merecer en 30 secondes
- Merecer means to deserve or be worthy of something.
- It's used when someone has earned a reward or consequence.
- Actions and qualities determine if something is deserved.
- Common in discussions about fairness and justice.
- Meaning
- The Portuguese verb 'merecer' translates to 'to deserve' or 'to be worthy of' in English. It signifies that someone or something has earned a particular reward, recognition, or treatment, either positive or negative, based on their actions, qualities, or circumstances.
- Usage
- 'Merecer' is a versatile verb used in a wide array of contexts. You might hear it when discussing achievements, relationships, justice, or even simple daily courtesies. It implies a sense of entitlement or justification. For instance, if someone works hard, they deserve recognition. If someone behaves badly, they might deserve punishment. The verb helps express fairness and the idea that actions have consequences.
Ela trabalhou muito e merece uma promoção.
Você não merece este tratamento.
Este prémio é algo que ele merece.
- Context Example
- Imagine a situation where a student has studied diligently for an exam. Their teacher might say, 'Você merece uma nota alta por todo o seu esforço.' (You deserve a high grade for all your effort.) This highlights the connection between effort and reward.
- Context Example
- Conversely, in a discussion about consequences, someone might remark, 'Ele agiu de forma irresponsável e merece as consequências.' (He acted irresponsibly and deserves the consequences.) This shows the negative application of the verb.
- Basic Structure
- The most common structure is Subject + 'merecer' + Object. The object is what the subject deserves. For example, 'Eu mereço um descanso.' (I deserve a rest.)
O artista merece reconhecimento pelo seu trabalho.
- With 'de'
- Sometimes, 'merecer' is used with the preposition 'de' to indicate deserving something 'of' someone or something, or to express being worthy of something in a more abstract sense. For example, 'Ele merece de nós todo o respeito.' (He deserves from us all the respect.)
Esta vitória merece ser celebrada.
- In Negative Sentences
- To negate the verb, simply add 'não' before it. 'Eu não mereço isso.' (I don't deserve that.)
Eles não merecem a nossa compaixão.
É importante que os bons atos mereçam recompensa.
- With Gerund
- In some constructions, particularly in Brazilian Portuguese, you might see 'merecer' followed by a gerund, though this is less common than the infinitive. 'Ele está merecendo ser ouvido.' (He is deserving of being heard.)
Todos nós merecemos um pouco de paz.
- Question Form
- To ask if someone deserves something, you can invert the subject and verb or use intonation. 'Ele merece este elogio?' (Does he deserve this compliment?)
O sacrifício deles mereceu a vitória.
- Everyday Conversations
- You'll hear 'merecer' frequently in casual chats. Friends might say, 'Você merece um dia de folga depois de tudo isso!' (You deserve a day off after all that!) or 'Não acredito que ele disse isso, ele não merece minha amizade.' (I can't believe he said that, he doesn't deserve my friendship.) It's a common way to express opinions about fairness and what people are entitled to.
Este bolo é tão bom que merece ser comido inteiro.
- In Media and Entertainment
- Movies, TV shows, and songs often use 'merecer' to add dramatic effect or convey character motivations. A hero might be fighting for a cause they believe they 'merecem' to win, or a villain might lament that they 'não merecem' the suffering they endure. It's a staple for expressing themes of justice, reward, and punishment.
O esforço de todos mereceu o sucesso do projeto.
- Formal Settings
- In more formal contexts, such as speeches, award ceremonies, or legal discussions, 'merecer' is used to talk about deserving accolades, justice, or consequences. A politician might say, 'Este povo merece respeito e dignidade.' (This people deserve respect and dignity.) Or a judge might state that a defendant 'merece a pena máxima' (deserves the maximum penalty).
Ele não merece a sua raiva.
- In Literature
- Literary works often explore themes of fate, justice, and merit, making 'merecer' a common verb. Authors use it to describe characters who are justly rewarded for their virtues or punished for their vices, or who feel they have been unfairly treated and do not 'merecer' their fate.
A bondade dela merece admiração.
- Discussions about fairness
- Whenever people discuss what is fair or just, 'merecer' comes up. 'Ele trabalhou muito mais do que eu, ele merece a promoção.' (He worked much more than me, he deserves the promotion.) Or, 'Isso não é justo, ele não merece ser tratado assim.' (This is not fair, he doesn't deserve to be treated like that.)
- Confusing with 'merecer de'
- While 'merecer' can be followed by 'de' in certain constructions, it's not always necessary or correct. For instance, saying 'Eu mereço de um descanso' is incorrect. The simpler 'Eu mereço um descanso' is correct. The 'de' is typically used when referring to deserving something *from* someone or something, or in more abstract moral contexts.
Incorrect: Ele merece de um obrigado. Correct: Ele merece um obrigado.
- Incorrect Verb Conjugation
- As a regular -er verb, 'merecer' has predictable conjugations. However, learners might mistakenly conjugate it as if it were irregular. For example, saying 'Eu mereçoi' instead of 'Eu mereci' (I deserved) in the preterite tense. Always double-check the conjugation for the specific tense and person.
Incorrect: Nós merecemos. Correct: Nós merecemos (present tense).
- Using 'merecer' with 'ter' or 'haver' incorrectly
- Sometimes learners might try to use auxiliary verbs like 'ter' or 'haver' with 'merecer' in ways that are not standard. For example, 'Eu tenho merecido' (I have deserved) is correct when using the present perfect, but attempting to force other auxiliary verbs where they don't fit can lead to errors. Stick to the standard conjugations of 'merecer' itself.
Incorrect: Ele merece ser castigado. Correct: Ele merece ser castigado ( infinitive follows).
- Overusing 'merecer' with infinitives
- While 'merecer' followed by an infinitive is common (e.g., 'merecer ser feliz'), learners might misuse it by expecting it to function like a modal verb in English. Remember that 'merecer' expresses deserving something, and the infinitive describes the action or state that is deserved.
- 'Ser digno de'
- This phrase means 'to be worthy of'. It's very similar to 'merecer' and can often be used interchangeably, especially in more formal contexts. For example, 'Ele é digno de louvor' is equivalent to 'Ele merece louvor'. The nuance is that 'digno de' emphasizes the inherent quality or worthiness, while 'merecer' focuses more on earning or deserving through actions.
Merecer: Ela merece este presente.
- 'Ser merecedor de'
- This is a nominalized form, essentially meaning 'to be a deserving person of' or 'to be deserving of'. It's a more emphatic way to say someone deserves something. 'Ele é um merecedor de medalhas' means 'He is a deserving person of medals' or 'He deserves medals'. It highlights the person's status as someone who warrants such things.
Ser digno de: Ele é digno de admiração.
- 'Ganhar' (to earn/win)
- While 'ganhar' can mean 'to earn' or 'to win', it's often used for tangible rewards or achievements. 'Ganhar um prêmio' (to win a prize) or 'ganhar dinheiro' (to earn money). 'Merecer' is more about the justification or right to receive something, rather than the act of obtaining it. You can 'merecer' a compliment, but you 'ganha' a compliment when it is given to you.
Ser merecedor de: Ele é um merecedor de aplausos.
- 'Ter direito a' (to have the right to)
- This phrase focuses on entitlement based on rules, laws, or agreements. 'Você tem direito a férias' (You have the right to vacation days). 'Merecer' is broader and can be based on merit, effort, or moral justification, not just legal or contractual rights.
Ganhar: Ele ganhou o prêmio por seu desempenho.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The concept of 'merit' or 'deservingness' is ancient and appears in many philosophical and religious texts, suggesting that the idea behind 'merecer' has been important across cultures for millennia. The Latin root 'mer-' relates to division or portion, implying earning one's share.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing the 'r' sounds too strongly like in English 'r'.
- Incorrectly stressing the wrong syllable.
- Not distinguishing between the tapped 'r' and a stronger rolled 'r'.
Niveau de difficulté
The verb 'merecer' is relatively straightforward in meaning and common in everyday language. Its regular conjugation pattern in most tenses makes it accessible for learners at this level. Understanding its use in basic sentence structures is key.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Verb Conjugation (Present Indicative)
Eu mereço, tu mereces, ele/ela/você merece, nós merecemos, vós mereceis, eles/elas/vocês merecem.
Verb Conjugation (Preterite Perfect)
Eu mereci, tu mereceste, ele/ela/você mereceu, nós merecemos, vós merecestes, eles/elas/vocês mereceram.
Verb Conjugation (Imperfect Indicative)
Eu merecia, tu merecias, ele/ela/você merecia, nós merecíamos, vós merecíeis, eles/elas/vocês mereciam.
Verb Conjugation (Future Indicative)
Eu merecerei, tu merecerás, ele/ela/você merecerá, nós mereceremos, vós merecereis, eles/elas/vocês merecerão.
Use of Infinitives after 'merecer'
Ela merece ser feliz. (She deserves to be happy.)
Exemples par niveau
Eu mereço um presente.
I deserve a present.
Simple present tense, direct object.
Você merece um sorriso.
You deserve a smile.
Simple present tense, direct object.
Ele merece comida.
He deserves food.
Simple present tense, direct object.
Nós merecemos água.
We deserve water.
Simple present tense, direct object.
Eles merecem um abraço.
They deserve a hug.
Simple present tense, direct object.
Ela merece um descanso.
She deserves a rest.
Simple present tense, direct object.
Eu mereço um bom dia.
I deserve a good day.
Simple present tense, direct object.
Você merece sorte.
You deserve luck.
Simple present tense, direct object.
Eu mereço um aplauso por isso.
I deserve applause for this.
Simple present tense, 'por' preposition.
Você merece uma medalha.
You deserve a medal.
Simple present tense, direct object.
Ele merece um aumento de salário.
He deserves a salary increase.
Simple present tense, compound noun phrase.
Nós merecemos uma pausa.
We deserve a break.
Simple present tense, direct object.
Eles merecem respeito.
They deserve respect.
Simple present tense, direct object.
Ela merece uma viagem.
She deserves a trip.
Simple present tense, direct object.
O esforço dele merece reconhecimento.
His effort deserves recognition.
Simple present tense, possessive pronoun.
Este trabalho merece atenção.
This work deserves attention.
Simple present tense, demonstrative pronoun.
Você merece ser feliz.
You deserve to be happy.
Present tense + infinitive.
Ele não merece ser tratado assim.
He doesn't deserve to be treated like this.
Negative present tense + infinitive.
Nós merecemos ser ouvidos.
We deserve to be heard.
Present tense + infinitive.
Eles merecem uma chance para provar seu valor.
They deserve a chance to prove their worth.
Present tense + infinitive + purpose clause.
Ela merece toda a nossa admiração.
She deserves all our admiration.
Present tense, direct object.
O sacrifício deles mereceu a vitória.
Their sacrifice deserved the victory.
Preterite tense.
Eu acho que ele merece uma explicação.
I think he deserves an explanation.
Present tense + subordinate clause.
A bondade dele merece ser reconhecida.
His kindness deserves to be recognized.
Present tense + infinitive.
É fundamental que um bom trabalho mereça a devida recompensa.
It is fundamental that good work deserves the due reward.
Subjunctive mood after 'é fundamental que'.
Ele agiu de forma impecável e, por isso, merece ser promovido.
He acted impeccably and, therefore, deserves to be promoted.
Present tense + infinitive, causal conjunction.
Não acredito que eles mereçam perdão depois do que fizeram.
I don't believe they deserve forgiveness after what they did.
Negative present tense + infinitive, subordinate clause.
A persistência dela demonstrou que ela merecia o sucesso.
Her persistence showed that she deserved the success.
Preterite tense, subordinate clause.
Será que a situação atual merece uma mudança radical?
Does the current situation deserve a radical change?
Future tense question.
O investimento em educação é algo que sempre merece atenção.
Investment in education is something that always deserves attention.
Present tense, relative clause.
Ele sente que não merece a culpa que lhe é atribuída.
He feels that he does not deserve the blame attributed to him.
Present tense + infinitive, passive voice.
A natureza, por si só, merece ser preservada.
Nature, by itself, deserves to be preserved.
Present tense + infinitive, adverbial phrase.
A complexidade do problema exigia uma solução que fosse proporcional e que, portanto, merecesse ser implementada.
The complexity of the problem required a solution that was proportional and that, therefore, deserved to be implemented.
Imperfect subjunctive, relative clauses.
Ele argumentou que a sua contribuição, embora subestimada, merecia ser reconhecida pelo conselho.
He argued that his contribution, although underestimated, deserved to be recognized by the board.
Preterite tense, subordinate clause, passive voice.
A resiliência demonstrada pelos afetados sugere que eles merecem todo o apoio possível.
The resilience shown by those affected suggests that they deserve all possible support.
Present tense, subordinate clause.
Será que a nossa indiferença perante o sofrimento alheio nos faz merecedores de um futuro sombrio?
Does our indifference to the suffering of others make us deserving of a dark future?
Future tense question, nominalization.
As circunstâncias atuais indicam que a proposta, apesar de controversa, pode merecer uma segunda análise.
The current circumstances indicate that the proposal, although controversial, may deserve a second look.
Present tense, modal verb 'pode'.
Ele sentiu que a sua dedicação incansável ao projeto o tornava merecedor de uma posição de liderança.
He felt that his tireless dedication to the project made him deserving of a leadership position.
Imperfect tense, nominalization.
A história da civilização nos ensina que o progresso genuíno sempre merece ser celebrado.
The history of civilization teaches us that genuine progress always deserves to be celebrated.
Present tense, infinitive.
O nível de desinformação gerado pela mídia sugere que ela não merece mais a nossa confiança cega.
The level of disinformation generated by the media suggests that it no longer deserves our blind trust.
Present tense, subordinate clause.
A transcendência do seu legado, forjada na adversidade e na perseverança, assegura que a sua memória sempre merecerá ser venerada.
The transcendence of his legacy, forged in adversity and perseverance, ensures that his memory will always deserve to be venerated.
Future tense, passive infinitive, participial phrases.
A ética profissional exige que, mesmo em situações de conflito de interesses, a integridade do indivíduo mereça ser salvaguardada.
Professional ethics requires that, even in situations of conflict of interest, the individual's integrity deserves to be safeguarded.
Subjunctive mood, passive infinitive.
A crítica literária contemporânea tende a reavaliar obras que, à época de sua publicação, não mereceram o reconhecimento devido.
Contemporary literary criticism tends to re-evaluate works that, at the time of their publication, did not deserve due recognition.
Present tense, past subjunctive, passive voice.
Será que a busca incessante pela perfeição, em detrimento da saúde mental, nos torna merecedores de um estado de exaustão perpétua?
Does the incessant pursuit of perfection, to the detriment of mental health, make us deserving of a state of perpetual exhaustion?
Future tense question, nominalization.
A complexidade das relações diplomáticas contemporâneas implica que a diplomacia, por vezes, necessita de abordagens que, embora não convencionais, mereçam ser consideradas.
The complexity of contemporary diplomatic relations implies that diplomacy, at times, requires approaches that, although unconventional, deserve to be considered.
Present tense, infinitive, concessive clause.
O impacto das suas descobertas científicas foi tão profundo que a comunidade académica sentiu que elas mereciam a mais alta distinção.
The impact of his scientific discoveries was so profound that the academic community felt they deserved the highest distinction.
Imperfect tense, subordinate clause.
A filosofia existencialista argumenta que a liberdade humana, inerente à condição de ser, implica que cada indivíduo, em última instância, merece a responsabilidade pelas suas escolhas.
Existentialist philosophy argues that human freedom, inherent in the condition of being, implies that each individual, ultimately, deserves the responsibility for their choices.
Present tense, infinitive, nominalization.
A análise retrospectiva dos eventos históricos revela padrões que, sob uma nova luz, podem merecer uma reinterpretação completa.
The retrospective analysis of historical events reveals patterns that, in a new light, may deserve a complete reinterpretation.
Present tense, modal verb 'pode'.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— This is a common exclamation to express that someone has earned a compliment, a reward, or good fortune.
Parabéns pelo seu sucesso! Você merece!
— Used to express that someone feels they are being treated unfairly or are receiving something they haven't earned, often negatively.
Trabalhei tanto e recebi uma crítica injusta. Não mereço isso.
— A simple statement indicating that someone has earned whatever is being discussed, positive or negative.
Ele ajudou a todos na vizinhança. Ele merece.
— This phrase is used to say that someone or something is important enough to be remembered for their actions or impact.
As suas contribuições para a ciência merecem ser lembradas por gerações.
— Indicates that a person or situation warrants serious thought and attention.
A sua proposta merece toda a consideração da equipa.
— Expresses admiration and high regard for someone's qualities or actions.
A forma como ele lidou com a crise merece o meu respeito.
— Suggests that someone who made a mistake should be given another opportunity.
Ele aprendeu com o erro, merece uma segunda chance.
— Used when an achievement or positive event is significant enough to warrant celebration.
Esta vitória histórica merece ser celebrada por todos nós.
— Used to express that someone or something has done something so bad that they should be forgotten.
As suas ações foram tão cruéis que merecem ser esquecidas.
— Indicates that someone has done something praiseworthy.
O seu desempenho no projeto foi excelente, merece um elogio.
Souvent confondu avec
'Mergulhar' means 'to dive' or 'to immerse'. It sounds somewhat similar but has a completely different meaning and usage. Do not confuse the two.
While 'merecer' can sometimes be followed by 'de', it's less common than a direct object. Using 'de' incorrectly can lead to grammatical errors. Usually, 'merecer' takes a direct object or is followed by an infinitive.
'Ganhar' means 'to earn' or 'to win', and while related, 'merecer' focuses more on the justification or right to receive something, rather than the act of obtaining it.
Expressions idiomatiques
— This common phrase means 'to be worth it'. It implies that the effort, time, or cost involved is justified by the eventual reward or outcome.
Estudar português pode ser desafiador, mas definitivamente merece a pena.
Neutral— Literally 'to deserve the bread'. It implies earning one's living or sustenance through hard work.
Ele trabalha de sol a sol para merecer o pão da sua família.
Neutral/Slightly informal— To deserve the prize. Often used figuratively to mean deserving the best outcome or reward.
Depois de tanto esforço, ele mereceu o prêmio de melhor funcionário.
Neutral— To deserve a punishment. Used when someone has done something wrong and should be punished.
O criminoso mereceu o castigo pela sua audácia.
Neutral— To deserve misfortune or ruin. Used when someone's bad actions lead to negative consequences.
Com tanta maldade, ele mereceu a desgraça que lhe aconteceu.
Informal/Dramatic— To deserve a bucket of cold water, meaning to be shocked or disillusioned, often as a consequence of one's actions or expectations.
Ele achava que seria promovido, mas o anúncio do novo gerente foi um balde de água fria que ele mereceu.
Informal— To deserve a tug on the ear, meaning to be reprimanded or scolded for misbehavior.
O menino quebrou o vaso de novo, ele merece um puxão de orelha.
Informal/Child-friendly— To deserve a lump in the throat, meaning to be moved to tears or emotion, often due to something touching or sad.
A história de superação dele merece um nó na garganta.
Neutral— To deserve a pat on the back, meaning to be congratulated or praised for an accomplishment.
Excelente trabalho no projeto! Merece um tapinha nas costas.
Informal— To deserve the weight of the world, meaning to carry immense burdens or responsibilities.
Com todos os problemas que enfrenta, ele parece que merece o peso do mundo.
FigurativeFacile à confondre
Similar sound to 'mercy' or 'merit' in English, leading to potential phonetic confusion.
'Merecer' specifically means to be worthy of or to have earned something. 'Mercy' is compassion, and 'merit' is inherent worth. While related in concept, 'merecer' is the active verb of deserving.
Ele merece um elogio (He deserves a compliment) vs. Ele mostrou misericórdia (He showed mercy).
Both express the idea of worthiness.
'Merecer' often implies earning something through actions or effort, while 'ser digno de' emphasizes inherent quality or value. You can 'merecer' a reward for hard work, but you are 'digno de' respect because of your character.
Ele merece uma medalha pelo seu heroísmo. (He deserves a medal for his heroism.) vs. Ele é digno de admiração. (He is worthy of admiration.)
Both can relate to receiving something.
'Ter direito a' implies a formal entitlement, a right based on rules, laws, or agreements. 'Merecer' is broader and can be based on merit, effort, or moral justification.
Você tem direito a férias. (You have the right to vacation.) vs. Você merece um descanso. (You deserve a rest.)
Both can translate to 'to earn' or 'to win'.
'Ganhar' is often about the act of obtaining something, like winning a prize or earning money. 'Merecer' is about the justification or right to receive it. You 'merecer' a raise, and then you 'ganha' the raise.
Ele merece ser promovido. (He deserves to be promoted.) vs. Ele ganhou a promoção. (He got the promotion.)
Related concepts where actions 'justify' deserving something.
'Justificar' means to provide a reason or explanation for something. 'Merecer' is the state of being worthy of something. Actions can 'justificar' why someone 'merece' a reward.
Seu bom comportamento justifica um prêmio. (His good behavior justifies a prize.) vs. Ele merece um prêmio. (He deserves a prize.)
Structures de phrases
Subject + mereço/mereces/merece + Object
Eu mereço um presente.
Subject + merecemos/merecem + Object
Nós merecemos uma pausa.
Subject + merece + infinitive
Ele merece ser feliz.
Subject + não + merece + Object
Ela não merece isso.
Subject + merece + ser + past participle
O esforço merece ser reconhecido.
Subject + Preterite of merecer + Object
O sacrifício mereceu a vitória.
Espero que + Subject + Subjunctive of merecer
Espero que ele mereça a promoção.
Complex sentence with 'merecer' in subordinate clause
Acredito que ele merece o reconhecimento pelo seu trabalho árduo.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
High
-
Incorrect conjugation in the preterite.
→
Eu mereci.
Learners sometimes incorrectly add an extra 'e' or use the wrong ending. The correct preterite for 'eu' is 'mereci'. For example, 'Eu mereci o prêmio.'
-
Using 'merecer' with 'ter' or 'haver' inappropriately.
→
Eu mereço.
'Merecer' is generally used on its own or followed by an infinitive/object. Auxiliary verbs like 'ter' are used for perfect tenses (e.g., 'Eu tenho merecido'), but not in simple present constructions where 'mereço' is sufficient.
-
Overusing 'de' after 'merecer'.
→
Ele merece respeito.
While 'merecer de' exists in specific contexts, it's often unnecessary. The simpler construction with a direct object is more common and usually correct. 'Ele merece respeito', not 'Ele merece de respeito'.
-
Confusing 'merecer' with 'ganhar'.
→
Ele merece uma medalha.
'Merecer' is about deservingness based on merit or action. 'Ganhar' is about obtaining or winning. You deserve a medal for your bravery ('merecer'), and then you win it ('ganhar').
-
Incorrectly assuming 'merecer' is irregular.
→
Nós merecemos.
Although some -er verbs are irregular, 'merecer' follows the regular pattern. For 'nós' in the present tense, the ending is '-emos', making it 'merecemos'.
Astuces
Regular Conjugation
Remember that 'merecer' is a regular -er verb. This means its endings in most tenses are predictable. Focus on learning the root 'merec-' and applying the standard endings for present, past, and future tenses to avoid conjugation errors.
Common Phrases
Familiarize yourself with common phrases like 'Você merece!' (You deserve it!) or 'Merece a pena' (It's worth it). These are frequently used and will help you sound more natural in conversations.
Connect to English
Think of the English word 'mercy' or 'merit'. While not direct translations, the similar sounds can serve as a mnemonic. Imagine showing 'mercy' to someone who 'deserves' it, or acknowledging someone's 'merit'.
Sentence Building
Actively try to construct sentences using 'merecer' in different tenses and contexts. Write about things you think you deserve, things others deserve, and situations where deservingness is a factor.
Stress the Right Syllable
The stress in 'merecer' falls on the last syllable: me-re-CER. Practicing this stress pattern will make your pronunciation clearer and more understandable to native speakers.
Synonym Exploration
Learn related words like 'digno de' (worthy of) and 'ter direito a' (to have the right to). Understanding these nuances will help you choose the most precise word for different situations.
Fairness and Merit
Portuguese-speaking cultures often value fairness and merit. Understanding this cultural context will help you grasp why 'merecer' is used so frequently in discussions about justice, rewards, and consequences.
Infinitive Usage
Note that 'merecer' is often followed by an infinitive verb to describe what is deserved. For example, 'Ele merece ser feliz' (He deserves to be happy). This is a very common and useful construction.
Active Listening
When listening to Portuguese, actively listen for the verb 'merecer'. Try to identify the subject, the verb conjugation, and what is being deserved. This will reinforce your understanding through real-world examples.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a 'mercy' boat arriving to save someone who 'deserves' to be rescued after a difficult ordeal. 'Mercy' sounds a bit like 'merecer'. The boat represents the reward or rescue they deserve.
Association visuelle
Picture a golden star (representing merit) being awarded to someone. The star is shining brightly, indicating they truly deserve it. The star is 'merited'.
Word Web
Défi
Try to use 'merecer' in at least three different sentences today, describing different situations where someone deserves something.
Origine du mot
The Portuguese verb 'merecer' originates from the Latin word 'merērī', which means 'to earn', 'to deserve', or 'to merit'. This Latin root is shared with other Romance languages.
Sens originel : To earn, to merit, to be worthy of.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Ibero-Romance > PortugueseContexte culturel
While 'merecer' can be used for negative consequences (e.g., 'merecer castigo'), it's generally used in neutral or positive contexts. When discussing negative deservingness, ensure the tone is appropriate and not overly harsh unless contextually justified.
In English, 'to deserve' carries a similar weight, often implying that an outcome is justly earned through actions or character. Phrases like 'you deserve it' or 'he deserves a medal' are direct parallels.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Praise and Recognition
- Você merece este elogio.
- Ele merece reconhecimento.
- Ela merece ser celebrada.
Fairness and Justice
- Isso é justo, ele merece.
- Ela não merece ser tratada assim.
- O castigo que ele merece.
Deserving Rewards
- Merece um prêmio.
- Merece uma promoção.
- Merece uma folga.
Deserving Consequences
- Merece uma lição.
- Merece ser punido.
- Merece o que vier.
Personal Well-being
- Merece ser feliz.
- Merece um pouco de paz.
- Merece descansar.
Amorces de conversation
"O que você acha que você mais merece na vida?"
"Em que situação você sentiu que merecia algo, mas não recebeu?"
"Quem você admira e por quê, pensando no que essa pessoa merece?"
"Se você pudesse dar um prêmio a alguém hoje, quem seria e por quê essa pessoa merece?"
"Em que momento da sua vida você sentiu que merecia uma segunda chance?"
Sujets d'écriture
Escreva sobre uma vez em que você trabalhou muito por algo e sentiu que mereceu totalmente o resultado.
Descreva uma situação em que você sentiu que alguém não merecia o que estava recebendo (positivo ou negativo) e explique por quê.
Reflita sobre o conceito de 'merecimento'. O que significa para você 'merecer' algo?
Pense em alguém que você admira. Por quais qualidades ou ações essa pessoa merece respeito ou admiração?
Escreva sobre um objetivo que você tem e por que você acredita que merece alcançá-lo.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, 'merecer' is a regular verb in Portuguese. Its conjugations in most common tenses like the present, preterite, and imperfect follow the standard patterns for -er verbs. For example, in the present tense: eu mereço, tu mereces, ele merece, nós merecemos, vocês merecem.
The preposition 'de' after 'merecer' is less common than a direct object. It's typically used when indicating deserving something 'of' someone or something, or in more abstract moral contexts. For example, 'Ele merece de nós todo o respeito' (He deserves from us all the respect). In most cases, a direct object or an infinitive is used: 'Ele merece respeito' or 'Ele merece ser respeitado'.
Yes, 'merecer' can be used for negative outcomes as well. For instance, 'Ele merece o castigo por seus crimes' (He deserves the punishment for his crimes). It indicates that the negative consequence is justly deserved due to wrongdoing.
'Merecer' means to deserve or be worthy of something, focusing on justification or right. 'Ganhar' means to earn or win, focusing more on the act of obtaining a reward or prize. You might 'merecer' a promotion, and then you 'ganha' the promotion.
The most common way to say 'you deserve it' is 'Você merece!'. If you are speaking to someone informally (tu), you would say 'Tu mereces!'.
'Merece a pena' is a common idiom that translates to 'it is worth it'. It implies that the effort, time, or cost involved is justified by the positive outcome or reward. For example, 'Estudar português merece a pena.'
While less common than using the infinitive, in some varieties of Portuguese, particularly Brazilian Portuguese, 'merecer' can be followed by a gerund. For example, 'Ele está merecendo ser ouvido' (He is deserving of being heard). However, the infinitive construction ('Ele merece ser ouvido') is generally preferred and more standard.
The primary noun form is 'merecimento', which means 'deservingness', 'merit', or 'credit'. For example, 'Ele demonstrou grande merecimento.' (He showed great merit.)
In the simple past (preterite), it's conjugated as follows: eu mereci, tu mereceste, ele/ela/você mereceu, nós merecemos, vós merecestes, eles/elas/vocês mereceram. For example, 'Eu mereci o prêmio.'
No, 'merecer' can be used for both positive and negative outcomes. You can 'merecer' a reward for good deeds or 'merecer' punishment for bad ones. The context determines the valence.
Teste-toi 10 questions
/ 10 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The verb 'merecer' signifies that someone or something has earned a right to a particular outcome, be it positive or negative, based on their actions, qualities, or circumstances. It's about deservingness.
- Merecer means to deserve or be worthy of something.
- It's used when someone has earned a reward or consequence.
- Actions and qualities determine if something is deserved.
- Common in discussions about fairness and justice.
Regular Conjugation
Remember that 'merecer' is a regular -er verb. This means its endings in most tenses are predictable. Focus on learning the root 'merec-' and applying the standard endings for present, past, and future tenses to avoid conjugation errors.
Context is Key
The meaning of 'merecer' can range from earning a reward to deserving punishment. Always pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall situation to understand whether the speaker is referring to a positive or negative outcome.
Common Phrases
Familiarize yourself with common phrases like 'Você merece!' (You deserve it!) or 'Merece a pena' (It's worth it). These are frequently used and will help you sound more natural in conversations.
Connect to English
Think of the English word 'mercy' or 'merit'. While not direct translations, the similar sounds can serve as a mnemonic. Imagine showing 'mercy' to someone who 'deserves' it, or acknowledging someone's 'merit'.
Exemple
Você merece ser feliz.
Contenu associé
Voir dans les vidéos
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Expressions liées
Plus de mots sur general
a cerca de
B1Cela signifie 'à environ' ou 'à peu près' en parlant de distance ou de temps futur.
à direita
A2À droite. Utilisé pour indiquer une direction ou un emplacement.
à esquerda
A2À gauche. Utilisé pour indiquer une direction ou un emplacement.
a fim de
A2Afin de; avoir envie de. 'Il étudie afin de réussir.' / 'J'ai envie d'une glace.'
à frente
A2En face de; devant. 'Il est assis à frente de moi.'
a frente
A2À l'avant; devant.
À frente de
A2Devant ou à la tête de. 'La voiture est à frente de la maison' (La voiture est devant la maison).
a tempo
A2À temps, ponctuellement. Utilisé pour indiquer qu'une action se produit avant qu'il ne soit trop tard.
à volta de
A2Autour de. Utilisé pour l'espace (autour de la table) ou les estimations (environ dix euros).
abaixo
A1En dessous de; plus bas que.
