partida en 30 secondes
- Partida means 'departure' in travel contexts, like at an airport.
- It also means 'match' or 'game' in sports and gaming contexts.
- The phrase 'pregar uma partida' means to play a prank on someone.
- It is a feminine noun (a partida) and comes from the verb 'partir'.
The Portuguese noun partida is a fascinatingly versatile word that primarily bridges two seemingly unrelated concepts: the act of leaving a place and the competitive engagement of a game or match. At its core, 'partida' derives from the verb partir, which means to leave, to break, or to divide. This etymological root explains why the word carries the sense of a 'departure' (a breaking away from a location) and a 'match' (a division of play or a specific segment of a competition).
- Primary Meaning: Departure
- In the context of travel, 'partida' refers to the moment a vehicle, vessel, or person leaves. You will see this word plastered across every airport 'Departures' board in Portugal and Brazil.
- Secondary Meaning: Match/Game
- In sports and gaming, 'partida' denotes a single instance of a contest. Whether it is a football match, a game of chess, or a round of cards, 'partida' is the standard term used to describe the event from start to finish.
- Tertiary Meaning: Prank/Trick
- Informally, 'pregar uma partida' means to play a joke or a prank on someone, suggesting a 'departure' from normal behavior or a 'game' played at someone's expense.
"A partida do comboio para Lisboa está atrasada dez minutos." (The train's departure to Lisbon is delayed by ten minutes.)
"Ontem assistimos a uma partida de futebol emocionante entre o Porto e o Benfica." (Yesterday we watched an exciting football match between Porto and Benfica.)
"O meu irmão pregou-me uma partida e escondeu as minhas chaves." (My brother played a prank on me and hid my keys.)
"Qual é o ponto de partida para este novo projeto?" (What is the starting point for this new project?)
"Eles ganharam a primeira partida do torneio de xadrez." (They won the first match of the chess tournament.)
Understanding 'partida' requires recognizing the context. If you are at a station, it's about leaving. If you are at a stadium, it's about the game. If people are laughing at you, it's likely a prank. This multi-layered utility makes it a high-frequency word essential for any learner reaching for fluency.
Using 'partida' correctly involves mastering its collocations and the prepositions that follow it. Depending on the intended meaning, the syntax changes slightly but remains relatively straightforward for English speakers.
1. For Departures
When talking about leaving, 'partida' is often followed by the preposition de (of/from) to indicate the origin, or used as a standalone noun in schedules.
- A hora de partida: The departure time.
- O local de partida: The place of departure.
- Partida imediata: Immediate departure.
2. For Sports and Games
When referring to a match, 'partida' is usually followed by de + [the sport/game].
- Uma partida de ténis: A tennis match.
- Uma partida de cartas: A game of cards.
- Uma partida amigável: A friendly match.
3. Common Verb Pairings
Certain verbs are 'married' to 'partida' in specific contexts:
- Pregar uma partida
- To play a prank. (Literally: To nail/fix a departure/game).
- Assistir a uma partida
- To watch/attend a match.
- Marcar a partida
- To schedule the departure.
In technical or abstract contexts, 'ponto de partida' (starting point) is used frequently to describe the basis of an argument or the beginning of a journey. For example: 'Este livro é o ponto de partida para o meu estudo' (This book is the starting point for my study).
You will encounter 'partida' in a variety of real-world settings across the Lusophone world. Its usage is consistent, though the frequency of specific meanings might shift by location.
At the Airport or Train Station
This is the most common place for beginners to see the word. Look for the signs saying 'Partidas' (Departures) as opposed to 'Chegadas' (Arrivals). Announcements will often say: 'Atenção passageiros, a partida do voo TP123...' (Attention passengers, the departure of flight TP123...).
On Sports News
Commentators on RTP, SIC, or Globo will use 'partida' to vary their vocabulary, avoiding repeating 'o jogo' (the game) too many times. You might hear: 'Foi uma partida muito disputada' (It was a very hard-fought match).
In Board Game Groups
If you are playing Catan or Poker with Portuguese friends, someone might ask: 'Vamos fazer mais uma partida?' (Shall we play one more round/game?).
In Literature and Formal Speech
Because 'partir' also means to pass away (a euphemism for death), 'a partida' can sometimes refer to someone's passing in a very formal or poetic context, though 'falecimento' or 'morte' are more direct.
Even though 'partida' is an A1-level word, its multiple meanings can lead to some confusion. Here are the pitfalls to avoid:
1. Confusing 'Partida' with 'Saída'
While both can mean 'exit' or 'departure', partida is specifically the act of leaving a journey, whereas saída is often the physical exit (the door). You go through the saída to get to your partida.
2. Gender Errors
Some learners mistakenly treat it as masculine because 'jogo' (game) is masculine. Remember: A partida. Saying 'o partida' is a common error that sounds very jarring to native speakers.
3. Overusing it for 'Pranks'
While 'pregar uma partida' is correct, don't use 'partida' alone to mean 'a joke'. A joke you tell is a piada. A prank you do is a partida or ratoeira.
4. 'Partida' vs. 'Parte'
Do not confuse 'partida' with 'parte' (part/portion). 'A partida' is the whole match; 'a parte' is a piece of something. 'A primeira parte da partida' means 'The first part of the match'.
To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to see 'partida' alongside its synonyms and related terms. This helps you choose the most precise word for the situation.
- Jogo
- The most direct synonym for 'match' or 'game'. 'Jogo' is more general; 'partida' often implies a specific, scheduled event.
- Saída
- Synonym for 'departure' or 'exit'. Use 'saída' for the physical way out and 'partida' for the scheduled leaving of a transport.
- Arranque
- Used for the 'start' or 'kick-off' of a process or a car engine. 'Ponto de partida' and 'ponto de arranque' are nearly interchangeable in abstract contexts.
- Embarque
- Specifically 'boarding'. While 'partida' is the plane leaving, 'embarque' is you getting on the plane.
- Brincadeira
- A more general word for 'play' or 'joke'. If a 'partida' (prank) is lighthearted, it's a 'brincadeira'.
By understanding these nuances, you can move from basic A1 communication to more sophisticated B1/B2 expression, choosing 'partida' when you want to sound more precise about a scheduled event or a specific competitive instance.
How Formal Is It?
Niveau de difficulté
Grammaire à connaître
Noun-Adjective agreement (feminine)
Preposition 'de' for origin and specification
Use of 'ser' for scheduled events
Contractions (da, do, das, dos)
Subjunctive mood after expressions of doubt or emotion regarding a departure.
Exemples par niveau
A partida é às nove horas.
The departure is at nine o'clock.
Feminine singular noun.
Onde é a sala de partida?
Where is the departure lounge?
Compound noun phrase.
Eu gosto de uma partida de futebol.
I like a football match.
Used with 'de' to specify the game.
A partida do autocarro é aqui.
The bus departure is here.
Possessive 'do' (de + o).
Temos uma partida hoje.
We have a match today.
Indefinite article 'uma'.
A que horas é a partida?
What time is the departure?
Interrogative sentence.
A partida foi cancelada.
The departure/match was canceled.
Passive voice with 'ser'.
Bom dia, a partida é agora.
Good morning, the departure is now.
Adverb 'agora' modifying the timing.
Vamos ver a partida de ténis amanhã.
We are going to see the tennis match tomorrow.
Future with 'ir' + infinitive.
A partida do navio foi muito bonita.
The ship's departure was very beautiful.
Adjective 'bonita' agrees with 'partida'.
Eles ganharam a partida de ontem.
They won yesterday's match.
Preterite tense of 'ganhar'.
O ponto de partida é o centro da cidade.
The starting point is the city center.
Fixed expression 'ponto de partida'.
A partida de xadrez durou duas horas.
The chess match lasted two hours.
Verb 'durar' in the past.
Precisamos de confirmar a hora de partida.
We need to confirm the departure time.
Infinitive 'confirmar' after 'precisar de'.
A partida foi adiada por causa da chuva.
The match was postponed because of the rain.
Causal phrase 'por causa de'.
Esta é a minha primeira partida oficial.
This is my first official match.
Ordinal number 'primeira' and adjective 'oficial'.
Ele pregou-me uma partida muito engraçada.
He played a very funny prank on me.
Idiomatic 'pregar uma partida'.
O ponto de partida para a nossa viagem foi o Porto.
The starting point for our trip was Porto.
Abstract use of 'ponto de partida'.
A partida foi interrompida devido a problemas técnicos.
The match was interrupted due to technical problems.
Formal 'devido a'.
Sempre fico triste na hora da partida.
I always get sad at the time of departure.
Contraction 'da' (de + a).
A partida de cartas prolongou-se pela noite fora.
The card game lasted throughout the night.
Pronominal verb 'prolongar-se'.
Não aceito que a partida seja cancelada sem aviso.
I don't accept that the match/departure be canceled without notice.
Subjunctive 'seja' after 'não aceito que'.
A partida dos escuteiros será no próximo sábado.
The scouts' departure will be next Saturday.
Future tense 'será'.
Qual foi o resultado da partida de basquetebol?
What was the result of the basketball match?
Noun 'resultado' followed by 'da partida'.
A partida prematura do diretor surpreendeu a empresa.
The director's premature departure surprised the company.
Adjective 'prematura' and verb 'surpreendeu'.
A partida de golfe foi decidida no último buraco.
The golf match was decided on the last hole.
Passive voice 'foi decidida'.
Eles usaram esse argumento como ponto de partida.
They used that argument as a starting point.
Metaphorical 'ponto de partida'.
A vida pregou-lhe uma partida cruel.
Life played a cruel trick on him/her.
Personification of 'vida' with the prank idiom.
As partidas de mercadorias são registadas diariamente.
Goods departures are recorded daily.
Plural 'as partidas' in a business context.
A partida para o exílio foi um momento doloroso.
The departure into exile was a painful moment.
Historical/Political context.
O árbitro apitou para o final da partida.
The referee blew the whistle for the end of the match.
Sports-specific terminology.
A partida do voo transatlântico foi autorizada.
The departure of the transatlantic flight was authorized.
Formal vocabulary 'transatlântico' and 'autorizada'.
A tese tem como ponto de partida a análise sociológica.
The thesis has as its starting point sociological analysis.
Academic structure 'tem como ponto de partida'.
A partida de xadrez político entre os dois países continua.
The political chess match between the two countries continues.
Metaphorical use in politics.
Sentimos profundamente a partida do nosso querido amigo.
We deeply feel the passing of our dear friend.
Euphemism for death.
A partida dos manifestantes foi pacífica e organizada.
The protesters' departure was peaceful and organized.
Collective noun 'manifestantes'.
O romance explora a partida física e emocional da protagonista.
The novel explores the physical and emotional departure of the protagonist.
Literary analysis context.
A partida de bilhar foi o ponto alto da noite no clube.
The billiards match was the highlight of the night at the club.
Idiom 'ponto alto' (highlight).
Houve uma falha na partida do motor devido ao frio intenso.
There was a failure in the engine start due to the intense cold.
Technical use for 'engine start'.
A partida da expedição foi adiada indefinidamente.
The expedition's departure was postponed indefinitely.
Adverb 'indefinidamente'.
A ontologia heideggeriana serve de ponto de partida para esta reflexão.
Heideggerian ontology serves as the starting point for this reflection.
High-level academic register.
A partida, enquanto conceito metafísico, implica uma rutura com o ser.
Departure, as a metaphysical concept, implies a rupture with being.
Philosophical abstraction.
A minuciosa descrição da partida do herói revela a mestria do autor.
The meticulous description of the hero's departure reveals the author's mastery.
Literary criticism.
A partida de fundos para o estrangeiro foi escrutinada pelo banco central.
The outflow of funds abroad was scrutinized by the central bank.
Financial/Economic register.
O destino é, muitas vezes, apenas o pretexto para a partida.
Destiny is often merely the pretext for the departure.
Aphoristic/Poetic style.
A partida de caça foi interrompida por um súbito nevoeiro.
The hunting party/match was interrupted by a sudden fog.
Historical/Traditional context.
A partida de ténis de mesa foi de uma intensidade técnica soberba.
The table tennis match was of superb technical intensity.
Sophisticated adjectives 'soberba' and 'técnica'.
A partida irremediável do tempo é o tema central desta elegia.
The irremediable departure of time is the central theme of this elegy.
Highly formal/Poetic.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
Souvent confondu avec
Expressions idiomatiques
Facile à confondre
Structures de phrases
Comment l'utiliser
'Ponto de partida' is the most common metaphorical use.
In Brazil, 'partida' is very common for sports. In Portugal, it is equally common for both sports and travel.
Astuces
Travel Tip
When looking for your gate at a Portuguese airport, follow the 'Partidas' signs. It is the direct equivalent of 'Departures'.
Gender Check
Always pair 'partida' with feminine adjectives. Say 'partida atrasada' (delayed departure), never 'partida atrasado'.
Prankster
To say someone played a trick on you, say 'Ele pregou-me uma partida'. It's a very natural-sounding idiom.
Match Day
Use 'partida' when talking about professional games to sound more like a native sports commentator.
Starting Point
Use 'ponto de partida' when you want to explain the basis of your reasoning in a discussion.
The 'R'
The 'r' in 'partida' is a single tap of the tongue. Don't roll it like a Spanish 'rr'.
Station Announcements
Listen for 'hora de partida' in train stations; it's the most important piece of info for your journey.
Formal Tone
In formal writing, 'partida' is preferred over 'saída' when referring to the commencement of a trip.
Game Night
Ask 'Vamos para a próxima partida?' to suggest another round of a game.
Fado Context
In Fado lyrics, 'partida' often represents the pain of leaving one's homeland.
Mémorise-le
Origine du mot
Latin
Contexte culturel
Pranks (partidas) are common on April 1st (Dia das Mentiras).
Partida is used for formal matches, while 'pelada' in Brazil refers to a casual pickup game.
In Portugal, train departures are very punctual compared to some other regions, making 'hora de partida' a strict concept.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Amorces de conversation
"A que horas é a tua partida?"
"Viste a partida de ontem à noite?"
"Qual é o ponto de partida para este plano?"
"Queres jogar uma partida de xadrez?"
"Já te pregaram alguma partida hoje?"
Sujets d'écriture
Descreve a partida mais emocionante que já viste.
Como te sentes no momento da partida para uma viagem?
Escreve sobre uma partida (prank) que fizeste a um amigo.
Qual é o ponto de partida ideal para aprender uma nova língua?
Relata uma partida de um jogo que tenhas ganho recentemente.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, its most common use for travelers is 'departure' at airports or stations. It can also mean a prank or a starting point for an idea.
It is always feminine: 'a partida'. Even if you are talking about a football match (o jogo), when you use the word 'partida', it remains feminine.
You use the specific verb 'pregar'. The phrase is 'pregar uma partida'. You cannot say 'fazer uma partida' or 'jogar uma partida' to mean a prank.
No, for a part or section of a book, you should use 'parte' or 'capítulo'. 'Partida' implies a start or a whole match.
Yes, it is very common for board games like chess, checkers, or card games.
The opposite is 'chegada', which means 'arrival'.
Yes, in a poetic or very formal way, it is used as a euphemism for someone passing away, similar to 'departure' in English.
It means 'starting point'. It can be literal (the start of a race) or figurative (the basis of an argument).
The plural form 'Partidas' is used on signs at airports and train stations.
No, for a movie or a play, you would use 'sessão' (session) or 'exibição' (screening).
Teste-toi 180 questions
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'partida' is your go-to term for both leaving on a trip and playing a competitive game. Remember it's feminine and use it to navigate airports or join a football match.
- Partida means 'departure' in travel contexts, like at an airport.
- It also means 'match' or 'game' in sports and gaming contexts.
- The phrase 'pregar uma partida' means to play a prank on someone.
- It is a feminine noun (a partida) and comes from the verb 'partir'.
Travel Tip
When looking for your gate at a Portuguese airport, follow the 'Partidas' signs. It is the direct equivalent of 'Departures'.
Gender Check
Always pair 'partida' with feminine adjectives. Say 'partida atrasada' (delayed departure), never 'partida atrasado'.
Prankster
To say someone played a trick on you, say 'Ele pregou-me uma partida'. It's a very natural-sounding idiom.
Match Day
Use 'partida' when talking about professional games to sound more like a native sports commentator.
Contenu associé
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Expressions liées
Plus de mots sur sports
atleta
A2Une personne qui pratique un sport ou des exercices physiques. L'athlète s'entraîne souvent pour des compétitions.
atlético
A2Il a une silhouette athlétique grâce au sport. (He has an athletic silhouette thanks to sports.)
basketbol
A2Le basketbol est un sport d'équipe où deux équipes de cinq joueurs s'affrontent pour marquer des points en lançant un ballon dans un panier.
basquete
A2Le basquete est le mot portugais pour le basket-ball.
basquetebol
A2Le basketball est un sport d'équipe passionnant.
bola
A2A round object that is thrown, kicked, or hit in a game.
caminhada
A2Une marche ou une randonnée, souvent effectuée pour l'exercice ou le plaisir.
chutar
A2Donner un coup de pied dans quelque chose, comme un ballon.
Competição
A1Compétition : une rivalité où plusieurs personnes ou groupes essaient de gagner quelque chose en étant meilleurs que les autres.
competir
B1Lutter pour gagner ou obtenir quelque chose en battant les autres; rivaliser.
