Esta página en tu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 verb #3,000 más común 11 min de lectura

montar

Top 3,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos montar en 30 segundos

Explicación montar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic, physical meaning of 'montar'. This mainly involves riding a horse or a bicycle. You will use it in simple present tense sentences to describe hobbies or daily activities. For example, 'Eu monto a cavalo' (I ride a horse) or 'Ele monta na bicicleta' (He gets on the bike). It is important to learn it alongside nouns for animals and transportation. You don't need to worry about the abstract meanings like 'setting up a business' yet. Just think of it as the action of 'getting on' or 'mounting' something to ride it. You will also see it in very simple construction contexts, like 'montar um brinquedo' (assemble a toy) with Lego blocks or simple puzzles. The focus is on the direct physical connection between the person and the object or animal. Remember the preposition 'a' for 'cavalo' and 'na/no' for 'bicicleta'. This level is about building the foundation of the word's primary utility in everyday life.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

As an A2 learner, you expand 'montar' to include the assembly of common household items. This is the level where you encounter 'montar móveis' (assembling furniture), which is a very practical skill if you are living in a Lusophone country. You will learn to use it in the past tense ('Eu montei a estante') and the future ('Vou montar o armário'). You also start to see it used for setting things up, like 'montar a mesa' (setting the table) for dinner. The distinction between 'montar' (to put together) and 'desmontar' (to take apart) becomes important here. You are moving from just riding animals to constructing your environment. You should also be comfortable using it with different subjects and in simple questions, like 'Você sabe montar este brinquedo?' (Do you know how to assemble this toy?). The word begins to represent not just an action, but a task or a project that has a beginning and an end.

At the B1 level, you start using 'montar' in more professional and social contexts. This includes 'montar um negócio' (setting up a business) or 'montar uma exposição' (setting up an exhibition). You are now moving beyond the home and the farm into the world of work and community. You will use the verb to describe processes and projects. For example, 'Estamos a montar uma estratégia para o projeto' (We are putting together a strategy for the project). You will also encounter it in the context of camping ('montar uma barraca') or events ('montar um palco'). At this stage, you should be able to use 'montar' in more complex grammatical structures, such as the conditional ('Eu montaria o móvel se tivesse as ferramentas') or the present subjunctive ('Espero que eles montem a estrutura logo'). The verb becomes a tool for discussing plans, ambitions, and professional responsibilities.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the B2 level, you should be familiar with the idiomatic and more nuanced uses of 'montar'. This includes 'montar uma peça de teatro' (staging a play) or 'montar uma armadilha' (setting a trap). You understand that 'montar' implies a level of complexity and coordination. You might also encounter the reflexive 'montar-se' in specific cultural contexts, like preparing an elaborate costume. Your vocabulary should now include related nouns like 'montagem' (editing/assembly) and 'montador' (assembler/editor). You can discuss the 'montagem' of a film or the 'montagem' of an industrial line. You also start to notice 'montar' in financial contexts, such as 'a conta monta a...' (the bill amounts to...). You are able to distinguish between 'montar' and more formal synonyms like 'estabelecer' or 'instalar' based on the specific register and context of the conversation. You can use it fluently in debates about business development or artistic production.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

By C1, you have a deep, intuitive grasp of 'montar' in all its forms, including literary and highly technical uses. You can use it metaphorically to describe the 'assembly' of an argument or a complex theory. You understand the subtle differences between 'montar', 'compor', and 'estruturar'. In professional settings, you might use it to describe the 'montagem' of a corporate structure or a complex legal case. You are aware of regional variations—for instance, how 'montar' might be used differently in a rural Brazilian context versus an urban Portuguese one. You can appreciate its use in classic literature, where it might describe a knight 'montando' his steed with a specific level of detail. Your use of the verb is precise, and you can switch between its literal and figurative meanings effortlessly. You also understand the cultural weight of phrases like 'montar guarda' (to stand guard) and its historical connotations.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C2 level, 'montar' is a tool for stylistic expression. You can use it to create vivid imagery or to discuss the etymological roots of the word and how they have branched into modern usage. You might analyze the 'montagem' of a complex philosophical system or use the verb in a highly specialized way within a specific field like cinema, engineering, or high finance. You are comfortable with the most obscure idiomatic expressions and can play with the word's meanings for humor or irony. You understand the historical evolution from the Latin 'montare' (to go up a mountain) to its current myriad uses. Whether you are writing a technical manual, a business proposal, or a piece of creative fiction, you use 'montar' with the same ease and precision as a native speaker with a high level of education. You can also teach the nuances of the word to others, explaining why 'montar uma estratégia' feels different from 'planejar uma estratégia' in a specific corporate culture.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

montar en 30 segundos

Primary meaning: To mount or ride an animal/bike.
Secondary meaning: To assemble furniture, toys, or machinery.
Business meaning: To set up or establish a company or shop.
Artistic meaning: To stage a play or set up an exhibition.

The Portuguese verb montar is a versatile and essential word that every learner should master early in their journey. At its most fundamental level, it refers to the physical act of getting onto something to ride it, typically an animal like a horse or a vehicle like a bicycle or motorcycle. However, its utility extends far beyond the stable or the cycling path. In the modern Portuguese-speaking world, you will encounter montar in contexts ranging from home improvement to entrepreneurship and even theatrical productions. Understanding the breadth of this verb requires looking at its three primary pillars of meaning: riding, assembling, and establishing.

Primary Physical Action: The most literal use involves placing oneself atop an object or animal. When you say 'montar a cavalo' (to ride a horse) or 'montar na bicicleta' (to get on the bike), you are describing the physical positioning of your body. This is the definition most closely aligned with the English word 'mount'.

As crianças adoram montar nos pôneis durante a feira local.

Assembly and Construction: In a domestic or industrial setting, montar means to put parts together. If you buy a bookshelf from IKEA, you need to 'montar a estante'. This applies to machinery, puzzles (quebra-cabeças), and even complex systems like a computer or a laboratory experiment. It implies a logical sequence of putting components in their correct places.

Beyond the physical and the constructive, montar takes on a conceptual meaning in the world of business and creativity. To 'montar um negócio' is to set up or establish a business. This involves the metaphorical 'assembly' of a company—getting the licenses, hiring staff, and opening the doors. Similarly, in the arts, a director will 'montar uma peça' (stage a play), referring to the entire process of bringing a script to life on stage. This versatility makes the word indispensable. Whether you are discussing a weekend trip to a ranch, a frustrating afternoon with a screwdriver, or your long-term career goals, montar provides the linguistic framework to describe the act of putting things in their proper place or position to achieve a functional result.

Eles decidiram montar uma pequena loja de café no centro da cidade.

Setting the Scene: You will also hear this verb when people talk about preparing an environment. 'Montar a mesa' means to set the table, while 'montar a árvore de Natal' means to put up the Christmas tree. It suggests a transformation from a state of emptiness or disarray to one of readiness and order.

In summary, montar is a high-frequency verb that bridges the gap between physical movement and organizational action. It captures the essence of preparation and construction. For an English speaker, it is helpful to think of it as a combination of 'to mount', 'to assemble', 'to set up', and 'to stage'. This multi-faceted nature is what allows it to appear in so many different daily conversations, from the farm to the boardroom.

Using montar correctly requires attention to the object of the verb and the prepositions that follow it. Because it covers so many different English verbs, the context is everything. Let's break down the grammatical patterns for each major meaning to ensure you use it like a native speaker.

Pattern 1: Physical Mounting (Animal/Vehicle): When riding, you often use the preposition 'em' (which contracts to 'no', 'na', 'nos', 'nas'). For example, 'Eu monto no cavalo' (I mount the horse). However, the set phrase 'montar a cavalo' is the most common way to describe the activity of horse riding as a hobby or skill. For bicycles and motorcycles, 'montar na bicicleta' or 'montar na moto' are standard.

Ela aprendeu a montar a cavalo quando tinha apenas seis anos.

Pattern 2: Assembly (Furniture/Objects): In this context, montar is a direct transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object without a preposition. You 'montar algo'. Examples include 'montar um armário' (assemble a cabinet) or 'montar um computador' (build a computer). The focus here is on the transition from parts to a whole.

When we move into more abstract territory, the structure remains direct. To 'montar uma estratégia' (put together a strategy) or 'montar uma exposição' (set up an exhibition) follows the same direct object pattern. The verb implies a level of care and planning. It's not just putting things together randomly; it's about 'mounting' them in a way that they function or look as intended.

Precisamos montar um plano de ação para o próximo trimestre.

Pattern 3: Setting Up a Business or Event: This is perhaps the most common use in professional Portuguese. 'Montar uma empresa' or 'montar um consultório'. It suggests the physical setup of the office as well as the legal and organizational foundation. It is a very proactive verb, showing initiative and entrepreneurial spirit.

Finally, there is a specific use related to costs: 'montar a'. When a total reaches a certain amount, we say 'A conta monta a 50 euros' (The bill amounts to 50 euros). This is more formal and less common in daily speech than 'dar' or 'ficar em', but it is a valid grammatical construction you might see in financial documents or older literature. By mastering these patterns, you can navigate diverse situations—from the stable to the office—using a single, powerful verb.

The word montar is ubiquitous in Lusophone cultures, appearing in various domains of daily life. If you are in Brazil or Portugal, you will hear it in very specific, culturally grounded scenarios that help define the rhythm of life in those places.

In the Home and DIY: You will hear this word constantly if you are shopping for furniture or moving. Phrases like 'O montador de móveis vem amanhã' (The furniture assembler is coming tomorrow) are common. In a household, parents might tell their children to 'montar o brinquedo' (assemble the toy) or 'montar o quebra-cabeça' (do the puzzle). It is the language of construction and play.

Você pode me ajudar a montar esta barraca de acampamento?

In Rural and Sporting Contexts: In regions with strong equestrian traditions, such as the interior of Brazil (the 'sertão' or 'pantanal') or the Ribatejo region in Portugal, montar is the standard term for riding. You will hear it at 'rodeios' (rodeos) or 'escolas de equitação' (riding schools). It carries a sense of skill and connection with the animal.

In the professional sphere, Portuguese speakers are very entrepreneurial. You will often hear people discussing their dreams of 'montar o próprio negócio' (setting up their own business). It is a phrase associated with independence and hard work. Whether it's a small 'quiosque' (kiosk) on a Rio beach or a tech startup in Lisbon, montar is the verb of choice for starting something from the ground up.

Meu sonho sempre foi montar uma oficina mecânica.

Event Planning and Arts: When a concert is coming to town, the crew has to 'montar o palco' (set up the stage). If a gallery is preparing for a new artist, they 'montam a exposição'. You will hear this in the 'bastidores' (backstage) of any creative endeavor. It highlights the invisible work that happens before the public arrives. This usage reinforces the idea of montar as the bridge between preparation and performance.

While montar is a versatile verb, English speakers often stumble when choosing between it and other similar verbs. The most frequent errors involve over-extending the 'ride' or 'set up' meanings into areas where Portuguese uses more specific vocabulary.

Mistake 1: Montar vs. Dirigir/Conduzir: In English, you 'ride' in a car or 'ride' the bus. In Portuguese, you never 'monta' a car or bus. For cars, you use 'dirigir' (Brazil) or 'conduzir' (Portugal). For being a passenger, you use 'ir de carro' or 'pegar o ônibus'. Montar is strictly for things you straddle, like a horse, a bike, or a motorcycle.

Incorrect: Eu monto o carro para ir ao trabalho.
Correct: Eu vou de carro para o trabalho.

Mistake 2: Montar vs. Instalar: When talking about software or appliances that just need to be plugged in, use 'instalar'. While you 'montar um computador' (hardware assembly), you 'instalar um programa' (software installation). Using montar for software sounds like you are physically building the code with your hands.

Another common slip-up is the preposition used with 'horse'. English speakers often say 'montar o cavalo' (direct object). While this is understood and technically possible, the much more natural and common idiomatic expression is 'montar a cavalo'. Omitting the 'a' makes the sentence feel slightly 'off' to a native ear when discussing the sport or activity.

Preciso montar a cavalo para chegar à fazenda vizinha.

Mistake 3: Overusing 'Montar' for 'Set': English uses 'set' for many things. While 'montar a mesa' is correct for 'set the table', you don't 'montar um recorde' (set a record); you 'bater um recorde'. You also don't 'montar o sol' (the sun sets); the sun 'se põe'. Always check if the 'setting' involves physical assembly or just a state change.

Finally, be careful with the reflexive form 'montar-se'. In some contexts, particularly in Brazil, 'se montar' can refer to the elaborate process of getting dressed up, often used in the drag queen community or for high-fashion events. If you simply mean 'to get dressed', use 'vestir-se'. Using 'montar-se' implies a much more theatrical and complex transformation.

Portuguese is rich with verbs that overlap with montar. Choosing the right one depends on whether you want to emphasize the riding, the building, or the organizing. Understanding these nuances will elevate your Portuguese from functional to fluent.

Cavalgar: This is a more specific and often more poetic or formal version of 'montar a cavalo'. While 'montar' covers the act of getting on and riding, 'cavalgar' specifically means to ride a horse, often implies a journey or a certain style of riding. You wouldn't 'cavalgar' a bicycle.

Armar: Often used interchangeably with 'montar' for things like tents ('armar uma barraca') or traps ('armar uma cilada'). 'Armar' carries a connotation of preparation for a specific purpose, often defensive or tactical. You 'armar' a Christmas tree sometimes too, but 'montar' is more common for the physical assembly.

Eles resolveram armar a barraca antes que escurecesse.

In the business world, you might use estabelecer (to establish) or fundar (to found). While 'montar um negócio' is very common and slightly more informal/practical, 'fundar uma empresa' sounds more prestigious and permanent. 'Montar' focuses on the 'how' and the physical setup, while 'fundar' focuses on the beginning of a legacy.

Organizar vs. Montar: If you are talking about an event, 'organizar uma festa' refers to the planning, invitations, and logistics. 'Montar a festa' refers specifically to the physical preparation of the venue—putting up decorations, arranging the sound system, etc. One is mental/logistical; the other is physical/spatial.

Vamos organizar a reunião, mas o João vai montar a sala.

Finally, for things like puzzles or models, you might see compor (to compose). This is more artistic and suggests a careful arrangement of parts to create a harmonious whole. However, for everyday tasks like furniture or toys, montar remains the king of verbs. By knowing these alternatives, you can be more precise about whether you are building, riding, founding, or simply putting things in order.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

Because 'montar' originally meant to go up, it perfectly describes the action of getting onto a horse, which is 'going up' onto the animal. This logic later extended to bicycles and motorcycles.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /mõˈtaɾ/

US /mõˈtaχ/

The stress is on the final syllable: mon-TAR.

Rima con

cantar falar andar estar lugar mar olhar pensar

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'n' separately rather than nasalizing the 'o'.
Making the 't' sound like a 'ch' (only happens before 'i' or 'e' in some accents, not here).
Stress on the first syllable.
English-style 'r' at the end.
Failing to nasalize the first vowel entirely.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

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

Escritura 3/5

Requires knowing which preposition to use (a, em, or none).

Expresión oral 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once nasal vowels are mastered.

Escucha 2/5

Very common word, usually clear in context.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

cavalo bicicleta mesa negócio casa

Aprende después

desmontar instalar organizar construir cavalgar

Avanzado

montagem montante envergadura estruturar

Gramática que debes saber

Preposition 'a' vs 'em'

'Montar a cavalo' (activity) vs 'Montar no cavalo' (specific action).

Direct Transitive Use

'Montar o armário' (No preposition needed for objects being assembled).

Reflexive Pronouns

'Ela se montou' (She dressed herself up elaborately).

Future with 'Ir'

'Vou montar' is more common than 'montarei' in spoken Portuguese.

Nasal Vowels

The 'on' in 'montar' must be nasalized, not followed by a hard 'n' sound.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

Eu monto a cavalo no fim de semana.

I ride a horse on the weekend.

Uses 'montar a cavalo' as a fixed expression for the activity.

Você monta na sua bicicleta?

Do you get on your bike?

Interrogative form with 'na' (em + a).

Ele gosta de montar blocos de Lego.

He likes to assemble Lego blocks.

Direct object 'blocos' without a preposition.

Nós montamos o quebra-cabeça juntos.

We assemble the puzzle together.

First person plural present tense.

Ela monta no pônei com cuidado.

She gets on the pony carefully.

Preposition 'no' (em + o) used for the animal.

Eles montam a árvore de Natal em dezembro.

They put up the Christmas tree in December.

Standard phrase for holiday preparation.

Eu vou montar meu brinquedo novo.

I am going to assemble my new toy.

Immediate future with 'vou' + infinitive.

O menino monta na garupa da moto.

The boy gets on the back of the motorcycle.

'Garupa' is the pillion or back seat.

Eu preciso montar a estante do meu quarto.

I need to assemble the bookshelf in my room.

Common use for furniture assembly.

Nós montamos a mesa para o jantar.

We set the table for dinner.

Refers to the physical act of setting the table.

Eles montaram uma barraca no quintal.

They set up a tent in the backyard.

Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito).

Você pode me ajudar a montar este armário?

Can you help me assemble this cabinet?

Request for help with a task.

Ela sabe montar muito bem a cavalo.

She knows how to ride a horse very well.

Uses 'saber' to indicate a learned skill.

O mecânico vai montar o motor amanhã.

The mechanic is going to assemble the engine tomorrow.

Technical assembly context.

Ontem, eu montei a minha bicicleta nova.

Yesterday, I assembled my new bicycle.

Past tense of a completed action.

Vamos montar um piquenique no parque.

Let's set up a picnic in the park.

Metaphorical assembly of an event.

Eles decidiram montar um pequeno negócio de família.

They decided to set up a small family business.

Business context for 'starting' or 'establishing'.

O diretor está a montar uma nova peça de teatro.

The director is staging a new play.

Creative/Artistic context for 'staging'.

Precisamos montar uma estratégia de vendas melhor.

We need to put together a better sales strategy.

Abstract assembly of a plan.

O técnico montou o laboratório em poucas horas.

The technician set up the laboratory in a few hours.

Professional setup of an environment.

Eles montaram um acampamento perto do rio.

They set up a camp near the river.

Group activity involving construction.

Ela quer montar um consultório de psicologia.

She wants to set up a psychology practice.

Professional establishment context.

O museu vai montar uma exposição sobre o mar.

The museum is going to set up an exhibition about the sea.

Exhibition and curation context.

Nós montamos a estrutura do palco para o show.

We assembled the stage structure for the show.

Large-scale physical construction.

A despesa total da viagem monta a dois mil euros.

The total expense of the trip amounts to two thousand euros.

Formal use of 'montar a' meaning 'to amount to'.

O criminoso montou uma armadilha para a polícia.

The criminal set a trap for the police.

Figurative use for deception or planning.

Ela se montou toda para a festa de gala.

She got all dressed up for the gala party.

Reflexive 'se montar' meaning elaborate preparation.

O editor está a montar o documentário final.

The editor is assembling the final documentary.

Technical term for film/video editing (montagem).

Eles montaram guarda à porta do palácio.

They stood guard at the palace gate.

Fixed idiomatic expression 'montar guarda'.

O projeto monta a uma complexidade sem precedentes.

The project reaches an unprecedented level of complexity.

Abstract use of 'montar a' (amounts to/reaches).

Não é fácil montar um currículo competitivo hoje.

It is not easy to put together a competitive resume today.

Conceptual assembly of a document.

Eles montaram um esquema para economizar energia.

They set up a scheme/system to save energy.

'Esquema' can mean a system or a clever plan.

O autor monta uma narrativa intrincada e cheia de suspense.

The author builds an intricate and suspenseful narrative.

Literary use for constructing a story.

A empresa busca montar uma rede de distribuição global.

The company seeks to establish a global distribution network.

High-level corporate strategy context.

É preciso montar o dispositivo com precisão milimétrica.

It is necessary to assemble the device with millimeter precision.

Technical/Engineering precision context.

O filósofo monta o seu argumento sobre bases sólidas.

The philosopher builds his argument on solid foundations.

Intellectual/Abstract construction.

A peça foi montada com um orçamento muito reduzido.

The play was staged with a very small budget.

Passive voice construction.

Ele conseguiu montar um dossiê completo sobre o caso.

He managed to put together a complete dossier on the case.

Investigative or legal assembly of information.

As peças do quebra-cabeça geopolítico começam a se montar.

The pieces of the geopolitical puzzle are starting to come together.

Metaphorical use for complex global events.

O cavaleiro montou no seu corcel e partiu para a batalha.

The knight mounted his steed and left for battle.

Formal/Literary register for riding.

A encenação ousada visava montar um espelho da sociedade.

The bold staging aimed to set up a mirror to society.

Metaphorical and highly abstract artistic goal.

O valor das perdas monta a cifras astronômicas.

The value of the losses amounts to astronomical figures.

Highly formal financial register.

Montar uma operação desta envergadura exige meses de preparação.

Setting up an operation of this magnitude requires months of preparation.

Uses 'envergadura' to denote massive scale.

O cientista logrou montar o experimento após várias tentativas.

The scientist succeeded in setting up the experiment after several attempts.

Uses 'lograr' (to succeed) with 'montar'.

A retórica do político foi montada para ludibriar as massas.

The politician's rhetoric was constructed to deceive the masses.

Critical analysis of communication.

Eles montaram um cerco impenetrável ao redor da fortaleza.

They set up an impenetrable siege around the fortress.

Military/Historical context.

A exposição foi montada de forma a subverter as expectativas.

The exhibition was set up in a way to subvert expectations.

Sophisticated artistic commentary.

O intrincado sistema de leis monta a um labirinto burocrático.

The intricate system of laws amounts to a bureaucratic labyrinth.

Metaphorical use describing systemic complexity.

Colocaciones comunes

montar a cavalo

montar um negócio

montar móveis

montar a mesa

montar um palco

montar uma peça

montar guarda

montar uma barraca

montar um computador

montar uma armadilha

Frases Comunes

montar na bicicleta

— To get on a bike. Used for the physical act.

Monte na bicicleta e vamos embora.

montar uma estratégia

— To plan or devise a strategy. Used in business or games.

Precisamos montar uma estratégia para vencer.

montar um quebra-cabeça

— To do a jigsaw puzzle. Literally 'assembling' it.

Passamos a tarde a montar um quebra-cabeça.

montar a árvore de Natal

— To put up the Christmas tree. A seasonal tradition.

Vamos montar a árvore de Natal hoje à noite?

montar um dossiê

— To compile a file or folder of information. Used in legal or investigative contexts.

O advogado montou um dossiê contra a empresa.

montar um esquema

— To set up a scheme or system. Can be positive or negative.

Eles montaram um esquema de caronas.

montar uma banca

— To set up a stall or stand. Common in markets.

Ele monta sua banca de frutas toda manhã.

montar um laboratório

— To equip and prepare a lab. Scientific context.

A universidade montou um novo laboratório de química.

montar a cavalo

— To ride a horse. The most idiomatic way to express the skill.

Ela aprendeu a montar a cavalo na fazenda.

montar uma exposição

— To curate and set up an art or museum show.

O curador está a montar a exposição de pintura.

Se confunde a menudo con

montar vs dirigir

English 'ride' in a car is 'ir de carro', while 'montar' is only for straddling.

montar vs instalar

Use 'instalar' for software/appliances; 'montar' for physical parts.

montar vs subir

'Subir' is just the upward movement; 'montar' implies getting into position to ride.

Modismos y expresiones

"montar no porco"

— In some Brazilian regions, it means to get angry or lose one's temper.

Não fale assim com ele, ou ele vai montar no porco.

informal/regional

"montar em cima"

— To take advantage of someone or to boss them around excessively.

Você não pode deixar que o seu chefe monte em cima de você.

informal

"montar o barraco"

— In Brazil, to cause a huge scene or public argument.

Ela montou o barraco no meio do shopping.

slang

"montar guarda"

— To stay vigilant or literally stand guard.

O cão montou guarda à porta a noite toda.

neutral

"montar um cavalo de batalha"

— To make a big deal out of a specific issue or argument.

Ele fez daquela pequena falha o seu cavalo de batalha.

idiomatic

"montar a tenda"

— To settle in somewhere for a long time, sometimes used humorously.

Eles chegaram e já montaram a tenda na nossa sala.

informal

"montar o circo"

— To set up a complex situation, often one that causes chaos or attention.

A imprensa montou o circo à porta do tribunal.

informal

"montar-se no dinheiro"

— To become very wealthy suddenly.

Ele montou-se no dinheiro depois de ganhar a lotaria.

informal

"montar cavalo"

— Sometimes used to mean dominating a situation.

Ele gosta de montar cavalo em todas as reuniões.

informal

"se montar"

— Specifically used for drag queens or performers getting into character.

Ela leva três horas para se montar antes do show.

subculture/slang

Fácil de confundir

montar vs cavalgar

Both involve horses.

'Montar' is the general act; 'cavalgar' is more formal or refers to the style of riding.

Ele monta a cavalo todo dia, mas hoje ele cavalgou por horas.

montar vs armar

Both involve setting things up.

'Armar' is often for tents, traps, or weapons; 'montar' is for assembly.

Vamos armar a barraca e depois montar a mesa.

montar vs compor

Both involve putting parts together.

'Compor' is artistic or conceptual; 'montar' is physical or functional.

Ele compôs a música, mas nós montamos o palco.

montar vs organizar

Both involve preparation.

'Organizar' is logistics/planning; 'montar' is physical setup.

Ela organizou o evento e ele montou a estrutura.

montar vs pôr

Both can mean 'to put'.

'Pôr' is simple placement; 'montar' is structured assembly.

Põe o livro ali e vem me ajudar a montar a estante.

Patrones de oraciones

Eu monto [animal/vehicle].

Eu monto a cavalo.

Eu vou montar [object].

Eu vou montar a mesa.

Eles decidiram montar [business].

Eles decidiram montar uma padaria.

A conta monta a [value].

A conta monta a cem reais.

O autor monta [abstract concept].

O autor monta uma teoria complexa.

Montar [operation] exige [requirement].

Montar esta operação exige sigilo absoluto.

Pode me ajudar a montar [object]?

Pode me ajudar a montar este berço?

Estamos a montar [event].

Estamos a montar a conferência.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

montagem

montador

montaria

montante

Verbos

desmontar

remontar

Adjetivos

montado

montável

Relacionado

monte

montanha

montanhês

montanhismo

monturo

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and media.

Errores comunes

Eu monto o carro. → Eu vou de carro. / Eu dirijo o carro.
You don't 'mount' a car in Portuguese unless you are literally climbing on its roof.
Eu montei um software. → Eu instalei um software.
Software is installed, not physically assembled like hardware.
Eu gosto de montar cavalo. → Eu gosto de montar a cavalo.
The preposition 'a' is essential for the idiomatic expression of the activity.
A conta monta em 50 euros. → A conta monta a 50 euros.
In the financial sense of 'amounting to', the correct preposition is 'a'.
Vou montar uma casa. → Vou construir uma casa.
Unless it's a prefab house made of parts, you 'build' (construir) a house.

Consejos

Preposition Choice

Always use 'a' for the sport of riding: 'montar a cavalo'. Use 'em' (no/na) for the specific object: 'montar na moto'.

IKEA Verb

Think of 'montar' as the 'IKEA verb'. Every time you have to follow instructions to put something together, use 'montar'.

Entrepreneurial Spirit

Use 'montar um negócio' to sound like a proactive entrepreneur. It sounds more active than just 'começar'.

Nasalize it!

Don't let the 'n' be a hard consonant. Close your mouth slightly and let the sound come through your nose for the first syllable.

Holiday Prep

In December, impress your friends by asking, 'Já montaram a árvore de Natal?'

No Cars!

Never use 'montar' for cars or buses. Use 'dirigir' or 'ir de'.

Assembly vs Building

Use 'montar' for parts, 'construir' for raw materials. 'Montar' is about the structure, 'construir' is about the creation.

Staging

For creative projects, 'montar' implies the whole physical and artistic setup of the show.

Drama Alert

In Brazil, 'montar o barraco' is a very common (and funny) way to describe someone causing a scene.

Mount up!

The English word 'mount' is your best friend here. It covers almost all the same bases.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of MOUNTing a horse or MOUNTing a picture on a wall. Both involve 'montar'.

Asociación visual

Imagine an IKEA box with a picture of a horse inside. You have to 'montar' (assemble) the horse before you can 'montar' (ride) it.

Word Web

Cavalo Bicicleta Móveis Negócio Teatro Lego Estratégia Palco

Desafío

Try to use 'montar' in three different ways today: once for a physical object, once for a movement, and once for a plan.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Vulgar Latin 'montare', which comes from 'mons' (mountain). It originally meant to go up or ascend a mountain.

Significado original: To ascend, to climb up.

Romance (Latin root)

Contexto cultural

Be aware that 'se montar' has specific connotations in the LGBTQ+ community for drag performance.

English uses 'ride' for cars/buses, but Portuguese never uses 'montar' for these. This is the biggest point of confusion.

The phrase 'montar um império' is often used in history books about the Portuguese Empire. In Brazilian music (Sertanejo), riding horses ('montar') is a frequent theme. The 'montagem' of famous films like 'City of God' is a common topic in Lusophone film studies.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At IKEA / Furniture Store

Onde estão as instruções para montar?
É difícil montar este armário?
Preciso de um montador.
Falta uma peça para montar.

At a Ranch / Farm

Eu quero montar a cavalo.
Você sabe montar?
Ajude-me a montar no cavalo.
Onde podemos montar?

Starting a Business

Vou montar uma loja online.
É caro montar um negócio?
Eles montaram uma startup.
Quero montar um café.

Christmas / Holidays

Vamos montar a árvore?
Onde montamos o presépio?
As crianças ajudam a montar.
É hora de montar a decoração.

Events / Theater

Vão montar o palco agora.
Estamos a montar a peça.
A exposição será montada amanhã.
Quem vai montar o som?

Inicios de conversación

"Você já montou algum móvel sozinho ou prefere contratar alguém?"

"Qual foi a coisa mais difícil que você já teve que montar?"

"Você prefere montar a cavalo ou andar de bicicleta no fim de semana?"

"Se você pudesse montar qualquer negócio hoje, o que seria?"

"Você costuma montar a árvore de Natal no início de dezembro ou mais tarde?"

Temas para diario

Descreva uma experiência em que você teve dificuldade para montar algo (um móvel, um brinquedo).

Escreva sobre um negócio que você gostaria de montar no futuro e por quê.

Você gosta de montar a cavalo? Descreva a sensação ou explique por que não gosta.

Como você se sente quando finalmente termina de montar um quebra-cabeça difícil?

Imagine que você é um diretor de teatro. Qual peça você gostaria de montar e como seria o palco?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, you should never use 'montar' for a car. In Portuguese, you 'dirigir' (drive) a car or 'ir de carro' (ride in a car). 'Montar' is specifically for things you sit on top of, like a horse, a bicycle, or a motorcycle. Using it for a car will sound very strange to native speakers.

'Montar a cavalo' is the standard, idiomatic way to describe the activity or skill of horse riding. 'Montar no cavalo' refers to the specific physical action of getting onto a particular horse right now. For example, 'Eu sei montar a cavalo' (I know how to ride) vs 'Eu vou montar no cavalo preto' (I'm going to get on the black horse).

It's close, but 'montar' specifically means to assemble something from pre-existing parts (like furniture or a model). 'Construir' (to build) is used when you are creating something from raw materials like bricks, cement, or wood. So, you 'montar' a bookshelf but 'construir' a house.

You say 'montar a mesa'. This refers to the physical act of placing the plates, cutlery, and glasses in their correct positions. It is a very common daily phrase. You might also hear 'pôr a mesa', which is equally common and means the same thing.

Yes, 'montar um negócio' is a very common way to say 'to start' or 'to set up' a business. It implies the whole process of getting the physical space ready and organizing the structure of the company. It's a very proactive and entrepreneurial term.

It means 'to stand guard' or 'to keep watch'. It's an idiomatic expression used for soldiers, security guards, or even metaphorically for someone watching over something carefully. For example, 'O guarda monta guarda em frente ao palácio'.

Yes, if you are putting the hardware components together (CPU, RAM, Motherboard), you are 'montando um computador'. However, once the computer is built and you want to put software on it, you use 'instalar' (to install).

'Montagem' is the noun form of 'montar'. It can mean 'assembly' (like an assembly line in a factory), 'editing' (like film or photo editing), or 'staging' (the way a play or exhibition is set up).

Yes, 'montar-se' exists. In a general sense, it can mean to get oneself into a position. In specific cultural contexts, like in Brazil, it refers to the process of a performer (like a drag queen) putting on their elaborate costume and makeup.

You use 'montar a'. For example, 'A fatura monta a duzentos euros' (The invoice amounts to two hundred euros). This is a more formal usage often found in accounting or official documents.

Regístrate gratis para ver consejos y notas