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A1 verb #1,500 le plus courant 14 min de lecture

apagar

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces apagar en 30 secondes

Explication apagar in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, the verb 'apagar' is introduced as an essential, everyday action word primarily focused on the immediate physical environment. Learners at this stage are taught to use 'apagar' in two main, highly practical contexts: turning off lights and erasing mistakes. The most common phrase a beginner will learn is 'apagar a luz' (to turn off the light). This is crucial for basic communication in a household or classroom setting, allowing the learner to understand instructions like 'Por favor, apague a luz' (Please, turn off the light) or to state their own actions, such as 'Eu apago a luz' (I turn off the light). The second critical context at the A1 level is related to writing and studying. Beginners learn that if they make an error with a pencil, they must 'apagar' it using an eraser (uma borracha). They also learn the classroom phrase 'apagar o quadro' (to erase the board), which is frequently used by teachers. At this stage, the grammar focus is kept simple. Learners practice the regular present tense conjugations (eu apago, você apaga, nós apagamos, eles apagam) and are introduced to the basic imperative form for simple commands. The vocabulary surrounding 'apagar' at A1 is highly concrete, dealing with tangible objects like lights (luzes), lamps (lâmpadas), pencils (lápis), erasers (borrachas), and chalkboards (quadros). Metaphorical or digital uses are generally not emphasized yet, ensuring the learner builds a solid, practical foundation for navigating their immediate physical surroundings in Portuguese.

As learners progress to the A2 elementary level, their understanding and application of 'apagar' expand significantly to include the digital world and past actions. While they continue to use 'apagar' for lights and erasing physical marks, the A2 curriculum introduces the crucial concept of digital deletion. Learners are taught that 'apagar' is the standard verb for removing files, text messages, emails, and photographs from their computers and smartphones. Phrases like 'apagar a mensagem' (delete the message) or 'apagar o arquivo' (delete the file) become essential vocabulary for modern communication. Furthermore, the A2 level introduces the past tense (pretérito perfeito), which brings a significant grammatical challenge for this specific verb. Learners must master the spelling change required to maintain the pronunciation: changing the 'g' to 'gu' in the first person singular. They learn to write and say 'eu apaguei' (I erased/turned off) instead of the incorrect 'eu apagei'. This spelling rule is a key milestone at the A2 level. They also practice other past tense forms like 'ele apagou' (he erased) and 'eles apagaram' (they erased). The vocabulary expands to include digital terms like 'arquivo' (file), 'foto' (photo), and 'celular' (cellphone). By mastering 'apagar' at the A2 level, learners can confidently describe actions they have completed in the past and navigate basic digital interfaces in Portuguese, making their language skills much more applicable to daily, technology-driven life.

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At the B1 intermediate level, the usage of 'apagar' becomes more nuanced, extending beyond simple physical and digital actions to include emergency situations and basic metaphorical expressions. A primary new context introduced at this level is firefighting and safety. Learners are taught to use 'apagar' in the context of extinguishing flames, learning phrases like 'apagar o fogo' (put out the fire) or 'apagar o incêndio' (put out the larger fire). This equips them to understand news reports, safety instructions, and to communicate effectively in urgent situations. Additionally, B1 learners begin to explore the metaphorical uses of 'apagar'. They learn that the verb can be applied to abstract concepts, such as memories or feelings. Phrases like 'apagar da memória' (erase from memory) or 'tentar apagar o passado' (try to erase the past) are introduced, allowing learners to express more complex emotional states and personal narratives. Grammatically, B1 learners encounter 'apagar' in the imperfect tense (eu apagava - I used to erase/turn off) to describe habitual past actions, and they are introduced to the present subjunctive (que eu apague) to express desires or doubts, reinforcing the 'gu' spelling rule. The vocabulary surrounding the verb expands to include terms like 'incêndio' (fire), 'bombeiros' (firefighters), 'memória' (memory), and 'passado' (past). This level marks a transition from purely functional language to more descriptive and emotionally expressive communication using 'apagar'.

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Upon reaching the B2 upper-intermediate level, learners are expected to have a comprehensive and highly flexible command of the verb 'apagar'. At this stage, the focus shifts towards idiomatic expressions, advanced metaphorical usage, and understanding subtle distinctions between synonyms. B2 learners confidently use 'apagar' to discuss abstract concepts like erasing debts (apagar uma dívida), wiping out evidence (apagar as provas), or fading into the background. They learn idiomatic phrases such as 'apagar as velinhas' (literally 'to blow out the candles', used to mean celebrating a birthday) and the informal slang use of 'apagar' meaning to pass out from exhaustion or sleep (e.g., 'Cheguei cansado e apaguei'). A critical aspect of B2 mastery is the precise differentiation between 'apagar' and its synonyms. Learners must instinctively know when to use 'apagar' (for lights/data/fire) versus 'desligar' (for machines/engines) versus 'deletar' (specifically for digital files in Brazil) versus 'extinguir' (formal extinguishing). Grammatically, B2 learners use 'apagar' flawlessly across all complex tenses, including the past subjunctive (se eu apagasse) and the future subjunctive (quando eu apagar), seamlessly integrating the verb into complex, multi-clause sentences. They can read literature or watch films and fully grasp the poetic or dramatic weight when a character speaks of 'apagar' a legacy or a feeling. The B2 level ensures the learner uses 'apagar' with the natural intuition and breadth of a native speaker.

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At the C1 advanced level, the verb 'apagar' is utilized with sophisticated precision, often appearing in formal, academic, or literary contexts. C1 learners engage with the verb in its most abstract and nuanced forms. They encounter and produce texts where 'apagar' describes the systematic erasure of history, culture, or identity (e.g., 'apagar a herança cultural' - to erase cultural heritage). The verb is used to discuss complex societal issues, such as censorship or the manipulation of information. In professional or legal contexts, C1 users might employ 'apagar' when discussing the expungement of records or the nullification of clauses, although they also know when to substitute it with more formal terms like 'suprimir' or 'revogar'. Furthermore, C1 learners master the reflexive use of the verb, 'apagar-se', to describe things that fade away naturally or lose their brilliance, such as a fading star, a dying hope, or a person losing their vitality (e.g., 'A sua paixão foi se apagando com o tempo' - His passion faded over time). They are highly attuned to the register of the word, knowing exactly when 'apagar' sounds natural and when a more elevated synonym is required for stylistic variation in high-level writing. The grammatical execution is flawless, with complex passive voice constructions (e.g., 'Os dados foram apagados' - The data was erased) used effortlessly. At C1, 'apagar' is a tool for deep, intellectual, and highly descriptive communication.

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At the C2 mastery level, the learner's use of 'apagar' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. The verb is wielded with complete stylistic freedom and deep cultural resonance. C2 users intuitively grasp the subtlest shades of meaning and can play with the word in creative, rhetorical, or poetic ways. They understand regional variations perfectly, knowing, for instance, exactly how 'apagar' interfaces with 'deletar' in Brazilian tech culture versus European Portuguese norms. They can use 'apagar' in complex wordplay, double entendres, or deep philosophical discussions about existence and memory. At this level, the focus is not on learning new meanings, but on the effortless, spontaneous, and perfectly context-appropriate deployment of the verb in any conceivable situation, from a casual joke about 'passing out' after a party to a rigorous academic defense regarding the 'erasure' of marginalized voices in historical texts. The C2 speaker uses 'apagar-se' to describe the subtle dimming of a public figure's influence or the gradual fading of a linguistic dialect. They command the entire semantic field of 'apagar' and its synonyms, using them to craft precise, elegant, and impactful Portuguese prose and speech, demonstrating absolute mastery over the language's nuances.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

apagar en 30 secondes

Turn off lights.
Erase pencil marks.
Delete digital files.
Put out fires.

The Portuguese verb 'apagar' is an incredibly versatile and fundamental word that every learner must master early on. At its most basic level, 'apagar' translates to 'to erase', 'to delete', 'to turn off', or 'to extinguish'. Understanding the wide array of contexts in which this verb is used is essential for achieving fluency, as it bridges both physical actions and digital interactions in everyday life. Let us explore the primary meanings and applications of this essential verb in detail. Firstly, in a physical context, 'apagar' refers to the action of removing marks, writing, or drawings. If you make a mistake while writing with a pencil, you use an eraser, known in Portuguese as 'uma borracha', to 'apagar' the error. In a traditional classroom setting, a teacher will frequently 'apagar o quadro' (erase the chalkboard or whiteboard) to make room for new information and lessons. This fundamental concept of removal and clearing space is deeply ingrained in the language.

O professor precisa apagar o quadro negro agora.

This physical act of erasing extends seamlessly into the digital realm, which is incredibly relevant in our modern, technology-driven world. When you are typing a document on your computer and wish to remove a specific word, sentence, or paragraph, you 'apagar' it. Similarly, if you want to get rid of a file, a photograph, a text message, or an application on your smartphone or computer, the action is also described using the verb 'apagar'.

Digital Context: In digital environments, apagar is synonymous with delete or remove, making it a crucial vocabulary word for navigating software and devices in Portuguese.

While 'deletar' is also widely used in Brazilian Portuguese for digital deletion, 'apagar' remains universally understood and is considered the more traditional and standard term across all Portuguese-speaking regions, including Portugal and African Lusophone countries. Secondly, 'apagar' is the standard and most common verb used for turning off sources of light. When you leave a room, it is a common courtesy and energy-saving practice to 'apagar a luz' (turn off the light).

Por favor, não se esqueça de apagar as luzes antes de sair.

This is a daily, routine action, making the verb absolutely indispensable for beginners navigating daily life. It applies to all types of illumination: table lamps, ceiling lights, flashlights, streetlights, and even the screen of your mobile phone or television when it goes dark. Thirdly, 'apagar' carries the critical meaning of extinguishing a fire or a flame. A firefighter's primary job and heroic duty is to 'apagar o incêndio' (put out the fire). On a smaller, more personal scale, you also 'apagar' a candle on a birthday cake after making a wish, or you 'apagar' a campfire after a night of camping in the woods to ensure safety.

Os bombeiros conseguiram apagar o fogo rapidamente.

Finally, in a more abstract and metaphorical sense, 'apagar' can mean to wipe out memories, traces, feelings, or even financial debts. You might express a desire to 'apagar o passado' (erase the past) when trying to move on from a difficult experience, or you might work hard to 'apagar uma dívida' (clear or erase a debt) to achieve financial freedom.

Metaphorical Use: Using apagar metaphorically adds emotional depth to your Portuguese, allowing you to speak about erasing pain, memories, or historical events.

O tempo não pode apagar as nossas boas memórias.

Idiomatic Expression: The phrase 'apagar as velinhas' literally means to blow out the candles, but it is widely used as a synonym for celebrating a birthday.

Hoje vamos apagar as velinhas do seu bolo.

In summary, mastering 'apagar' unlocks a vast range of expressive capabilities, from managing your physical environment to navigating digital interfaces and expressing complex emotional states.

Learning how to use the verb 'apagar' correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure, its conjugation patterns, and the specific prepositions or objects it commonly takes. 'Apagar' is a regular verb ending in '-ar', which means it follows the standard conjugation rules for the vast majority of Portuguese verbs. However, there is one crucial spelling change you must remember to maintain the hard 'g' sound in certain tenses. Let us dive deep into the mechanics of using 'apagar' in various contexts and tenses. First and foremost, in the present indicative tense, 'apagar' is completely regular. You say 'eu apago' (I erase/turn off), 'você/ele/ela apaga' (you/he/she erases/turns off), 'nós apagamos' (we erase/turn off), and 'vocês/eles/elas apagam' (you all/they erase/turn off).

Eu sempre apago a luz quando saio do quarto.

The complexity arises when we move to the preterite perfect tense (pretérito perfeito), which is used for completed actions in the past. Because the letter 'g' before an 'e' makes a soft 'j' sound in Portuguese, we must insert a 'u' to keep the hard 'g' sound of the infinitive. Therefore, 'I erased' is not spelled 'apagei', but rather 'apaguei'.

Spelling Rule: Verbs ending in -gar change the 'g' to 'gu' before the letter 'e' in the first person singular of the preterite and throughout the present subjunctive.

The rest of the preterite conjugation remains regular: 'você apagou', 'nós apagamos', 'eles apagaram'.

Eu apaguei o arquivo por engano ontem à noite.

This same spelling rule applies to the present subjunctive tense, which is used to express doubt, desires, or hypothetical situations. The present subjunctive of 'apagar' is 'que eu apague', 'que você apague', 'que nós apaguemos', and 'que eles apaguem'. When using 'apagar' in a sentence, it is typically a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. You must state what is being erased, turned off, or extinguished. You 'apagar' something. For example, 'apagar a mensagem' (erase the message), 'apagar o cigarro' (put out the cigarette), or 'apagar a lousa' (erase the blackboard).

Ela precisa apagar o histórico do navegador.

In some specific contexts, 'apagar' can be used intransitively, particularly in slang. As mentioned previously, if someone is extremely tired, they might say 'eu vou apagar' (I am going to pass out/fall asleep). Here, the verb does not take an object because the action is happening to the subject themselves.

Intransitive Use: When used without an object, 'apagar' often means to lose consciousness, fall deeply asleep, or for a light/fire to go out on its own (though 'apagar-se' is more common for the latter).

Furthermore, 'apagar' can be used reflexively as 'apagar-se'. This is often used poetically or descriptively to say that a light went out by itself, or a memory is fading away. 'A luz apagou-se' (The light went out).

A esperança nunca deve se apagar em nossos corações.

Imperative Mood: To give a command, use 'apague' (formal/você) or 'apaga' (informal/tu). For example, 'Apague a luz!' (Turn off the light!).

Meninos, apaguem o fogo antes de dormir.

By mastering these conjugation rules, spelling changes, and transitivity patterns, you will be able to use 'apagar' confidently and accurately in any conversation or written text.

The verb 'apagar' is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking environments, echoing through homes, schools, offices, and digital spaces every single day. Because its meanings cover such a broad spectrum of daily activities, you will encounter this word in almost every context imaginable. Let us explore the specific environments and situations where 'apagar' is most frequently heard and used. Starting in the domestic sphere, 'apagar' is a constant presence. Parents frequently remind their children to conserve energy. You will hear phrases like 'Não esqueça de apagar a luz da sala' (Don't forget to turn off the living room light) or 'Vá apagar a televisão' (Go turn off the television - though 'desligar' is also common here, 'apagar' is used when referring to the screen going dark).

Mãe, eu já fui apagar a luz do banheiro.

In the kitchen, if something is burning on the stove, someone might yell 'Apaga o fogo!' (Turn off the fire/stove!). Moving into educational settings, 'apagar' is a staple of classroom vocabulary. Teachers rely on this verb constantly.

Classroom Context: Students learn 'apagar' early on as they use erasers (borrachas) and watch teachers clean the board (apagar o quadro).

A teacher might ask a student, 'Você pode apagar o quadro para mim, por favor?' (Can you erase the board for me, please?). Students themselves will say, 'Me empresta a borracha para eu apagar isso' (Lend me the eraser so I can erase this).

O aluno usou a borracha para apagar o erro no caderno.

In the modern workplace and digital landscape, 'apagar' has taken on a massive role. Office workers, IT professionals, and casual smartphone users use it constantly to manage data. You will hear colleagues say, 'Eu apaguei o e-mail sem querer' (I deleted the email by accident) or 'Precisamos apagar esses arquivos antigos' (We need to delete these old files).

Tech Environment: In tech support or daily computer use, 'apagar' is the go-to verb for deleting data, clearing caches, or removing software.

Vou apagar as fotos tremidas do meu celular.

In emergency situations, 'apagar' is a critical word. Firefighters (bombeiros) use it to describe their primary objective. News reports will state, 'Os bombeiros levaram três horas para apagar as chamas' (It took the firefighters three hours to put out the flames).

É difícil apagar um incêndio florestal no verão.

Finally, in social and emotional contexts, you will hear 'apagar' used metaphorically in songs, poetry, and deep conversations. A romantic song might feature lyrics about trying to 'apagar a memória' (erase the memory) of a lost love.

Pop Culture: Listen to Brazilian MPB or Portuguese Fado, and you will frequently hear 'apagar' used to describe fading love, lost time, or erased histories.

Queria poder apagar aquele dia da minha mente.

By recognizing these diverse environments, you will better appreciate the immense utility of the verb 'apagar'.

Even though 'apagar' is a fundamental verb, learners of Portuguese frequently make several common mistakes when using it. These errors usually stem from direct translation from their native language, confusion with similar Portuguese verbs, or misunderstandings of the spelling rules. Let us thoroughly examine these pitfalls so you can avoid them and speak more naturally. The most prevalent mistake among English speakers is confusing 'apagar' with 'desligar' when talking about turning things off. In English, you 'turn off' a light, a computer, a car engine, and a radio. In Portuguese, however, there is a distinct division. You use 'apagar' for things that emit light or fire. You use 'desligar' for machines, engines, and complex electronics.

Apagar vs. Desligar: Apagar is for lights and flames (apagar a luz, apagar o fogo). Desligar is for machines and connections (desligar o carro, desligar o telefone).

Saying 'apagar o carro' (erase the car/turn off the car's light) instead of 'desligar o carro' (turn off the engine) sounds very unnatural to a native speaker.

Incorreto: Vou apagar o rádio. Correto: Vou desligar o rádio.

Another frequent error involves the spelling of the preterite tense. As discussed in the 'How to Use It' section, learners often forget to insert the 'u' to maintain the hard 'g' sound. Writing 'apagei' instead of 'apaguei' is a classic spelling mistake that immediately marks you as a beginner.

Eu apaguei o quadro (Correct spelling with 'u').

A third common mistake is related to the digital context. While 'apagar' is perfectly correct for deleting files or text, learners sometimes overuse the English loanword 'deletar'. While 'deletar' is common in Brazil, 'apagar' is the universally correct and often preferred term, especially in formal writing or in Portugal. Relying solely on 'deletar' limits your vocabulary.

Vocabulary Range: Expand your vocabulary by using 'apagar' for digital deletion instead of always defaulting to the Anglicism 'deletar'.

É melhor apagar esse aplicativo do que deletar.

Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 'apagar' with 'fechar' (to close). If you want to close a computer program, you 'fechar o programa', you do not 'apagar o programa' (unless you mean to uninstall/delete it entirely).

Não se esqueça de fechar a janela, não apagar a janela.

Contextual Nuance: Always consider what exactly you are doing to the object. Are you making it cease to exist (apagar), disconnecting its power (desligar), or shutting its access (fechar)?

Vou apagar o texto, mas vou fechar o livro.

By being mindful of these distinctions—especially the difference between 'apagar' and 'desligar', and the crucial spelling rule in the past tense—you will significantly improve the accuracy and natural flow of your Portuguese.

The Portuguese language is rich with synonyms and related verbs that share conceptual space with 'apagar'. Understanding these similar words, their subtle nuances, and their specific use cases will greatly enhance your vocabulary and allow you to express yourself with much greater precision. While 'apagar' is the most general and versatile term, sometimes a more specific word is required. Let us explore the most common words that are similar to 'apagar'. The most prominent related word is 'desligar' (to turn off, to disconnect). As we have discussed, while 'apagar' is used for turning off lights and flames, 'desligar' is the correct verb for turning off machines, engines, appliances, and electronic devices that do not primarily function as light sources.

Desligar: Use 'desligar' for computers, cars, radios, and phones. Use 'apagar' for lamps, candles, and matches.

Vou desligar a TV e apagar a luz.

Another highly relevant synonym, especially in the digital age, is 'deletar' (to delete). This is an Anglicism (a word borrowed from English) that has become extremely common in Brazilian Portuguese, specifically referring to deleting digital files, emails, or data. While 'apagar' is perfectly acceptable and often preferred in formal contexts or in Portugal, 'deletar' is ubiquitous in casual Brazilian tech speak.

Deletar: Strictly used for digital deletion. You cannot 'deletar' a fire or a pencil mark.

Ele decidiu deletar (ou apagar) o aplicativo de mensagens.

When dealing with fires, 'extinguir' (to extinguish) is a formal synonym for 'apagar'. While a regular person might 'apagar o fogo' in their kitchen, an official fire department report might state that they managed to 'extinguir o incêndio'. 'Extinguir' is also used for abstract concepts, like extinguishing a debt or a species going extinct.

O governo tenta extinguir a dívida, assim como tenta apagar os erros do passado.

Other related words include 'eliminar' (to eliminate) and 'suprimir' (to suppress or remove). 'Eliminar' is often used in sports (to eliminate a team) or in problem-solving (to eliminate a cause), but it can cross over with 'apagar' when talking about removing data or options. 'Suprimir' is highly formal, often used in legal or academic texts to mean removing a paragraph or a right.

Eliminar / Suprimir: These are higher-register words. Use them when you want to sound professional, academic, or legal, rather than the everyday 'apagar'.

O editor decidiu suprimir o último parágrafo em vez de apenas apagar uma palavra.

Precisamos eliminar os riscos e apagar as evidências.

By understanding the boundaries and overlaps between 'apagar', 'desligar', 'deletar', 'extinguir', and 'eliminar', you elevate your Portuguese from basic communication to nuanced and precise expression.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Regular -ar verb conjugation in the present tense.

Spelling changes in verbs ending in -gar (preterite and present subjunctive).

Direct object pronouns (apagar a luz -> apagá-la).

Imperative mood for giving commands (Apague a luz!).

Reflexive verbs (apagar-se) for actions happening on their own.

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Exemples par niveau

Eu preciso apagar a luz do quarto.

I need to turn off the bedroom light.

Infinitive form used after the auxiliary verb 'preciso'.

Por favor, apague o quadro.

Please, erase the board.

Formal imperative 'apague' used for a polite request.

Ela apaga o erro com a borracha.

She erases the mistake with the eraser.

Present tense, third person singular 'apaga'.

Nós apagamos as luzes da sala.

We turn off the living room lights.

Present tense, first person plural 'apagamos'.

Você pode apagar a luz?

Can you turn off the light?

Infinitive 'apagar' used after the modal verb 'pode'.

O menino apaga o desenho.

The boy erases the drawing.

Direct object 'o desenho' following the verb.

Eu sempre apago a lâmpada.

I always turn off the lamp.

Adverb 'sempre' placed before the conjugated verb 'apago'.

Eles apagam a luz à noite.

They turn off the light at night.

Present tense, third person plural 'apagam'.

Eu apaguei a mensagem do meu celular.

I deleted the message from my cell phone.

Preterite tense 'apaguei' showing the 'gu' spelling change.

Ela apagou todas as fotos antigas.

She deleted all the old photos.

Preterite tense, third person singular 'apagou'.

Nós apagamos o arquivo por engano.

We deleted the file by mistake.

Preterite tense 'apagamos' (spelled same as present, context implies past).

Você apagou o e-mail que eu enviei?

Did you delete the email I sent?

Question in the preterite tense.

Vou apagar este aplicativo ruim.

I am going to delete this bad app.

Future construction 'vou' + infinitive 'apagar'.

Eles apagaram o texto do documento.

They erased the text from the document.

Preterite tense, third person plural 'apagaram'.

Não apague o meu número de telefone.

Do not delete my phone number.

Negative imperative 'Não apague'.

Ontem, eu apaguei a luz muito tarde.

Yesterday, I turned off the light very late.

Time marker 'Ontem' used with the preterite 'apaguei'.

Os bombeiros conseguiram apagar o incêndio na floresta.

The firefighters managed to put out the fire in the forest.

Infinitive 'apagar' used after the verb 'conseguiram'.

Eu queria que você apagasse essa lembrança triste.

I wanted you to erase that sad memory.

Imperfect subjunctive 'apagasse' triggered by 'queria que'.

É importante que nós apaguemos o fogo do acampamento.

It is important that we put out the campfire.

Present subjunctive 'apaguemos' triggered by 'É importante que'.

Ela estava tentando apagar as manchas da roupa.

She was trying to erase the stains from the clothes.

Gerund form 'tentando apagar' for a continuous past action.

Se o alarme tocar, apague o fogão imediatamente.

If the alarm sounds, turn off the stove immediately.

Imperative 'apague' used in a conditional sentence.

O vento forte apagou a vela rapidamente.

The strong wind blew out the candle quickly.

Preterite 'apagou' used for a sudden completed action.

Eles sempre apagavam as luzes para economizar energia.

They always used to turn off the lights to save energy.

Imperfect tense 'apagavam' for a habitual past action.

Vou apagar o cigarro antes de entrar no restaurante.

I will put out the cigarette before entering the restaurant.

Infinitive 'apagar' used for extinguishing a smoking item.

Trabalhei tanto ontem que cheguei em casa e apaguei no sofá.

I worked so much yesterday that I got home and passed out on the couch.

Slang/informal use of 'apaguei' meaning to fall asleep heavily.

O governo tentou apagar as provas do escândalo financeiro.

The government tried to erase the evidence of the financial scandal.

Metaphorical use of 'apagar' for removing evidence.

Quando você apagar a sua dívida, sentirá um grande alívio.

When you clear your debt, you will feel a great relief.

Future subjunctive 'apagar' triggered by 'Quando'.

A luz apagou-se de repente, deixando todos no escuro.

The light went out suddenly, leaving everyone in the dark.

Reflexive use 'apagou-se' indicating the action happened on its own.

Hoje vamos apagar as velinhas e celebrar o seu sucesso.

Today we are going to blow out the candles and celebrate your success.

Idiomatic expression 'apagar as velinhas' for celebrating.

Ele apagou o sorriso do rosto quando ouviu a má notícia.

He wiped the smile off his face when he heard the bad news.

Metaphorical use of 'apagar' applied to a facial expression.

Mesmo que eu apagasse o arquivo, a cópia de segurança continuaria lá.

Even if I deleted the file, the backup would still be there.

Imperfect subjunctive 'apagasse' used in a hypothetical concession.

As estrelas pareciam se apagar à medida que a tempestade se aproximava.

The stars seemed to fade out as the storm approached.

Reflexive infinitive 'se apagar' used poetically for fading light.

A censura sistemática tentou apagar a herança cultural daquela minoria.

Systematic censorship tried to erase the cultural heritage of that minority.

Abstract, academic use of 'apagar' for historical erasure.

Com o avanço da doença, a sua lucidez foi se apagando gradativamente.

With the progression of the disease, his lucidity gradually faded away.

Reflexive gerund 'se apagando' describing a slow, abstract decline.

O brilho daquela civilização antiga apagou-se após séculos de guerra.

The brilliance of that ancient civilization faded after centuries of war.

Reflexive past tense 'apagou-se' used in a historical, literary context.

É imperativo que apaguemos qualquer vestígio de dúvida antes de prosseguir.

It is imperative that we erase any trace of doubt before proceeding.

Present subjunctive 'apaguemos' in a formal, high-register sentence.

O réu solicitou que seus antecedentes criminais fossem apagados do sistema.

The defendant requested that his criminal record be expunged from the system.

Passive voice 'fossem apagados' in a legal context.

A paixão inicial apagou-se, dando lugar a um afeto mais sereno e duradouro.

The initial passion faded, giving way to a more serene and lasting affection.

Reflexive use describing the evolution of complex emotions.

Nenhum decreto governamental será capaz de apagar a memória da revolução.

No government decree will be able to erase the memory of the revolution.

Strong rhetorical use of 'apagar' regarding collective memory.

Ao apagar as fronteiras entre arte e tecnologia, a exposição inovou.

By blurring the boundaries between art and technology, the exhibition innovated.

Metaphorical use of 'apagar' meaning to blur or remove distinctions.

A figura do ditador foi paulatinamente apagada da historiografia oficial do país.

The figure of the dictator was gradually erased from the country's official historiography.

Passive voice in a highly academic, historical context.

Ele discursou com tanta veemência que acabou por apagar a presença dos demais debatedores.

He spoke with such vehemence that he ended up eclipsing the presence of the other debaters.

Metaphorical use of 'apagar' meaning to outshine or eclipse others.

O escândalo de corrupção ameaça apagar o legado de décadas de serviço público.

The corruption scandal threatens to wipe out the legacy of decades of public service.

Abstract use concerning the destruction of reputation or legacy.

Naquela noite ébria, as memórias se apagaram num turbilhão de confusão.

On that drunken night, memories faded into a whirlwind of confusion.

Literary/poetic use of the reflexive 'se apagaram'.

A sutileza do autor reside em apagar as pistas óbvias, forçando o leitor a deduzir o final.

The author's subtlety lies in erasing the obvious clues, forcing the reader to deduce the ending.

Literary critique context using 'apagar' for narrative technique.

O tempo, inexorável, encarrega-se de apagar as mágoas mais profundas da alma.

Time, inexorable, takes it upon itself to erase the deepest sorrows of the soul.

Highly poetic and philosophical statement.

A nova legislação visa apagar as disparidades salariais entre gêneros no setor corporativo.

The new legislation aims to eliminate gender wage disparities in the corporate sector.

Formal use of 'apagar' meaning to eliminate or eradicate a social issue.

Mesmo diante da morte iminente, a chama da sua genialidade recusava-se a apagar.

Even in the face of imminent death, the flame of his genius refused to go out.

Metaphorical use of 'apagar' relating to spirit or intellect.

Collocations courantes

apagar a luz

apagar o fogo

apagar o quadro

apagar a mensagem

apagar o arquivo

apagar da memória

apagar o cigarro

apagar as velinhas

apagar a dívida

borracha de apagar

Phrases Courantes

apagar a luz

apagar o fogo

apagar o quadro

apagar tudo

apagar as velinhas

apagar da mente

chegar e apagar

apagar o passado

apagar a mensagem

apagar o histórico

Souvent confondu avec

apagar vs desligar

apagar vs fechar

apagar vs deletar

Expressions idiomatiques

"apagar as velinhas"

"apagar o incêndio (metaphorical)"

"apagar da memória"

"apagar o brilho"

"apagar a própria sombra"

"apagar com a barriga"

"apagar o passado"

"apagar a marca"

"apagar o rastro"

"apagar a luz no fim do túnel"

Facile à confondre

apagar vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

note

While 'apagar' and 'desligar' both translate to 'turn off' in English, they are not interchangeable in Portuguese. 'Apagar' is strictly for lights and fire, while 'desligar' is for machines and electronics.

Erreurs courantes

Saying 'apagar a TV' instead of 'desligar a TV'.
Writing 'apagei' instead of the correct spelling 'apaguei'.
Using 'fechar' (to close) when trying to say delete a file.
Pronouncing 'apaguei' with a soft 'j' sound instead of a hard 'g'.
Forgetting that 'apagar' can mean to fall asleep in informal contexts.

Astuces

The 'U' is Crucial

Always remember to add the 'u' in 'apaguei' (I erased) and 'apague' (erase!). Without it, the pronunciation changes completely and the word is misspelled.

Lights vs. Machines

Associate 'apagar' with lightbulbs and fire. Associate 'desligar' with plugs and engines. This mental image will stop you from making the most common mistake.

Passing Out

Use 'apagar' intransitively to sound like a native when you are tired. 'Estou tão cansado que vou apagar' (I'm so tired I'm going to pass out).

Apagar vs. Deletar

While 'deletar' is fine in Brazil, using 'apagar' for digital files shows a richer vocabulary and is safer if you are speaking with someone from Portugal.

Stress the Last Syllable

In the infinitive form 'apagar', the stress is on the final syllable 'gar'. Make sure you emphasize it: a-pa-GAR.

Birthday Phrase

Memorize 'apagar as velinhas' for birthdays. It is a charming, essential cultural phrase that you will use at every party.

No Preposition Needed

'Apagar' is a transitive verb, meaning it connects directly to its object. Do not put a preposition after it. It is 'apagar a luz', not 'apagar para a luz'.

Erasing the Past

Don't be afraid to use 'apagar' poetically. 'Apagar o passado' or 'apagar a dor' are perfectly natural ways to express emotional erasure.

The Blackout

Connect the verb 'apagar' to the noun 'apagão' (blackout). It helps reinforce the meaning of a large-scale turning off of lights.

Teacher's Pet

If you are in a Portuguese class, volunteer by saying 'Posso apagar o quadro?' (Can I erase the board?). It's great practice and teachers love it.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'A PAGER'. If you get a message on A PAGER, you read it and then APAGAR (delete) it.

Origine du mot

From Vulgar Latin *appacare, meaning to pacify or appease (a debt or a fire).

Contexte culturel

Commonly uses 'deletar' alongside 'apagar' for digital files.

Strictly prefers 'apagar' for digital deletion; 'deletar' sounds foreign.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Você prefere apagar as mensagens antigas ou guardar todas?"

"Você costuma apagar a luz quando sai de um cômodo?"

"Qual foi a última foto que você apagou do seu celular?"

"Você já apagou um arquivo importante por engano?"

"O que você gostaria de apagar do seu passado?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escreva sobre uma vez em que você apagou um arquivo importante por acidente. O que aconteceu?

Descreva a sua rotina noturna antes de apagar a luz para dormir.

Se você pudesse apagar uma memória ruim, qual seria e por quê?

Como você se sente quando a energia acaba e ocorre um 'apagão'?

Faça uma lista de coisas digitais que você precisa apagar hoje.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you should use 'desligar a TV'. 'Apagar' is used for things that emit light or fire, like lamps or candles. A TV is considered an electronic machine, so 'desligar' is the correct verb. However, if you are specifically referring to the screen going dark, you might hear 'a tela apagou'.

In Portuguese, the letter 'g' followed by 'e' or 'i' makes a soft 'j' sound (like in 'gelo'). To maintain the hard 'g' sound from the infinitive 'apagar' (like in 'gato'), you must insert a 'u'. Therefore, 'apaguei' is pronounced with a hard 'g', which is the correct past tense form.

Yes, 'deletar' is widely used and accepted in Brazilian Portuguese, especially in digital contexts. It is an Anglicism derived from the English word 'delete'. However, 'apagar' is the traditional, universally understood word and is preferred in formal writing and in European Portuguese.

If you say 'eu apaguei' without an object, it is a common slang expression meaning 'I passed out' or 'I fell asleep very quickly'. It implies you were so exhausted that your 'internal light' turned off instantly.

The word for eraser is 'borracha'. It is the tool you use to 'apagar' pencil marks. Interestingly, 'borracha' also means rubber, which is the material erasers are traditionally made of.

Yes, 'apagar' is frequently used metaphorically to talk about erasing memories, feelings, or the past. You can say 'quero apagar isso da minha memória' (I want to erase this from my memory).

There are a few noun forms depending on the context. 'O apagador' is the physical eraser used for chalkboards or whiteboards. 'O apagão' refers to a large-scale power outage or blackout.

You use 'desligar o celular' to turn off the power of the phone completely. However, if you are just talking about the screen going dark to save battery, you can say 'a tela apagou' (the screen turned off).

Yes, 'apagar' is a regular -ar verb in terms of its endings. The only irregularity is the spelling change (adding a 'u' after the 'g') in the first person singular of the preterite tense and throughout the present subjunctive mood to preserve pronunciation.

The phrase is 'apagar as velinhas'. It literally translates to 'erase/extinguish the little candles'. It is the standard phrase used during birthday celebrations right before cutting the cake.

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