volume
volume en 30 segundos
- Used for books in a series.
- Used for sound loudness.
- Used for luggage/packages.
- Used for physical space/capacity.
The Portuguese word volume is a versatile noun that primarily refers to a book forming part of a work or series, but it also extends to physical space, loudness, and quantities. Understanding its nuances is essential for navigating both literary and everyday contexts in Portuguese. In literature, a single large work is often divided into multiple volumes to make it more manageable for readers and publishers alike. This practice dates back centuries and remains prevalent in encyclopedias, manga, fantasy series, and academic journals. When you visit a Portuguese bookstore (livraria) or library (biblioteca), you will frequently encounter this term.
- Literary Context
- Refers to a single physical book in a collection.
Eu li o primeiro volume da série de fantasia ontem à noite.
Beyond books, 'volume' is universally used in Portuguese to describe the loudness of sound. Whether you are adjusting the television, listening to music on your smartphone, or asking someone to speak louder, the word remains the same. This dual meaning makes it a high-frequency word in daily conversation.
- Audio Context
- Refers to the intensity or loudness of sound.
Por favor, abaixe o volume do rádio, está muito alto.
In mathematics and physics, 'volume' retains its scientific meaning: the amount of three-dimensional space an object occupies. Students learn to calculate the volume of spheres, cubes, and cylinders in school, making it a foundational academic term.
- Scientific Context
- The measure of physical space or capacity.
O professor de matemática ensinou como calcular o volume de um cilindro.
Furthermore, 'volume' can describe a mass or quantity of something, such as a high volume of traffic or a large volume of sales. It can also refer to a physical bulge or package, like luggage at an airport.
Temos um grande volume de trabalho para terminar esta semana.
Quantos volumes de bagagem você vai despachar?
Using the word volume correctly in Portuguese depends heavily on the context and the verbs that accompany it. Because it is a masculine noun, it is always preceded by masculine articles (o, um, os, uns) and adjectives must agree in gender and number (e.g., o primeiro volume, volumes pesados). Let us explore the syntactical structures and common collocations associated with each of its primary meanings.
- With Books and Publications
- Use verbs related to reading, publishing, and buying.
A editora vai publicar o segundo volume no próximo ano.
When discussing sound, the verbs 'aumentar' (to turn up/increase) and 'abaixar' or 'diminuir' (to turn down/decrease) are the standard pairings. You might also hear 'no volume máximo' (at maximum volume) or 'no volume mínimo' (at minimum volume).
- With Sound and Audio
- Use verbs of adjustment and modification.
Não consigo ouvir a televisão, você pode aumentar o volume?
In the context of travel and logistics, 'volume' is the standard term for a piece of luggage or a package. When you check in at an airport, the attendant will ask how many 'volumes' you are checking. In shipping, transport companies charge based on the weight and the 'volume' (size/number of packages).
- With Luggage and Shipping
- Use numbers to count discrete packages or bags.
O passageiro tem direito a despachar dois volumes de até 23 quilos cada.
In business and data analysis, 'volume' describes large quantities. You will hear phrases like 'volume de vendas' (sales volume), 'volume de negócios' (business volume/turnover), or 'volume de dados' (data volume).
O volume de vendas aumentou significativamente durante o Natal.
Precisamos de um servidor maior para lidar com este volume de tráfego.
The word volume is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking environments, crossing the boundaries between academic, casual, and professional registers. Its diverse meanings mean you will encounter it in almost every facet of daily life. Let us examine the specific locations and situations where this word is most frequently spoken and written.
- Libraries and Bookstores
- The primary location for the literary definition.
Com licença, onde posso encontrar o terceiro volume de Harry Potter?
At home, in the car, or at a party, the audio definition dominates. Whether someone is complaining about loud neighbors or enjoying a favorite song, the word is constantly used to negotiate shared auditory spaces.
- Domestic and Social Settings
- Negotiating sound levels in shared spaces.
Os vizinhos estão com o som no volume máximo desde as oito da manhã.
Airports, bus stations, and post offices represent the logistical use of the word. It is a formal, precise term used by staff to quantify items being transported. You will see it on customs forms, shipping receipts, and airline baggage policies.
- Logistics and Travel
- Counting bags, boxes, and packages.
A transportadora perdeu um dos volumes da minha encomenda.
In schools and universities, the mathematical and scientific definitions are taught early on. It is a core vocabulary word in STEM subjects, used in formulas and laboratory experiments.
Qual é a fórmula para encontrar o volume de uma esfera?
Meça o volume de água no béquer com precisão.
While volume is a straightforward cognate for English speakers, its multiple meanings and specific collocations in Portuguese can lead to subtle errors. Learners often struggle with choosing the right verbs to accompany the noun or confusing it with similar but distinct Portuguese words. Let us review the most frequent pitfalls to help you sound more natural.
- Verb Collocation Errors (Sound)
- Using incorrect verbs to adjust sound levels.
Incorrect: Faça o volume maior. | Correct: Aumente o volume.
Another common mistake occurs in the literary context. Learners sometimes confuse 'volume' with 'edição' (edition) or 'capítulo' (chapter). A volume is a physical book; an edition refers to the version of the text (e.g., 2nd edition); a chapter is a section within the book.
- Vocabulary Confusion (Books)
- Mixing up structural parts of a publication.
Eu li o primeiro volume (book), que tem vinte capítulos (chapters).
In the context of luggage, English speakers might try to use words like 'peças' or 'malas' when the official airline terminology specifically requires 'volumes'. While 'malas' (suitcases) is fine for casual conversation, 'volumes' is necessary for official forms and interactions with staff.
- Register Errors (Luggage)
- Using informal words in formal logistical contexts.
O recibo indica três volumes despachados.
Finally, learners sometimes mispronounce the word. In Brazilian Portuguese, the 'o' is often pronounced like a 'u', and the final 'e' is pronounced like an 'i', resulting in something that sounds like 'vu-lu-mi'. Failing to apply these vowel reductions can make the word sound unnatural.
Pronunciation practice: vo-lu-me -> /vu.ˈlu.mi/.
Certifique-se de pronunciar o 'e' final suavemente.
To enrich your Portuguese vocabulary, it is helpful to learn the synonyms and related terms for volume across its various meanings. Depending on whether you are talking about books, sound, space, or luggage, different words can serve as precise alternatives or related concepts. Let us break down these similar words by category.
- Synonyms for Books
- Tomo, livro, exemplar, fascículo.
A enciclopédia completa é composta por vinte tomos.
When discussing sound, while 'volume' is the most common noun, you can also use words related to intensity or power. 'Intensidade' is a more technical term for sound volume, often used in physics or audiology.
- Synonyms for Sound
- Intensidade, altura (do som).
A intensidade do som prejudicou a audição dos trabalhadores.
For the mathematical and spatial definition, 'capacidade' (capacity) is closely related, though technically distinct. Volume is the space an object occupies, while capacity is the amount a container can hold. However, in everyday speech, they are sometimes used interchangeably when talking about containers.
- Synonyms for Space/Quantity
- Capacidade, tamanho, quantidade, massa.
A capacidade desta garrafa é de dois litros.
For luggage and packages, words like 'bagagem' (luggage), 'mala' (suitcase), 'pacote' (package), and 'caixa' (box) are specific types of 'volumes'. 'Volume' is the umbrella term used by transport companies to count these items regardless of their specific shape or purpose.
Minha bagagem consiste em duas malas grandes.
O correio entregou um pacote para você hoje de manhã.
How Formal Is It?
Nivel de dificultad
Gramática que debes saber
Masculine nouns ending in -e
Pluralization of nouns ending in a vowel (add -s)
Agreement of adjectives with masculine plural nouns
Use of definite articles with abstract nouns
Imperative mood for requests (aumente/abaixe)
Ejemplos por nivel
O volume da TV está muito alto.
The TV volume is very loud.
'O volume' is a masculine noun, so it takes the masculine article 'o'.
Por favor, abaixe o volume.
Please, turn down the volume.
'Abaixe' is the formal imperative of the verb 'abaixar'.
Eu não gosto de música no volume máximo.
I don't like music at maximum volume.
'No' is the contraction of 'em' + 'o'.
Aumente o volume, por favor.
Turn up the volume, please.
'Aumente' is the formal imperative of 'aumentar'.
Onde está o botão de volume?
Where is the volume button?
'De' is used to indicate purpose or association: 'botão de volume'.
O rádio não tem volume.
The radio has no volume.
'Não tem' means 'does not have'.
Este é o volume um.
This is volume one.
Numbers follow the noun they modify in this context.
O volume está bom para você?
Is the volume good for you?
'Bom' agrees in gender with the masculine noun 'volume'.
Eu comprei o segundo volume do mangá.
I bought the second volume of the manga.
'Segundo' is an ordinal number placed before the noun.
Quantos volumes você vai despachar no voo?
How many bags are you checking on the flight?
'Volumes' here refers to pieces of luggage.
A coleção completa tem cinco volumes.
The complete collection has five volumes.
'Tem' indicates possession or composition.
O professor pediu para ler o primeiro volume.
The teacher asked to read the first volume.
'Pediu para' is a common structure for making requests.
Meu celular está com o volume quebrado.
My cell phone has a broken volume.
'Estar com' is used to describe a temporary state or condition.
Eles carregaram três volumes pesados.
They carried three heavy packages.
'Pesados' is a plural adjective agreeing with 'volumes'.
O volume da caixa é muito grande.
The volume of the box is very large.
Here 'volume' refers to physical size or capacity.
Não consigo ouvir, o volume está no mínimo.
I can't hear, the volume is at the minimum.
'No mínimo' means at the lowest possible level.
O volume de tráfego nesta rua é intenso de manhã.
The volume of traffic on this street is intense in the morning.
'Volume de tráfego' is a common collocation for traffic flow.
A enciclopédia foi publicada em vinte volumes separados.
The encyclopedia was published in twenty separate volumes.
'Foi publicada' is the passive voice.
Precisamos calcular o volume deste cilindro para a aula de matemática.
We need to calculate the volume of this cylinder for math class.
'Calcular o volume' is standard mathematical terminology.
O volume de vendas aumentou durante a Black Friday.
The sales volume increased during Black Friday.
'Volume de vendas' is a key business term.
Ela despachou dois volumes e levou uma mala de mão.
She checked two bags and took one carry-on.
Contrasting 'volumes' (checked bags) with 'mala de mão' (carry-on).
O último volume da trilogia será lançado em breve.
The last volume of the trilogy will be released soon.
'Será lançado' is the future passive voice.
O alarme disparou em um volume ensurdecedor.
The alarm went off at a deafening volume.
'Ensurdecedor' is a strong adjective meaning deafening.
Eles têm um grande volume de trabalho acumulado.
They have a large volume of accumulated work.
'Volume de trabalho' refers to workload.
O volume de negócios da empresa dobrou no último trimestre.
The company's turnover doubled in the last quarter.
'Volume de negócios' translates to turnover or revenue.
A edição de colecionador reúne todos os volumes em uma única caixa.
The collector's edition gathers all volumes in a single box.
'Reúne' means to gather or collect together.
A lei proíbe som em alto volume após as dez da noite.
The law prohibits loud volume sound after ten at night.
'Em alto volume' is a formal way to say loud.
O volume de dados gerado pelo aplicativo exige servidores mais potentes.
The volume of data generated by the app requires more powerful servers.
'Volume de dados' is standard IT terminology.
O autor dedicou o terceiro volume à sua falecida esposa.
The author dedicated the third volume to his late wife.
'Dedicou... à' requires the crasis (à) indicating preposition + article.
Houve um volume atípico de chuvas para esta época do ano.
There was an atypical volume of rain for this time of year.
'Volume de chuvas' is used in meteorology.
Alguns convidados só foram à festa para fazer volume.
Some guests only went to the party to make up the numbers.
'Fazer volume' is an idiom meaning to take up space/add to the headcount.
A densidade é calculada dividindo a massa pelo volume.
Density is calculated by dividing mass by volume.
'Dividindo... pelo' is the structure for mathematical division.
A prolixidade do autor resultou em um volume desnecessariamente extenso.
The author's verbosity resulted in an unnecessarily extensive volume.
'Prolixidade' is advanced vocabulary for wordiness.
O banco central interveio para controlar o volume de moeda em circulação.
The central bank intervened to control the volume of currency in circulation.
'Volume de moeda' is a macroeconomic concept.
A acústica da sala amplifica o volume sonoro de forma desproporcional.
The room's acoustics amplify the sound volume disproportionately.
'Volume sonoro' is a precise, technical term for sound level.
O inquérito policial já acumula mais de dez volumes de documentos.
The police investigation already accumulates more than ten volumes of documents.
In legal Portuguese, a 'volume' is a bound folder of case files.
A expansão térmica causa um aumento no volume do líquido.
Thermal expansion causes an increase in the liquid's volume.
Scientific context using precise terminology ('expansão térmica').
A transportadora cobra uma taxa extra para volumes com dimensões fora do padrão.
The shipping company charges an extra fee for packages with non-standard dimensions.
'Fora do padrão' means non-standard or oversized.
O volume de investimentos estrangeiros diretos sofreu uma retração.
The volume of foreign direct investments suffered a retraction.
'Retração' is advanced business vocabulary for a decrease or shrinking.
A obra magna do filósofo foi postumamente compilada em um único volume.
The philosopher's magnum opus was posthumously compiled into a single volume.
'Obra magna' (magnum opus) and 'postumamente' (posthumously) elevate the register.
A exegese do texto exige a consulta aos volumes apócrifos da tradição.
The exegesis of the text requires consulting the apocryphal volumes of the tradition.
'Exegese' and 'apócrifos' are highly academic terms.
O volume de transações de alta frequência desestabilizou o mercado acionário.
The volume of high-frequency transactions destabilized the stock market.
Specialized financial terminology ('transações de alta frequência').
A topologia do espaço dita que o volume não é invariante sob tais transformações.
The topology of the space dictates that the volume is not invariant under such transformations.
Advanced mathematical physics vocabulary.
A monumentalidade da arquitetura fascista baseava-se no volume opressivo de suas estruturas.
The monumentality of fascist architecture was based on the oppressive volume of its structures.
'Volume' used here in an architectural and art-critique sense.
O magistrado solicitou o apensamento do novo inquérito ao volume principal dos autos.
The magistrate requested the attachment of the new inquiry to the main volume of the case files.
Highly specific legal jargon ('apensamento', 'autos').
A fluidez da narrativa se perde no terceiro volume devido ao excesso de subtramas.
The fluidity of the narrative is lost in the third volume due to the excess of subplots.
Literary critique using 'fluidez' and 'subtramas'.
A mitigação do ruído urbano requer políticas que limitem o volume de emissões sonoras industriais.
The mitigation of urban noise requires policies that limit the volume of industrial sound emissions.
Public policy and environmental engineering vocabulary.
A volumetria do edifício contrasta de forma harmoniosa com o entorno histórico.
The volumetry of the building contrasts harmoniously with the historical surroundings.
'Volumetria' is a derivative of volume, used in architecture to describe the arrangement of volumes.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
Se confunde a menudo con
Modismos y expresiones
Fácil de confundir
Patrones de oraciones
Cómo usarlo
'Volume' is used in all registers. In formal contexts, it refers to business metrics or logistics. In informal contexts, it almost always refers to sound.
The pronunciation varies significantly between Brazil (softer vowels) and Portugal (clipped vowels), but the meaning and usage remain identical.
- Translating 'turn up' literally as 'virar para cima' instead of using 'aumentar o volume'.
- Using the feminine article 'a volume' instead of the correct masculine 'o volume'.
- Confusing 'volume' (the physical book) with 'capítulo' (the chapter inside the book).
- Pronouncing the final 'e' heavily, instead of softening it to an 'i' sound (in Brazil) or dropping it (in Portugal).
- Using 'malas' on official customs forms when the form specifically asks for the number of 'volumes'.
Consejos
Always Masculine
Remember that 'volume' is masculine. It is 'o volume', never 'a volume'. This means any adjectives attached to it must end in 'o' or be neutral. For example, 'volume alto' (loud volume).
Verbs for Sound
Always pair 'volume' with 'aumentar' (increase) or 'abaixar' (decrease) when talking about sound. Do not try to translate 'turn up' or 'turn down' literally. The Portuguese verbs are much simpler.
Airport Vocabulary
When traveling in a Portuguese-speaking country, listen for the word 'volumes' at the check-in desk. It means pieces of luggage. If you have two suitcases, you have 'dois volumes'.
The Final E
If you are learning Brazilian Portuguese, do not pronounce the final 'e' like the 'e' in 'bed'. Pronounce it like the 'ee' in 'see'. It should sound like 'vo-lu-mi'.
Fazer Volume
Use the phrase 'fazer volume' to sound like a native. It means to just take up space. You can say 'Eu só fui à reunião para fazer volume' (I only went to the meeting to make up the numbers).
Volume de Vendas
If you work in business, 'volume de vendas' is a crucial phrase. It means sales volume. You will see it in almost every financial report or marketing meeting.
Books vs Editions
Don't confuse 'volume' with 'edição'. A volume is the physical book (Book 1, Book 2). An edition is the version of the text (1st edition, 2nd edition). They are not interchangeable.
Volume and Capacity
In math class, 'volume' is the space an object takes up. It is calculated in cubic units. This is exactly the same as in English, making it an easy cognate for students.
Volume de Chuvas
Watch the local news and you will hear 'volume de chuvas'. This translates to the volume of rain or rainfall. It is the standard meteorological term in Portuguese.
Hair Volume
When buying shampoo in Brazil or Portugal, look for products that say 'dá volume' (gives volume) or 'reduz o volume' (reduces volume). It is the exact same concept as in English.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Imagine turning up the VOLUME of an audiobook while packing a large VOLUME of luggage.
Origen de la palabra
Latin
Contexto cultural
In Angola, the logistical use of 'volume' for shipping goods is very common in informal markets.
In Brazil, 'fazer volume' is a common slang term for someone who is present at an event but doesn't contribute anything, just taking up space.
In Portugal, the pronunciation of the 'o' is more closed, and the final 'e' is almost silent, sounding closer to /vu.ˈlum/.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Inicios de conversación
"Qual foi o último volume de mangá que você leu?"
"Você se importa se eu aumentar o volume da música?"
"Quantos volumes você vai levar na viagem?"
"Você acha que o volume de trabalho está muito alto?"
"Qual é o volume do porta-malas do seu carro?"
Temas para diario
Escreva sobre uma vez em que o volume da música estava muito alto.
Qual é a sua série de livros favorita e quantos volumes ela tem?
Descreva o volume de trabalho que você tem esta semana.
Como você calcula o volume de uma caixa?
Conte sobre uma viagem onde você teve que despachar muitos volumes.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, it is a direct cognate. It shares almost all the same meanings. You can use it for books, sound, and physical space. The only slight difference is its frequent use for luggage in Portuguese. Otherwise, you can translate it directly.
You say 'aumentar o volume'. The verb 'aumentar' means to increase. Do not use verbs like 'fazer' (make) or 'virar' (turn). Just 'aumentar'.
You say 'abaixar o volume' or 'diminuir o volume'. Both are perfectly acceptable and widely used. 'Abaixar' is slightly more common in casual spoken Brazilian Portuguese. 'Diminuir' is also very common.
It is a masculine noun. You must say 'o volume', not 'a volume'. All adjectives must also be masculine, like 'volume alto' or 'volume pesado'. This is a common mistake for Spanish speakers where some similar words might differ in gender.
Yes, absolutely. In fact, it is the official term used by airlines and transport companies. When they ask how many bags you are checking, they will ask 'quantos volumes?'. It covers suitcases, boxes, and backpacks.
It is an idiom. It means to take up space without adding any real value. For example, if someone goes to a protest just to stand there so the crowd looks bigger, they are there to 'fazer volume'. It can be used for objects or people.
In Brazilian Portuguese, the final 'e' is pronounced like an 'i' in English (as in 'me'). So it sounds like 'vo-lu-mi'. In European Portuguese, the final 'e' is almost silent, sounding like 'vo-lum'.
The plural is 'volumes'. You simply add an 's' to the end. For example, 'dois volumes' (two volumes). The pronunciation follows the same rules, just with an 's' sound at the end.
Yes! Just like in English, you can talk about the volume of someone's hair. You can say 'um cabelo com muito volume' (hair with a lot of volume). It is very common in beauty and cosmetics contexts.
'Tomo' is a very formal, older word usually reserved for massive academic works or encyclopedias. 'Volume' is the modern, everyday word used for everything from manga to fantasy novels. You will rarely use 'tomo' in daily life.
Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
'Volume' is a highly versatile word in Portuguese. Whether you are reading a book series, turning up the music, checking bags at the airport, or measuring space, you will use this exact same word.
- Used for books in a series.
- Used for sound loudness.
- Used for luggage/packages.
- Used for physical space/capacity.
Always Masculine
Remember that 'volume' is masculine. It is 'o volume', never 'a volume'. This means any adjectives attached to it must end in 'o' or be neutral. For example, 'volume alto' (loud volume).
Verbs for Sound
Always pair 'volume' with 'aumentar' (increase) or 'abaixar' (decrease) when talking about sound. Do not try to translate 'turn up' or 'turn down' literally. The Portuguese verbs are much simpler.
Airport Vocabulary
When traveling in a Portuguese-speaking country, listen for the word 'volumes' at the check-in desk. It means pieces of luggage. If you have two suitcases, you have 'dois volumes'.
The Final E
If you are learning Brazilian Portuguese, do not pronounce the final 'e' like the 'e' in 'bed'. Pronounce it like the 'ee' in 'see'. It should sound like 'vo-lu-mi'.
Contenido relacionado
Aprende en contexto
Esta palabra en otros idiomas
Más palabras de academic
a despeito de
A2A pesar de; pese a. Es una locución prepositiva que indica concesión, similar a 'apesar de' pero más formal.
a fim
A2Locución que significa 'a fin de' o 'para'. Informalmente, significa 'tener ganas de' o 'estar interesado'.
a saber
A2A saber; es decir.
a título de exemplo
A2Una expresión formal que significa 'a modo de ejemplo'. Se utiliza en contextos académicos o profesionales.
abordagem
A2Un enfoque es una forma de tratar algo. Se refiere al método o estrategia que se utiliza. (El enfoque es la manera de abordar una situación.)
abordar
B1Abordar un tema o a una persona.
abreviar
B1To shorten (a word, phrase, or text).
abreviatura
B1A shortened form of a word or phrase.
abstração
B1The quality of dealing with ideas rather than events.
abstracto
B1Que existe en el pensamiento o como una idea, pero que no tiene una existencia física o concreta.