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A2 verb 11 min de lecture

apodrecer

Exemples apodrecer en 30 secondes
Explication apodrecer in your Level:
At the A1 level, you primarily need to recognize 'apodrecer' in very simple contexts related to food. You might see it on a sign at a market or hear it in a basic conversation about grocery shopping. At this stage, just remember that 'apodrecer' means 'to rot.' You don't need to master all the complex conjugations yet. Focus on the infinitive 'apodrecer' and perhaps the third-person singular 'apodrece.' For example, if you see a brown banana, you can say 'A banana está podre' (The banana is rotten) or 'A banana vai apodrecer' (The banana is going to rot). It is a useful word for basic survival Portuguese, especially when you want to explain why you are returning a piece of fruit or why you are throwing something away in the kitchen. Don't worry about the metaphorical meanings yet; just stick to the physical reality of old food. You can also associate it with the word 'podre' (rotten), which is an adjective you will likely use more often at this level. Learning 'apodrecer' helps you build a foundation for discussing health, nature, and daily routines. It's one of those essential 'sensory' words that helps you describe the world around you in a simple but effective way.
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At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'apodrecer' in simple sentences and understand its basic conjugations in the present and near future. You are expected to talk about household chores, shopping, and food, where this word is very common. You should know that 'apodrecer' is a regular -er verb. You can now use it to describe processes: 'As maçãs apodrecem se ficarem no calor' (Apples rot if they stay in the heat). You should also begin to distinguish it from 'estragar' (to spoil/break). While 'estragar' is more general, 'apodrecer' is specifically for biological decay. You might also encounter the word in simple stories or news snippets about the environment. At A2, you are building the ability to describe consequences, and 'apodrecer' is a perfect verb for that. 'Se não cuidarmos da madeira, ela vai apodrecer.' This level is about moving from simple identification to active usage in predictable, everyday situations. You should also be comfortable using the past tense 'apodreceu' to describe something that has already gone bad. 'Esqueci-me da carne e ela apodreceu.' This shows you can link past actions (forgetting) with their results (rotting).
By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'apodrecer' in more varied contexts, including some metaphorical ones. You can use it to describe not just food, but also materials like wood or fabric in more complex sentences. You should be familiar with the Pretérito Imperfeito ('apodrecia') and the Presente do Subjuntivo ('que apodreça'). At this level, you can start using 'apodrecer' to express opinions about social issues in a basic way. For instance, 'Acho que a política está a apodrecer' (I think politics is rotting). You understand that the word carries a strong negative weight and can be used to add emphasis to your speech. You are also likely to encounter the noun form 'apodrecimento' and should be able to use it in sentences like 'O apodrecimento da madeira é um problema nesta casa.' Your vocabulary is expanding to include synonyms like 'decompor-se' for more formal situations. You can follow a recipe or a gardening guide that mentions 'apodrecer' as something to avoid. This level is about increasing your fluency and starting to use the word to express more abstract thoughts and more detailed descriptions of the natural world.
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At the B2 level, you have a nuanced understanding of 'apodrecer' and can use it fluently in both literal and figurative senses. You can engage in debates about corruption or social decay where 'apodrecer' serves as a powerful metaphor. You understand the stylistic difference between 'apodrecer,' 'decompor-se,' and 'deteriorar-se.' You can use the verb in all tenses, including the conditional ('apodreceria') and the future subjunctive ('se apodrecer'). You are also aware of idiomatic expressions, such as 'apodrecer na cadeia' (to rot in jail) or 'deixar apodrecer' (to let something stagnate). At B2, you can appreciate the word's use in literature and journalism, recognizing how it creates a specific mood or tone. You can write more complex essays where you analyze the 'apodrecimento' of a system or a relationship. You are also more aware of the phonetic nuances, such as the shifting sounds in different conjugations. Your use of the word is precise; you know exactly when 'apodrecer' is more effective than 'estragar' or 'corromper.' You can also use it in technical contexts, such as discussing construction or environmental science, with confidence.
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At the C1 level, your use of 'apodrecer' is sophisticated and contextually precise. You can use the word to convey subtle shades of meaning, especially in academic or professional writing. You are familiar with the word's etymological roots and how they relate to other Romance languages. You can use 'apodrecer' in complex metaphorical structures, perhaps in a literary critique or a high-level political analysis. You understand the visceral impact the word has on a native speaker and use it intentionally for rhetorical effect. You are also comfortable with related technical terms and can discuss the chemical and biological processes of 'apodrecimento' in detail. At this level, you can effortlessly switch between the informal use in a kitchen and the highly formal use in a scientific paper or a legal argument about negligence leading to decay. You also recognize the word in various Portuguese dialects and understand any slight regional variations in its usage or frequency. Your command of the verb and its family (podre, apodrecimento, etc.) is complete, allowing you to express complex ideas with clarity and emotional resonance.
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At the C2 level, you have a near-native or native-like command of 'apodrecer.' You can use it with the full range of its historical, cultural, and emotional associations. You can play with the word in creative writing, using it in puns, double entendres, or complex allegories. You understand the deepest nuances of its metaphorical power—how it can represent the slow death of an era, the collapse of a philosophy, or the physical reality of mortality. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can analyze the use of 'apodrecer' in the works of great Portuguese-language authors like Saramago or Machado de Assis, noting how they use the imagery of decay to explore the human condition. You are also aware of the most obscure or archaic uses of the word and can use them correctly if the context demands. For you, 'apodrecer' is not just a verb; it is a versatile tool for expression that you can wield with precision, whether you are writing a poem, a scientific treatise, or a sharp political satire. You have a complete grasp of the word's 'soul' and its place within the vast landscape of the Portuguese language.
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Exemples

apodrecer en 30 secondes

  • Apodrecer means 'to rot' or 'to decay' and is used for organic matter like food and wood.
  • It is a regular -er verb, conjugated like 'comer', but often used in the 3rd person.
  • Metaphorically, it describes corruption in politics or the slow decline of social systems.
  • Commonly confused with 'estragar' (to spoil), which is more general and used for electronics or milk.
The Portuguese verb apodrecer is a fundamental term used to describe the biological process of decomposition or decay. At its core, it refers to the state where organic matter—such as food, wood, or even biological tissues—breaks down due to the presence of bacteria, fungi, or exposure to the elements. For an English speaker, the most direct translations are 'to rot,' 'to decay,' or 'to putrefy.' However, the usage in Portuguese is quite versatile and extends beyond the laboratory or the compost bin. In daily life, you will most frequently encounter this word in the kitchen or the supermarket. If you forget a bag of oranges in the back of the pantry, they will eventually apodrecer. This physical transformation involves a change in texture (becoming soft or mushy), color (turning brown, black, or green with mold), and smell (developing a pungent, unpleasant odor).
Biological Context
Used to describe the natural cycle of organic matter returning to the earth. It is a neutral, scientific, or descriptive term in this sense.
Beyond the physical, apodrecer is a powerful metaphorical tool. It is often used to describe moral, social, or political decay. When a system is described as 'apodrecendo,' it suggests deep-seated corruption, neglect, or a loss of integrity. For example, one might say that a government is rotting from within due to scandals.

Se não comermos estas maçãs logo, elas vão apodrecer na fruteira.

In this sentence, the speaker warns about the imminent spoilage of fruit. It is a common A2-level scenario: discussing food and household chores.
Metaphorical Use
Refers to the decline of institutions, relationships, or values. It carries a strong negative connotation of irreversible damage.

A corrupção fez a instituição apodrecer por completo.

This word is also essential in environmental discussions, particularly regarding composting or the breakdown of waste. Understanding the nuances of apodrecer helps learners distinguish between simple spoilage and true biological decay. It is a 'heavy' word, often associated with unpleasantness, but it is indispensable for describing the natural world and critical social issues.
Environmental Context
Crucial for discussing the carbon cycle, waste management, and the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials.

As folhas no chão da floresta levam tempo para apodrecer e virar adubo.

O dente começou a apodrecer por falta de higiene.

Finally, in literature and drama, apodrecer can describe a person 'rotting' in prison or 'rotting' away due to a disease, emphasizing the slow, agonizing nature of the process. It is a word that evokes visceral imagery and strong emotional responses. Throughout this guide, we will explore its various shades of meaning, from the kitchen counter to the halls of power.
Using apodrecer correctly requires an understanding of its conjugation and its typical subjects. As a regular verb ending in -er, it follows the same pattern as comer (to eat) or vender (to sell). However, because it describes a process that usually happens to objects or abstract concepts, it is most frequently used in the third person singular or plural.
Subject-Verb Agreement
The fruit (singular) apodrece; the vegetables (plural) apodrecem. Always ensure the verb matches the number of the decaying items.
In the present tense, you might describe a current state: 'O pão está a apodrecer' (The bread is rotting). In European Portuguese, the estar a + infinitive construction is preferred for ongoing actions, while in Brazilian Portuguese, 'O pão está apodrecendo' (gerund) is more common.

Se você deixar a madeira na chuva, ela vai apodrecer rapidamente.

This sentence uses the near future (ir + infinitive), which is very common in spoken Portuguese to express a logical consequence.
Transitive vs. Intransitive
While usually intransitive (The meat rots), it can occasionally be used transitively in poetic or archaic contexts, though this is rare in modern A2 Portuguese.

O cheiro indicava que algo tinha começado a apodrecer no sótão.

In the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), it describes a completed process: 'A fruta apodreceu' (The fruit rotted). In the Imperfeito, it describes a state or an ongoing process in the past: 'A comida apodrecia enquanto esperávamos' (The food was rotting while we waited).

Não podemos deixar a nossa amizade apodrecer por causa de silêncios.

This metaphorical usage shows how the verb can be applied to relationships. Here, it takes the infinitive form following another verb ('deixar').
Common Complements
Adverbs like 'rapidamente' (quickly), 'lentamente' (slowly), or 'completamente' (completely) are frequent companions to this verb.

A humidade fará com que as vigas da casa venham a apodrecer.

Finally, remember that apodrecer is a vivid word. If you want to be more polite or clinical, you might use 'decompor-se' (to decompose), but in daily conversation, apodrecer is the go-to term for anything that has gone past its prime and is becoming biological waste. Practice by describing things in your fridge that you might have forgotten!
You will hear apodrecer in a variety of settings, ranging from the mundane to the highly dramatic. The most common place is likely the local market (mercado) or the kitchen. Vendors might use it to describe produce that is no longer fit for sale, or a parent might warn a child not to eat something that has started to apodrecer. In these contexts, it is a practical, everyday word.
Domestic Life
Conversations about food waste, cleaning the refrigerator, or gardening often involve this verb.
Another major domain is the news and political commentary. Portuguese-speaking media often use apodrecer to describe systemic issues. You might hear a news anchor talk about 'o apodrecimento das instituições' (the rotting of institutions) or 'um sistema que apodreceu' (a system that has rotted). This usage is particularly common in discussions about corruption, where the metaphor of rot suggests something that was once healthy but is now tainted and spreading its 'sickness' to other parts.

O jornalista afirmou que a democracia está a apodrecer devido à falta de transparência.

In rural areas or among people who work with wood and construction, the word is used technically. A carpenter might examine an old beam and say, 'Isto está a apodrecer,' indicating that the structural integrity is compromised.
Health and Medicine
In a medical context, it can refer to gangrene or severe tooth decay, though 'necrose' or 'cárie' are the technical terms. Patients might use 'apodrecer' to describe their symptoms to a doctor.

O médico explicou que o tecido começou a apodrecer por falta de circulação.

You will also encounter it in environmental documentaries or science programs. When discussing the Amazon rainforest or biodiversity, narrators use apodrecer to explain the nutrient cycle. Dead trees apodrecem on the forest floor, providing life for new plants.
Literature and Art
Poets and novelists use the word to evoke themes of mortality, time, and the inevitable decline of all living things.

No poema, o autor fala de como as memórias podem apodrecer se não forem recordadas.

From the smell of a forgotten potato to the critique of a failing government, apodrecer is a word that bridges the gap between the physical world and abstract thought. Whether you are at a 'feira' (market) or watching the 'telejornal' (news), keep your ears open for this versatile verb.
One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers learning Portuguese is confusing apodrecer with other verbs that describe things 'going bad.' In English, we use 'to spoil' for almost everything—from milk to children to movies. In Portuguese, you must be more specific.
Apodrecer vs. Estragar
'Estragar' is the general term for 'to spoil' or 'to break.' You can 'estragar' a computer, a surprise, or milk. 'Apodrecer' is reserved specifically for biological rot (fruit, meat, wood). You wouldn't say a computer is 'apodrecendo' unless it's literally made of wood and rotting.
Another common error is related to the noun form. Many students try to use the verb when they need the noun 'apodrecimento' (rotting/decay) or the adjective 'podre' (rotten). For example, saying 'A fruta está apodrecer' (The fruit is to rot) instead of 'A fruta está a apodrecer' (European) or 'A fruta está podre' (The fruit is rotten).

Errado: O leite vai apodrecer fora da geladeira. (Wrong: Milk doesn't rot, it sours/spoils).

Correto: O leite vai azedar fora da geladeira.

Spelling and Pronunciation
The 'c' in 'apodrecer' changes to a 'ç' in certain conjugations to maintain the soft 's' sound, such as in the present subjunctive: 'que eu apodreça'. Forgetting the cedilla is a common writing mistake.
Metaphorical usage also has pitfalls. While you can say a person is 'rotting' in jail (apodrecer na cadeia), you shouldn't use it to mean someone is 'rotten' in character unless you use the adjective podre ('Ele é uma pessoa podre'). Using the verb to describe a person's character directly (e.g., 'Ele apodrece') implies they are actively undergoing a process of decay, which sounds much more dramatic and literal.

Cuidado: Não confunda apodrecer com 'amolecer' (to soften). Embora frutas podres fiquem moles, as palavras têm significados diferentes.

Preposition Pitfalls
Learners often forget that 'apodrecer' is usually intransitive. Avoid adding a direct object unless you are using it in a very specific causative sense with 'fazer' (e.g., 'O sol faz a fruta apodrecer').

Dica: Se vir manchas pretas na banana, ela está a apodrecer, mas ainda pode servir para bolo!

By being mindful of these distinctions—especially the difference between 'estragar' (general spoilage) and 'apodrecer' (biological rot)—you will sound much more like a native speaker and avoid confusing your listeners.
To enrich your Portuguese vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that share a similar meaning to apodrecer. Each has its own nuance and register.
Decompor-se
This is the scientific and formal equivalent of 'apodrecer.' It means 'to decompose.' You will find it in biology textbooks and environmental reports. It is more clinical and less 'disgusting' than 'apodrecer.'

O plástico demora centenas de anos para se decompor.

Estragar
As mentioned before, this is the most common all-purpose word for 'to spoil.' If you aren't sure if something is 'rotting' or just 'going bad,' 'estragar' is the safest choice. It covers food, machines, and plans.

A carne estragou porque o frigorífico desligou.

Mofar / Bolorecer
These verbs specifically mean 'to mold' or 'to get moldy.' While 'apodrecer' is the general process of decay, 'mofar' refers specifically to the visible growth of fungus (mold).

O pão começou a mofar depois de três dias no saco.

Deteriorar-se
Meaning 'to deteriorate,' this verb is often used for buildings, health, or relationships. It implies a gradual decline in quality or condition without necessarily involving biological rot.

O estado de saúde do paciente deteriorou-se durante a noite.

Corromper
When 'apodrecer' is used metaphorically for politics, 'corromper' (to corrupt) is its closest synonym. While 'apodrecer' focuses on the state of decay, 'corromper' focuses on the action of making something dishonest.

O poder absoluto pode corromper o homem mais honesto.

Azedar
Specifically for liquids like milk or wine, or for situations that 'turn sour.' You wouldn't say milk 'apodrece,' you say it 'azeda.'
Understanding these alternatives allows you to be more precise and expressive. Whether you are describing a moldy piece of bread or a corrupt political system, choosing the right word from this list will make your Portuguese sound more natural and sophisticated.
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Exemples par niveau

1

A maçã vai apodrecer.

The apple is going to rot.

Simple future with 'ir' + infinitive.

2

Não coma isso, está a apodrecer.

Don't eat that, it's rotting.

Present continuous in European Portuguese.

3

A fruta apodrece no calor.

Fruit rots in the heat.

Present tense, third person singular.

4

A carne apodreceu ontem.

The meat rotted yesterday.

Pretérito Perfeito (past tense).

5

Eu não quero apodrecer aqui.

I don't want to rot here.

Infinitive after 'querer'.

6

O pão apodrece rápido.

The bread rots fast.

Adverb 'rápido' modifying the verb.

7

As laranjas apodrecem na sacola.

The oranges rot in the bag.

Present tense, third person plural.

8

O dente começou a apodrecer.

The tooth started to rot.

Infinitive after 'começar a'.

1

Se deixares a comida fora, ela vai apodrecer.

If you leave the food out, it will rot.

Future conditional structure.

2

A madeira da mesa está a apodrecer por causa da chuva.

The wood of the table is rotting because of the rain.

Present continuous with cause 'por causa de'.

3

Muitos tomates apodreceram no transporte.

Many tomatoes rotted during transport.

Pretérito Perfeito plural.

4

Temos de tirar as folhas para não apodrecerem.

We have to remove the leaves so they don't rot.

Personal infinitive 'apodrecerem'.

5

O cheiro de algo a apodrecer é horrível.

The smell of something rotting is horrible.

Infinitive used as a gerund.

6

A raiz da planta começou a apodrecer com muita água.

The root of the plant started to rot with too much water.

Noun 'raiz' as subject.

7

As bananas apodrecem mais depressa no verão.

Bananas rot faster in the summer.

Comparison of speed.

8

Ele deixou o projeto apodrecer na gaveta.

He let the project rot in the drawer.

Metaphorical use in A2 context.

1

É provável que a fruta apodreça se não a guardares.

It's likely the fruit will rot if you don't put it away.

Present subjunctive 'apodreça'.

2

Antigamente, a comida apodrecia porque não havia frigoríficos.

In the past, food used to rot because there were no fridges.

Pretérito Imperfeito for habitual past.

3

A humidade faz com que as paredes apodreçam.

Humidity causes the walls to rot.

Subjunctive after 'faz com que'.

4

Não permitas que o teu talento apodreça por falta de uso.

Don't allow your talent to rot for lack of use.

Metaphorical use with imperative.

5

O lixo orgânico apodrece e transforma-se em adubo.

Organic waste rots and turns into fertilizer.

Reflexive verb 'transformar-se' in sequence.

6

Se as vigas apodrecerem, a casa pode cair.

If the beams rot, the house might fall.

Future subjunctive 'apodrecerem'.

7

O pescador deitou fora o peixe que estava a apodrecer.

The fisherman threw away the fish that was rotting.

Relative clause with 'que'.

8

A ferida começou a apodrecer devido à infeção.

The wound started to rot due to the infection.

Medical context.

1

O sistema político parece estar a apodrecer por dentro.

The political system seems to be rotting from the inside.

Metaphorical social critique.

2

Caso a madeira apodreça, teremos de substituir toda a estrutura.

In case the wood rots, we will have to replace the whole structure.

Subjunctive with 'caso'.

3

A negligência permitiu que as fundações apodrecessem.

Negligence allowed the foundations to rot.

Pretérito Imperfeito do Subjuntivo.

4

Eles deixaram o prisioneiro apodrecer na masmorra.

They let the prisoner rot in the dungeon.

Strong idiomatic/literary use.

5

Sem oxigénio, a matéria orgânica apodrece de forma diferente.

Without oxygen, organic matter rots differently.

Scientific context.

6

A corrupção faz apodrecer os valores de uma sociedade.

Corruption rots the values of a society.

Abstract subject.

7

Embora a fruta pareça boa, pode estar a apodrecer por baixo.

Although the fruit looks good, it might be rotting underneath.

Concessive clause with 'embora'.

8

O apodrecer das folhas cria um cheiro característico na floresta.

The rotting of the leaves creates a characteristic smell in the forest.

Infinitive used as a noun.

1

A inércia institucional levou a que o projeto apodrecesse precocemente.

Institutional inertia led the project to rot prematurely.

Formal academic/business register.

2

É imperativo evitar que as raízes da democracia apodreçam.

It is imperative to prevent the roots of democracy from rotting.

High-level political metaphor.

3

O autor utiliza a imagem do fruto a apodrecer para simbolizar a mortalidade.

The author uses the image of the rotting fruit to symbolize mortality.

Literary analysis context.

4

A decomposição anaeróbica faz com que os resíduos apodreçam sem libertar tanto odor.

Anaerobic decomposition causes waste to rot without releasing as much odor.

Technical/Scientific register.

5

Se não houvesse fungos, a matéria orgânica não apodreceria tão eficazmente.

If there were no fungi, organic matter would not rot so effectively.

Conditional with 'se' clause.

6

A alma dele parecia apodrecer sob o peso da culpa.

His soul seemed to rot under the weight of guilt.

Deeply metaphorical/poetic.

7

O cheiro nauseabundo indicava que o cadáver começara a apodrecer.

The nauseating smell indicated that the corpse had begun to rot.

Literary/Forensic context.

8

A estrutura social apodreceu a um ponto quase irreversível.

The social structure rotted to an almost irreversible point.

Sociological commentary.

1

A dialética do apodrecimento sugere que o fim é apenas um novo começo.

The dialectic of rotting suggests that the end is just a new beginning.

Philosophical register.

2

Nas entranhas do poder, tudo o que é sólido parece apodrecer instantaneamente.

In the bowels of power, all that is solid seems to rot instantly.

High-level literary metaphor.

3

O processo de apodrecer é, paradoxalmente, uma explosão de vida microscópica.

The process of rotting is, paradoxically, an explosion of microscopic life.

Scientific/Philosophical paradox.

4

Vimo-lo apodrecer em vida, consumido por uma doença implacável.

We saw him rot while alive, consumed by a relentless disease.

Extreme emotional/physical description.

5

A obra retrata o apodrecer da aristocracia europeia no século XIX.

The work portrays the rotting of the European aristocracy in the 19th century.

Historical/Literary analysis.

6

Nada escapa ao destino de apodrecer, seja carne, madeira ou ideologia.

Nothing escapes the fate of rotting, be it flesh, wood, or ideology.

Universal philosophical statement.

7

O pântano era um lugar onde o tempo parecia apodrecer junto com a lama.

The swamp was a place where time seemed to rot along with the mud.

Atmospheric literary description.

8

A corrupção não apenas mancha, ela faz apodrecer o âmago da justiça.

Corruption doesn't just stain, it rots the core of justice.

Intense political rhetoric.

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