, mas é sintético.' In all these cases, the word acts as a bridge between the first impression and the deeper reality, a concept deeply embedded in Lusophone culture where social presentation (the 'imagem') is often highly valued.

Even for intermediate learners, aparentar can be a bit of a trap. Most errors stem from its similarity to other verbs or from applying English syntax to Portuguese logic. Let's break down the most frequent pitfalls so you can avoid them.

Confusing 'Aparentar' with 'Apresentar': Because they sound similar, students often mix them up. Apresentar means 'to present' or 'to introduce.' If you say 'Eu apresento 20 anos,' you are saying 'I present 20 years' (which makes no sense), instead of 'Eu aparento 20 anos' (I look 20 years old).
Using it Impersonally: In English, we say 'It appears that...' In Portuguese, you use parece que. You should almost never start a sentence with 'Aparenta que...' because aparentar requires a subject that is doing the appearing.
Overusing Prepositions: English speakers often want to say 'appear as' or 'look like' and try to insert 'como' or 'de'. While 'aparentar-se com' exists for resemblance, for age and state, you generally don't need a preposition. 'Ele aparenta cansado' is correct; 'Ele aparenta como cansado' is wrong.

Another subtle mistake is using aparentar when you mean 'to show up' (aparecer). If you say 'Ele aparentou na festa,' it sounds like he gave the impression of being a party. You should say 'Ele apareceu na festa' (He showed up at the party). Keep 'aparentar' for qualities and 'aparecer' for physical presence/arrival. By keeping these distinctions in mind, you'll avoid the common 'gringo' mistakes that often cloud communication.

Portuguese is rich with verbs that describe appearance and perception. Choosing the right one depends on whether you're talking about a fact, an opinion, or a deliberate deception. Here is how aparentar stacks up against its cousins.

Parecer vs. Aparentar: Parecer is the most common and versatile. It can mean 'to seem' (opinion) or 'to look like'. Aparentar is more formal and specific to physical/visual traits. Use parecer for 'It seems like a good idea' and aparentar for 'He looks like he's 40'.
Assemelhar-se vs. Aparentar: Assemelhar-se (to resemble) is used when comparing two specific things. 'Ele se assemelha ao pai' (He resembles his father). Aparentar is used for a general quality. 'Ele aparenta ser velho' (He appears to be old).
Simular vs. Aparentar: Simular implies a conscious effort to deceive or mimic. Aparentar can be accidental or natural. If you 'aparenta' sadness, you might just look sad. If you 'simula' sadness, you are acting.
Figurar vs. Aparentar: Figurar is often used in the context of being present or appearing in a list, a movie, or a situation. It's much more formal and less about physical looks than aparentar.

Ela não apenas aparenta ser inteligente; ela realmente é uma das melhores da classe.

Translation: She doesn't just appear to be intelligent; she really is one of the best in the class.

In professional writing, you might also see ostentar (to flaunt/show off) or denotar (to denote/indicate). While aparentar is neutral, ostentar has a negative 'showy' vibe, and denotar is more analytical. Choosing the right word allows you to paint a much clearer picture for your listener or reader, moving beyond basic communication into true linguistic fluency.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The root 'par-' in 'aparentar' is the same as in 'parent' (parentes), because originally, 'aparentar' could also mean to become a relative or to show a familial connection.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ɐ.pɐ.ɾẽ.ˈtaɾ/

US /a.pa.ɾen.ˈtaʁ/

The stress is on the last syllable: a-pa-ren-TAR.

Reimt sich auf

cantar falar andar olhar estar chegar pensar amar

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the nasal 'en' as a hard 'n'. It should be a nasalized vowel.
Stressing the second-to-last syllable (a-pa-REN-tar) instead of the last.
Confusing the 'r' sound with a hard English 'r' instead of a tap or a guttural sound.
Failing to pronounce the final 'r' in casual Brazilian speech (a-pa-ren-tá).
Confusing it with 'apresentar' by adding an 's' sound.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to 'apparent'.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires remembering the regular -ar conjugation and proper preposition use (or lack thereof).

Sprechen 3/5

Nasal 'en' sound and final 'r' can be tricky for English speakers.

Hören 2/5

Clear pronunciation in most dialects.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

parecer ser estar idade velho novo

Als Nächstes lernen

assemelhar-se demonstrar figurar ostentar

Fortgeschritten

fenomenologia simulacro semblante

Wichtige Grammatik

Regular -AR Verb Conjugation

Eu aparento, Tu aparentas, Ele aparenta...

Copular Verbs (Verbos de Ligação)

Aparentar links the subject to a state, like 'ser' or 'estar'.

Nasal Vowels

The 'en' in 'aparentar' follows the nasalization rule.

Direct Objects with Age

No preposition needed before the number of years.

Pretérito Imperfeito for Descriptions

Used to describe how something looked in the past: 'Ele aparentava...'

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Beispiele nach Niveau

Ela aparenta ser muito jovem.

She appears to be very young.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Você aparenta estar feliz hoje.

You appear to be happy today.

Verb + estar + adjective.

O bolo aparenta ser delicioso.

The cake appears to be delicious.

Subject is an object.

Ele aparenta vinte anos.

He looks twenty years old.

Direct object for age.

A casa aparenta ser pequena.

The house appears to be small.

Regular -ar verb conjugation.

Eles aparentam estar cansados.

They appear to be tired.

3rd person plural.

O gato aparenta ter fome.

The cat appears to be hungry.

Verb + ter + noun.

Nós aparentamos ser amigos.

We appear to be friends.

1st person plural.

Apesar da idade, ele aparenta muita saúde.

Despite his age, he appears to be very healthy.

Noun as direct object.

O carro usado aparentava estar em bom estado.

The used car appeared to be in good condition.

Imperfect tense.

Ela não aparenta ter a idade que tem.

She doesn't look the age she is.

Negative construction.

As flores aparentam estar murchas.

The flowers appear to be withered.

Plural agreement.

O céu aparentava uma chuva forte.

The sky appeared to show heavy rain.

Metaphorical appearance.

Eles aparentavam estar perdidos na cidade.

They appeared to be lost in the city.

Imperfect tense.

O restaurante aparenta ser muito caro.

The restaurant appears to be very expensive.

Describing an establishment.

Você aparenta estar mais calmo agora.

You appear to be calmer now.

Comparative adjective.

Ele tenta aparentar uma riqueza que não possui.

He tries to appear wealthy when he isn't.

Infinitive after 'tentar'.

A situação aparenta ser mais complexa do que pensávamos.

The situation appears to be more complex than we thought.

Abstract subject.

Se você aparentar medo, os cães podem latir.

If you show fear, the dogs might bark.

Future Subjunctive.

O documento aparentava ser original, mas era falso.

The document appeared to be original, but it was fake.

Contrast between appearance and reality.

Ninguém queria aparentar fraqueza diante do chefe.

Nobody wanted to appear weak in front of the boss.

Negative subject.

A cidade aparenta uma calma enganadora antes da festa.

The city shows a deceptive calm before the party.

Adjective 'enganadora' modifying the appearance.

Ela aparenta ter superado o trauma do acidente.

She appears to have overcome the trauma of the accident.

Compound infinitive.

Os resultados aparentam uma tendência de queda.

The results show a downward trend.

Professional context.

O suspeito aparentava tranquilidade durante o interrogatório.

The suspect appeared calm during the interrogation.

Imperfect tense for continuous state.

A empresa aparenta estabilidade, apesar da crise mundial.

The company appears stable, despite the global crisis.

Business terminology.

Não se deve aparentar o que não se é de verdade.

One should not appear to be what one truly isn't.

Generic 'se' and moralizing tone.

A pintura aparenta ser do século XVIII, segundo o perito.

The painting appears to be from the 18th century, according to the expert.

Formal attribution.

Embora aparente ser simples, a receita exige técnica.

Although it appears simple, the recipe requires technique.

Present Subjunctive after 'embora'.

Os dados aparentam corroborar a nossa hipótese inicial.

The data appear to corroborate our initial hypothesis.

Academic verb 'corroborar'.

Ele aparentou certa hesitação ao responder à pergunta.

He showed some hesitation when answering the question.

Preterite for a specific moment.

A fachada do prédio aparenta um estilo neoclássico.

The building's facade shows a neoclassical style.

Architectural context.

A conjuntura política aparenta uma fragilidade institucional preocupante.

The political situation shows a worrying institutional fragility.

High-level political vocabulary.

O autor tenta aparentar neutralidade em sua narrativa.

The author tries to appear neutral in his narrative.

Literary analysis context.

Suas palavras aparentavam sinceridade, mas seus olhos diziam o contrário.

His words appeared sincere, but his eyes said otherwise.

Contrast between verbal and visual cues.

A obra de arte aparenta uma desordem que é, na verdade, milimetricamente calculada.

The artwork appears to be a disorder that is, in fact, precisely calculated.

Sophisticated descriptive structure.

O mercado financeiro aparenta ter ignorado as notícias negativas.

The financial market appears to have ignored the negative news.

Perfect infinitive.

É perigoso aparentar complacência diante de injustiças sociais.

It is dangerous to appear complacent in the face of social injustices.

Impersonal 'É perigoso' + infinitive.

O tecido social aparenta sinais de desgaste após anos de recessão.

The social fabric shows signs of wear after years of recession.

Metaphorical usage.

Aparentar ser o que não se é constitui a base da tragédia humana.

Appearing to be what one is not constitutes the basis of human tragedy.

Philosophical subject.

A realidade fenomenológica muitas vezes aparenta uma solidez ilusória.

Phenomenological reality often appears to have an illusory solidity.

Philosophical/Scientific register.

O discurso diplomático aparenta uma harmonia que mascara tensões profundas.

Diplomatic discourse shows a harmony that masks deep tensions.

Nuanced political observation.

Aparentar indiferença pode ser a mais sofisticada das defesas psicológicas.

Appearing indifferent can be the most sophisticated of psychological defenses.

Psychological analysis.

A galáxia distante aparenta uma luz que, na verdade, já se extinguiu há milênios.

The distant galaxy shows a light that, in truth, was extinguished millennia ago.

Scientific paradox.

A prosa de Saramago aparenta uma fluidez oral que desafia as normas gramaticais.

Saramago's prose shows an oral fluidity that defies grammatical norms.

Literary criticism.

O sistema jurídico aparenta uma imparcialidade que é constantemente posta à prova.

The legal system shows an impartiality that is constantly put to the test.

Abstract institutional critique.

Aparentar virtude sem possuí-la é o cerne da hipocrisia social denunciada por Molière.

Appearing virtuous without possessing it is the core of social hypocrisy denounced by Molière.

Historical/Literary reference.

A estrutura atômica aparenta um vazio imenso entre o núcleo e os elétrons.

Atomic structure shows an immense void between the nucleus and the electrons.

Scientific description.

Häufige Kollokationen

aparentar idade

aparentar cansaço

aparentar calma

aparentar ser

aparentar estar

aparentar riqueza

aparentar saúde

aparentar desinteresse

aparentar fragilidade

aparentar normalidade

Häufige Phrasen

Não aparenta!

— Used as a response when someone says their age and they look much younger.

— Tenho 50 anos. — Nossa, não aparenta!

Aparentar o que não é.

— To pretend to be something you are not, usually related to social status.

Muitas pessoas vivem de aparentar o que não são.

Aparentar bons olhos.

— To look favorably upon something (less common, more literary).

O rei aparentou bons olhos para o pedido.

Aparentar seriedade.

— To project a serious image.

É preciso aparentar seriedade no tribunal.

Aparentar um sorriso.

— To force or show a smile.

Ela conseguiu aparentar um sorriso apesar da dor.

Aparentar descaso.

— To act as if one doesn't care.

Ele aparentou descaso para não mostrar que estava ferido.

Pelo que aparenta.

— Based on how it looks.

Pelo que aparenta, vai ser uma longa viagem.

Aparentar estar bem.

— To look like one is doing okay.

Depois de tudo, ele finalmente aparenta estar bem.

Aparentar cansaço físico.

— To look physically exhausted.

Os jogadores aparentavam cansaço físico no segundo tempo.

Aparentar segurança.

— To project confidence or safety.

O investimento aparenta total segurança.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

aparentar vs apresentar

Means 'to present' or 'to show'. 'Aparentar' is about looking like something.

aparentar vs aparecer

Means 'to show up' or 'to become visible'. 'Aparentar' is about the quality of the appearance.

aparentar vs parecer

More general. 'Parecer' is an opinion; 'aparentar' is a visual observation.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"As aparências enganam"

— Appearances are deceptive; things are not always as they seem.

Cuidado com aquele negócio, as aparências enganam.

informal/neutral

"Viver de aparências"

— To live a life based on how others see you, often spending money you don't have.

Eles estão falidos, mas continuam vivendo de aparências.

neutral

"Guardar as aparências"

— To keep up appearances; to hide a bad situation to avoid social shame.

Eles se odeiam, mas guardam as aparências em público.

neutral

"Pelas aparências"

— Judging by how things look.

Pelas aparências, o jantar será um sucesso.

neutral

"Salvar as aparências"

— To save face; to do something to prevent looking bad.

Ele pediu desculpas apenas para salvar as aparências.

neutral

"Contra as aparências"

— Despite how things look.

Contra todas as aparências, ele venceu a corrida.

formal

"Mudar de aparência"

— To change one's look or the way something looks.

O bairro mudou de aparência com a reforma.

neutral

"Ter boa aparência"

— To look good or professional.

Para o emprego, é importante ter boa aparência.

neutral

"Julgar pelas aparências"

— To judge a book by its cover.

Não devemos julgar as pessoas pelas aparências.

neutral

"Em aparência"

— In appearance; seemingly.

Em aparência, era uma casa comum.

formal

Leicht verwechselbar

aparentar vs Apresentar

Phonetic similarity.

'Apresentar' is to show something to others; 'aparentar' is how you look to others.

Eu apresento o projeto; eu aparento cansaço.

aparentar vs Aparecer

Shared root.

'Aparecer' is the act of being present; 'aparentar' is the manner in which you are seen.

O sol apareceu; o sol aparenta estar forte.

aparentar vs Parecer

Semantic overlap.

'Parecer' can be used for abstract thoughts ('Parece que vai chover'); 'aparentar' is for physical traits.

Parece uma boa ideia; ele aparenta ser jovem.

aparentar vs Assemelhar

Both deal with looks.

'Assemelhar' requires a comparison to something else; 'aparentar' stands alone.

Ele se assemelha ao irmão; ele aparenta ser alto.

aparentar vs Simular

Both involve a facade.

'Simular' is intentional; 'aparentar' is just the observation of the look.

Ele simulou uma doença; ele aparentava estar doente.

Satzmuster

[Subject] aparenta [Age] anos.

Ele aparenta 30 anos.

[Subject] aparenta estar [Adjective].

Ela aparenta estar feliz.

[Subject] aparenta ser [Adjective].

O livro aparenta ser bom.

[Subject] aparenta [Noun].

A situação aparenta perigo.

Embora [Subject] aparente [State], [Reality].

Embora aparente calma, ele está nervoso.

[Abstract Subject] aparenta uma [Complex Noun].

O sistema aparenta uma solidez ilusória.

Tentar aparentar [Quality].

Ele tenta aparentar coragem.

Não aparentar [Age].

Você não aparenta 40 anos.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

aparência (appearance)

aparentado (relative/kinsman - though this is a different root in some contexts)

aparição (apparition/appearance)

Verben

aparentar (to appear)

aparecer (to show up/appear)

transparecer (to show through)

reaparecer (to reappear)

Adjektive

aparente (apparent)

aparentado (related)

aparentemente (apparently - adverbial use of adj)

Verwandt

parecer

paridade

transparência

comparar

aparato

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in descriptive speech and writing.

Häufige Fehler

Eu aparento como 20 anos. → Eu aparento 20 anos.
You don't need 'como' (like) when stating age with 'aparentar'.
Aparenta que vai chover. → Parece que vai chover.
'Aparentar' is not used impersonally like 'parecer'. It needs a subject.
Ele apresentou ser um bom homem. → Ele aparentou ser um bom homem.
'Apresentar' means 'to present'. 'Aparentar' means 'to seem'.
Ela aparenta-se com a mãe. → Ela se parece com a mãe.
While 'aparentar-se' exists, 'parecer-se com' is the standard way to say someone looks like a relative.
O prédio aparenta velho. → O prédio aparenta ser velho.
Usually, you need the verb 'ser' or 'estar' between 'aparentar' and an adjective.

Tipps

The 'Apparent' Rule

Whenever you would use the word 'apparent' in English to describe someone's age or look, use 'aparentar' in Portuguese. It links the two languages perfectly.

Age Compliments

If someone tells you their age and they look younger, always say 'Você não aparenta!'. It is a high-tier social skill in Brazil and Portugal.

Skip the Preposition

Don't put 'de' or 'como' after 'aparentar' when talking about age. Just say the years. 'Aparentar 30 anos' is the way to go.

Parecer vs Aparentar

Use 'parecer' for what you think, and 'aparentar' for what you see. 'Parece que ele é legal' (I think he's cool) vs 'Ele aparenta ser jovem' (I see he is young).

Nasal Power

Make sure the 'ren' in 'aparentar' is nasal. Practice by saying 'ring' and stopping before the 'g', then add 'tar'.

Deceptive Looks

Use 'aparentar' when you want to hint that the appearance might be a lie. It's the perfect verb for mystery or social critique.

Medical Observations

If you are in a medical setting, use 'aparentar' to describe symptoms you see before they are confirmed by tests.

Formal Reports

In business reports, use 'aparentar' to describe market trends or project statuses to sound more professional than using 'parecer'.

The Silent R

In many Brazilian accents, the final 'r' is dropped. If you hear 'aparentá', you know it's the infinitive 'aparentar'.

First Impressions

Use 'aparentar' to talk about first impressions of places. 'O hotel aparenta ser ótimo!' is a great way to start a review.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'APPARENT'. If something is APPARENT, it is what it APARENTA (appears) to be. It's the 'apparent' age or 'apparent' look.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a mask. The mask is what you 'aparentar' (show to the world), while your face is what you 'ser' (really are).

Word Web

aparência aparente aparentemente parecer visual idade farsa semblante

Herausforderung

Try to describe three people in your life using 'aparentar' followed by an age or a state (like 'cansado' or 'feliz').

Wortherkunft

From the Latin 'apparentare', which is derived from 'apparens' (present participle of 'apparere', meaning 'to appear').

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To make visible, to show, or to manifest oneself.

Romance (Latin origin).

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when using 'aparentar' to describe someone's weight or negative health states, as it can be perceived as overly critical if not said with empathy.

English speakers often over-rely on 'to look like' or 'to seem.' 'Aparentar' allows for a more precise distinction between 'looking like a person' (parecer com) and 'appearing to have a quality' (aparentar).

The phrase 'As aparências enganam' is the title of many Portuguese songs and stories. Machado de Assis often explores the theme of 'ser' vs 'parecer/aparentar' in his novels. The song 'Viver de Aparência' by various sertanejo artists.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Describing Age

Aparentar menos idade
Não aparentar a idade
Aparentar ser mais velho
Aparentar ser mais novo

Health and Wellness

Aparentar saúde
Aparentar cansaço
Aparentar doença
Aparentar vigor

Social Status

Aparentar riqueza
Aparentar seriedade
Aparentar sucesso
Aparentar humildade

Atmosphere/Environment

A casa aparenta abandono
O céu aparenta chuva
A cidade aparenta calma
O clima aparenta tensão

Object Condition

Aparentar ser novo
Aparentar desgaste
Aparentar fragilidade
Aparentar qualidade

Gesprächseinstiege

"Quantos anos você acha que aquele ator aparenta ter?"

"Você acha que as pessoas hoje em dia tentam aparentar mais do que são nas redes sociais?"

"Você já conheceu alguém que não aparentava a idade que tinha?"

"O que uma casa precisa ter para aparentar ser acolhedora?"

"Como você tenta aparentar confiança em uma entrevista de emprego?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Escreva sobre uma vez que você julgou alguém pelo que essa pessoa aparentava ser, e depois descobriu que estava errado.

Quais qualidades você gostaria de aparentar para as pessoas que não te conhecem?

Descreva o seu lugar favorito e o que ele aparenta transmitir (paz, energia, mistério).

Reflita sobre a frase 'Viver de aparências'. Por que isso é comum na nossa sociedade?

Se você pudesse aparentar qualquer idade para sempre, qual seria e por quê?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, absolutely. You can say 'O carro aparenta ser novo' (The car appears to be new). It is very common for describing the condition of things.

Yes, it is slightly more formal and more descriptive. In casual speech, people use 'parecer' more often, but 'aparentar' is very common for age.

No. You should say 'Ele aparenta ser feliz' or 'Ele aparenta felicidade', but not 'Ele aparenta como feliz'.

In this case, use 'Ele se parece com o pai' or 'Ele se assemelha ao pai'. 'Aparentar' is not typically used for direct comparisons between two people.

Yes, for visual cues. 'O céu aparenta chuva' (The sky looks like rain). However, 'Parece que vai chover' is more common for the prediction itself.

'Mostrar' is 'to show' (an action). 'Aparentar' is 'to appear' (a state). If you 'mostra' happiness, you are actively doing something. If you 'aparenta' happiness, that's just how you look.

Yes, it follows the standard -ar conjugation: aparento, aparentas, aparenta, aparentamos, aparentam.

It is better to say 'Ele aparenta estar bem' or 'Ele tem boa aparência'.

It can be ('aparentar-se'), but it's rare and usually means 'to resemble' or 'to make oneself look like'.

Just the verb and the number: 'Ela aparenta 25 anos'. No prepositions needed.

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