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A2 verb #3,000 am häufigsten 5 Min. Lesezeit

cultivar

At the A1 level, 'cultivar' is introduced as a simple action verb related to nature and gardening. Learners should focus on the present tense: 'Eu cultivo flores' (I cultivate flowers). It is often taught alongside vocabulary for plants, colors, and basic tools. The focus is on the literal meaning: putting water on a plant and making it grow. Examples are kept short and direct, avoiding complex metaphors. The goal is to understand that 'cultivar' is an action that takes time and happens in a garden or farm.
At the A2 level, learners begin to see 'cultivar' in slightly more complex sentences, including the use of the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito). You might talk about what you 'cultivated' last summer. The concept of 'cultivating' a simple habit, like 'cultivar o hábito de ler' (cultivating the habit of reading), is introduced. Learners should be able to distinguish between 'plantar' (to plant) and 'cultivar' (to grow/tend). The vocabulary expands to include common crops like 'tomates', 'batatas', and 'rosas'.
At the B1 level, the metaphorical use of 'cultivar' becomes more prominent. Learners are expected to use the verb to discuss social relationships and personal development. Phrases like 'cultivar amizades' (cultivating friendships) or 'cultivar a paciência' (cultivating patience) are common. The grammar moves into the Subjunctive mood, which is essential for expressing desires or suggestions: 'É importante que nós cultivemos a paz' (It is important that we cultivate peace). The context shifts from the garden to the community and the self.
At the B2 level, 'cultivar' is used in professional and academic contexts. It appears in discussions about corporate culture, environmental sustainability, and social policies. A B2 learner should be able to discuss 'cultivar talentos' (cultivating talents) within a company or 'cultivar o interesse' (cultivating interest) in a specific subject. The verb is used to describe long-term strategies and systematic efforts. Complex sentence structures, including passive voice and relative clauses, are expected: 'A cultura que se cultiva nesta empresa é de inovação.'
At the C1 level, 'cultivar' takes on a sophisticated, almost philosophical tone. It is used to describe the refinement of the soul, the intellect, or a specific aesthetic. One might 'cultivar o espírito' (cultivate the spirit) through art and literature. The nuances between 'cultivar', 'fomentar', 'estimular', and 'promover' are explored. C1 learners use the verb in high-level debates about society, ethics, and history. The word is often found in editorials, academic papers, and classical literature.
At the C2 level, the mastery of 'cultivar' is absolute. The speaker or writer uses it with precision, often employing it in rare idiomatic expressions or complex rhetorical structures. It can be used to describe the cultivation of abstract geopolitical alliances or the meticulous development of a scientific theory over decades. At this level, 'cultivar' is not just a verb but a conceptual tool used to describe the intentional shaping of reality, culture, and human legacy. The user can play with the word's agricultural origins to create powerful imagery.
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  • Cultivar means to grow plants or develop habits/relationships.
  • It is a regular -ar verb in Portuguese, used literally and figuratively.
  • Commonly used in agriculture, self-help, and professional contexts.
  • Requires consistent effort and time, unlike the single act of 'planting'.

The Portuguese verb cultivar is a versatile and essential term that bridges the gap between the physical world of agriculture and the abstract world of personal and social development. At its most basic level, it refers to the act of tilling the soil, planting seeds, and nurturing plants until they reach maturity. However, its semantic range extends far beyond the garden. In a figurative sense, cultivar is used to describe the intentional effort one puts into developing a skill, a habit, a relationship, or even a state of mind. It implies a process that is not instantaneous but requires patience, consistency, and care.

Literal Application
Refers to agricultural practices, such as preparing land for crops or tending to a vegetable garden. It is the technical act of farming.
Metaphorical Application
Refers to the nurturing of non-physical things like friendships, intellect, or virtues. It suggests that these things must be 'watered' and 'tended' to grow.
Professional Context
Often used in business to describe 'cultivating' leads or professional networks, implying a strategic and long-term approach.

"Para ter um jardim bonito, é preciso cultivar a terra todos os dias com dedicação e paciência."

— Provérbio sobre persistência

When you use cultivar, you are highlighting the process rather than just the result. It is a verb of action and endurance. In Portuguese culture, which has deep roots in both agriculture and close-knit social structures, the concept of 'cultivating' is deeply respected. Whether you are a farmer in the Alentejo or a student in Lisbon, the need to cultivar something valuable is a universal experience.

"Devemos cultivar bons hábitos desde a infância para garantir um futuro saudável."

Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'cultivare', which stems from 'cultus' (care, labor, worship). This links the act of farming to the act of culture itself.

Using cultivar correctly involves understanding its transitive nature. It usually requires a direct object—the thing being cultivated. In the present tense, it follows the regular '-ar' conjugation pattern, making it relatively easy for beginners to master. However, the nuance lies in the choice of the object.

  • Physical Objects: flores (flowers), legumes (vegetables), a terra (the land).
  • Abstract Objects: amizades (friendships), a mente (the mind), a paciência (patience), o ódio (hatred - yes, you can cultivate negative things too).

"Eles cultivam uvas para produzir vinho na região do Douro."

In formal writing, cultivar is often used in the passive voice or with the reflexive 'se' to describe general practices. For example, "Cultiva-se muito milho nesta região" (A lot of corn is cultivated in this region). When speaking about personal growth, it is common to use it with auxiliary verbs: "Eu quero cultivar mais tempo para a leitura."

You will encounter cultivar in a variety of settings, from the rural countryside to the corporate boardroom. In rural Portugal or Brazil, it is a daily word used by farmers discussing their crops. You'll hear it on the news during segments about agriculture or the environment.

"O governo está incentivando os jovens a cultivar produtos orgânicos."

In urban environments, the word shifts toward the metaphorical. In self-help podcasts or psychology books, you'll hear about cultivar a resiliência (cultivating resilience) or cultivar a gratidão (cultivating gratitude). In literature, it is a favorite verb for poets describing the development of love or the soul. Even in the workplace, a manager might speak about cultivar um ambiente de colaboração.

The most frequent mistake learners make is using cultivar when they actually mean plantar (to plant). Remember: you plant a seed once, but you cultivate the plant for months. Another mistake is using it for things that grow naturally without effort. You don't 'cultivar' the grass in the wild; you 'cultivar' a lawn because it requires your intervention.

Incorrect Usage
"Eu vou cultivar uma semente agora." (Better: Eu vou plantar uma semente).
Correct Usage
"Eu vou cultivar estas rosas durante todo o verão."

Additionally, some learners try to use it as an intransitive verb (without an object). While possible in very poetic contexts, it usually sounds incomplete. Always try to specify what you are cultivating.

Understanding the synonyms of cultivar helps in grasping its specific nuance. While plantar is about the start, fomentar is about encouraging growth in a social or economic sense. Nurturar (less common in PT, more common in EN) or nutrir (to nourish) are also close relatives.

  • Semear: To sow. Often used metaphorically for spreading ideas.
  • Criar: To create or raise (like raising children or animals).
  • Desenvolver: To develop. A more neutral, technical term.

"É preciso fomentar o diálogo para cultivar a paz."

How Formal Is It?

Formell

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Informell

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Umgangssprache

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Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

Eu cultivo flores no meu jardim.

I cultivate flowers in my garden.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

2

Você cultiva tomates?

Do you cultivate tomatoes?

Interrogative sentence.

3

Nós cultivamos plantas em casa.

We cultivate plants at home.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

4

Eles cultivam batatas no campo.

They cultivate potatoes in the field.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

5

Ela cultiva rosas vermelhas.

She cultivates red roses.

Subject-verb agreement.

6

O meu avô cultiva a terra.

My grandfather cultivates the land.

Literal use of the verb.

7

É fácil cultivar ervas?

Is it easy to cultivate herbs?

Infinitive after an adjective.

8

Eu quero cultivar um pequeno jardim.

I want to cultivate a small garden.

Verb 'querer' + infinitive.

1

No ano passado, eu cultivei muitos legumes.

Last year, I cultivated many vegetables.

Pretérito Perfeito (Past tense).

2

Nós vamos cultivar árvores de fruto.

We are going to cultivate fruit trees.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

3

Você precisa de cultivar o hábito de beber água.

You need to cultivate the habit of drinking water.

Metaphorical use (habit).

4

Eles cultivaram uma horta na escola.

They cultivated a vegetable garden at school.

Past tense, plural.

5

Ela sempre cultiva flores na primavera.

She always cultivates flowers in the spring.

Adverb of frequency 'sempre'.

6

É bom cultivar amizades na escola.

It's good to cultivate friendships at school.

Impersonal expression 'É bom'.

7

Nós não cultivamos nada no inverno.

We don't cultivate anything in the winter.

Negative sentence.

8

O agricultor cultiva milho e trigo.

The farmer cultivates corn and wheat.

Specific agricultural vocabulary.

1

É importante que você cultive a sua paciência.

It is important that you cultivate your patience.

Present Subjunctive.

2

Se eu tivesse um terreno, cultivaria uvas.

If I had a piece of land, I would cultivate grapes.

Conditional mood.

3

Estamos a cultivar uma nova relação com os clientes.

We are cultivating a new relationship with the customers.

Present continuous (PT-PT style).

4

Ela cultiva o gosto pela música clássica.

She cultivates a taste for classical music.

Abstract object 'gosto'.

5

Muitas pessoas cultivam o silêncio para relaxar.

Many people cultivate silence to relax.

Gerund/Purpose clause.

6

O professor cultiva a curiosidade dos alunos.

The teacher cultivates the students' curiosity.

Transitive figurative use.

7

Eles têm cultivado esta tradição há anos.

They have been cultivating this tradition for years.

Present Perfect (Compound).

8

Não se pode cultivar o sucesso sem esforço.

One cannot cultivate success without effort.

Passive 'se' / General truth.

1

A empresa cultiva um ambiente de trabalho saudável.

The company cultivates a healthy work environment.

Corporate context.

2

É fundamental cultivar o pensamento crítico na universidade.

It is fundamental to cultivate critical thinking at the university.

Academic context.

3

O governo pretende cultivar parcerias internacionais.

The government intends to cultivate international partnerships.

Political context.

4

Cultivar a mente é tão importante quanto exercitar o corpo.

Cultivating the mind is as important as exercising the body.

Comparative structure.

5

Ao cultivar estas técnicas, obterá melhores resultados.

By cultivating these techniques, you will obtain better results.

Gerund/Prepositional phrase.

6

Eles cultivam uma imagem de sofisticação e luxo.

They cultivate an image of sophistication and luxury.

Marketing context.

7

A região é conhecida por cultivar as melhores azeitonas.

The region is known for cultivating the best olives.

Passive construction.

8

Devemos cultivar a resiliência perante as dificuldades.

We must cultivate resilience in the face of difficulties.

Modal verb 'dever'.

1

O autor cultiva um estilo literário muito próprio.

The author cultivates a very unique literary style.

Stylistic nuance.

2

É necessário cultivar a virtude para alcançar a sabedoria.

It is necessary to cultivate virtue to reach wisdom.

Philosophical register.

3

A diplomacia exige cultivar alianças de longo prazo.

Diplomacy requires cultivating long-term alliances.

High-level political vocabulary.

4

Ele cultiva um certo mistério em torno da sua vida privada.

He cultivates a certain mystery around his private life.

Nuanced abstract object.

5

Cultivar o intelecto exige uma vida de estudo constante.

Cultivating the intellect requires a life of constant study.

Nominalized infinitive as subject.

6

A sociedade deve cultivar o respeito pelas minorias.

Society must cultivate respect for minorities.

Social justice context.

7

O artista cultiva a imperfeição como forma de expressão.

The artist cultivates imperfection as a form of expression.

Aesthetic context.

8

Não basta plantar a ideia; é preciso cultivá-la com rigor.

It is not enough to plant the idea; it is necessary to cultivate it with rigor.

Clitic pronoun '-la'.

1

A hegemonia cultural cultiva-se através de séculos de influência.

Cultural hegemony is cultivated through centuries of influence.

Reflexive passive voice.

2

O estadista soube cultivar o apoio das massas com mestria.

The statesman knew how to cultivate the support of the masses with mastery.

Sophisticated political narrative.

3

Cultivar o desapego é o auge da evolução espiritual.

Cultivating detachment is the pinnacle of spiritual evolution.

Spiritual/Philosophical depth.

4

A narrativa cultiva uma ambiguidade que desafia o leitor.

The narrative cultivates an ambiguity that challenges the reader.

Literary criticism.

5

É imperativo cultivar a sustentabilidade como paradigma global.

It is imperative to cultivate sustainability as a global paradigm.

High-level academic discourse.

6

O cientista cultivou a dúvida metódica durante toda a sua carreira.

The scientist cultivated methodical doubt throughout his entire career.

Scientific philosophy.

7

Cultivar a própria alma é a tarefa mais árdua do ser humano.

Cultivating one's own soul is the most arduous task of the human being.

Existential register.

8

A retórica dele cultiva um pavor latente nos adversários.

His rhetoric cultivates a latent dread in his adversaries.

Complex psychological impact.

Häufige Kollokationen

cultivar a terra
cultivar amizades
cultivar o hábito
cultivar o espírito
cultivar talentos
cultivar o interesse
cultivar a paz
cultivar o ódio
cultivar legumes
cultivar a mente

Häufige Phrasen

Cultivar o próprio jardim

Cultivar uma boa imagem

Cultivar o respeito mútuo

Cultivar a paciência de Job

Cultivar o gosto por algo

Cultivar a esperança

Cultivar a gratidão

Cultivar o diálogo

Cultivar a horta

Cultivar a inteligência

Wird oft verwechselt mit

cultivar vs plantar

cultivar vs crescer

cultivar vs colher

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

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""

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Leicht verwechselbar

cultivar vs plantar

cultivar vs colher

cultivar vs crescer

cultivar vs fomentar

cultivar vs amanhar

Satzmuster

So verwendest du es

nuance

Cultivar implies a long-term commitment.

frequency

High in both literal and figurative senses.

Häufige Fehler

  • You plant a seed; you cultivate the plant that comes from it.

  • The verb usually needs an object to be clear.

  • Plants grow (crescer); people cultivate (cultivar) them.

  • Use 'criar' for raising children.

  • While you can 'cultivar o conhecimento', you 'estudar' for an exam.

Tipps

Garden Basics

Learn 'cultivar' alongside 'regar' (to water) and 'podar' (to prune).

Direct Object

Always ask 'what' am I cultivating? The answer is your direct object.

Elegant Writing

Use 'cultivar' to describe the development of your characters' traits.

Wine Talk

In Portugal, use it when discussing 'castas' (grape varieties).

Friendships

Say 'Gosto de cultivar as minhas amizades' to show you value people.

Mindfulness

Use it for 'cultivar a atenção plena' (cultivating mindfulness).

Networking

Talk about 'cultivar contactos' instead of just 'conhecer pessoas'.

Habits

Cultivate the habit of using this word once a day!

Plantar vs Cultivar

Remember: Plantar = once. Cultivar = always.

The 'L'

In Brazil, the 'L' in 'cultivar' sounds like 'u'. Practice 'kuu-ti-var'.

Einprägen

Wortherkunft

Latin

Kultureller Kontext

Linked to 'agronegócio' and 'agricultura familiar'.

Deeply linked to the 'Douro' vineyards.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"O que você gosta de cultivar no seu tempo livre?"

"É difícil cultivar amizades verdadeiras hoje em dia?"

"Você cultiva alguma planta em casa?"

"Como podemos cultivar a paz no mundo?"

"Quais hábitos você quer cultivar este ano?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Escreva sobre uma amizade que você cultiva há muitos anos.

Quais são os desafios de cultivar uma horta orgânica?

Descreva o processo de cultivar uma nova habilidade.

Como você cultiva a sua saúde mental?

O que significa 'cultivar o próprio jardim' para você?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Usually, we use 'educar' or 'criar' for children, but you can 'cultivar' a specific quality in them, like 'cultivar a honestidade nos filhos'.

Yes, it follows the standard -ar conjugation rules in all tenses.

Plantar is the start (putting the seed); cultivar is the maintenance (watering, weeding).

No, you cultivate a relationship *with* a person or qualities *in* a person.

Yes, very often for 'cultivating leads' or 'cultivating a culture'.

Eu cultivei, você cultivou, nós cultivamos.

Yes, like 'cultivar o ódio' (to cultivate hatred).

Extremely common, especially regarding wine and social ties.

The most common nouns are 'cultivo' (the act) and 'cultura' (the result/culture).

It is neutral; it works in both formal and informal settings.

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