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A2 verb 11 min de lecture

contentar

Exemples contentar en 30 secondes
Explication contentar in your Level:
At the A1 level, you likely know the adjective 'contente', which means 'happy' or 'glad'. For example, 'Estou contente' (I am happy). The verb 'contentar' is the action version of this feeling. While A1 learners usually focus on simple verbs like 'gostar' (to like), understanding 'contentar' helps you express the idea of making someone happy. At this stage, just think of it as 'to make happy'. You might use it in very simple sentences like 'O chocolate contenta a criança' (The chocolate makes the child happy). It is a regular verb, so it follows the same pattern as 'falar' or 'estudar'. This makes it easy to conjugate once you know the basic endings for '-ar' verbs. You should also start noticing the word in short phrases, even if you don't use it frequently yourself yet. The most important thing for an A1 learner is not to confuse it with 'contar' (to count), which is a very common mistake. Focus on the 'en' sound in the middle of 'contentar'. This small sound makes a big difference in meaning. Even if you don't use the verb 'contentar' often, knowing it will help you understand when others talk about satisfaction or happiness in a more active way than just saying 'I like'.
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At the A2 level, you are expected to start using reflexive verbs, and 'contentar-se' is a perfect example. This is when you say 'to be satisfied with' something. The key grammar point here is the preposition 'com'. You will often hear people say 'Eu me contento com pouco' (I am satisfied with little). This level is about moving beyond basic needs and starting to talk about preferences and feelings in more detail. You can use 'contentar' to describe how you feel about your progress in Portuguese or your satisfaction with a meal. It's also a good time to learn the difference between 'contentar' (the verb) and 'contente' (the adjective). If you say 'Eu contento', you are saying 'I satisfy'. If you want to say 'I am happy', you must use 'Estou contente'. At A2, you should be able to conjugate 'contentar' in the present tense and the simple past (pretérito perfeito). For example, 'O presente contentou o meu amigo' (The gift satisfied my friend). You are also starting to understand that some verbs require specific 'partners' like pronouns (me, te, se) and prepositions (com). Practicing these combinations will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and less like a direct translation from English.
As a B1 learner, you can use 'contentar' in more complex sentence structures, including the imperfect tense and the future. You are now able to discuss hypothetical situations using the subjunctive mood. For instance, 'Se eu me contentasse com este salário, não procuraria outro emprego' (If I were satisfied with this salary, I wouldn't look for another job). At this level, you start to see the nuance between 'contentar' and 'satisfazer'. While they are often interchangeable, 'contentar' has a more emotional or psychological feel, whereas 'satisfazer' can be more functional. You might also start using the word in professional contexts, such as 'contentar os clientes' (satisfying the clients). You should be comfortable using the reflexive form with various subjects: 'Nós nos contentamos', 'Eles se contentam'. You are also becoming more aware of the nominal forms, like 'contentamento' (contentment). This allows you to vary your speech. Instead of just using the verb, you can say 'Houve um grande contentamento na sala' (There was great contentment in the room). This level is about building 'texture' in your language, and 'contentar' is a great word for adding emotional depth to your descriptions of people's reactions and states of mind.
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At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'contentar' in a variety of idiomatic and formal contexts. You understand that 'contentar-se com' can sometimes imply a sense of resignation or settling, depending on the tone. For example, 'Ele se contentou com o segundo lugar' (He settled for second place) might imply he could have done better but chose not to try harder. You are also capable of using the verb in the passive voice or with complex auxiliary structures: 'Os manifestantes não foram contentados pelas promessas do governo' (The protesters were not satisfied by the government's promises). Your vocabulary is now rich enough to choose 'contentar' over 'satisfazer' when you want to sound more literary or when focusing on the internal state of a person. You can also handle the word in the 'pretérito mais-que-perfeito' or in conditional sentences with ease. At this stage, you should be listening for the word in news reports, political debates, and modern Portuguese literature. You are not just learning the word; you are learning the 'flavor' it brings to a sentence. You can also use it to discuss social issues, such as whether modern society makes it harder for people to 'contentar-se' with what they have due to the influence of social media and constant advertising.
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At the C1 level, your use of 'contentar' should be nuanced and sophisticated. You can use it in philosophical discussions about the nature of happiness and desire. You might analyze a text where the author uses 'contentar' to describe a spiritual or existential state. You are aware of rare or archaic uses of the word in classical Portuguese literature, such as the works of Camões or Machado de Assis, where the word might appear in poetic constructions. You can effortlessly switch between the transitive and reflexive forms to convey precise meanings. You might use the word to describe complex social dynamics, such as 'contentar as massas' (satisfying the masses) in a political analysis. Your command of the subjunctive is perfect, allowing you to use 'contentar' in intricate 'if-then' clauses and expressions of doubt or desire. You also recognize the word's role in creating specific registers; you know when to use 'contentar' to sound elegant and when to use a more common word like 'agradar' to be approachable. At this level, you are also sensitive to the rhythmic and phonetic qualities of the word in poetry or formal oratory. You can discuss the etymology of the word, linking it to the Latin 'contentare', and explain how it differs from its cognates in other Romance languages like Spanish or French.
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At the C2 level, 'contentar' is a tool you use with the precision of a native speaker or a scholar. You can use it to create subtle irony or to evoke specific historical periods in your writing. You might use it in a legal or highly technical philosophical context where the distinction between 'satisfaction' and 'contentment' is crucial. You are comfortable using the word in the most complex grammatical structures, including the personal infinitive and the future subjunctive, in ways that feel completely natural. You can engage in deep literary criticism, discussing how a particular author uses 'contentar' to develop a character's internal conflict. You might even use the word to coin new expressions or to play with language in a creative way. Your understanding of the word includes its entire historical trajectory in the Portuguese language, from its Latin roots to its modern-day usage in different Lusophone countries (Brazil, Portugal, Angola, etc.). You can spot the subtle differences in how a speaker from Lisbon versus a speaker from São Paulo might use the word to convey different social cues. For a C2 learner, 'contentar' is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a versatile instrument for high-level communication, capable of expressing the finest shades of human emotion and social interaction.
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Exemples

contentar en 30 secondes

  • Contentar is a regular -ar verb in Portuguese primarily meaning to satisfy or please someone emotionally or mentally.
  • It is frequently used reflexively as 'contentar-se com' to mean 'to be satisfied with' or 'to settle for' something.
  • While similar to 'satisfazer', it often implies a softer, more personal sense of contentment rather than just fulfilling a functional need.
  • Commonly heard in daily life regarding small joys, and in formal contexts regarding social or political satisfaction.

The Portuguese verb contentar is a versatile term primarily meaning 'to content,' 'to satisfy,' or 'to please.' At its core, it describes the act of bringing someone to a state of satisfaction or making them happy with what is provided. It is a regular '-ar' verb, making it one of the foundational building blocks for learners at the A2 level. While it shares a semantic field with 'satisfazer' (to satisfy), contentar often carries a softer, more emotional connotation, frequently used in personal relationships or regarding one's internal state of peace. In everyday Portuguese, you will encounter this word in two main forms: the transitive form, where someone satisfies another person, and the reflexive form, contentar-se, which means 'to be satisfied with' or 'to settle for' something. This reflexive use is incredibly common in philosophical discussions about happiness and minimalist living, where one discusses the virtue of being happy with what one has rather than constantly craving more.

Transitive Usage
When used transitively, the subject performs an action that results in the satisfaction of an object. For example, a gift might content a child, or a good grade might content a student's parents. It implies reaching a threshold of 'enough' or 'pleasantness'.

Nada parece contentar aquele cliente exigente, não importa o que façamos.

Furthermore, the word is deeply rooted in the concept of 'contentamento' (contentment). In Portuguese culture, there is a strong tradition of valuing the 'alegria das pequenas coisas' (the joy of small things). Therefore, contentar-se isn't always seen as 'settling' in a negative sense; it is often viewed as a sign of wisdom and emotional maturity. In a professional context, you might use it to describe meeting the requirements of a project or satisfying a board of directors. In a romantic context, it might describe the effort one partner makes to make the other feel valued and happy. The nuances of the word expand as you move into more formal literature, where it can describe the soul finding peace or the cessation of a spiritual longing. Understanding this word requires recognizing that satisfaction in Portuguese culture is often linked to social harmony and personal gratitude. Whether you are at a dinner party thanking a host or discussing your career goals, knowing how to express satisfaction through contentar allows you to navigate the middle ground between intense joy and mere functional utility.

Reflexive Sentiment
The phrase 'contentar-se com pouco' is a common Portuguese idiom suggesting that one does not need much to be happy, reflecting a humble and appreciative worldview.

Ele aprendeu a contentar-se com as coisas simples da vida no campo.

Using contentar correctly involves understanding its conjugation as a regular verb and its syntactic requirements. Because it is an '-ar' verb, it follows the standard pattern: contento, contentas, contenta, contentamos, contentais, contentam. The most critical aspect for learners is the prepositional requirement when using the reflexive form. If you are satisfying yourself with something, you must use the preposition com. For example, 'Eu me contento com o café' (I am satisfied with the coffee). Without the 'com', the sentence feels incomplete. When using it transitively, no preposition is needed between the verb and the person being satisfied: 'O resultado contentou o professor' (The result satisfied the teacher).

Direct Object Construction
In this structure, the verb acts directly on the noun. Use this when you are the cause of someone else's satisfaction. Subject + contentar + Object.

Suas palavras gentis conseguiram contentar a mãe preocupada.

In more complex sentences, contentar can be used in the subjunctive to express desires or hypothetical situations. 'Espero que este presente te contente' (I hope this gift satisfies you). This is common in polite social interactions. Additionally, the past participle 'contente' acts as an adjective, but the verb's past participle 'contentado' is used in compound tenses: 'Eu tinha contentado todos os convidados' (I had satisfied all the guests). It is important to distinguish between 'estar contente' (to be happy/content) and 'contentar' (to make happy/satisfy). The verb focuses on the action or the process of reaching that state. When writing, remember that 'contentar' can also take a clausal complement, though it is less common: 'Ele se contenta em saber que você está bem' (He is satisfied [in] knowing that you are well). Here, the preposition 'em' or 'com' can be used depending on the regional preference, but 'em' often introduces an infinitive clause.

The Subjunctive Mood
Use the subjunctive when satisfaction is a wish or a doubt. 'Não acho que isso o contente' (I don't think that will satisfy him).

Se você se contentasse com o básico, não teria tantas dívidas.

You will encounter contentar in a variety of settings, ranging from domestic life to high-level political discourse. In a Brazilian or Portuguese household, a parent might say to a child, 'Você nunca se contenta com nada!' (You are never satisfied with anything!), usually when the child is asking for more toys or sweets. It’s a word that touches on the limits of desire and the reality of what is available. In the business world, during negotiations, a mediator might try to 'contentar ambas as partes' (satisfy both parties), seeking a middle ground or a compromise that leaves everyone sufficiently pleased. It is also frequently heard in the news when discussing public satisfaction with government policies or economic measures.

Literature and Song
Portuguese literature and Fado music often deal with themes of longing (saudade) and the struggle to 'contentar o coração' (satisfy the heart). It’s a poetic verb used to describe the search for peace.

Naquele fado, a cantora dizia que nada poderia contentar sua alma solitária.

In religious or philosophical contexts, contentar appears in discussions about asceticism or stoicism. A priest or a philosopher might lecture on the importance of 'contentar-se com a vontade de Deus' (being satisfied with God's will) or 'contentar-se com a própria sorte' (being satisfied with one's own fate). In modern self-help podcasts in Portuguese, you might hear speakers talking about 'minimalismo' and how to 'contentar-se com menos' (be satisfied with less) to reduce stress. Even in sports commentary, if a team settles for a draw instead of pushing for a win, the commentator might say, 'O time se contentou com o empate' (The team was satisfied with/settled for the draw). This versatility makes it a high-frequency word once you move past the basic A1 vocabulary of 'gostar' (to like) and 'querer' (to want).

News and Media
Headlines often use the word to describe public reaction. 'Novas leis não conseguem contentar os manifestantes' (New laws fail to satisfy the protesters).

O diretor tentou contentar os acionistas com um dividendo maior.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with contentar is confusing it with the English verb 'to contain.' While they look somewhat similar, 'to contain' is conter in Portuguese. Saying 'A caixa contenta livros' is incorrect; it should be 'A caixa contém livros.' Another common mistake involves the reflexive pronoun. Many learners forget to use 'se' when they mean they are satisfied themselves. If you say 'Eu contento com o jantar,' it sounds like you are satisfying someone else using the dinner as a tool, rather than saying you are satisfied with the dinner. The correct form is 'Eu me contento com o jantar.'

Preposition Pitfall
Using the wrong preposition after the reflexive form is a classic mistake. Learners often try to use 'de' or 'por' because they translate literally from other contexts. Always remember: Contentar-se COM.

Errado: Eu me contento de pouco. Correto: Eu me contento com pouco.

Additionally, learners often overuse contentar when 'satisfazer' would be more appropriate for physical needs. While you can 'contentar a fome' (satisfy hunger), 'satisfazer a fome' is much more common. Contentar is better suited for emotional or mental satisfaction. Another nuance is the difference between the adjective 'contente' and the verb. If you want to say 'I am happy,' say 'Estou contente.' If you want to say 'I am satisfying [someone],' use the verb. Mixing these up can lead to confusing sentences like 'Eu contento' (I satisfy) when you meant 'Estou contente' (I am happy). Finally, be careful with word order in questions. In Brazil, 'Você se contenta?' is standard, but in Portugal, you might hear 'Contenta-se você?' or just 'Contenta-se?'. Keeping these regional variations in mind will prevent you from sounding overly robotic or confusing your listeners.

The 'Contain' Confusion
Because of the Latin root 'continere', English speakers expect 'contentar' to mean 'to hold inside'. Always remind yourself that 'contentar' is about 'contentment', not 'containers'.

Não se deixe contentar por falsas promessas; exija sempre a verdade.

While contentar is a great word to have in your vocabulary, Portuguese offers several synonyms that allow for more precise expression depending on the context. The most common alternative is satisfazer. This verb is more versatile and can be used for physical needs (hunger, thirst), requirements (rules, laws), and general happiness. Another close synonym is agradar, which means 'to please.' While contentar implies a state of being 'enough,' agradar focuses on the positive feeling or attraction towards something. If you want to express a deeper level of joy, you might use regozijar-se (to rejoice), which is more formal and intense.

Contentar vs. Satisfazer
Contentar often implies reaching a level of 'sufficient' happiness or settling, whereas satisfazer is often about fulfilling a specific demand or need perfectly.

Ela não se contenta com pouco; ela sempre busca a perfeição para satisfazer seus padrões.

In a more literary or formal context, you might encounter comprazer-se, which means to take pleasure in something or to be complacent. This is much more sophisticated than contentar. For situations where you are trying to calm someone down or meet their demands just to avoid trouble, the verb apaziguar (to appease) or ceder (to give in) might be more accurate. If the satisfaction is specifically related to food or a physical desire that has been completely filled, saciar (to satiate) is the perfect choice. Knowing these alternatives helps you avoid repetition and allows you to match the 'register' of your conversation, whether you're talking to a friend or writing a formal essay. For instance, in a business report, you would likely use 'satisfazer os requisitos' rather than 'contentar os requisitos,' as the latter sounds slightly too emotional for a technical document.

Agradar vs. Contentar
Agradar is about the 'liking' phase, while contentar is about the 'having enough' phase. You please someone to make them like you; you content someone to stop them from wanting more.

O chef tentou agradar o paladar do crítico, mas o prato não conseguiu contentar sua fome.

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Exemples par niveau

1

O bolo vai contentar as crianças.

The cake will satisfy the children.

Future tense with 'vai' + infinitive 'contentar'.

2

Eu quero contentar minha mãe.

I want to please my mother.

Direct object 'minha mãe' follows the verb.

3

Um brinquedo novo contenta o bebê.

A new toy satisfies the baby.

Present tense, third person singular.

4

Você está contente hoje?

Are you happy today?

Adjective form 'contente' used with 'estar'.

5

O sol contenta a todos na praia.

The sun pleases everyone at the beach.

Transitive use with 'a todos' as the object.

6

Ela tenta contentar o pai.

She tries to please her father.

Infinitive after the verb 'tenta'.

7

Nada contenta o menino chato.

Nothing satisfies the annoying boy.

Negative subject 'nada' with the verb.

8

Nós queremos contentar os convidados.

We want to satisfy the guests.

First person plural 'queremos' + infinitive.

1

Eu me contento com este café.

I am satisfied with this coffee.

Reflexive 'me contento' + preposition 'com'.

2

Eles se contentam com pouco dinheiro.

They are satisfied with little money.

Reflexive 'se contentam' for third person plural.

3

Você se contenta com o seu trabalho?

Are you satisfied with your job?

Interrogative reflexive form.

4

Nós não nos contentamos com promessas.

We are not satisfied with promises.

Negative reflexive 'não nos contentamos'.

5

Ela se contentou com a resposta dele.

She was satisfied with his answer.

Pretérito Perfeito (past tense) reflexive.

6

Ele se contenta em ler um livro.

He is satisfied with reading a book.

Reflexive followed by 'em' + infinitive.

7

Vocês se contentam com a comida daqui?

Are you (plural) satisfied with the food here?

Reflexive 'se contentam' for 'vocês'.

8

Eu me contentei com a nota sete.

I was satisfied with the grade seven.

First person singular past tense reflexive.

1

Espero que isso contente os seus pais.

I hope this satisfies your parents.

Present Subjunctive 'contente' after 'Espero que'.

2

Se ele se contentasse, seria mais feliz.

If he were satisfied, he would be happier.

Imperfect Subjunctive 'contentasse' in a conditional sentence.

3

Antigamente, as pessoas se contentavam com menos.

In the past, people were satisfied with less.

Pretérito Imperfeito (habitual past action).

4

O diretor tentará contentar todos os funcionários.

The director will try to satisfy all the employees.

Future tense 'tentará' + infinitive.

5

Não é fácil contentar uma multidão irritada.

It is not easy to satisfy an angry crowd.

Infinitive used as part of a complex subject.

6

Ela sempre se contentava com o que tinha.

She was always satisfied with what she had.

Imperfect tense reflexive.

7

Nós precisamos de algo que contente a todos.

We need something that satisfies everyone.

Present Subjunctive 'contente' in a relative clause.

8

A notícia contentou a população local.

The news satisfied the local population.

Pretérito Perfeito, third person singular.

1

O acordo visa contentar ambas as partes envolvidas.

The agreement aims to satisfy both parties involved.

Formal verb 'visar' + infinitive 'contentar'.

2

Ele se contentou em observar de longe.

He was satisfied with/settled for observing from afar.

Reflexive past tense with 'em' + infinitive.

3

É impossível contentar gregos e troianos.

It is impossible to satisfy everyone (Greeks and Trojans).

Idiomatic expression 'contentar gregos e troianos'.

4

Duvido que esse aumento contente os sindicatos.

I doubt that this increase will satisfy the unions.

Subjunctive 'contente' after 'Duvido que'.

5

Ela teria se contentado se você tivesse ligado.

She would have been satisfied if you had called.

Conditional perfect reflexive.

6

Contentar-se é o primeiro passo para a paz interior.

Being satisfied is the first step toward inner peace.

Infinitive reflexive used as a noun/subject.

7

O governo não conseguiu contentar as expectativas.

The government failed to satisfy expectations.

Transitive use with abstract object 'expectativas'.

8

Eles se contentaram com uma vitória magra.

They were satisfied with a narrow victory.

Reflexive past tense with 'com'.

1

A obra não logrou contentar a crítica especializada.

The work failed to satisfy the specialized critics.

Formal verb 'lograr' (to achieve/succeed) + infinitive.

2

Contentar os ânimos exaltados exigiu diplomacia.

Satisfying/calming the heated spirits required diplomacy.

Metaphorical use of 'contentar os ânimos'.

3

Poucos se contentam com a mera aparência das coisas.

Few are satisfied with the mere appearance of things.

Reflexive use in a philosophical context.

4

A resposta, conquanto longa, não contentou o júri.

The answer, although long, did not satisfy the jury.

Use of the conjunction 'conquanto' (although).

5

Oxalá que a nova reforma contente o povo.

Hopefully, the new reform satisfies the people.

Use of 'Oxalá' (hopefully/God willing) with subjunctive.

6

O autor parece contentar-se com a ambiguidade.

The author seems to be satisfied with ambiguity.

Reflexive infinitive after 'parece'.

7

Não se contentando com o óbvio, ele investigou mais.

Not being satisfied with the obvious, he investigated further.

Gerund reflexive 'contentando-se' in a negative clause.

8

Sua ambição impedia-o de se contentar com o sucesso.

His ambition prevented him from being satisfied with success.

Reflexive infinitive after a prepositional phrase.

1

O filósofo exorta-nos a contentar o espírito.

The philosopher urges us to satisfy/content the spirit.

High-register transitive use with 'espírito'.

2

A parca quantia não bastou para contentar o credor.

The meager amount was not enough to satisfy the creditor.

Formal vocabulary: 'parca', 'lograr', 'credor'.

3

Contentar-se-ia ele com tão pouco, se soubesse a verdade?

Would he be satisfied with so little if he knew the truth?

Mesoclisis (contentar-se-ia), extremely formal future conditional.

4

A retórica do orador visava contentar os mais céticos.

The speaker's rhetoric aimed to satisfy the most skeptical.

Formal use of 'retórica' and 'céticos'.

5

O fado contenta a alma de quem sabe o que é sofrer.

Fado satisfies the soul of those who know what it is to suffer.

Poetic transitive usage.

6

Ainda que se contentasse, a dúvida permaneceria.

Even if he were satisfied, the doubt would remain.

Concessive clause with 'Ainda que' + imperfect subjunctive.

7

O destino não se contentou em tirar-lhe a fortuna.

Fate was not satisfied with taking away his fortune.

Personification of 'destino' as the subject.

8

A plenitude do ser advém de se contentar com o agora.

The fullness of being comes from being satisfied with the now.

Philosophical reflexive usage.

Collocations courantes

contentar os ânimos
contentar-se com pouco
contentar a curiosidade
contentar as expectativas
contentar gregos e troianos
contentar o coração
contentar o paladar
contentar as massas
contentar-se em saber
contentar o ego

Phrases Courantes

Quem muito quer, nada tem; contenta-te com o que convém.

— A proverb suggesting that greed leads to loss, so be happy with what you need.

Não peça mais, lembre-se: quem muito quer, nada tem; contenta-te com o que convém.

Contentar-se com a sorte.

— To be satisfied with one's fate or luck.

Ele aprendeu a contentar-se com a sorte que a vida lhe deu.

Não se contentar com migalhas.

— To not be satisfied with small, insignificant things (crumbs).

Ela é ambiciosa e não se contenta com migalhas.

Contentar o patrão.

— To satisfy or please the boss.

Ele trabalha horas extras para contentar o patrão.

Contentar a vista.

— To please the eyes with something beautiful.

As flores no jardim contentam a vista de quem passa.

Ficar contente.

— To become happy or glad (very common alternative).

Vou ficar contente se você vier à festa.

Dar-se por contente.

— To consider oneself satisfied or lucky given the circumstances.

Ele deu-se por contente com o resultado do exame.

Contentar o desejo.

— To satisfy a desire.

Nada conseguia contentar o seu desejo de viajar.

Contentar os pais.

— To please one's parents.

Ele estuda medicina para contentar os pais.

Contentar o povo.

— To satisfy the people/public.

O prefeito prometeu obras para contentar o povo.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Contentar gregos e troianos"

— To please everyone, even those with opposing interests. Usually used in the negative because it is considered impossible.

O novo horário não vai contentar gr

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