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A2 verb 10 min de lectura

ausentar-se

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos ausentar-se en 30 segundos

Explicación ausentar-se in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to describe basic actions. 'Ausentar-se' might seem a bit advanced because it is a reflexive verb, but you can understand it as a more formal way to say 'to leave' or 'not be here.' Think of it as 'I am going away for a moment.' At this stage, you should focus on the most common phrase: 'Eu preciso me ausentar' (I need to step away). This is very useful if you are in a class or a meeting and need to go to the restroom or take a quick call. You don't need to master all the complex conjugations yet; just knowing the 'eu' and 'você' forms in the present tense is a great start. Remember that the 'se' or 'me' is part of the word's identity in Portuguese. Even if you don't use it perfectly, native speakers will appreciate the effort to use a polite verb. You might also see 'ausente' (absent) on a school attendance sheet, which is the adjective form of this verb. Learning this word early helps you build a more professional-sounding vocabulary from the beginning of your journey.

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At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'ausentar-se' in simple past and present sentences. You are expected to know that it is a reflexive verb and that it usually takes the preposition 'de.' For example, 'Ele se ausentou da escola' (He was absent from school). You should start noticing the difference between 'ausentar-se' and 'sair.' While 'sair' is just 'to go out,' 'ausentar-se' implies you are missing from a place where you should be. This is the level where you practice the reflexive pronouns: me, te, se, nos, se. You should also be able to use it with modal verbs like 'poder' (can) and 'precisar' (need). For example, 'Posso me ausentar por um minuto?' (Can I step away for a minute?). This is a very polite and common way to ask for permission. You will also encounter this verb in simple work or school contexts, such as telling a boss you will be away for a doctor's appointment. It is a key verb for basic adult life in a Portuguese-speaking country.

At the B1 level, you move beyond simple presence and absence into the nuances of why and how someone is absent. You should be comfortable using 'ausentar-se' in various tenses, including the future and the imperfect. For example, 'Eu me ausentava todos os verões' (I used to go away every summer). You should also understand its use in the subjunctive mood, which is common for expressing desires or possibilities: 'Espero que ele não se ausente da reunião' (I hope he doesn't miss the meeting). At this level, you begin to see 'ausentar-se' in more diverse contexts, like taking a 'licença' (leave) from work or 'ausentar-se de suas obrigações' (absenting oneself from one's duties). You should be able to explain the reason for an absence using more complex sentence structures. You will also start to distinguish the formal tone of 'ausentar-se' from the more colloquial 'dar uma saída' or 'sumir.' This level is about refining your choice of words to match the social situation you are in.

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At the B2 level, you use 'ausentar-se' with precision and stylistic flair. You understand the placement of reflexive pronouns in both Brazilian and European Portuguese (proclisis vs. enclisis) and can switch between them if necessary. You are also familiar with the nominal form 'ausência' and how it relates to the verb. You might use the verb in more abstract ways, such as 'ausentar-se do debate político' (to withdraw from the political debate). Your sentences will become more complex, incorporating relative clauses: 'O motivo pelo qual ele se ausentou ainda é um mistério' (The reason why he absented himself is still a mystery). You will also encounter this verb in formal correspondence, legal texts, and literature. You should be able to discuss the implications of someone's absence and use the verb to describe long-term departures, such as moving abroad or taking a sabbatical. At B2, 'ausentar-se' is a tool for professional and academic communication.

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At the C1 level, 'ausentar-se' is part of a sophisticated vocabulary that allows you to discuss complex social and philosophical concepts. You might explore the idea of 'ausentar-se de si mesmo' (to absent oneself from oneself) in a psychological or literary context. You are fully aware of the verb's etymological roots and its relationship to other Latin-based languages. You can use it in highly formal speeches or academic papers, perhaps discussing 'a tendência de certos grupos de se ausentarem do processo democrático' (the tendency of certain groups to withdraw from the democratic process). You understand the subtle differences between 'ausentar-se,' 'exilar-se,' 'alienar-se,' and 'retrair-se.' Your usage is flawless, including the most complex subjunctive and conditional forms. You also recognize and can use archaic or highly literary forms of the verb if you encounter them in classical Portuguese literature. At this stage, the verb is no longer just a word for 'leaving,' but a nuanced expression of presence, absence, and intentionality.

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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'ausentar-se.' You can use it to convey the finest shades of meaning, often using it in rhetorical devices or complex metaphors. You might analyze the use of the verb in the works of Fernando Pessoa or Machado de Assis, noting how absence is portrayed as an active state. Your ability to use the verb is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can navigate the most dense legal or administrative documents where 'ausentar-se' might be used in specialized ways (e.g., regarding the legal definition of 'ausente' in inheritance law). You can also play with the word in creative writing, using its reflexive nature to explore themes of identity and presence. For a C2 learner, 'ausentar-se' is not just a verb but a conceptual pillar of the Portuguese language, used to describe the multifaceted ways in which humans interact with space, time, and each other through their presence or lack thereof.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

ausentar-se en 30 segundos

A reflexive verb meaning to be absent or to stay away from a place, often used in formal or professional contexts.
Requires reflexive pronouns (me, se, nos) and typically takes the preposition 'de' to indicate the source of absence.
More formal than 'sair' (to leave) and more specific than 'faltar' (to miss an event entirely).
Essential for requesting permission to leave a room or explaining why someone is not at their expected location.

The Portuguese verb ausentar-se is a reflexive verb that translates primarily to 'to absent oneself,' 'to stay away,' or 'to leave temporarily.' Unlike the simpler verb 'sair' (to leave), ausentar-se carries a tone of formality and often implies a duration or a specific reason for the absence. It is the standard way to describe leaving a place, a meeting, or a social gathering with the intent of being gone for a period. In professional settings, you will encounter this word frequently in HR documents, formal emails, and official announcements. For instance, if a manager needs to step out of the office for an hour, they would use this verb to describe their state of being away from their desk. It is not just about the act of walking out, but about the state of being 'absent' from a designated spot where one is expected to be.

Formal Context: Used in business and legal documents to denote a period of non-presence. Example: 'O funcionário ausentou-se por motivos de saúde.'
Social Context: Used when politely leaving a dinner or a conversation. Example: 'Com licença, preciso me ausentar por um momento.'

Durante a conferência, o palestrante precisou ausentar-se para atender uma chamada urgente.

The nuance of ausentar-se also extends to emotional or metaphorical absence. One can 'ausentar-se' from their responsibilities or even from a relationship, though this is less common than the physical meaning. Because it is reflexive, the pronoun (me, te, se, nos, se) must always match the subject. This is a common stumbling block for English speakers who are used to the non-reflexive 'to be absent.' In Portuguese, you don't just 'are' absent in an active sense; you 'absent yourself.' This reflects a more active participation in the state of being away. Understanding this linguistic structure is key to moving from A2 to B1 proficiency.

Ele se ausentou do país por três anos para estudar no exterior.

Grammatical Pattern: Subject + Reflexive Pronoun + Verb + 'de/do/da' + Location. Example: 'Nós nos ausentamos da sala.'

Furthermore, the verb is often paired with the preposition 'de' to indicate what place or situation one is leaving. If you are absenting yourself *from* somewhere, you use 'ausentar-se de'. This is crucial for sentence construction. Whether you are avoiding a crowd or taking a leave of absence from a university, the structure remains consistent. It provides a level of precision that 'ir embora' (to go away) lacks, as 'ausentar-se' implies a specific departure from a specific context where your presence was previously established or expected.

Using ausentar-se correctly requires a firm grasp of reflexive pronoun placement, which varies slightly between Brazilian and European Portuguese. In Brazil, it is common to place the pronoun before the verb (proclisis), such as 'Eu me ausentei.' In Portugal, especially in formal writing, the pronoun often follows the verb (enclisis), as in 'Ausentei-me.' However, for learners at the A2 level, focusing on the standard 'me/se/nos' placement is the first priority. The verb follows the regular '-ar' conjugation pattern, making it relatively easy to conjugate once you have the reflexive part down.

Por favor, não se ausente durante a explicação do professor.

Present Tense: Eu me ausento, você se ausenta, nós nos ausentamos, eles se ausentam.
Past Tense (Preterite): Eu me ausentei, você se ausentou, nós nos ausentamos, eles se ausentaram.

In more complex sentences, ausentar-se is often followed by a time expression to indicate how long the absence will last. Phrases like 'por alguns minutos' (for a few minutes), 'por tempo indeterminado' (for an indefinite time), or 'durante as férias' (during the holidays) are common companions. This helps clarify the scope of the absence. It's also worth noting that this verb is frequently used in the infinitive form after auxiliary verbs like 'precisar' (to need) or 'querer' (to want), which simplifies the conjugation but still requires the correct reflexive pronoun: 'Eu preciso me ausentar.'

Vocês vão se ausentar da festa tão cedo?

When talking about professional duties, the verb is indispensable. You might see a sign on a shop door saying 'O gerente precisou se ausentar, voltamos em breve' (The manager had to step out, we'll be back soon). This usage is polite and professional, signaling that the absence is legitimate and temporary. In contrast, using a word like 'fugir' (to flee) or 'desaparecer' (to disappear) would imply something much more negative or mysterious. Thus, ausentar-se is the 'safe' and 'correct' verb for most adult interactions involving leaving a place for a period of time.

You are most likely to hear ausentar-se in environments that require a degree of decorum. In a corporate office in Lisbon or São Paulo, if a colleague is not at their desk, another colleague might explain, 'Ela se ausentou para uma reunião externa' (She is away for an external meeting). It is the language of the workplace. You will also hear it in news broadcasts or read it in newspapers when public figures are unable to attend events. For example, 'O presidente se ausentará da cúpula por motivos de saúde' (The president will be absent from the summit for health reasons). It provides a formal explanation that respects the individual's privacy while accounting for their lack of presence.

Senhoras e senhores, o diretor teve que se ausentar inesperadamente.

Courtrooms & Law: Lawyers use it to describe clients who cannot appear in court. 'A testemunha se ausentou sem justificativa.'
Academic Settings: Professors use it when students miss several classes. 'Se você se ausentar de mais de três aulas, será reprovado.'

In literature and film, ausentar-se can take on a more poetic or dramatic tone. A character might 'ausentar-se do mundo' (withdraw from the world) to find peace or to hide. In these contexts, the verb emphasizes the intentionality of the distance. Unlike 'sumir' (to vanish), which can happen by accident or without a trace, 'ausentar-se' implies a choice or a specific condition of being away. When you watch Brazilian soap operas (telenovelas), you might hear a character say, 'Vou me ausentar por uns tempos para colocar a cabeça no lugar' (I'm going to go away for a while to clear my head). It suggests a deliberate period of reflection.

Ele costuma se ausentar das redes sociais nos fins de semana.

Finally, in the digital age, you might see this verb in 'Out of Office' (OOO) auto-replies. A typical message might start with: 'Estarei ausente do escritório até o dia...' While 'ausente' is the adjective, the verb ausentar-se is the action that led to that state. In online forums or chat groups, a user might say 'Vou me ausentar do grupo por uns dias' if they are taking a break from social media. This demonstrates the verb's versatility across both traditional and modern communication channels, always maintaining its core meaning of intentional, temporary non-presence.

One of the most frequent errors made by English speakers is treating ausentar-se as a non-reflexive verb. In English, you 'are absent.' In Portuguese, you cannot simply say 'Eu ausento' or 'Ele ausentou.' This sounds incomplete and grammatically incorrect to a native ear. You must use the reflexive pronoun: Eu me ausento, Ele se ausentou. Think of it as 'I absent myself' or 'He absented himself.' This mental shift is necessary for almost all reflexive verbs in Portuguese, but it is particularly vital here because the non-reflexive form 'ausentar' is rarely used in common speech.

Errado: Eu ~~ausentei~~ da reunião.
Correto: Eu me ausentei da reunião.

Preposition Errors: Mistake: Using 'em' instead of 'de'. Correct: 'Ausentar-se de casa' (not 'em casa').
Confusing with 'Faltar': 'Faltar' means to miss (an event). 'Ausentar-se' means to be away from a place.

Another common mistake involves the preposition that follows the verb. Many learners want to use 'em' (in/at) because they are thinking of being 'absent at' a location. However, ausentar-se requires the preposition 'de' (from), because the action describes moving *away* from a place. So, you say 'Ele se ausentou do trabalho' (He absented himself from work), where 'do' is the contraction of 'de + o'. Using 'no trabalho' in this context is a tell-tale sign of a non-native speaker. Mastering these small particles is what separates intermediate learners from beginners.

Não se ausente por muito tempo, a comida vai esfriar!

Lastly, learners often confuse ausentar-se with faltar. While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 'Faltar' is used when you miss something entirely, like a class, a meeting, or a party (e.g., 'Eu faltei à aula'). 'Ausentar-se' is used when you are physically leaving a place where you were or should be (e.g., 'Eu me ausentei da sala por cinco minutos'). If you miss a whole day of work, you 'faltou ao trabalho.' If you are at work but step out for lunch, you 'se ausentou do escritório.' Keeping this distinction in mind will help you sound much more natural and precise in your Portuguese conversations.

While ausentar-se is a fantastic word to have in your vocabulary, there are several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific context you are in. The most common informal alternative is simply sair (to leave/go out). If you are with friends and need to step away, saying 'Vou sair um instantinho' is much more natural than the formal 'Vou me ausentar.' Another common verb is afastar-se, which means to move away or distance oneself. While ausentar-se implies a total absence from a location, afastar-se might just mean moving to the other side of the room or taking a break from a specific task.

Sair: Informal, general use for leaving. 'Vou sair agora.'
Retirar-se: Very formal, like 'to withdraw'. 'O juiz retirou-se da sala.'
Faltar: To miss/be lacking. 'Ele faltou ao compromisso.'

Comparação: 'Ele se ausentou' (Formal/Temporary) vs 'Ele sumiu' (Informal/Mysterious).

For extremely formal situations, such as a diplomatic event or a high-level legal proceeding, the verb retirar-se (to withdraw/retire) is often used. This is even more formal than ausentar-se and suggests a dignified departure. On the other end of the spectrum, if someone leaves suddenly and without explanation, you might use sumir (to vanish) or desaparecer (to disappear). These carry a different emotional weight. For example, 'Ele sumiu da festa' implies he left without saying goodbye, whereas 'Ele se ausentou da festa' implies a more orderly, perhaps explained, departure. Choosing the right word depends entirely on the 'vibe' of the situation.

Ela preferiu se afastar da confusão para manter a calma.

In summary, while ausentar-se is a versatile and essential verb for any A2 learner aiming for fluency, it exists within a rich ecosystem of words related to presence and absence. By comparing it with sair, faltar, and afastar-se, you gain a deeper understanding of the Portuguese social hierarchy and the importance of context. Whether you are writing a formal letter to a landlord or just telling a friend you'll be right back from the bathroom, knowing which 'departure' verb to use will make your Portuguese sound authentic and sophisticated.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The reflexive form 'ausentar-se' is much more common in Portuguese than the active form 'ausentar', reflecting a linguistic preference for describing the state of the subject.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /aʊ.zenˈtaɾ.sə/

US /aʊ.zenˈtaɾ.si/

The primary stress is on the second to last syllable of the verb: 'au-sen-TAR'.

Rima con

sentar-se tentar-se inventar-se alimentar-se apresentar-se sustentar-se orientar-se contentar-se

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'au' as 'aw'.
Forgetting to pronounce the reflexive pronoun 'se' or 'me'.
Treating the 's' as a sharp 's' instead of a 'z' sound.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'absent'.

Escritura 4/5

Requires remembering reflexive pronouns and prepositions.

Expresión oral 4/5

Pronoun placement can be tricky for beginners.

Escucha 3/5

The 's' sounding like 'z' is key to hearing it correctly.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

sair estar reunião trabalho me/se

Aprende después

ausência faltar afastar-se licença

Avanzado

compelir jurisdição estéril solene

Gramática que debes saber

Reflexive Verbs

Eu me lavo, eu me ausento.

Preposition 'de' with Verbs of Movement/Departure

Sair de, ausentar-se de.

Pronoun Placement (Proclisis)

Não se ausente (Negative words pull the pronoun).

Pronoun Placement (Enclisis)

Ausente-se (Imperative affirmative).

Contractions with 'de'

de + o = do; de + a = da.

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Ejemplos por nivel

Eu me ausento agora.

I am leaving/absenting myself now.

Basic reflexive present tense: 'me' + 'ausento'.

Você se ausenta da sala?

Are you leaving the room?

Question form with reflexive 'se'.

Ele precisa se ausentar.

He needs to step away.

Infinitive after 'precisar' with reflexive 'se'.

Não se ausente daqui.

Don't leave from here.

Imperative negative with 'não' + 'se'.

Nós nos ausentamos por um minuto.

We are stepping away for a minute.

First person plural reflexive: 'nos' + 'ausentamos'.

Ela se ausenta do trabalho.

She is absent from work.

Present tense with 'de' + 'o' = 'do'.

Vou me ausentar um pouco.

I am going to step away for a bit.

Future with 'ir' + reflexive infinitive.

Eles se ausentam da festa.

They are leaving the party.

Third person plural present tense.

Ontem, eu me ausentei da aula.

Yesterday, I was absent from class.

Preterite tense: 'me' + 'ausentei'.

Por que você se ausentou da reunião?

Why were you absent from the meeting?

Question in the past tense.

O diretor se ausentou por uma hora.

The director was away for an hour.

Third person singular preterite.

Nós nos ausentamos durante o almoço.

We were away during lunch.

Preterite plural form.

Ela se ausentará amanhã cedo.

She will be away tomorrow morning.

Simple future tense: 'ausentará'.

Vocês se ausentaram sem avisar.

You all left without letting anyone know.

Preterite with adverbial phrase 'sem avisar'.

Ele nunca se ausenta de casa à noite.

He never leaves home at night.

Negative sentence with 'nunca' + reflexive.

Preciso me ausentar para ir ao médico.

I need to step away to go to the doctor.

Compound verb structure.

Se eu me ausentar, você termina o relatório?

If I step away, will you finish the report?

Future subjunctive 'ausentar' in a conditional clause.

Ele se ausentava sempre que havia brigas.

He used to leave whenever there were fights.

Imperfect tense 'ausentava' indicating habit.

É importante que ninguém se ausente agora.

It is important that no one leaves now.

Present subjunctive 'ausente' after 'é importante que'.

Ela se ausentou do país por motivos pessoais.

She left the country for personal reasons.

Formal use of 'ausentar-se' with 'do país'.

Nós nos ausentaremos assim que o show acabar.

We will leave as soon as the show ends.

Future tense with temporal clause.

Mesmo que ele se ausente, o trabalho continua.

Even if he is absent, the work continues.

Concessive clause with present subjunctive.

Eles se ausentaram da cidade no inverno passado.

They were away from the city last winter.

Preterite with specific time marker.

Gostaria de me ausentar por alguns dias.

I would like to be away for a few days.

Conditional 'gostaria' + reflexive infinitive.

O réu se ausentou do tribunal sem permissão.

The defendant left the courtroom without permission.

Formal/Legal context usage.

Caso você se ausente, deixe um substituto.

In case you are absent, leave a substitute.

Subjunctive used for hypothetical situations.

Os sócios se ausentaram da votação final.

The partners abstained/were absent from the final vote.

Reflexive verb used in a business context.

Ela se ausentara antes mesmo de eu chegar.

She had already left even before I arrived.

Pluperfect (mais-que-perfeito) tense: 'ausentara'.

É proibido ausentar-se do posto de trabalho.

It is forbidden to leave your workstation.

Impersonal 'é proibido' + infinitive with enclisis.

Ele se ausentou das redes sociais para focar nos estudos.

He stepped away from social media to focus on his studies.

Modern context with 'de' + 'as' = 'das'.

A testemunha não pôde se ausentar do estado.

The witness could not leave the state.

Modal verb 'poder' in preterite + reflexive.

Ausentar-se de suas responsabilidades tem consequências.

Absenting oneself from one's responsibilities has consequences.

Infinitive as a subject of the sentence.

O filósofo preferiu ausentar-se do convívio social.

The philosopher preferred to withdraw from social life.

Abstract/Literary use of the verb.

Não convém que o líder se ausente neste momento crítico.

It is not advisable for the leader to be absent at this critical moment.

Formal expression 'não convém que' + subjunctive.

Ele se ausentou de si mesmo em um transe profundo.

He absented himself from his own self in a deep trance.

Metaphorical/Psychological usage.

A empresa se ausentou de qualquer comentário oficial.

The company declined to make any official comment.

Figurative use meaning 'to abstain' or 'refrain'.

Tendo-se ausentado por anos, ele era um estranho na vila.

Having been away for years, he was a stranger in the village.

Gerund with reflexive pronoun in a formal structure.

Poucos ousariam ausentar-se de tal cerimônia solene.

Few would dare to be absent from such a solemn ceremony.

Conditional mood 'ousariam' + reflexive infinitive.

A ausência de provas fez com que ele se ausentasse do caso.

The lack of evidence caused him to withdraw from the case.

Cause and effect sentence with subjunctive.

A alma parecia ausentar-se do corpo naquele instante.

The soul seemed to leave the body at that moment.

Poetic/Existential usage.

O monarca viu-se compelido a ausentar-se do trono.

The monarch found himself compelled to vacate the throne.

Passive reflexive structure with 'compelido'.

Ausentar-se-ia ele se soubesse da gravidade da situação?

Would he have absented himself if he knew the gravity of the situation?

Mesoclisis (ausentar-se-ia) - extremely formal/archaic.

A subjetividade do autor ausenta-se da obra em prol da objetividade.

The author's subjectivity is absent from the work in favor of objectivity.

Literary criticism context.

Instigado pelo medo, o réu buscou ausentar-se da jurisdição.

Instigated by fear, the defendant sought to flee the jurisdiction.

High-level vocabulary (instigado, jurisdição).

Não há como ausentar-se do peso da própria consciência.

There is no way to escape the weight of one's own conscience.

Philosophical usage.

O brilho nos olhos parecia ausentar-se à medida que a esperança morria.

The sparkle in the eyes seemed to fade away as hope died.

Metaphorical use of absence as a fading quality.

Ausentemo-nos deste debate estéril que nada nos acrescenta.

Let us withdraw from this sterile debate that adds nothing to us.

First person plural imperative (hortatory).

A divindade, outrora presente, parecia agora ausentar-se do mundo.

The deity, once present, seemed now to withdraw from the world.

Theological/Philosophical context.

Colocaciones comunes

ausentar-se do trabalho

ausentar-se da sala

ausentar-se por motivos de saúde

ausentar-se temporariamente

ausentar-se do país

ausentar-se sem aviso prévio

ausentar-se das redes sociais

ausentar-se de suas obrigações

ausentar-se por um longo período

ausentar-se da vida pública

Frases Comunes

Com licença, preciso me ausentar.

— A polite way to say you need to leave.

Com licença, preciso me ausentar por um momento.

Não se ausente por muito tempo.

— Asking someone not to be gone for long.

Vá lá, mas não se ausente por muito tempo.

Ele se ausentou por tempo indeterminado.

— He is gone for an unknown amount of time.

Infelizmente, ele se ausentou por tempo indeterminado.

Ela se ausentou da cidade.

— She left the city.

Ela se ausentou da cidade para descansar.

Ausentar-se do cargo.

— To step down or be away from a position.

O ministro se ausentou do cargo temporariamente.

Sempre se ausenta nas horas difíceis.

— Used to describe someone who disappears when things get tough.

Ele sempre se ausenta nas horas difíceis.

Ausentar-se para refletir.

— To go away to think.

Vou me ausentar para refletir sobre minha vida.

Não pode se ausentar sem autorização.

— You cannot leave without permission.

O soldado não pode se ausentar sem autorização.

Ausentar-se do convívio familiar.

— To stay away from family life.

Ele se ausentou do convívio familiar por anos.

Vou me ausentar do grupo.

— I'm leaving the group (chat or social).

Vou me ausentar do grupo por uns dias para descansar.

Se confunde a menudo con

ausentar-se vs faltar

'Faltar' means to miss an event; 'ausentar-se' means to be away from a place.

ausentar-se vs sair

'Sair' is general 'to leave'; 'ausentar-se' is more formal and implies a duration.

ausentar-se vs sumir

'Sumir' is informal 'to vanish'; 'ausentar-se' is formal and usually explained.

Modismos y expresiones

"ausentar-se em espírito"

— To be physically present but mentally elsewhere.

Ele estava na aula, mas parecia ausentar-se em espírito.

literary

"fazer-se ausente"

— To intentionally avoid being noticed or present.

Ele se fez ausente quando a conta chegou.

neutral

"ausentar-se do mapa"

— To disappear completely (slang).

Depois do escândalo, ele se ausentou do mapa.

informal

"ausentar-se da realidade"

— To lose touch with reality.

Às vezes, ele se ausenta da realidade com seus livros.

metaphorical

"ausentar-se de cena"

— To stop being the center of attention or leave a situation.

A atriz decidiu se ausentar de cena por um tempo.

journalistic

"ausentar-se da briga"

— To stay out of a conflict.

Ela preferiu se ausentar da briga entre os irmãos.

neutral

"ausentar-se do ninho"

— To leave home (usually children).

Os filhos cresceram e se ausentaram do ninho.

poetic

"ausentar-se dos olhos"

— To be out of sight.

O que se ausenta dos olhos, se ausenta do coração.

proverbial

"ausentar-se por um triz"

— To leave just in time (barely).

Ele se ausentou por um triz antes da polícia chegar.

informal

"ausentar-se do barulho"

— To seek peace and quiet.

No fim de semana, eu me ausento do barulho da cidade.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

ausentar-se vs Ausente

It is the adjective form.

'Ausente' describes the state (He is absent), while 'ausentar-se' is the action (He absents himself).

Ele está ausente (Adjective). Ele se ausentou (Verb).

ausentar-se vs Afastar-se

Both involve moving away.

'Afastar-se' is about distance (moving away), 'ausentar-se' is about presence (not being there).

Afastou-se da mesa (Moved his chair back). Ausentou-se da mesa (Left the room).

ausentar-se vs Isolar-se

Both involve being alone.

'Isolar-se' means to isolate oneself completely; 'ausentar-se' is just being away from a specific spot.

Ele se isolou no quarto. Ele se ausentou da reunião.

ausentar-se vs Retirar-se

Very similar formal meaning.

'Retirar-se' is even more formal, often used for leaving a room permanently or with great dignity.

O rei retirou-se.

ausentar-se vs Escusar-se

Both involve leaving a situation.

'Escusar-se' specifically means to excuse oneself from a duty or invitation.

Ele se escusou de votar.

Patrones de oraciones

Eu me ausento + tempo.

Eu me ausento por cinco minutos.

Sujeito + se ausentou + de + lugar.

O João se ausentou da escola.

Eu preciso + me ausentar + para + verbo.

Eu preciso me ausentar para atender o telefone.

Não se ausente + de + lugar.

Não se ausente do seu lugar.

Caso + sujeito + se ausente...

Caso você se ausente, avise-me.

É necessário + se ausentar.

É necessário se ausentar para resolver isso.

Tendo-se ausentado...

Tendo-se ausentado, ele perdeu a notícia.

Ausentar-se-ia...

Ausentar-se-ia o mestre em tal hora?

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

ausência (absence)

ausente (absentee)

Verbos

ausentar (to cause absence - rare)

ausentar-se (to be absent)

Adjetivos

ausente (absent)

Relacionado

falta

afastamento

retirada

distanciamento

partida

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in professional and formal social settings.

Errores comunes

Eu ausentei da aula. → Eu me ausentei da aula.
You forgot the reflexive pronoun. In Portuguese, you 'absent yourself'.
Ele se ausentou no trabalho. → Ele se ausentou do trabalho.
You used 'no' (in/at) instead of 'do' (from). The verb requires 'de'.
Nós ausentamos da reunião. → Nós nos ausentamos da reunião.
Missing the 'nos' for the first person plural.
Eu me ausento para a escola. → Eu me ausento da escola.
'Para' implies going to; 'ausentar-se' implies being away from.
Não se ausenta! → Não se ausente!
Incorrect imperative form. For 'você', the negative imperative is 'ausente'.

Consejos

Pronoun Match

Always ensure the reflexive pronoun matches the subject. 'Eu me ausento', 'Nós nos ausentamos'. This is the most important rule for this verb.

Formal vs Informal

Use 'ausentar-se' in emails and meetings. Use 'sair' with your friends at the bar. This helps you master the 'register' of the language.

The 'Z' Sound

The 's' in 'ausentar' is between two vowels, so it sounds like a 'z'. Practice saying 'ow-zen-tar' to get it right.

The Preposition 'De'

Always think 'Absent FROM'. In Portuguese, 'from' is 'de'. So, 'ausentar-se DE'. This prevents you from using 'em' by mistake.

Office Life

If you see 'Ausente' on a colleague's chat status, it comes from this verb. It means they have 'ausentado-se' from their computer.

Polite Requests

When writing a formal request to leave early, use: 'Gostaria de me ausentar mais cedo hoje por motivos pessoais.'

Reflexive Clues

If you hear 'me', 'se', or 'nos' followed by a word starting with 'au...', it's almost certainly a form of 'ausentar-se'.

The 'Absent' Connection

Since 'ausentar' looks like 'absent', always associate them. The 'ar' at the end just makes it the verb 'to absent'.

Portuguese Politeness

In Portugal, using 'Ausentei-me' (with the pronoun after) is a sign of good education in formal writing.

Daily Routine

Every time you leave your desk today, say to yourself: 'Vou me ausentar por um momento.'

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Absent' + 'Tar' (like sitting in tar). If you are stuck in tar, you want to 'ausentar-se' (absent yourself) from that situation!

Asociación visual

Imagine an empty chair at a formal dinner table with a name tag. That is the visual of someone who had to 'ausentar-se'.

Word Web

ausência ausente sala trabalho reunião me se nos

Desafío

Try to use 'ausentar-se' in a sentence today instead of just saying 'vou sair'. Use it when you leave a room.

Origen de la palabra

From the Latin 'absentare', which is derived from 'absens' (absent).

Significado original: To cause to be away or to remove.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Contexto cultural

Generally neutral, but avoid using it to describe someone 'disappearing' if there is a suspicion of foul play; 'desaparecer' is the correct term there.

In English, we usually say 'I have to go' or 'He's not here.' Using 'absent oneself' sounds very old-fashioned, but in Portuguese, it's perfectly normal.

A common phrase in Portuguese news: 'O presidente se ausentou...' Found in the works of Eça de Queirós to describe high-society departures. Used in legal codes regarding 'declaração de ausência'.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At the office

Preciso me ausentar.
Ele se ausentou.
Ausentar-se do posto.
Motivos de saúde.

At school

Ausentar-se da aula.
Ausência justificada.
Não se ausente.
O aluno se ausentou.

At a party

Vou me ausentar.
Com licença.
Ela se ausentou cedo.
Ausentar-se da mesa.

Legal/Official

Ausentar-se do país.
Ausentar-se do tribunal.
Declaração de ausência.
Ausentar-se do cargo.

Personal/Reflective

Ausentar-se para pensar.
Ausentar-se das redes.
Ausentar-se de tudo.
Me ausento um pouco.

Inicios de conversación

"Você costuma se ausentar das redes sociais nos fins de semana?"

"Por que o diretor se ausentou da reunião de hoje?"

"Com que frequência você precisa se ausentar do trabalho para resolver problemas pessoais?"

"Você acha que é falta de educação se ausentar da mesa sem pedir licença?"

"Se você pudesse se ausentar do mundo por um mês, para onde iria?"

Temas para diario

Descreva um momento em que você precisou se ausentar de uma situação difícil.

Escreva sobre os benefícios de se ausentar das tecnologias por um tempo.

Como você se sente quando alguém importante se ausenta da sua vida?

Imagine que você vai se ausentar do seu país por um ano. O que você levaria?

Reflita sobre a frase: 'Ausentar-se é, às vezes, a melhor forma de estar presente'.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, it is used throughout the Portuguese-speaking world, though Brazilians might prefer 'sair' in very casual settings. In professional Brazilian Portuguese, 'ausentar-se' is standard.

Yes, but that uses the adjective 'ausente'. Use 'ausentar-se' when you want to describe the action of leaving: 'Eu vou me ausentar'.

The preposition 'de' is used. For example: 'ausentar-se da sala', 'ausentar-se do trabalho'.

In 99% of common usage, yes. The non-reflexive 'ausentar' means to cause someone else to be absent, which is very rare in modern speech.

You can say 'Vou me ausentar por um instante, já volto.'

Yes, 'Ele se ausentou da aula' is correct, though 'Ele faltou à aula' is also very common.

Yes, it is considered very polite and educated.

Yes, 'Vou me ausentar das redes sociais' is a common phrase today.

Eu me ausentei, você se ausentou, nós nos ausentamos, eles se ausentaram.

They are the same; 'se ausentar' is common in Brazil (proclisis), while 'ausentar-se' is the standard infinitive form and common in Portugal (enclisis).

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