Overview
The Portuguese verb 'supor' is a fascinating and frequently used verb that translates to 'to suppose,' 'to assume,' or 'to surmise' in English. It implies a belief or a guess that something is true or probable without definitive proof. Understanding its conjugation and usage is crucial for anyone learning Portuguese.
**Conjugation:**
'Supor' is an irregular verb, which means it doesn't follow the standard conjugation patterns. It belongs to the second conjugation verbs (those ending in -er), but its stem changes in several tenses and moods. Here's a breakdown of its conjugation in some key tenses:
* eu suponho (I suppose)
- tu supões (you suppose - singular, informal)
- ele/ela/você supõe (he/she/you suppose - singular, formal)
* nós supomos (we suppose)
- vós supondes (you suppose - plural, informal, rarely used in Brazil)
* eles/elas/vocês suporão (they/you will suppose)
Subjunctive Mood (often used to express uncertainty, desires, or hypothetical situations):
**Usage and Nuances:**
'Supor' is often followed by 'que' (that) to introduce a subordinate clause, expressing the content of the assumption. For example:
- 'Eu suponho que ele virá amanhã.' (I suppose that he will come tomorrow.)
- 'Nós supusemos que ela já sabia da notícia.' (We supposed that she already knew the news.)
It can also be used in more informal contexts to express a guess or an educated assumption:
- 'Quantos anos ele tem? Suponho que uns trinta.' (How old is he? I suppose about thirty.)
Another common construction is 'ao supor' (upon supposing), which indicates an action that occurs as a result of an assumption:
- 'Ao supor o pior, ele se preparou para tudo.' (Upon supposing the worst, he prepared for everything.)
**Common Phrases:**
- 'Supondo que...' (Supposing that... / Assuming that...)
- 'É de supor que...' (It's to be supposed that... / It's reasonable to assume that...)
- 'Suponho que sim/não.' (I suppose so/not.)
Understanding 'supor' allows for more nuanced communication in Portuguese, enabling speakers to express various levels of certainty and conjecture.
Ejemplos
Suponhamos que ele venha amanhã.
Used to express a hypothesis or a possibility.Let's assume he comes tomorrow.
Eu suponho que você esteja cansado.
Used to express an opinion or a deduction based on some observation.I suppose you are tired.
Ela supôs que a reunião seria cancelada.
Refers to making an assumption in the past.She assumed the meeting would be canceled.
Não suponha o pior.
Used in an imperative form to advise against making negative assumptions.Don't assume the worst.
É de supor que eles concordem.
Expresses a logical expectation or probability.It is to be assumed that they agree.
Colocaciones comunes
Se confunde a menudo con
Patrones gramaticales
Cómo usarlo
Notas de uso
When using 'supor,' it's important to consider the grammatical mood it triggers. Typically, when 'supor' introduces a subordinate clause expressing the assumption, the subjunctive mood is used in that clause, especially if the assumption is presented as hypothetical or uncertain. For example, 'Eu suponho que ele venha amanhã' (I suppose he comes tomorrow), where 'venha' is in the subjunctive. However, if the assumption is stated as a more direct or likely belief, the indicative mood might be employed, though this is less common with 'supor' itself and more with verbs like 'achar' (to think) or 'acreditar' (to believe). The tense of 'supor' will also affect the subordinate clause; if 'supor' is in the past tense, the subordinate clause will often reflect a past or conditional subjunctive. Pay attention to context: 'supor' can also imply a challenge or a rhetorical question, as in 'Supõe-se que você saiba disso' (It is assumed that you know this), which can subtly imply that the speaker expects you to know. Additionally, 'supor' can be used reflexively, 'supor-se,' to indicate self-assumption or general belief.
Errores comunes
A common mistake is confusing 'supor' with 'apoiar' (to support). While they both start with 's' and have 'p' and 'o', their meanings are quite different. 'Supor' is about making an assumption, while 'apoiar' is about providing support or backing. Another mistake can be incorrect conjugation, especially in irregular tenses. For example, the present tense conjugation is 'eu suponho', 'tu supões', 'ele/ela/você supõe', 'nós supomos', 'vós suponde' (less common), 'eles/elas/vocês supõem'. Pay close attention to the 'o' changing to 'oe' or 'oẽ' in some forms.
Consejos
Use with 'que' for assumptions about facts or possibilities.
Conjugation in the present tense can be irregular.
Distinguish from 'imaginar' (to imagine) or 'achar' (to think/find).
Origen de la palabra
From Latin supponere, present active infinitive of suppono (“to put under; to substitute”), from sub (“under”) + pono (“to put, place”). Cognate with Spanish suponer, French supposer, Italian supporre.
Contexto cultural
The verb 'supor' in Portuguese, meaning 'to assume' or 'to suppose,' carries a nuanced cultural weight that often reflects a degree of caution or uncertainty in communication. In many Portuguese-speaking cultures, direct confrontation or definitive statements without complete certainty can sometimes be seen as impolite or overly assertive. Therefore, 'supor' can be used as a linguistic softener, allowing speakers to express an idea or belief without committing entirely to its factual accuracy. This can be particularly evident in professional or formal settings, where maintaining harmony and avoiding definitive claims without solid evidence is valued. It can also imply a form of deference, suggesting that one is offering an idea for consideration rather than stating an undeniable truth. This contrasts with some other cultures where directness is highly prized, highlighting a subtle yet significant difference in communication styles.
Truco para recordar
Associate 'supor' with 'suppose' in English, as they have similar meanings and spellings. Imagine 'supposing' something without concrete proof. You can also think of 'suponer' in Spanish, which means the same thing.
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntasPonte a prueba
Eu ______ que ele viria, mas ele não apareceu.
É difícil ______ a verdade sem todas as informações.
Nós sempre ______ o melhor das pessoas.
Puntuación: /3
Use with 'que' for assumptions about facts or possibilities.
Conjugation in the present tense can be irregular.
Distinguish from 'imaginar' (to imagine) or 'achar' (to think/find).
Ejemplos
5 de 5Suponhamos que ele venha amanhã.
Let's assume he comes tomorrow.
Eu suponho que você esteja cansado.
I suppose you are tired.
Ela supôs que a reunião seria cancelada.
She assumed the meeting would be canceled.
Não suponha o pior.
Don't assume the worst.
É de supor que eles concordem.
It is to be assumed that they agree.
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a fim
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a saber
A2Namely; that is to say.
a título de exemplo
A2By way of example; for example.
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