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B1 verb #2,500 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

lançar

At the A1 level, 'lançar' is primarily understood in its most concrete, physical sense: to throw. Beginners learn it in the context of games or simple actions. It is often introduced alongside nouns like 'bola' (ball) or 'dados' (dice). At this stage, learners should focus on the present tense 'eu lanço', 'você lança', and the basic imperative 'lança!'. The goal is to recognize the action of moving an object from the hand into the air. Simple sentences like 'Eu lanço a bola para você' (I throw the ball to you) are typical. Learners might also see it in very basic instructions for board games. The focus is on the physical movement and the direct object.
At the A2 level, the meaning of 'lançar' expands to include the idea of 'releasing' or 'starting' something simple. Learners begin to see the verb in the context of media they consume, such as 'lançar um filme' (to release a movie) or 'lançar um CD' (to release a CD). The past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) becomes important here: 'Eles lançaram o livro ontem' (They released the book yesterday). Learners also start to encounter the verb in more varied sentence structures, including the use of prepositions like 'em' or 'para'. The concept of 'lançar' as 'putting' something into a system (like grades or simple data) might be introduced if the learner is in an academic or work environment.
At the B1 level, the learner encounters 'lançar' in more professional and abstract contexts. This is where the verb's use in business (launching a product/campaign) and data entry (lançar faturas/notas) becomes prominent. The learner is expected to understand the difference between 'lançar' and its synonyms like 'atirar' or 'publicar'. Reflexive use starts to appear, such as 'lançar-se num projeto' (to throw oneself into a project). B1 students should be comfortable with all indicative tenses and the basic present subjunctive ('Espero que eles lancem o produto logo'). They also begin to learn common collocations like 'lançar um olhar' (to cast a glance) or 'lançar um desafio' (to issue a challenge).
At the B2 level, 'lançar' is used with significant nuance. The learner understands its role in idiomatic expressions and more complex grammatical structures. Use in the passive voice ('O produto foi lançado') and with various pronouns is common. B2 learners should recognize the verb in literary or journalistic texts where it might describe the casting of shadows, the projection of light, or the 'launching' of accusations. The distinction between 'lançar' and 'arremessar' (to hurl) becomes clear, with the learner choosing the appropriate verb based on the intended intensity. They also understand the administrative nuances of 'lançamento' in accounting and law.
At the C1 level, the learner masters the figurative and highly formal uses of 'lançar'. This includes expressions like 'lançar mão de' (to make use of/resort to), which is a sophisticated way to describe using a resource. The learner can use 'lançar' to describe complex social or psychological phenomena, such as 'lançar dúvidas sobre a honestidade de alguém' (to cast doubt on someone's honesty). In writing, the C1 learner uses 'lançar' to vary their vocabulary, choosing it for its connotations of initiation and projection. They are also fully aware of the historical and etymological roots, allowing them to appreciate its use in classical Portuguese literature.
At the C2 level, 'lançar' is used with complete native-like precision and creative flair. The learner can use it in highly specialized fields—from astrophysics (launching satellites) to high-level philosophy (launching a theory). They understand the most subtle connotations in poetry and prose, where 'lançar' might be used to describe the movement of a soul or the spread of an ideology. The C2 learner can play with the word, using it in puns or complex metaphors, and is perfectly comfortable with archaic or rare forms of the verb found in legal or liturgical texts. They have a total grasp of how the verb interacts with different registers, from street slang to the highest academic discourse.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

lançar en 30 secondes

  • Lançar means to throw, launch, or release depending on the context.
  • It is used for physical objects, commercial products, and data entry.
  • Common collocations include 'lançar a bola', 'lançar um livro', and 'lançar notas'.
  • It requires a spelling change (c/ç) in certain conjugations to maintain sound.

The Portuguese verb lançar is a versatile powerhouse in the Lusophone world, bridging the gap between physical exertion and abstract creation. At its core, it describes the act of propelling something forward into space or into the public eye. Whether you are a child throwing a ball in a park in Lisbon or a tech startup founder releasing a new app in São Paulo, you are performing an act of lançamento. The word originates from the Vulgar Latin lanceare, meaning to wield a lance, which perfectly captures the directed energy and force inherent in the verb. In modern usage, it has expanded far beyond the battlefield to encompass marketing, technology, literature, and daily social interactions.

Physical Action
The most basic sense involves throwing or casting an object. It implies a deliberate motion, often with a specific target or direction in mind.
Commercial/Creative Release
Used extensively for the debut of products, books, movies, or musical albums. It signifies the moment something private becomes public.
Administrative/Data Entry
In professional contexts, specifically accounting or education, it means to record or input data into a system or ledger.

O atleta conseguiu lançar o disco a uma distância recorde durante a competição nacional.

— Physical usage: throwing an object.

Beyond these primary meanings, lançar takes on nuanced shades when paired with different nouns. To 'lançar um olhar' is to cast a glance, suggesting a quick but intentional visual movement. To 'lançar um desafio' is to issue a challenge, metaphorically throwing down the gauntlet. The verb carries an inherent sense of 'beginning' or 'initiating,' making it a favorite in business and creative sectors. It is not just about the move itself, but the trajectory it sets in motion.

A editora vai lançar a nova biografia do autor no próximo mês.

— Commercial usage: releasing a book.
Figurative Impact
It can describe the projection of light or shadows, or even the act of putting someone in a specific situation (e.g., lançar alguém na confusão).

O sol começou a lançar longas sombras sobre o vale ao entardecer.

Using lançar correctly requires understanding its transitive nature. In most cases, it is a direct transitive verb, meaning it acts directly on an object without needing a preposition. However, when indicating a destination or a target, it is frequently followed by the prepositions em (in/into), para (to/towards), or sobre (upon). For example, 'lançar a bola para o colega' (throw the ball to the teammate) or 'lançar luz sobre o assunto' (shed light on the subject).

In terms of conjugation, lançar is a regular -ar verb, but it features a spelling change in the stem to maintain the soft 's' sound before the vowels 'o' and 'a'. The 'ç' (c-cedilla) changes to 'c' before 'e' and 'i'. For instance, 'eu lanço' (I launch) but 'nós lançamos' (we launch) and 'eles lançaram' (they launched). This is a common pattern for verbs ending in -çar, like alcançar or caçar.

Eu lanço os dados e você torce pelo resultado.

When using the verb in a professional setting, particularly in accounting or administration, the object is usually 'notas', 'faturas', or 'dados'. Here, it translates to 'to post', 'to enter', or 'to record'. If you are working in a Portuguese-speaking office, you might hear: 'Você já lançou as notas fiscais no sistema?' (Have you already entered the invoices into the system?).

In creative contexts, the verb is often reflexive or used with 'se'. 'Lançar-se' means to throw oneself into something, usually a new project, career, or adventure. 'Ela decidiu se lançar na carreira de cantora' (She decided to launch herself into a singing career). This usage implies a high degree of commitment and risk-taking.

You will encounter lançar in a variety of everyday environments. In the news and media, it is the standard verb for announcing new initiatives. Headlines like 'Governo lança novo programa de habitação' (Government launches new housing program) are ubiquitous. In the entertainment industry, it's all about releases: 'A Netflix vai lançar uma nova série amanhã' (Netflix is going to release a new series tomorrow).

In sports broadcasting, especially in basketball, handball, or athletics, commentators use it to describe the action of throwing. 'O jogador lança a bola de três pontos' (The player shoots/throws a three-pointer). In maritime or historical contexts, you might hear about 'lançar âncora' (to drop anchor), a phrase that has also become a metaphor for settling down or staying in one place.

O navio lançou âncora na baía de Cascais.

In technology and social media, 'lançar' is used for publishing content. While 'postar' (to post) is common, 'lançar' is often used for more significant updates or the rollout of new features. In business meetings, it is the go-to verb for brainstorming or proposing ideas: 'Vamos lançar algumas ideias no quadro' (Let's throw some ideas on the board).

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing lançar with atirar. While both can mean 'to throw', atirar often implies a more aggressive action or the use of a weapon (to shoot). Lançar is more neutral or constructive. For example, you 'atira' a stone at a window to break it, but you 'lança' a ball to a friend or 'lança' a product to the market.

Another common error involves the spelling of the first person singular in the preterite tense. Many students write 'lancei' correctly but then struggle with 'lanço'. Remember that the cedilla (ç) is only used to keep the 's' sound before 'a', 'o', and 'u'. Before 'e' and 'i', a regular 'c' already makes that sound. Writing 'lançei' is a common orthographic mistake.

Errado: Eu lançei a bola.

Correto: Eu lancei a bola.

Learners also sometimes use lançar when they should use soltar (to let go/release from a grip). If you are holding a bird and let it fly away, you 'solta' the bird. If you forcefully propel it (which you shouldn't!), you would 'lança' it. In the context of music, 'lançar um álbum' is correct for the commercial release, but 'soltar a voz' is an idiom for starting to sing loudly.

To truly master lançar, it helps to understand its synonyms and how they differ in intensity and context. Arremessar is perhaps the closest synonym in the physical sense. However, arremessar implies much more force and violence. You arremessa a heavy shot put in the Olympics, but you lança a paper airplane. Arremessar is 'to hurl' or 'to fling'.

Disparar is another related verb, primarily used for projectiles like arrows or bullets, or for sudden actions like 'disparar a correr' (to start running suddenly). While you can 'lançar uma flecha', 'disparar' emphasizes the trigger mechanism or the sudden burst of speed.

Publicar
Used specifically for books, articles, or posts. While 'lançar' covers the event of the release, 'publicar' focuses on the act of making the content available.
Inaugurar
Used for the opening of physical spaces like buildings, stores, or exhibitions. You 'lança' a brand, but you 'inaugura' the flagship store.
Emitir
Used for signals, sounds, or legal documents. You 'emite' an opinion or a passport, whereas 'lançar' an opinion would sound more poetic or aggressive.

Ele arremessou a pedra com toda a sua força contra o muro.

— Contrast: Arremessar implies more violence than lançar.

In the digital world, fazer o upload or subir are often used for the technical act of putting a file online, but lançar remains the preferred term for the official 'launch' of the content or platform. Understanding these distinctions allows for more precise and sophisticated communication in Portuguese.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

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Argot

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Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

Eu lanço a bola.

I throw the ball.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

2

Você lança os dados agora.

You throw the dice now.

Present tense, 2nd person (você).

3

O menino lança o avião de papel.

The boy throws the paper airplane.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

4

Nós lançamos a bola no cesto.

We throw the ball in the basket.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

5

Lança a bola para mim!

Throw the ball to me!

Imperative mood.

6

Eles lançam pedras na água.

They throw stones in the water.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

7

Ela lança um sorriso.

She gives (throws) a smile.

Figurative use in simple present.

8

Eu não lanço o lixo no chão.

I don't throw trash on the ground.

Negative sentence.

1

A cantora lançou um novo CD.

The singer released a new CD.

Pretérito Perfeito (Past tense).

2

Eles vão lançar o filme amanhã.

They are going to release the movie tomorrow.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

3

O autor lançou seu primeiro livro.

The author released his first book.

Pretérito Perfeito.

4

Nós lançamos as fotos no Instagram.

We posted (launched) the photos on Instagram.

Pretérito Perfeito (same as present for -ar verbs in 'nós').

5

Você lançou a nota no sistema?

Did you enter the grade in the system?

Interrogative in the past.

6

O sol lançou luz no quarto.

The sun cast light into the room.

Metaphorical physical action.

7

Eles lançaram um desafio para o grupo.

They issued a challenge to the group.

Abstract usage.

8

Eu lancei a ideia na reunião.

I threw out the idea in the meeting.

Spelling change: 'c' instead of 'ç' before 'e'.

1

A empresa vai lançar um novo perfume no verão.

The company will launch a new perfume in the summer.

Commercial context.

2

É necessário lançar todas as faturas até sexta-feira.

It is necessary to post all invoices by Friday.

Administrative context.

3

O navio lançou âncora perto da ilha.

The ship dropped anchor near the island.

Nautical collocation.

4

Ela decidiu se lançar em uma nova aventura.

She decided to throw herself into a new adventure.

Reflexive use 'lançar-se'.

5

O professor lançou as notas no portal do aluno.

The teacher entered the grades in the student portal.

Specific academic usage.

6

O governo lançou uma campanha contra a gripe.

The government launched a campaign against the flu.

Institutional usage.

7

Não lance a culpa nos outros.

Don't cast the blame on others.

Imperative negative, abstract object.

8

Eles lançaram um olhar de desaprovação.

They cast a look of disapproval.

Idiomatic expression 'lançar um olhar'.

1

A startup lançou mão de inteligência artificial para otimizar o serviço.

The startup made use of AI to optimize the service.

Expression 'lançar mão de'.

2

O escândalo lançou dúvidas sobre a integridade do político.

The scandal cast doubts on the politician's integrity.

Abstract metaphorical use.

3

O vulcão lançou cinzas a quilômetros de distância.

The volcano spewed ashes miles away.

Natural phenomenon.

4

Ao lançar o produto, a marca focou no público jovem.

When launching the product, the brand focused on the young audience.

Gerund substitute 'Ao + infinitive'.

5

O projeto foi lançado com grande entusiasmo pela equipe.

The project was launched with great enthusiasm by the team.

Passive voice.

6

Ele se lançou ao mar para salvar a criança.

He threw himself into the sea to save the child.

Reflexive, high intensity.

7

A nova lei lançou as bases para a reforma econômica.

The new law laid (launched) the foundations for economic reform.

Metaphorical 'foundations'.

8

O diretor lançou um novo desafio para os roteiristas.

The director issued a new challenge to the screenwriters.

Professional abstract use.

1

A descoberta lançou uma nova luz sobre a evolução humana.

The discovery shed new light on human evolution.

Idiomatic 'lançar luz sobre'.

2

O autor lança mão de metáforas complexas para descrever a dor.

The author resorts to complex metaphors to describe pain.

Formal 'lançar mão de'.

3

A crise lançou o país em uma profunda recessão.

The crisis plunged the country into a deep recession.

Causative abstract use.

4

É preciso lançar um olhar crítico sobre as redes sociais.

It is necessary to cast a critical eye on social media.

Sophisticated collocation.

5

O filósofo lançou as sementes de uma nova corrente de pensamento.

The philosopher sowed (launched) the seeds of a new school of thought.

Highly metaphorical.

6

A empresa decidiu lançar-se no mercado asiático.

The company decided to venture into the Asian market.

Strategic reflexive use.

7

O depoimento da testemunha lançou por terra a tese da defesa.

The witness's testimony demolished (threw to the ground) the defense's thesis.

Idiom 'lançar por terra'.

8

Não se deve lançar pérolas a porcos.

One should not cast pearls before swine.

Proverbial usage.

1

A obra lança um repto à passividade da sociedade contemporânea.

The work issues a challenge (repto) to the passivity of contemporary society.

High-level vocabulary (repto).

2

O sol, ao se pôr, lançava matizes purpúreos sobre a crista das ondas.

The sun, as it set, cast purple hues over the crest of the waves.

Literary/Poetic register.

3

Lançar-se-á, em breve, uma nova sonda espacial rumo a Júpiter.

A new space probe will soon be launched towards Jupiter.

Mesoclisis (formal future).

4

O orador lançou mão de toda a sua retórica para convencer o auditório.

The speaker utilized all his rhetoric to convince the audience.

Sophisticated use of 'lançar mão'.

5

A decisão do tribunal lançou um estigma indelével sobre a sua carreira.

The court's decision cast an indelible stigma on his career.

Abstract, high-impact vocabulary.

6

As transformações tecnológicas lançaram o paradigma anterior no esquecimento.

Technological transformations cast the previous paradigm into oblivion.

Philosophical/Technical register.

7

O poeta lança os seus versos ao vento, sem esperar resposta.

The poet throws his verses to the wind, without expecting an answer.

Metaphorical/Poetic.

8

Lançaram-se as sortes e o destino da nação foi selado.

The die was cast and the nation's fate was sealed.

Archaic/Historical expression.

Collocations courantes

Lançar a bola
Lançar um produto
Lançar um livro
Lançar notas
Lançar âncora
Lançar um olhar
Lançar um desafio
Lançar mão de
Lançar luz
Lançar dúvidas

Phrases Courantes

Lançar um novo álbum

Lançar no sistema

Lançar-se ao trabalho

Lançar a sorte

Lançar uma campanha

Lançar uma ideia

Lançar fumaça

Lançar um ataque

Lançar um grito

Lançar em conta

Souvent confondu avec

lançar vs Atirar

Atirar is more aggressive or involves shooting; lançar is more neutral or constructive.

lançar vs Soltar

Soltar is to let go; lançar is to propel with force.

lançar vs Publicar

Publicar is specific to media/books; lançar is broader (products, rockets, etc.).

Expressions idiomatiques

""

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""

""

""

""

""

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Facile à confondre

lançar vs

lançar vs

lançar vs

lançar vs

lançar vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

sports

Can mean to shoot (basketball) or throw (javelin/discus).

accounting

Specifically means to post a transaction.

figurative

Often used for light, shadows, or glances.

Erreurs courantes
  • Writing 'lançei' instead of 'lancei'.
  • Using 'lançar' when you mean 'atirar' (shooting a gun).
  • Confusing 'lançar' (to launch) with 'alcançar' (to reach).
  • Using 'lançar' for releasing a person from prison (use 'libertar').
  • Forgetting the nasal pronunciation of the first syllable.

Astuces

The Cedilla Rule

Always use 'ç' before 'a' and 'o' (lanço, lança) and 'c' before 'e' and 'i' (lancei, lance).

Business Portuguese

Use 'lançar um produto' to sound professional when discussing marketing or sales.

Brazilian Slang

In Brazil, 'lançar a braba' means to do something impressive or release something great.

Formal Writing

Use 'lançar luz sobre' to introduce an explanation or clarification in an essay.

Nasal Sound

The 'an' in 'lançar' is nasal. Practice by saying 'lan' while slightly closing your nose.

Maritime History

Portuguese history is tied to the sea; 'lançar âncora' is a deeply rooted expression.

Software Localization

If you see 'Lançar' in a Portuguese app, it usually means 'Submit' or 'Post'.

Resorting to...

Master 'lançar mão de' to reach a C1 level of fluency in Portuguese.

Commentary

Listen to basketball games in Portuguese to hear 'lançar' used for every shot.

Visual Association

Visualize a catapult launching a stone to remember the core meaning of the verb.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Launch' (Lançar) of a rocket or a 'Lance' being thrown.

Origine du mot

Latin

Contexte culturel

Common in slang for 'showing off' or 'releasing' something cool.

Used frequently in maritime contexts due to the country's naval history.

'Lançar búzios' is a specific spiritual practice.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Quando a sua banda vai lançar o novo álbum?"

"Você já lançou os dados do projeto no sistema?"

"Qual foi o último filme que lançaram no cinema?"

"Você gosta de se lançar em novos desafios?"

"Quem vai lançar a bola primeiro no jogo?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descreva um momento em que você teve que se lançar em algo novo.

Se você pudesse lançar um produto inovador, o que seria?

Escreva sobre um livro ou filme que foi lançado recentemente e você gostou.

Como você se sente ao lançar mão de novas tecnologias no seu dia a dia?

Reflita sobre a expressão 'lançar a primeira pedra'.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, although 'postar' or 'publicar' are more common for daily updates, 'lançar' is used for significant content releases.

Yes, it follows the -ar pattern, but has a minor spelling change (c/ç) to keep the sound consistent.

It means to make use of something or to resort to a specific resource or method.

In some very specific or older contexts, it can, but 'vomitar' is the standard word used today.

You say 'lançar um foguete'.

Yes, very frequently for throwing balls, javelins, or shooting in basketball.

The noun form is 'lançamento'.

In Brazilian slang, yes, it can mean to wear or debut a new piece of clothing.

Arremessar implies much more physical force or violence than lançar.

Yes, it is the standard term for entering or posting data into a ledger.

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