When you're learning Portuguese, you'll find that 'lanchar' is a really useful verb. It means 'to have a snack' or 'to have a light meal'. This isn't usually a big, sit-down meal, but more like a quick bite to eat in between main meals. For example, you might 'lanchar' in the afternoon. It's a common and practical word for everyday conversations.
When you're feeling a bit peckish between meals, the verb you'll want to use is lanchar. It's a handy verb that directly translates to "to snack" or "to have a light meal." This isn't about a full-blown breakfast, lunch, or dinner, but rather those smaller bites that tide you over.
You might lanchar a piece of fruit, a sandwich, or some pastries. It's often used in the context of an afternoon snack, sometimes called a "lanche da tarde." So, if someone asks "Vamos lanchar?", they're inviting you to grab a snack with them!
When you're feeling a little hungry between meals, but it's not quite time for a full sit-down, that's when you might lanchar. It's a versatile verb for those smaller eating occasions. Think of it as grabbing a quick bite, whether it's a piece of fruit, a sandwich, or something more substantial than just a drink. It perfectly captures the idea of a snack or a light meal that tides you over until your next main meal.
Dato curioso
While 'lunch' in English often implies a midday meal, 'lanche' in Portuguese is more broadly a light meal or snack that can be had at any time, especially in the afternoon or evening.
Nivel de dificultad
short and common verb
straightforward spelling
easy pronunciation
frequently used in daily conversation
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Ejemplos por nivel
Depois de uma manhã intensa de trabalho, nada como lanchar para repor as energias antes do almoço.
After an intense morning of work, nothing like having a snack to regain energy before lunch.
Here, 'lanchar' is used as an infinitive, indicating the action of snacking.
As crianças sempre ficam animadas para lanchar depois da escola, correndo para a cozinha em busca de algo gostoso.
The children are always excited to have a snack after school, running to the kitchen in search of something tasty.
In this sentence, 'lanchar' is used as an infinitive, completing the idea of what the children are excited to do.
Para manter o foco durante o estudo, costumo lanchar uma fruta e um iogurte a meio da tarde.
To maintain focus during study, I usually have a fruit and yogurt snack in the middle of the afternoon.
'Lanchar' is used as an infinitive following 'costumo' (I usually), indicating a habitual action.
É importante lanchar algo leve antes de praticar exercícios físicos, para não sentir fraqueza.
It's important to have a light snack before exercising, so as not to feel weak.
Here, 'lanchar' is an infinitive, acting as the subject of the sentence with 'é importante' (it's important).
Mesmo em viagens longas, procuro sempre lanchar de forma saudável para evitar comidas pesadas que possam causar desconforto.
Even on long trips, I always try to snack healthily to avoid heavy foods that could cause discomfort.
'Lanchar' is an infinitive after 'procuro' (I try), indicating the action being attempted.
A equipe decidiu lanchar um bolo de aniversário para celebrar o sucesso do projeto.
The team decided to have an birthday cake as a snack to celebrate the project's success.
Here, 'lanchar' is used with a direct object ('um bolo de aniversário') to specify what was snacked on.
Embora a hora do almoço estivesse próxima, optamos por lanchar algo rápido para matar a fome.
Although lunchtime was near, we opted to have a quick snack to satisfy our hunger.
'Lanchar' is an infinitive following 'optamos por' (we opted for), expressing the chosen action.
Ele tem o hábito de lanchar pipoca enquanto assiste a filmes, o que não é muito saudável, mas é um prazer.
He has the habit of snacking on popcorn while watching movies, which isn't very healthy, but it's a pleasure.
'Lanchar' is an infinitive after 'hábito de' (habit of), indicating the regular action.
Cómo usarlo
When talking about having a snack, the Portuguese verb for this action is commonly lanchar. This verb directly translates to 'to snack' or 'to have a snack'. It's a very practical verb to know because it's used frequently in everyday conversation.
A common mistake learners make is trying to translate 'to have a snack' literally, perhaps using 'ter um lanche'. While grammatically understandable, lanchar is the more natural and idiomatic way to express this. Think of it as a single action verb, just like 'to eat' (comer) or 'to drink' (beber). Another mistake is confusing 'lanchar' with 'almoçar' (to have lunch) or 'jantar' (to have dinner). While all relate to eating, 'lanchar' specifically refers to a lighter meal or snack outside of the main mealtimes.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of 'lunch' – it's a light meal, and 'lanchar' is similar, just often lighter, like a snack.
Asociación visual
Imagine a vibrant Portuguese café with people happily 'lanchando' (snacking) on small pastries and coffee.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to use 'lanchar' in a sentence describing your own snack habits. For example: 'Eu lanchar ______' (I snack on ______).
Origen de la palabra
Lanchar comes from 'lanche,' meaning 'snack.' 'Lanche' itself is thought to come from the English word 'lunch.'
Significado original: To take lunch or a light meal.
Romance (Portuguese)Contexto cultural
<p>In Portugal and Brazil, 'lanchar' is a very common activity, especially in the late afternoon. It's not quite dinner and often involves pastries, sandwiches, or fruit with coffee or juice. Think of it as a casual 'elevenses' or afternoon tea, but less formal and more widespread.</p><p>It's a moment to pause, relax, and refuel between larger meals, and can be enjoyed alone or with friends and family. It’s a flexible mealtime that fits into the rhythm of daily life.</p>
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Talking about an afternoon snack.
- Eu vou lanchar agora. (I'm going to snack now.)
- Gosto de lanchar fruta. (I like to snack on fruit.)
- Que tal lancharmos juntos? (How about we snack together?)
Describing habits.
- Ela lancha sempre às cinco. (She always snacks at five.)
- Nós lanchamos algo leve. (We snack on something light.)
- Você costuma lanchar? (Do you usually snack?)
Asking about someone's snack.
- O que você vai lanchar? (What are you going to snack on?)
- Você já lanchou? (Have you snacked yet?)
- Quer lanchar alguma coisa? (Do you want to snack on something?)
Suggesting a light meal.
- Vamos lanchar um sanduíche. (Let's have a sandwich as a light meal.)
- Podemos lanchar na padaria. (We can have a light meal at the bakery.)
- É melhor lanchar antes de sair. (It's better to have a light meal before leaving.)
Referring to snack time.
- Hora de lanchar! (Snack time!)
- O lanche está pronto. (The snack/light meal is ready.)
- Depois do trabalho, eu sempre lanchar. (After work, I always snack.)
Inicios de conversación
"O que você gosta de lanchar no meio da tarde?"
"Qual é o seu lugar favorito para lanchar?"
"Você prefere lanchar doce ou salgado?"
"Que horas você costuma lanchar?"
"Você já lanchou hoje?"
Temas para diario
Descreva o seu lanche ideal. O que você come, onde, e com quem?
Pense na sua rotina diária. Em que momentos você 'lancha' e por quê?
Lembre-se de um momento divertido em que você 'lançou' com amigos ou família. Descreva.
Se você pudesse inventar um lanche novo, como seria? O que você chamaria?
Quais são as diferenças entre 'lanchar' e 'comer uma refeição completa' para você?
Ponte a prueba 66 preguntas
Choose the best translation for "Eu gosto de lanchar."
"Lanchar" specifically means to have a snack or light meal, not a main meal like lunch or dinner.
What is the most appropriate time to "lanchar"?
"Lanchar" often happens in between main meals, like in the morning or afternoon.
Which of these foods would you typically "lanchar"?
A sandwich is a common light meal or snack. The other options are typically heavier meals.
"Lanchar" means to eat a big, heavy meal.
"Lanchar" means to have a snack or light meal, not a heavy one.
You can "lanchar" with a piece of fruit.
A piece of fruit is a perfect example of a light meal or snack.
The verb "lanchar" is only used for breakfast.
While you can have a snack in the morning, "lanchar" can also happen in the afternoon or evening.
I'm going to snack now.
She likes to snack on fruit.
Shall we snack together?
Read this aloud:
Eu lanchei um sanduíche.
Focus: lanchei, sanduíche
Dijiste:
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Read this aloud:
Você quer lanchar um bolo?
Focus: quer, lanchar, bolo
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Nós vamos lanchar no café.
Focus: vamos, lanchar, café
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short sentence about when you like to have a snack in Portuguese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Eu gosto de lanchar à tarde. (I like to snack in the afternoon.)
Complete the sentence in Portuguese: 'Ela vai ______ uma fruta.' (She is going to ____ a fruit.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ela vai lanchar uma fruta. (She is going to snack on a fruit.)
Write a simple question in Portuguese asking someone if they want to have a snack.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Você quer lanchar? (Do you want to snack?)
What does Ana usually have for a snack?
Read this passage:
Ana gosta de lanchar. Ela sempre lancha um pão e um sumo. É bom para ela.
What does Ana usually have for a snack?
The passage states, 'Ela sempre lancha um pão e um sumo.' (She always snacks on bread and juice.)
The passage states, 'Ela sempre lancha um pão e um sumo.' (She always snacks on bread and juice.)
What will the mother prepare for the boy?
Read this passage:
O menino está com fome. Ele quer lanchar agora. A mãe vai preparar um iogurte para ele.
What will the mother prepare for the boy?
The passage says, 'A mãe vai preparar um iogurte para ele.' (The mother will prepare a yogurt for him.)
The passage says, 'A mãe vai preparar um iogurte para ele.' (The mother will prepare a yogurt for him.)
When do Maria and João like to have a snack?
Read this passage:
À tarde, Maria e João gostam de lanchar juntos. Eles conversam e comem biscoitos. É um momento divertido.
When do Maria and João like to have a snack?
The passage begins with 'À tarde, Maria e João gostam de lanchar juntos.' (In the afternoon, Maria and João like to snack together.)
The passage begins with 'À tarde, Maria e João gostam de lanchar juntos.' (In the afternoon, Maria and João like to snack together.)
This sentence means 'I want to snack.' The correct order is subject, verb, infinitive.
This sentence means 'We are going to snack now.' The correct order is subject, conjugated verb 'ir' (to go), infinitive, adverb.
This sentence means 'Do you like to snack on fruit?' The correct order is subject, verb 'gostar' (to like), preposition 'de', infinitive, noun.
Eu gosto de ___ com meus amigos depois da escola.
The verb 'lanchar' means to have a snack or light meal, which fits the context of eating with friends after school.
Você quer ___ um bolo ou um sanduíche?
Here, 'lanchar' is used to ask if someone wants to have a cake or a sandwich as a snack.
Nós vamos ___ na cafeteria antes do filme.
Having a light meal at a cafeteria before a movie is a common activity, making 'lanchar' the appropriate verb.
As crianças sempre ___ depois de brincar no parque.
Children often have a snack after playing, so 'lanchar' fits perfectly here.
Que horas você costuma ___ durante a semana?
This question asks about the usual time for a snack during the week.
Para ___ algo rápido, eu comi uma fruta.
Eating a fruit is a quick way to have a snack, so 'lanchar' is the correct verb.
You are hungry in the afternoon. Write a short sentence about what you want to do.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Eu quero lanchar algo.
Imagine you are inviting a friend to have a snack. Write a simple question.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Vamos lanchar juntos?
Describe what you usually do for an afternoon snack.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Eu costumo lanchar uma fruta e um café.
Onde Ana e Pedro gostam de lanchar?
Read this passage:
Ana e Pedro gostam de lanchar no parque. Eles levam sanduíches e suco. Depois de lanchar, eles brincam um pouco.
Onde Ana e Pedro gostam de lanchar?
The passage says 'Ana e Pedro gostam de lanchar no parque.'
The passage says 'Ana e Pedro gostam de lanchar no parque.'
O que Maria vai fazer antes da aula?
Read this passage:
A Maria não tem muito tempo para lanchar hoje. Ela só vai comer uma banana rapidamente antes de ir para a aula.
O que Maria vai fazer antes da aula?
The passage says 'Ela só vai comer uma banana rapidamente antes de ir para a aula,' which implies having a snack.
The passage says 'Ela só vai comer uma banana rapidamente antes de ir para a aula,' which implies having a snack.
O que a mãe prepara para as crianças lancharem?
Read this passage:
Depois da escola, as crianças sempre querem lanchar. A mãe prepara biscoitos e leite para elas.
O que a mãe prepara para as crianças lancharem?
The passage states, 'A mãe prepara biscoitos e leite para elas.'
The passage states, 'A mãe prepara biscoitos e leite para elas.'
This sentence means 'I am going to have a snack now.' The verb 'lanchar' is in its infinitive form after 'vou'.
This sentence means 'We like to snack together.' 'Lanchar' is an infinitive following 'de'.
This means 'Do you want to have a snack with me?' 'Lanchar' is the infinitive after the conjugated verb 'quer'.
What is the person doing before leaving?
What does the person like to snack on in the afternoon?
What is being suggested for tomorrow?
Read this aloud:
Eu sempre lanchava com meus amigos depois da escola.
Focus: lanchava
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Onde podemos lanchar algo rápido?
Focus: onde
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Ela decidiu lanchar um sanduíche leve.
Focus: sanduíche
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Depois do trabalho, costumo ___ na padaria antes de ir para casa. (After work, I usually ___ at the bakery before going home.)
The context implies a light meal or snack after work, making 'lanchar' the most appropriate verb.
As crianças gostam de ___ biscoitos e suco no meio da tarde. (The children like to ___ cookies and juice in the middle of the afternoon.)
Having cookies and juice in the afternoon is a typical snack, so 'lanchar' fits perfectly.
Você quer ___ alguma coisa antes do filme começar? (Do you want to ___ something before the movie starts?)
Before a movie, people usually have a light meal or snack, not a full dinner. 'Lanchar' is the best choice here.
É importante ___ frutas e vegetais para manter uma dieta saudável. (It's important to ___ fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy diet.)
The context suggests having fruits and vegetables as snacks, making 'lanchar' the most suitable verb in this context.
Durante a reunião, faremos uma pausa para ___ algo rápido. (During the meeting, we'll take a break to ___ something quick.)
A 'quick something' during a break implies a snack or light meal, which is precisely what 'lanchar' means.
No verão, gosto de ___ um sorvete na praia. (In the summer, I like to ___ an ice cream at the beach.)
Having an ice cream at the beach is considered a snack or light treat, so 'lanchar' fits the context well.
I'm hungry, let's have a snack before the movie.
I would like to have a pastel de nata and a coffee as a snack.
The children have a snack at school every day.
Read this aloud:
Que tal lancharmos no parque hoje à tarde?
Focus: lancharmos
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Você prefere lanchar algo doce ou salgado?
Focus: preferes
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Depois da aula, sempre lanchamos frutas.
Focus: sempre
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The child started to snack after swimming class.
To avoid fatigue, it's good to have a light snack between main meals.
They decided to snack in the park while the weather was good.
Read this aloud:
Você prefere lanchar doce ou salgado?
Focus: lanchar, doce, salgado
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Quando você costuma lanchar durante o dia?
Focus: costuma, lanchar, durante
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Onde é o seu lugar favorito para lanchar?
Focus: lugar, favorito, lanchar
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
/ 66 correct
Perfect score!
Contenido relacionado
Más palabras de food
a conta
A1The bill or check (in a restaurant).
a gosto
A2To taste, according to one's preference for flavor.
à la carte
A2À la carte, ordering individual dishes from a menu.
à mão
A2By hand (e.g., prepare by hand), done manually.
à mesa
A2At the table, referring to dining.
à parte
A2Aside; separately, served separately.
à pressa
A2In a hurry, with great haste.
à saúde
A2A toast, meaning 'to health' or 'cheers'.
a vapor
A2Steamed; cooked by steam.
à vontade
A2At ease/As much as you want; freely, comfortably.
