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A1 noun #1,600 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

jantar

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces jantar en 30 secondes

Explication jantar in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'jantar' is introduced as one of the basic vocabulary words for daily routines. Students learn that 'o jantar' is the masculine noun for dinner. The focus is on simple sentences like 'O jantar é às oito horas' (Dinner is at eight o'clock) or 'Eu gosto do jantar' (I like dinner). At this stage, learners should be able to distinguish 'jantar' from 'almoço' (lunch) and 'café da manhã' (breakfast). The emphasis is on survival Portuguese: being able to recognize the word on a menu or understand when someone says dinner is ready. Grammar is kept simple, focusing on the definite article 'o' and basic verbs like 'ser' (to be) or 'estar' (to be). Learners also start to see 'jantar' as a verb, but the primary goal is identifying it as the evening meal.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'jantar' in more descriptive contexts. They can talk about what they usually eat for dinner using basic food vocabulary. Sentences become slightly more complex: 'Para o jantar, eu como frango com arroz' (For dinner, I eat chicken with rice). They also learn to use 'jantar' with prepositions, such as 'antes do jantar' (before dinner) or 'depois do jantar' (after dinner). Socially, an A2 learner can understand a simple invitation to dinner and respond appropriately. They start to notice the difference between formal 'jantar' and informal 'janta' in Brazilian contexts, although they are encouraged to stick to the standard form. The concept of 'jantar fora' (eating out) is also introduced as a common social activity.

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At the B1 level, 'jantar' is used to describe social experiences and habits in more detail. Learners can discuss the cultural importance of dinner in Portuguese-speaking countries, noting that it is a time for family and conversation. They can handle more complex restaurant interactions, such as discussing the 'menu de jantar' or making a 'reserva para o jantar'. Grammatically, they start using 'jantar' in various tenses and with a wider range of adjectives: 'Tivemos um jantar maravilhoso ontem à noite' (We had a wonderful dinner last night). They can also describe the components of a traditional dinner, including 'entrada' (appetizer), 'prato principal' (main course), and 'sobremesa' (dessert).

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At the B2 level, learners can use 'jantar' in abstract and professional contexts. They understand the nuances of a 'jantar de negócios' (business dinner) and the etiquette involved. They can participate in debates about dining habits, such as the health implications of a 'jantar pesado' (heavy dinner) versus a 'jantar leve' (light dinner). Their vocabulary expands to include related terms like 'talheres', 'anfitrião' (host), and 'etiqueta'. They can also understand and use idiomatic expressions or more sophisticated phrasing, such as 'oferecer um jantar' (to host a dinner). At this stage, the learner is comfortable using 'jantar' in both formal writing and spontaneous conversation, adapting their register to the situation.

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At the C1 level, 'jantar' is explored through its cultural and literary significance. Learners can analyze texts where a dinner serves as a pivotal scene, understanding the subtext and social dynamics at play. They are aware of regional variations in dining customs across the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries) and can discuss these differences fluently. Vocabulary is highly refined; they might use 'jantar' in metaphorical ways or understand complex wordplay involving the term. They can navigate high-level social situations, such as a 'jantar de gala' or a diplomatic dinner, with ease, using the appropriate formal language and observing cultural norms. Their understanding of the word is deep, encompassing its etymological roots and historical evolution.

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At the C2 level, the learner possesses a near-native command of the word 'jantar' and its myriad uses. They can appreciate the finest nuances of the word in classical literature, poetry, and academic discourse. They can discuss the sociology of 'o jantar' as a cultural construct and its role in shaping national identity. Whether it's a critique of a culinary experience or a philosophical reflection on the act of dining together, the C2 learner uses 'jantar' with precision, elegance, and cultural depth. They can effortlessly switch between the most formal registers and the most colloquial slang (like 'jantola' or 'boia'), always choosing the perfect term for the context. Their mastery includes an intuitive grasp of all idiomatic uses and historical connotations.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

jantar en 30 secondes

Jantar is the Portuguese word for dinner, used as a masculine noun.
It is the main evening meal, often eaten between 8 PM and 10 PM.
The word can also function as a verb meaning 'to eat dinner'.
It is a central social and family event in Portuguese-speaking cultures.

In the rich tapestry of the Portuguese language, the word jantar serves as a foundational pillar for daily life, representing the evening meal or 'dinner'. While its primary grammatical function here is a masculine noun (o jantar), it carries a weight that extends far beyond a simple entry in a dictionary. In Lusophone cultures, particularly in Portugal and Brazil, the dinner is not merely a caloric intake event; it is a ritualistic gathering that signifies the transition from the labor of the day to the repose of the night. Historically, the word derives from the Latin ientare, which originally referred to a morning meal, but through centuries of linguistic evolution and shifts in societal schedules, it migrated to the evening slot. This semantic shift reflects the changing nature of human productivity and the reorganization of the domestic sphere. When we speak of 'o jantar', we are invoking images of family members congregating around a table, the clinking of cutlery against ceramic, and the aromatic steam rising from a bowl of caldo verde or a plate of arroz e feijão. It is the 'main' meal in many households, often consisting of multiple courses: a soup to start, a main dish (often protein-heavy), and a dessert or fruit to conclude. The timing of this meal varies; in Portugal, it is rarely served before 8:00 PM, whereas in Brazil, it might occur slightly earlier depending on the region and urban lifestyle. Understanding 'jantar' is essential for any learner because it is the context for the most significant social interactions one will have in a Portuguese-speaking environment.

Grammatical Gender: Masculine (o jantar, os jantares). Even though it ends in 'r', which is common for verbs, as a noun it follows masculine agreement.
Cultural Weight: It is considered the most formal and socially significant meal of the day, often lasting several hours in social settings.
Temporal Context: Typically consumed between 19:30 and 22:30, depending on the specific country and local customs.

O jantar de ontem estava delicioso e cheio de amigos.

Eles prepararam um jantar romântico à luz de velas.

Não quero me atrasar para o jantar de família.

O jantar será servido às nove horas em ponto.

Quem vai pagar a conta do jantar de negócios?

Using 'jantar' correctly requires an understanding of its dual nature as both a noun and a verb, though here we focus on its noun form. As a noun, it is almost always preceded by the definite article 'o' or an indefinite article like 'um'. It functions as the subject or object of a sentence. For instance, 'O jantar está pronto' (Dinner is ready). When you want to specify the type of dinner, you add adjectives or prepositional phrases: 'jantar de gala' (gala dinner), 'jantar de negócios' (business dinner), or 'jantar de aniversário' (birthday dinner). It is crucial to remember that in Portuguese, we often use the verb 'fazer' (to make) or 'preparar' (to prepare) with 'jantar'. Unlike English where you might 'have dinner', in Portuguese you 'eat the dinner' (comer o jantar) or simply use the verb 'jantar'. However, when referring to the event itself, the noun is indispensable. For example, 'O jantar de ontem foi inesquecível'. In professional contexts, 'jantar' is used to describe networking events. In domestic contexts, it is the time when the family discusses their day. Linguistically, you should also be aware of the diminutive 'jantarinho', used affectionately to describe a cozy or small dinner among close friends. Conversely, 'jantola' might be used to describe a large, perhaps overly abundant meal. Mastering the use of 'jantar' also involves knowing the associated vocabulary: 'mesa' (table), 'talheres' (cutlery), 'prato' (plate), and 'guardanapo' (napkin). When invited to a 'jantar', it is customary in many Portuguese-speaking cultures to ask 'O que teremos para o jantar?' (What will we have for dinner?) or to bring a bottle of wine or a dessert as a gesture of appreciation for the host.

Common Verbs Used With It: Preparar (to prepare), servir (to serve), oferecer (to offer/host), pagar (to pay for).
Adjective Pairings: Delicioso (delicious), leve (light), pesado (heavy), tardio (late), formal (formal).
Prepositional Usage: 'Para o jantar' (for dinner), 'durante o jantar' (during dinner), 'depois do jantar' (after dinner).

Você gostaria de vir para um jantar na minha casa?

O jantar de Natal é a refeição mais importante do ano para nós.

Sempre conversamos sobre política durante o jantar.

The word 'jantar' is ubiquitous in the Portuguese-speaking world, echoing through various environments from the most humble kitchens to the most opulent restaurants. In a domestic setting, you will hear it daily as a call to action: 'Vem para o jantar!' (Come to dinner!). It is the focal point of the evening news cycle in many households, where families eat while watching the 'Telejornal'. In the hospitality industry, 'jantar' is a technical term. Waiters will ask if you have a 'reserva para o jantar' (reservation for dinner) or inform you that the 'serviço de jantar' (dinner service) begins at a certain hour. In literature and cinema, 'jantar' often serves as a setting for conflict or resolution; think of the many 'jantares de família' depicted in Brazilian soap operas (telenovelas) where secrets are revealed. In the corporate world, the 'jantar de negócios' is a strategic tool used for closing deals or building partnerships. You will also encounter the word in advertising, particularly for food products, kitchenware, and restaurants offering 'menus de jantar' at fixed prices. Furthermore, in historical contexts, you might read about 'banquetes' which were essentially elaborate 'jantares' for royalty. In music, particularly Fado or Bossa Nova, the atmosphere of a late-night dinner often provides the lyrical backdrop for themes of nostalgia or romance. Even in sports, a 'jantar de confraternização' is common after a tournament. Essentially, anywhere people gather to eat in the evening, the word 'jantar' will be the linguistic centerpiece of the occasion.

At Restaurants: 'O menu de jantar inclui entrada, prato principal e sobremesa.'
In the Family: 'O que você quer comer no jantar hoje?'
In News/Media: 'O presidente ofereceu um jantar em honra ao visitante estrangeiro.'

O restaurante está lotado para o jantar de sábado.

Ouvi dizer que o jantar beneficente arrecadou muito dinheiro.

One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers learning Portuguese is the confusion between the noun 'jantar' and the verb 'jantar'. While they look identical in the infinitive, their roles in a sentence are distinct. You cannot say 'Eu gosto de jantar' to mean 'I like the dinner' (it means 'I like to dine'). To refer to the meal itself, you must use the article: 'Eu gosto do jantar' (I like [of the] dinner). Another common error involves the gender of the word. Since many words ending in 'a' are feminine, some learners mistakenly say 'a jantar', which is incorrect; it is always 'o jantar'. However, this is complicated by the Brazilian colloquialism 'a janta'. While you will hear 'a janta' in informal Brazilian Portuguese, using it in a formal essay or a professional meeting in Lisbon would be considered a lapse in register. Another pitfall is the confusion between 'jantar' and 'ceia'. While both are evening meals, 'ceia' usually refers to a very late-night snack or a specific holiday feast like the 'Ceia de Natal' (Christmas Eve dinner). Using 'ceia' for a standard 8 PM meal would sound archaic or overly specific. Additionally, learners often struggle with the prepositional contraction. It's 'no jantar' (in the dinner/at dinner) or 'para o jantar' (for dinner), not 'em o jantar' or 'por o jantar'. Finally, be careful with the distinction between 'almoço' (lunch) and 'jantar'. In some rural dialects or older generations, the timing of these meals might shift, but in modern standard Portuguese, 'almoço' is midday and 'jantar' is evening. Confusing the two can lead to significant scheduling mishaps!

Gender Confusion: Saying 'a jantar' instead of 'o jantar'.
Noun vs Verb: Using 'jantar' without an article when you mean the meal, not the action.
False Friends/Synonyms: Using 'ceia' for a regular dinner or 'almoço' for the evening meal.

Incorrect: Eu vou preparar a jantar.
Correct: Eu vou preparar o jantar.

Incorrect: O janta está na mesa.
Correct: O jantar está na mesa. (Formal)

While 'jantar' is the standard term for dinner, several other words occupy the same semantic field, each with its own nuance. 'Ceia' is perhaps the closest, often used for a late-night meal or a festive banquet. In a religious context, 'A Última Ceia' refers to the Last Supper. 'Refeição' is a more generic term meaning 'meal', which could apply to breakfast, lunch, or dinner. 'Banquete' implies a large, formal, and luxurious dinner, usually for many people. 'Comida' simply means 'food', but can colloquially refer to the meal itself: 'A comida está pronta'. In Brazil, as mentioned, 'janta' is the informal feminine equivalent of 'jantar'. There is also 'boia', a very informal, almost slang term for food or a meal, often used by workers. When comparing 'jantar' to 'almoço' (lunch), the difference is strictly temporal. 'Pequeno-almoço' (in Portugal) or 'café da manhã' (in Brazil) refers to breakfast. Understanding these distinctions helps a learner navigate different social settings. For example, you wouldn't invite a business partner to a 'boia', but you might invite them to a 'jantar de negócios'. Similarly, 'merenda' or 'lanche' refers to an afternoon snack, which is never as substantial as a 'jantar'. By knowing these similar words, you can more precisely describe your culinary experiences and understand the level of formality being conveyed by others.

Jantar vs Ceia: Jantar is the standard evening meal; Ceia is either very late or a special holiday feast.
Jantar vs Refeição: Jantar is specific to the evening; Refeição is any meal of the day.
Jantar vs Banquete: Jantar is everyday; Banquete is formal, large-scale, and celebratory.

Não foi apenas um jantar, foi um verdadeiro banquete!

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Contractions with 'de' and 'em' (do jantar, no jantar)

Masculine noun endings in 'r'

Noun-verb homonyms

Use of 'para' for purpose

Adjective agreement with masculine nouns

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Exemples par niveau

O jantar está pronto.

The dinner is ready.

Noun 'jantar' with definite article 'o'.

Eu gosto do jantar.

I like the dinner.

Contraction 'do' (de + o).

O jantar é às oito.

Dinner is at eight.

Using 'ser' for scheduled times.

O que tem para o jantar?

What is there for dinner?

Preposition 'para' + article 'o'.

Um jantar simples.

A simple dinner.

Indefinite article 'um'.

O jantar de hoje é peixe.

Today's dinner is fish.

Possessive 'de hoje'.

Onde é o jantar?

Where is the dinner?

Interrogative 'onde'.

O jantar está frio.

The dinner is cold.

Adjective 'frio' matching masculine 'jantar'.

Vamos jantar fora hoje.

Let's eat out for dinner today.

Phrase 'jantar fora'.

Eu preparo o jantar todos os dias.

I prepare dinner every day.

Present tense 'preparo'.

O jantar de ontem foi bom.

Yesterday's dinner was good.

Past tense 'foi'.

Eles me convidaram para um jantar.

They invited me for a dinner.

Verb 'convidar' + 'para'.

Não como muito no jantar.

I don't eat much at dinner.

Contraction 'no' (em + o).

O jantar de família é domingo.

The family dinner is Sunday.

Compound noun 'jantar de família'.

Preciso comprar comida para o jantar.

I need to buy food for dinner.

Verb 'comprar' + 'para o jantar'.

O jantar será servido tarde.

Dinner will be served late.

Future tense 'será'.

O jantar de aniversário foi uma surpresa.

The birthday dinner was a surprise.

Noun phrase 'jantar de aniversário'.

Durante o jantar, conversamos sobre a viagem.

During dinner, we talked about the trip.

Preposition 'durante'.

O restaurante oferece um menu de jantar fixo.

The restaurant offers a fixed dinner menu.

Noun phrase 'menu de jantar'.

Sempre bebo vinho tinto com o jantar.

I always drink red wine with dinner.

Preposition 'com'.

O jantar estava delicioso, parabéns ao cozinheiro.

The dinner was delicious, congrats to the cook.

Adjective 'delicioso'.

Depois do jantar, vamos ver um filme.

After dinner, we are going to watch a movie.

Preposition 'depois de'.

Ela organizou um jantar para dez pessoas.

She organized a dinner for ten people.

Verb 'organizar'.

O jantar é o momento mais relaxante do meu dia.

Dinner is the most relaxing moment of my day.

Superlative 'mais relaxante'.

O jantar de negócios foi muito produtivo.

The business dinner was very productive.

Noun phrase 'jantar de negócios'.

Prefiro um jantar leve para dormir melhor.

I prefer a light dinner to sleep better.

Adjective 'leve'.

O anfitrião serviu um jantar requintado.

The host served an exquisite dinner.

Adjective 'requintado'.

Houve muita polêmica durante o jantar de ontem.

There was a lot of controversy during yesterday's dinner.

Noun 'polêmica'.

O jantar beneficente arrecadou fundos para a escola.

The charity dinner raised funds for the school.

Adjective 'beneficente'.

A etiqueta exige que cheguemos na hora para o jantar.

Etiquette requires us to arrive on time for dinner.

Subjunctive 'cheguemos'.

O serviço de jantar deste hotel é impecável.

The dinner service of this hotel is impeccable.

Noun phrase 'serviço de jantar'.

Não gosto de jantares muito formais.

I don't like very formal dinners.

Plural 'jantares'.

O jantar tornou-se um fórum para debates intelectuais.

Dinner became a forum for intellectual debates.

Reflexive verb 'tornar-se'.

A suntuosidade do jantar impressionou os convidados.

The sumptuosity of the dinner impressed the guests.

Noun 'suntuosidade'.

O jantar de gala exigia traje a rigor.

The gala dinner required formal attire.

Phrase 'traje a rigor'.

Eles discutiram as cláusulas do contrato durante o jantar.

They discussed the contract clauses during dinner.

Noun 'cláusulas'.

O jantar foi o cenário perfeito para a reconciliação.

Dinner was the perfect setting for reconciliation.

Metaphorical use of 'cenário'.

A culinária regional foi o destaque do jantar.

Regional cuisine was the highlight of the dinner.

Noun 'destaque'.

O jantar prolongou-se pela madrugada adentro.

Dinner lasted well into the early hours of the morning.

Phrase 'madrugada adentro'.

A hospitalidade transparecia em cada detalhe do jantar.

Hospitality was evident in every detail of the dinner.

Verb 'transparecer'.

O jantar serviu como uma alegoria para a decadência da aristocracia.

The dinner served as an allegory for the decadence of the aristocracy.

Noun 'alegoria'.

Subjacente ao jantar, havia uma tensão palpável entre os herdeiros.

Underlying the dinner, there was a palpable tension between the heirs.

Adjective 'subjacente'.

O jantar foi uma ode à gastronomia molecular.

The dinner was an ode to molecular gastronomy.

Metaphor 'ode'.

A frugalidade do jantar contrastava com a riqueza da conversa.

The frugality of the dinner contrasted with the richness of the conversation.

Noun 'frugalidade'.

O jantar de Estado foi meticulosamente planejado pelo protocolo.

The State dinner was meticulously planned by the protocol.

Adverb 'meticulosamente'.

A efemeridade do jantar ecoava a transitoriedade da vida.

The ephemerality of the dinner echoed the transience of life.

Noun 'efemeridade'.

O jantar revelou-se um divisor de águas na carreira do diplomata.

The dinner proved to be a turning point in the diplomat's career.

Idiom 'divisor de águas'.

A sofisticação do jantar transcendia o mero paladar.

The sophistication of the dinner transcended mere taste.

Verb 'transcender'.

Collocations courantes

preparar o jantar

servir o jantar

jantar de gala

jantar de negócios

jantar romântico

convite para o jantar

mesa de jantar

sala de jantar

depois do jantar

durante o jantar

Phrases Courantes

O jantar está na mesa.

O que tem para o jantar?

Vamos jantar fora?

Bom jantar!

O jantar foi por minha conta.

Um jantar à luz de velas.

Jantar de família.

Não quero jantar hoje.

O jantar está frio.

Atrasado para o jantar.

Souvent confondu avec

jantar vs almoço (lunch)

jantar vs ceia (late snack/feast)

jantar vs jantar (the verb)

Expressions idiomatiques

"Pagar o jantar"

"Jantar a seco"

"Ganhar o jantar"

"Jantar com o diabo"

"O jantar dos pobres"

"Fazer um jantar de alguém"

"Estar para o jantar"

"Jantar de faca e garfo"

"Não há jantares grátis"

"Jantar o pão que o diabo amassou"

Facile à confondre

jantar vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

regional

In Brazil, 'janta' is common; in Portugal, 'jantar' is the rule.

temporal

Refers strictly to the evening meal.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'a jantar' instead of 'o jantar'.
Confusing 'jantar' with 'almoço'.
Using 'jantar' as a verb when a noun is needed.
Thinking 'jantar' is only for formal occasions.
Mispronouncing the 'j' as a hard 'd' or 'y'.

Astuces

Article Use

Always use the article 'o' when referring to dinner as a noun. 'O jantar foi ótimo'.

Timing

Expect dinner to be later than in the US or UK. 8:30 PM is a very normal time.

Janta vs Jantar

Use 'jantar' to be safe in any situation. Use 'janta' only with close friends in Brazil.

Invitations

If invited to a dinner, it's polite to ask if you can bring anything.

Soup

In Portugal, don't be surprised if every dinner starts with soup.

Pronunciation

The 'j' is like the 's' in 'pleasure'. Practice the nasal 'an'.

Compounds

Use 'de' to specify: 'jantar de gala', 'jantar de amigos'.

Context

If you hear 'o' before it, it's the meal. If not, it's likely the verb.

Visual

Imagine a 'Jar' of food at 'Night' = Jantar.

Free Dinner

Remember 'Não há jantares grátis' (There are no free lunches/dinners).

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Jantar' as 'Jan' (a person) at a 'Tar' (star) lit night eating dinner.

Origine du mot

Latin

Contexte culturel

Often features 'funge' as a side for dinner.

Can be informal ('janta') or a full meal. 'Arroz e feijão' is common.

Dinner is late, often after 8 PM. Soup is almost mandatory.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"O que você costuma comer no jantar?"

"Qual foi o melhor jantar da sua vida?"

"Você prefere jantar em casa ou fora?"

"Quem cozinha o jantar na sua casa?"

"Você gosta de jantares românticos?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descreva o seu jantar ideal.

O que você comeu no jantar ontem?

Escreva sobre uma tradição de jantar na sua família.

Como o jantar é diferente no seu país em comparação com o Brasil?

Por que o jantar é uma refeição importante?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is masculine: 'o jantar'. Although 'janta' is feminine and used informally in Brazil, 'jantar' is always masculine.

Jantar is the standard evening meal. Ceia is usually a very late-night meal or a special holiday feast like Christmas Eve.

Yes, 'jantar' is also the verb 'to eat dinner'. Example: 'Eu vou jantar' (I am going to eat dinner).

You say 'mesa de jantar'.

It is correct in informal, colloquial Brazilian Portuguese, but avoid it in formal writing or in Portugal.

Usually late, between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM.

It is a business dinner where professionals discuss work while eating.

The plural is 'jantares'.

It means 'to eat dinner out' at a restaurant.

In many Portuguese-speaking households, yes, it is the main social meal of the day.

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