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A2 verb #4,000 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

modelar

Top 4,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces modelar en 30 secondes

Explication modelar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you will encounter 'modelar' in very simple, physical contexts. Think of it as 'making shapes'. It is most commonly used with materials like 'plasticina' (play-dough) or 'argila' (clay). At this stage, you should focus on the present tense: 'Eu modelo um gato' (I model a cat). It is a helpful word for describing hobbies or classroom activities. You don't need to worry about its scientific or fashion-related meanings yet. Just remember it as a regular '-ar' verb, which means it follows the same pattern as 'falar' (to speak) or 'gostar' (to like). It's a great verb to practice your basic conjugations because it is so predictable. You might also see it in very simple instructions, like 'Modelar a massa em círculos' (Shape the dough into circles). Keep it simple and focus on the physical act of shaping something with your hands.

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By the A2 level, you can start using 'modelar' in slightly more varied contexts, including the world of fashion. You might say 'Ela quer modelar' to mean she wants to be a model. You will also begin to use it in different tenses, like the past (Pretérito Perfeito): 'Ontem, eu modelei uma taça' (Yesterday, I modeled a bowl). This level is where you distinguish between 'modelar' and 'fazer'. While 'fazer' is 'to make', 'modelar' is specifically 'to shape'. You can also use it to talk about fitness in a basic way, like 'exercício para modelar as pernas' (exercise to shape the legs). You should be comfortable with the regular conjugation in the present, past, and simple future. It's also a good time to learn the noun 'modelo' (model), which is directly related. Understanding that 'modelar' is the action of being or creating a 'modelo' will help solidify the word in your memory.

At the B1 level, 'modelar' enters the professional and conceptual realm. You will hear it used in business and technology. For example, 'modelar um processo' (to model a process) or 'modelar uma base de dados' (to model a database). You are expected to use it in more complex sentence structures, including the conditional: 'Eu modelaria o projeto de outra forma' (I would model the project in another way). You should also understand the difference between 'modelar' and 'moldar' (to mold), realizing that 'modelar' often implies more creativity or a simulation. This is also where you might encounter it in psychological contexts, such as 'modelar o comportamento' (modeling behavior). You should be able to discuss how parents or teachers set examples for others. Your vocabulary is expanding to include the idea that 'modelar' isn't just for clay, but for ideas and structures as well.

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At the B2 level, you should use 'modelar' fluently in abstract and scientific discussions. You will encounter it in news reports about the economy or climate, where experts 'modelam cenários' (model scenarios). You should be able to use the passive voice or the 'se' impersonal: 'Modelam-se novos sistemas todos os dias' (New systems are modeled every day). You'll also see it used as an adjective in the past participle form: 'Um comportamento bem modelado' (A well-modeled behavior). At this stage, you can use 'modelar' to describe the structural design of complex systems, whether they are architectural, biological, or social. You should also be aware of the nuances in the fashion industry, such as 'modelagem' (the process of making patterns or the cut of a garment). Your ability to use 'modelar' in these varied fields shows a high degree of linguistic flexibility.

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At the C1 level, you will explore the subtle nuances and higher-register uses of 'modelar'. You might use it to discuss the 'modelação' of a voice or the intricate 'modelagem' of a literary character. You will understand how 'modelar' differs from 'modular' (to modulate) and 'plasmar' (to give form in a more artistic or permanent sense). You can use it in philosophical debates about how language 'modela' our perception of reality. Your use of the verb will be precise, choosing it over 'formar' or 'estruturar' when you want to emphasize the creation of a prototype or a specific structural likeness. You will also be familiar with academic uses in statistics and mathematics, where 'modelar' is the rigorous process of creating representative formulas for complex phenomena. Your command of the word allows you to use it in professional presentations and formal writing with total confidence.

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At the C2 level, 'modelar' is a tool for precise and elegant expression. You can use it to describe the most abstract concepts, such as how historical events 'modelam' the collective consciousness of a nation. You are aware of the word's etymological roots and its relationship to other Romance languages, which allows you to appreciate its use in classic and contemporary literature. You can discuss the 'modelagem estocástica' in advanced science or the 'modelação tonal' in music theory. At this level, you might use 'modelar' in a highly metaphorical sense, perhaps in a poem or a deep philosophical essay, to describe the way time or experience shapes the soul. There are no barriers to your understanding; you recognize the word in every possible context, from the most technical manual to the most lyrical prose, and you use it with the natural ease of a highly educated native speaker.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

modelar en 30 secondes

Modelar is a regular Portuguese verb primarily meaning to shape, mold, or simulate something, used in art, science, and the fashion industry.
In physical contexts, it refers to shaping soft materials like clay; in technical contexts, it refers to 3D or mathematical modeling.
In fashion, it describes the professional work of a model or the structural design and cut of a piece of clothing.
It also carries a psychological meaning, referring to the act of setting a behavioral example for others to follow or imitate.

The Portuguese verb modelar is a multifaceted term that English speakers will find remarkably versatile. At its most fundamental level, it refers to the physical act of giving shape to a malleable substance, such as clay, wax, or dough. Imagine a sculptor in a sunlit studio in Lisbon, their hands coated in grey silt, carefully pressing and pulling at a block of earth to create the likeness of a face; this is the essence of modelar. However, its utility extends far beyond the artist's atelier. In the modern world, it is the standard term for digital 3D modeling, where architects and engineers use software to 'shape' virtual structures. Furthermore, the word transitions seamlessly into the world of fashion, where it describes the act of working as a model or the structural design of a garment to fit the human form. Beyond the physical and digital, modelar carries significant weight in psychology and education, referring to the way individuals—especially children—shape their behavior based on the examples set by others. Whether you are discussing the creation of a mathematical simulation, the casting of a statue, or the influence of a role model, modelar is the bridge between a raw state and a finished, structured form.

Physical Artistry: The manual process of shaping materials like clay or plaster into a specific three-dimensional form.
Fashion and Style: To work as a fashion model or to design the cut and fit of clothing to complement the body.
Scientific Simulation: Creating a mathematical or conceptual representation of a real-world process to predict outcomes.

A criança adora modelar animais com plasticina colorida durante as aulas de artes.

When you use modelar, you are implying a conscious effort to impose order or beauty upon something. In a professional context, a data scientist might modelar a database, meaning they are structuring how information is stored and retrieved. In a social context, a mother might modelar her behavior to teach her child kindness. This duality between the literal (shaping clay) and the metaphorical (shaping character) makes it a high-frequency verb in both casual and academic Portuguese. It is important to distinguish it from moldar, which is often used as a synonym but frequently implies a more permanent or restrictive 'molding' process, whereas modelar often retains a sense of artistic or intellectual creativity.

O arquiteto passou a noite a modelar o novo edifício em três dimensões.

Ela começou a modelar para grandes marcas de luxo aos dezasseis anos.

Psychological Context: Providing a behavioral example for others to follow or imitate, often used in parenting and education.

É essencial modelar uma atitude positiva para os alunos.

O escultor conseguiu modelar a argila com uma perfeição impressionante.

Using modelar correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a transitive verb, meaning it usually requires a direct object—something that is being modeled. In the present tense, you might say 'Eu modelo' (I model), which could mean you are currently shaping a physical object or working as a professional model. Because it is a regular verb, it follows the standard conjugation patterns for verbs ending in '-ar', which is a relief for learners. When used in the past tense (pretérito perfeito), such as 'Ele modelou a peça', it implies a completed action of shaping. In the future, 'Nós modelaremos o sistema', it refers to a planned simulation or design. It is also common to see modelar used in its infinitive form following other verbs, like 'precisamos modelar' (we need to model) or 'gosto de modelar' (I like to model).

Direct Object Usage: The verb almost always acts upon a noun, whether it be 'barro' (clay), 'roupas' (clothes), or 'dados' (data).
Gerund Form: In Brazilian Portuguese, 'estou modelando' is used for ongoing actions. In European Portuguese, 'estou a modelar' is the preferred structure.

Eles estão a modelar o novo protótipo do carro elétrico na fábrica.

One of the more complex ways to use modelar is in the reflexive or passive voice, though it is less common. For instance, 'A massa modela-se facilmente' (The dough is easily modeled/shaped). In academic writing, you will frequently find the past participle 'modelado' used as an adjective, as in 'um sistema bem modelado' (a well-modeled system). When discussing fashion, modelar can be used intransitively: 'Ela modela para viver' (She models for a living). This versatility requires the speaker to pay attention to context to ensure the listener understands whether the topic is art, science, or fashion. In professional environments, specifically in engineering and IT, modelar processos (modeling processes) is a standard phrase used to describe the mapping and optimization of workflows.

O cientista precisa modelar o clima para prever a próxima tempestade.

Vais modelar aquele vestido novo na festa de amanhã?

Professional Context: In business, 'modelar o negócio' means to structure the business model or strategy.

Temos de modelar a nossa estratégia de marketing para o próximo trimestre.

Aprendi a modelar rostos humanos no curso de escultura digital.

In the daily life of a Portuguese-speaking country, you are likely to encounter modelar in a variety of vibrant settings. If you walk past a primary school, you might hear a teacher telling students to modelar a massa (shape the dough/clay) during an arts and crafts session. In the sophisticated neighborhoods of São Paulo or Lisbon, you might overhear conversations about the latest fashion week, where someone mentions a friend who is going to modelar for a famous designer. The word is ubiquitous in professional creative circles; in a design agency, the '3D modeler' is a key role, and you will hear colleagues discussing the need to modelar o cenário (model the scenery) for a game or advertisement. Scientific and financial news also frequently use the term when discussing climate change or economic shifts, often referring to the need to modelar cenários futuros (model future scenarios) to prepare for uncertainty.

In Schools: Used when children are playing with plasticine or clay to describe the act of making shapes.
In Corporate Offices: Used by analysts and planners when creating business models or financial forecasts.
In Fashion Circles: Heard backstage at shows or in photography studios when referring to the models' work.

A televisão mostrou como os especialistas tentam modelar o avanço do vírus na população.

Interestingly, you will also hear modelar in the context of fitness and beauty. Advertisements for gym equipment or cosmetic treatments often promise to modelar o corpo (shape the body). This usage plays on the idea of the body as a piece of sculpture that can be refined through effort or technology. In Portuguese TV dramas (telenovelas), a character might be described as having a 'comportamento modelar' (exemplary behavior), which is an adjectival use derived from the same root, though the verb modelar would be used to describe the act of setting that example. From the laboratory to the runway, and from the nursery to the gym, modelar is a word that captures the human desire to influence, structure, and perfect the world around us.

Este novo creme promete modelar a silhueta em apenas quatro semanas.

Os engenheiros usam software avançado para modelar a resistência dos materiais.

On the News: Journalists use it when discussing how policies will 'shape' the future of the economy.

O governo quer modelar uma nova lei laboral baseada no sistema nórdico.

Ela adora modelar as suas roupas novas para o Instagram.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using modelar is confusing it with the English word 'fashion' used as a verb. While you can 'fashion' a bowl out of wood in English, in Portuguese, you would use modelar only if the material is soft and pliable; for wood, you would likely use esculpir (sculpt) or talhar (carve). Another common pitfall is the confusion between modelar and moldar. While they are close synonyms, moldar usually refers to the use of a physical mold (a cast) or a more rigid, permanent shaping, whereas modelar is more about the free-form act of shaping or the abstract act of simulating. For example, you moldar a metal part in a factory mold, but you modelar a character in a 3D software program.

Modelar vs. Moldar: Use 'modelar' for artistic shaping or simulations; use 'moldar' for using a cast or fixed mold.
Modelar vs. Modular: Be careful with 'modular' (to modulate), which sounds similar but means to adjust the tone or frequency of something, like a voice or a signal.

Errado: Eu vou modular a argila. (Correct: modelar)

A subtle mistake occurs in the context of fashion. English speakers might try to use 'fazer modelo' to say 'to model', but the correct verb is simply modelar. If you say 'Eu faço modelo', it sounds like you are making a physical model (like a toy airplane). To say 'I model for a agency', you should say 'Eu modelo para uma agência'. Additionally, learners sometimes forget that modelar is a regular verb and try to apply irregular endings from similar-looking verbs. Always remember that it follows the pattern of falar or cantar. Finally, in scientific contexts, don't use modelar when you mean 'to measure' (medir); modeling is the act of creating the simulation, not the act of taking the data.

Cuidado: Não confunda modelar (to shape) com moderar (to moderate).

O aluno tentou modelar o seu discurso, mas acabou por o moderar.

Spelling Error: Many learners write 'modelar' as 'modelar' but pronounce it like 'modular'. Focus on the 'E' sound.

É incorreto dizer que um programa vai modelar a temperatura se ele apenas a estiver a medir.

Muitos turistas tentam modelar o seu sotaque para parecerem locais.

Portuguese is a rich language with several verbs that orbit the concept of shaping and forming. To truly master modelar, you should understand how it compares to its cousins. The most prominent alternative is moldar. As discussed, moldar is more mechanical or restrictive; it implies fitting something into a pre-existing mold. In a metaphorical sense, society might moldar a person's character, implying a strong, almost inescapable pressure. Another similar word is formar, which is broader and means 'to form' or 'to train'. You formar a committee or formar a student, but you modelar the specific details of a project's structure. For more artistic contexts, esculpir is the specific verb for sculpting hard materials like stone or marble, where material is removed, whereas modelar often implies adding or moving material around.

Modelar vs. Moldar: Modelar is creative and flexible; Moldar is structured and often uses a physical cast.
Modelar vs. Esculpir: Modelar is for soft materials (clay); Esculpir is for hard materials (stone).
Modelar vs. Simular: In science, 'simular' is the outcome, while 'modelar' is the process of building the logic behind the simulation.

Podemos modelar a argila, mas temos de esculpir o mármore.

In the realm of digital technology, desenhar (to draw/design) is often used alongside modelar. While desenhar might refer to the 2D sketch, modelar specifically refers to the 3D construction. In business, estruturar (to structure) is a common synonym when talking about organizing a plan or a department. If you are talking about influencing someone's behavior, influenciar or inspirar are good alternatives, but modelar is more specific to the 'learning by example' aspect. Finally, configurar (to configure) is used in technical settings for setting up systems, which is a step that often follows the initial modelar phase of the system's design.

O professor tenta modelar o pensamento crítico dos seus alunos.

Em vez de apenas modelar o exterior, o arquiteto também desenhou o interior.

Common Synonyms: Moldar, formar, configurar, estruturar, plasmar (literary).

A artesã conseguiu plasmar a sua visão na escultura, embora prefira o termo modelar.

O objetivo é modelar uma solução que sirva para todos os clientes.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'modelar' shares the same root as 'mode', 'modern', and 'moderate', all relating to the idea of 'measure' or 'standard'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /mu.ðɛ.ˈlaɾ/

US /mo.de.ˈlaʁ/

The stress is on the final syllable: mo-de-LAR.

Rime avec

falar cantar andar olhar pensar amar chegar estudar

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it like 'modular' (with a 'u' in the middle).
Putting the stress on the second syllable (mo-DE-lar).
Adding an extra 'l' (modellar).
Pronouncing the final 'r' too strongly like an English 'r'.
Confusing the 'e' sound with an 'i' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate 'model'.

Écriture 3/5

Requires remembering the correct '-ar' endings and context.

Expression orale 3/5

The open 'e' and final 'r' require some practice for perfect pronunciation.

Écoute 2/5

Generally clear, but watch out for similar sounding words like 'modular'.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

fazer forma mão novo coisa

Apprends ensuite

esculpir moldar estruturar desenhar criar

Avancé

estocástico paradigma arquétipo simulação configuração

Grammaire à connaître

Regular -ar Verb Conjugation

Eu modelo, Tu modelos, Ele modela...

Infinitive Personal

É importante modelarmos (It is important for us to model).

Gerund vs. Infinitive (BR vs EU)

Estou modelando (BR) vs. Estou a modelar (EU).

Passive Voice with 'Ser'

A peça foi modelada pelo artista.

Reflexive Pronouns

Ele modelou-se (He shaped himself/adjusted himself).

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Exemples par niveau

Eu modelo um carro com plasticina.

I model a car with play-dough.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

Tu modelos uma flor?

Do you model a flower?

Present tense question, 2nd person singular.

Ela modelo o barro na escola.

She models the clay at school.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Nós modelamos círculos pequenos.

We model small circles.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Eles modelam bonecos de neve.

They model snowmen.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

Gosto de modelar com as mãos.

I like to model with my hands.

Infinitive form after the verb 'gostar'.

Podes modelar um coração?

Can you model a heart?

Infinitive form after the modal verb 'poder'.

O menino está a modelar um sol.

The boy is modeling a sun.

Present continuous (European Portuguese style).

Ela vai modelar para uma marca de roupa.

She is going to model for a clothing brand.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

Ontem, eu modelei uma taça de cerâmica.

Yesterday, I modeled a ceramic bowl.

Pretérito Perfeito (simple past).

Eles modelaram o projeto do jardim.

They modeled the garden project.

Pretérito Perfeito, 3rd person plural.

Precisamos de modelar o nosso futuro.

We need to shape our future.

Metaphorical use of the infinitive.

O artista modelou um busto famoso.

The artist modeled a famous bust.

Pretérito Perfeito, 3rd person singular.

Queres aprender a modelar em 3D?

Do you want to learn to model in 3D?

Infinitive after 'aprender a'.

Este exercício ajuda a modelar o corpo.

This exercise helps to shape the body.

Common fitness context.

Vou modelar este vestido na festa.

I am going to model (show off) this dress at the party.

Colloquial use for wearing/showing off clothes.

O engenheiro começou a modelar o novo motor.

The engineer began to model the new engine.

Technical context.

É importante modelar bons valores para as crianças.

It is important to model good values for children.

Psychological/educational context.

Eles modelariam a base de dados se tivessem tempo.

They would model the database if they had time.

Conditional tense.

A empresa está a modelar um novo plano de negócios.

The company is modeling a new business plan.

Business context.

Sempre modelei o meu estilo no meu avô.

I always modeled my style on my grandfather.

Pretérito Perfeito, metaphorical.

O software permite modelar cenários complexos.

The software allows for modeling complex scenarios.

Scientific/technical context.

Ela foi convidada para modelar em Paris.

She was invited to model in Paris.

Passive structure with 'ser' + past participle.

Temos de modelar a argila antes que seque.

We have to model the clay before it dries.

Use of 'antes que' + subjunctive.

Os cientistas modelaram o impacto das alterações climáticas.

Scientists modeled the impact of climate change.

Pretérito Perfeito, academic context.

A nova lei vai modelar o mercado de trabalho.

The new law will shape the job market.

Metaphorical future.

Ela modelou a sua carreira com muita persistência.

She shaped her career with a lot of persistence.

Abstract use of the verb.

O arquiteto modelou o edifício para ser sustentável.

The architect modeled the building to be sustainable.

Design/architecture context.

É difícil modelar o comportamento humano em estatísticas.

It is difficult to model human behavior in statistics.

Academic/sociological context.

Eles estão a modelar a rede de transportes da cidade.

They are modeling the city's transport network.

Urban planning context.

A luz modelava as formas da montanha ao entardecer.

The light was modeling the shapes of the mountain at dusk.

Literary/artistic use of the imperfect tense.

O designer está a modelar o corte deste casaco.

The designer is modeling the cut of this coat.

Fashion construction context.

O autor modelou a narrativa de forma não linear.

The author modeled the narrative in a non-linear way.

Literary analysis context.

A educação deve modelar cidadãos conscientes e críticos.

Education should shape conscious and critical citizens.

Formal/educational discourse.

As correntes marítimas modelam a costa ao longo dos séculos.

Ocean currents shape the coast over the centuries.

Geological/natural context.

O músico procurava modelar a sonoridade do seu novo álbum.

The musician sought to shape the sound of his new album.

Artistic/abstract context.

A teoria tenta modelar a complexidade das interações sociais.

The theory attempts to model the complexity of social interactions.

High-level academic context.

O escultor soube modelar o vazio tanto quanto a matéria.

The sculptor knew how to model the void as much as the matter.

Philosophical/artistic context.

A inflação está a modelar as decisões de consumo das famílias.

Inflation is shaping the consumption decisions of families.

Economic context.

Ele conseguiu modelar o seu discurso para convencer a audiência.

He managed to shape his speech to convince the audience.

Rhetorical context.

A ontologia modela a nossa compreensão do ser.

Ontology models our understanding of being.

Philosophical context.

O algoritmo modela as preferências dos utilizadores com precisão assustadora.

The algorithm models user preferences with frightening precision.

Technological/societal critique.

A história modela a identidade de um povo através dos mitos.

History shapes a people's identity through myths.

Sociological/historical context.

O realizador modelou a luz para criar uma atmosfera de suspense.

The director modeled the light to create an atmosphere of suspense.

Cinematographic context.

As flutuações quânticas modelam a estrutura do universo primitivo.

Quantum fluctuations model the structure of the early universe.

Advanced physics context.

A linguagem modela o pensamento, limitando ou expandindo horizontes.

Language shapes thought, limiting or expanding horizons.

Linguistic relativity context.

O mestre de xadrez modelou a sua estratégia baseando-se em jogos clássicos.

The chess master modeled his strategy based on classic games.

Strategic/metaphorical context.

A erosão modelou estas grutas durante milénios.

Erosion shaped these caves over millennia.

Natural/geological context.

Collocations courantes

modelar argila

modelar dados

modelar o corpo

modelar comportamento

modelar em 3D

modelar processos

modelar roupas

modelar cenários

modelar o futuro

modelar a voz

Phrases Courantes

modelar para viver

— To work as a fashion model as a primary source of income.

Ela mudou-se para Milão para modelar para viver.

modelar à mão

— To shape something manually without the use of machines.

Todas estas peças foram modeladas à mão.

bem modelado

— Something that has a good shape, structure, or simulation.

Este casaco está muito bem modelado.

modelar o barro

— A common way to refer to pottery or basic sculpture.

Passámos a tarde a modelar o barro no jardim.

aprender a modelar

— To gain the skill of shaping or simulating.

Quero aprender a modelar personagens para jogos.

modelar a silhueta

— To improve or highlight the shape of the body.

Este vestido preto ajuda a modelar a silhueta.

modelar pelo exemplo

— To teach or lead by showing the desired behavior.

O líder deve modelar pelo exemplo de integridade.

modelar um sistema

— To design the architecture of a complex system.

Precisamos de modelar um sistema de segurança eficiente.

modelar a realidade

— To influence or interpret the world in a specific way.

A arte tem o poder de modelar a realidade.

modelar o caráter

— To shape someone's personality or moral values.

As experiências de infância ajudam a modelar o caráter.

Souvent confondu avec

modelar vs moldar

Moldar is more about using a physical mold or a rigid influence; modelar is more creative and free-form.

modelar vs modular

Modular means to adjust frequency or tone, like a voice or a signal.

modelar vs moderar

Moderar means to keep within limits or to lead a debate.

Expressions idiomatiques

"modelar a preceito"

— To shape or do something perfectly according to the rules or standards.

O alfaiate modelou o fato a preceito.

formal

"modelar à sua imagem"

— To shape something or someone to be exactly like oneself.

O diretor tentou modelar o estagiário à sua imagem.

neutral

"modelar o pensamento"

— To influence how someone thinks or perceives things.

A propaganda tenta modelar o pensamento das massas.

formal

"modelar a ferro e fogo"

— To shape something through intense struggle or harsh conditions (rare but expressive).

A nação foi modelada a ferro e fogo durante a guerra.

literary

"modelar o barro enquanto está mole"

— To influence someone (usually a child) while they are still young and impressionable.

Devemos educar agora; é preciso modelar o barro enquanto está mole.

informal

"modelar a gosto"

— To shape something according to one's own personal preference.

Podes modelar a massa a gosto para as tuas bolachas.

informal

"modelar a vida"

— To take control and give direction to one's own existence.

Ele decidiu modelar a vida de forma mais simples.

neutral

"modelar o destino"

— The idea that one's actions create their future path.

Nós temos o poder de modelar o nosso próprio destino.

literary

"modelar a conduta"

— To adjust one's behavior to fit a certain standard.

É necessário modelar a conduta em ambientes formais.

formal

"modelar o espírito"

— To cultivate one's mind or soul through learning or meditation.

A leitura ajuda a modelar o espírito.

literary

Facile à confondre

modelar vs esculpir

Both involve making art.

Esculpir is for hard materials (carving away); modelar is for soft materials (adding/shaping).

Eu modelo argila, mas esculpo pedra.

modelar vs formar

Both mean to give form.

Formar is more general (form a group); modelar is more specific to the structural likeness.

Vamos formar um clube, mas modelar as regras.

modelar vs simular

Both used in science.

Modelar is the act of building the model; simular is the act of running it.

Modelei o sistema para depois o simular.

modelar vs configurar

Both used in tech.

Configurar is setting parameters; modelar is designing the structure.

Modelei a rede e depois configurei os routers.

modelar vs plasmar

Both mean to shape.

Plasmar is very formal/literary; modelar is common and versatile.

O artista plasmou a sua alma na obra.

Structures de phrases

Eu modelo [objeto].

Eu modelo um cão.

Ela vai modelar [contexto].

Ela vai modelar na televisão.

É preciso modelar o [conceito].

É preciso modelar o plano de ação.

O software permite modelar [dados/cenários].

O software permite modelar a economia.

O autor modelou a [obra] com [técnica].

O autor modelou a trama com mestria.

A [força] modela a [realidade/identidade].

A cultura modela a nossa identidade profunda.

Sempre modelei o meu [estilo] em [pessoa].

Sempre modelei o meu estilo no meu pai.

Gosto de modelar com [material].

Gosto de modelar com plasticina.

Famille de mots

Noms

modelo

modelagem

modelação

modelador

modeladora

Verbes

modelar

Adjectifs

modelar

modelado

modelável

Apparenté

módulo

modular

molde

moldar

modismo

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High frequency in art, fashion, technology, and academic contexts.

Erreurs courantes

Eu modellar argila. → Eu modelo argila.
Incorrect spelling (double L) and incorrect conjugation for the 1st person singular.
Ela quer fazer modelo. → Ela quer modelar.
In fashion, you use the verb 'modelar' instead of 'fazer modelo' (which means making a physical model).
Eu vou modular o barro. → Eu vou modelar o barro.
Confusing 'modelar' (to shape) with 'modular' (to modulate).
O programa vai modelar a temperatura agora. → O programa vai medir a temperatura agora.
Modeling is building the logic; measuring (medir) is taking the current data.
Ele modelou a pedra. → Ele esculpiu a pedra.
You 'esculpir' hard materials like stone; you 'modelar' soft materials like clay.

Astuces

Easy Conjugation

Since it's a regular -ar verb, you can apply your knowledge of 'falar' to 'modelar' immediately.

Artistic Distinction

Remember: modelar = clay/soft; esculpir = stone/hard. This shows advanced vocabulary awareness.

Digital Use

If you work in IT or design, use 'modelar' for anything involving 3D or database architecture.

Fashion Verb

Don't say 'fazer modelo' for the profession; use the verb 'modelar' directly.

Behavioral Modeling

Use it when discussing how to teach children by showing, not just telling.

Stress the End

Always put the emphasis on the 'lar' at the end to sound natural.

Single L

Never use two L's; it's always 'modelar' with one 'l'.

Creative vs Rigid

Choose 'modelar' for creative shaping and 'moldar' for conforming to a mold.

Location matters

In Brazil, 'modelar o corpo' is a very common phrase in gyms and beauty ads.

Word Family

Learn 'modelo' (noun) and 'modelagem' (process) alongside the verb to triple your vocabulary.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Model' in a 'Car' (Model-ar). You are 'shaping' the car to look like the model.

Association visuelle

Imagine a sculptor's hands (Modelar) turning a lump of clay into a perfect 'Model'.

Word Web

Argila (Clay) 3D Moda (Fashion) Design Cientista (Scientist) Comportamento (Behavior) Escultura (Sculpture) Simulação (Simulation)

Défi

Try to use 'modelar' in three different contexts today: one about art, one about fashion, and one about a digital or abstract plan.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Latin word 'modellus', which is a diminutive of 'modus', meaning 'measure' or 'manner'. It entered Portuguese through the French 'modeler'.

Sens originel : To make a small-scale representation or to measure out a shape.

Romance (Latin root).

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but be careful not to confuse 'modelar o corpo' with body shaming; it is generally used in a positive fitness context.

English speakers often use 'mold' for everything, but Portuguese speakers prefer 'modelar' for creative or digital work.

The famous Brazilian model Gisele Bündchen is the ultimate example of someone who 'sabe modelar'. The sculptures of Aleijadinho in Brazil involve complex 'modelagem' before carving. Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira 'modela' space in a unique, minimalist way.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Art Class

Modelar com argila
Modelar um busto
Ferramentas para modelar
Modelar à mão

Fashion Industry

Modelar para uma revista
Modelar na passarela
Modelagem de roupas
Modelar alta costura

Software Engineering

Modelar em 3D
Modelar a base de dados
Modelar o sistema
Modelar processos de negócio

Parenting/Education

Modelar a paciência
Modelar bons hábitos
Modelar o respeito
Modelar pelo exemplo

Fitness/Gym

Modelar os músculos
Modelar a cintura
Exercícios para modelar
Modelar a silhueta

Amorces de conversation

"Já alguma vez tentaste modelar alguma coisa com barro ou argila?"

"Gostarias de modelar para uma marca de roupa famosa em Paris?"

"Achas que é difícil modelar personagens para videojogos em 3D?"

"Como é que os pais podem modelar melhor o comportamento dos filhos?"

"Quais são os melhores exercícios para modelar o corpo rapidamente?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descreve um momento em que tiveste de modelar algo com as tuas próprias mãos. Como foi a sensação?

Se fosses modelar o teu futuro ideal, como seria a estrutura da tua vida daqui a dez anos?

Quem foi a pessoa que mais ajudou a modelar o teu caráter durante a tua infância e porquê?

Escreve sobre a importância de modelar bons valores numa sociedade que está em constante mudança.

Se pudesses modelar um novo sistema de educação, que mudanças principais farias?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you should say 'Eu sou modelo' (I am a model) or 'Eu trabalho como modelo'. However, you can say 'Eu modelo' to describe the action you perform for work.

Yes, you 'modelar' the object in a software program before you print it. The design phase is called 'modelagem 3D'.

'Modelagem' is more common in fashion (pattern making) and 3D design, while 'modelação' is often used in scientific or musical contexts. They are very similar.

Yes, specifically for things like shaping dough for bread or cookies: 'modelar a massa das bolachas'.

There isn't a single word; we usually say 'modelo a seguir' or 'exemplo'. The verb 'modelar' is what the 'modelo a seguir' does.

Yes, it is perfectly regular in all tenses, following the pattern of verbs ending in -ar like 'falar'.

Yes, you can 'modelar o cabelo' using products like gel or a hairdryer to give it a specific shape.

Use 'em' for software (modelar em 3D) and 'com' for materials (modelar com argila).

Yes, 'modelar o negócio' or 'modelar a estratégia' is very common in corporate Portuguese.

No, it implies something is structured or designed. A 'modelo' can be a representation of something real.

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