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A2 verb #2,500 le plus courant 12 min de lecture

queimar

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces queimar en 30 secondes
Explication queimar in your Level:
At the A1 level, your primary goal with the verb 'queimar' is to understand its most basic, literal meaning: to burn something with fire or heat. As a beginner, you will encounter this word in simple, everyday contexts, mostly related to safety, cooking, and the sun. You should focus on the present tense conjugations, which are completely regular: eu queimo, tu queimas, ele/ela/você queima, nós queimamos, eles/elas/vocês queimam. This regularity makes it an easy verb to practice basic conjugation rules. At this stage, you will likely use it to describe simple actions, such as burning paper in a fireplace or warning someone that a surface is hot. For example, 'O fogo queima a madeira' (The fire burns the wood). You will also start to hear it in the negative imperative, such as 'Não queimes a comida!' (Don't burn the food!), which is a very common phrase in any household. Another critical usage for A1 learners is related to the sun. If you are traveling to a Portuguese-speaking country, knowing how to say 'O sol queima' (The sun burns) is essential for your comfort and safety. You don't need to worry about complex reflexive forms just yet; simply understanding that 'queimar' is associated with heat, fire, and damage is sufficient. Practice associating the word with visual cues like fire, hot stoves, and bright sunlight. Flashcards with pictures of a campfire or a burnt piece of toast can be very helpful. Also, try to learn a few basic nouns that often accompany 'queimar', such as 'fogo' (fire), 'sol' (sun), 'comida' (food), and 'papel' (paper). By mastering these simple associations and the present tense conjugation, you build a solid foundation for understanding more complex uses of 'queimar' as you progress to higher proficiency levels. Remember, at A1, keep it simple, literal, and focused on immediate, tangible concepts.
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As you reach the A2 level, your understanding of 'queimar' must expand beyond simple literal fire to include reflexive usage and broader everyday contexts. The most significant leap at this stage is mastering the reflexive form, 'queimar-se'. This is crucial because it allows you to talk about personal experiences and accidents. You need to be able to say 'Eu queimei-me' (I burned myself) when you touch a hot pan or stay in the sun too long. This requires practicing reflexive pronouns: me, te, se, nos, se. You will use this heavily in the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) to recount recent events: 'Ontem, eu queimei-me no fogão' (Yesterday, I burned myself on the stove). At the A2 level, you should also be comfortable using 'queimar' in the context of cooking and food preparation. You can describe how you ruined dinner: 'Eu queimei o arroz' (I burned the rice). Furthermore, you will start encountering 'queimar' in the context of household electronics. If a lightbulb goes out, you should know to say 'A lâmpada queimou' (The lightbulb burned out). This is a very common, practical application that doesn't involve actual fire but rather an electrical failure. To practice, try writing short diary entries about daily mishaps or summer activities, ensuring you use both the transitive ('queimar a comida') and reflexive ('queimar-se no sol') forms correctly. You should also practice the future tense with 'ir + infinitive', such as 'Vais queimar a mão!' (You are going to burn your hand!). This structure is vital for giving warnings. By the end of A2, 'queimar' should be a versatile tool in your vocabulary, allowing you to discuss cooking errors, minor injuries, sun exposure, and broken appliances with confidence and grammatical accuracy.
At the B1 level, your use of 'queimar' transitions from purely physical and literal descriptions to more abstract, figurative, and health-related contexts. You are now expected to handle the verb across various tenses, including the Imperfeito (past continuous) and the Subjuntivo (subjunctive), to express doubts, wishes, or ongoing past actions. A major new context for 'queimar' at this level is fitness and biology. You will frequently use it to talk about exercise and metabolism: 'Correr ajuda a queimar calorias' (Running helps to burn calories) or 'preciso de queimar gordura' (I need to burn fat). This is essential vocabulary for discussing health, diets, and gym routines. Additionally, you will start to understand and use basic figurative expressions. For instance, 'queimar tempo' (to burn/waste time) or 'queimar energia' (to burn energy, either literally or referring to hyperactive children). You should also be comfortable using the passive voice, such as 'A casa foi queimada' (The house was burned), which is common in news reports or storytelling. At B1, it is also crucial to firmly distinguish 'queimar' from its synonyms, particularly 'arder'. You must know that a wound 'arde' (stings), but a fire 'queima' (burns/destroys). To practice, try reading health and lifestyle articles in Portuguese; you will spot 'queimar' frequently. Engage in conversations about fitness goals or environmental issues, such as forest fires ('queimar a floresta'). Practice forming conditional sentences: 'Se deixares o bolo no forno, ele vai queimar' (If you leave the cake in the oven, it will burn). By mastering these broader contexts and more complex grammatical structures, your use of 'queimar' will sound much more natural and native-like, reflecting an intermediate level of fluency and comprehension.
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Reaching the B2 level means you are ready to explore the rich idiomatic and colloquial landscape of 'queimar'. At this stage of upper-intermediate proficiency, you should already be perfectly comfortable with the literal, reflexive, and basic figurative uses. Now, the focus shifts to slang, professional jargon, and nuanced social expressions. A key idiom to master is 'queimar o filme' (literally 'to burn the film'), which is widely used, especially in Brazil, to mean ruining one's reputation, embarrassing oneself, or spoiling an opportunity. 'Ele bebeu demais na festa e queimou o filme com o chefe' (He drank too much at the party and ruined his image with the boss). Another important expression is 'queimar pestanas' (to burn eyelashes), which means to study very hard or read late into the night. You will also encounter 'queimar etapas' (to skip steps/stages), used in professional or project management contexts when someone rushes a process. At B2, you should be reading more complex texts, such as opinion pieces, literature, and detailed news reports, where 'queimar' might be used metaphorically to describe intense emotions or destructive political actions. You must also be adept at using 'queimar' in all subjunctive tenses, expressing hypothetical situations seamlessly: 'Mesmo que ele queime a carta, eu sei o que estava escrito' (Even if he burns the letter, I know what was written). To practice, incorporate these idioms into your speaking and writing. Watch Portuguese movies or series and listen for expressions like 'queimar o filme'. Try to debate topics like the environment, using advanced vocabulary related to 'queimar combustíveis fósseis' (burning fossil fuels). Your goal at B2 is to use 'queimar' not just to describe physical reality, but to navigate social situations, express abstract concepts, and sound culturally integrated.
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At the C1 advanced level, your command of 'queimar' must be precise, nuanced, and stylistically adaptable. You are no longer just learning new meanings; you are refining your ability to choose the exact right word for the exact right context, distinguishing 'queimar' from a wide array of advanced synonyms like 'incendiar', 'chamuscar', 'torrar', 'abrasar', and 'calcinar'. You should understand the subtle differences in tone and scale that these words convey. For example, knowing when a writer uses 'abrasar' for poetic effect instead of the standard 'queimar'. At this level, you will encounter 'queimar' in complex literary metaphors, describing consuming passions, the destruction of ideals, or the passage of time. You will also use it in high-level professional or academic discourse, such as discussing the economic concept of 'queimar capital' (burning through capital) or the environmental impact of 'queimar biomassa' (burning biomass). Furthermore, you should be fully comfortable with regional variations and highly specific colloquialisms. In Portugal, you might hear 'queimar os últimos cartuchos' (to burn the last cartridges), meaning to make a final effort or use one's last resources. You must be able to deploy these idioms naturally in spontaneous conversation without hesitation. To maintain and improve this level, read classic and contemporary Portuguese literature, paying attention to how authors manipulate verbs of destruction and heat. Engage in deep, abstract discussions where you can use 'queimar' metaphorically. Your writing should demonstrate a sophisticated control of syntax, seamlessly integrating 'queimar' into complex clauses, passive constructions, and varied subjunctive moods. At C1, 'queimar' is a tool for elegant, precise, and culturally resonant expression.
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At the C2 mastery level, your understanding and application of 'queimar' are virtually indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You possess a deep etymological awareness and an intuitive grasp of the word's historical and cultural resonance within the Lusophone world. You understand how 'queimar' functions not just as a verb, but as a cultural signifier in literature, history, and sociology. For instance, you comprehend the historical weight of phrases related to the Inquisition ('queimar na fogueira' - burning at the stake) and how that imagery permeates modern metaphors for public shaming or cancel culture. You are adept at creating your own novel metaphors using 'queimar', manipulating its semantics to fit highly specific, complex, or poetic thoughts. You effortlessly navigate the most obscure regional idioms and historical expressions across different Portuguese-speaking countries. You can critically analyze a text and explain why an author chose 'queimar' over 'incendiar' or 'chamuscar' to achieve a specific rhetorical effect. At this level, practice involves continuous immersion in high-level media: academic journals, philosophical essays, and classic poetry. You should be able to write a persuasive essay or deliver a formal speech using 'queimar' in its most abstract, intellectual senses—such as discussing the 'burning' of cultural heritage or the 'combustion' of political movements. Your mastery means you never make a mistake with its transitivity, reflexive forms, or prepositional collocations, and you can correct and explain these nuances to lower-level learners. 'Queimar' is fully integrated into your linguistic subconscious, ready to be deployed with absolute precision, creativity, and cultural depth.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

queimar en 30 secondes

  • Literal combustion: Fire destroying wood, paper, or buildings.
  • Culinary errors: Overcooking food until it is charred and black.
  • Physical injuries: Getting a sunburn or touching a hot stove (queimar-se).
  • Technical failures: When electronics or lightbulbs stop working due to heat/electricity.
The Portuguese verb 'queimar' is a highly versatile and essential word in the language, primarily translating to 'to burn' in English. At its most fundamental level, it refers to the process of combustion, where fire consumes a material, producing heat, light, and ashes. However, the scope of 'queimar' extends far beyond literal fire, encompassing a wide array of physical and figurative transformations caused by heat, friction, energy expenditure, or even social damage. Understanding 'queimar' requires exploring its multiple dimensions. Physically, it describes the action of fire destroying objects, such as wood in a fireplace or paper in an incinerator.

A fogueira vai queimar toda a madeira rapidamente.

Beyond literal fire, it is extensively used in culinary contexts to describe overcooking food to the point of it becoming charred or inedible. If you leave a cake in the oven for too long, it will burn.

Cuidado para não queimar o arroz no fogão.

Another extremely common physical application is related to the sun and skin. When exposed to intense ultraviolet rays without adequate protection, the skin burns, a process described using the reflexive form 'queimar-se'.

Fui à praia sem protetor e acabei por me queimar muito.

In the realm of electronics and mechanics, 'queimar' takes on the meaning of a component failing due to overheating or an electrical short circuit. A blown fuse, a broken lightbulb, or a fried motherboard are all described as having burned.

A lâmpada da sala acabou de queimar ontem à noite.

Moving into the biological and fitness domains, 'queimar' is the standard verb for burning calories or fat during exercise, representing the metabolic consumption of energy.

Correr todos os dias ajuda a queimar muitas calorias.

Figuratively, the verb is rich with meaning. It can mean to ruin someone's reputation or to compromise a situation. If you 'burn' a contact, you have ruined that relationship. In slang, 'queimar o filme' means to embarrass oneself or ruin one's image.
Literal Meaning
To undergo or cause combustion; to be consumed by fire.
Culinary Meaning
To overcook food until it is charred and tastes bitter.
Figurative Meaning
To destroy a reputation, waste an opportunity, or expend energy.
The versatility of 'queimar' makes it indispensable for learners. Whether you are warning someone about a hot stove, explaining why your computer won't turn on, or discussing your new workout routine, this verb is at the core of the expression. It is a regular verb ending in -ar, making its conjugation straightforward, but its wide semantic range requires careful attention to context. Mastering 'queimar' involves recognizing these subtle shifts from literal combustion to metaphorical destruction, energy use, and mechanical failure, enriching your Portuguese vocabulary significantly.
Using the verb 'queimar' correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior, specifically its transitivity, its reflexive usage, and its integration into various idiomatic structures. Grammatically, 'queimar' is a regular verb belonging to the first conjugation group (verbs ending in -ar). This means it follows predictable patterns across all tenses and moods, which is a relief for learners. However, its usage patterns are what demand attention. 'Queimar' can function as a transitive verb, an intransitive verb, and a pronominal/reflexive verb. As a direct transitive verb, it requires a direct object—something that is being burned by the subject.

O agricultor decidiu queimar as folhas secas no quintal.

In this case, 'as folhas secas' is the direct object receiving the action. It can also be used intransitively, where the burning is an ongoing state or action without a specific object being acted upon by an external agent, though this is less common than its transitive or reflexive forms.

A fogueira continuou a queimar durante toda a noite.

The reflexive form, 'queimar-se', is extremely prevalent and crucial for everyday communication. It is used when the subject inflicts a burn upon themselves, either accidentally or as a natural consequence of exposure.

Ela foi cozinhar e acabou por se queimar no forno.

This reflexive structure is the standard way to talk about sunburns, touching hot pans, or getting scalded by hot water.

Se não usares chapéu, vais te queimar sob este sol forte.

Furthermore, 'queimar' is frequently used in passive constructions, especially when discussing historical events or accidents where the agent is unknown or less important than the object that was destroyed.

Muitos documentos importantes foram queimados durante o incêndio.

Transitive Usage
Subject + queimar + Direct Object (e.g., Eu queimo o papel).
Reflexive Usage
Subject + reflexive pronoun + queimar (e.g., Eu queimo-me no sol).
Intransitive Usage
Subject + queimar (e.g., A madeira queima bem).
When dealing with figurative language, the syntax remains the same, but the objects change. For instance, 'queimar etapas' (to skip steps) is a common transitive expression used in professional or developmental contexts. 'Queimar o filme' (to ruin one's reputation) is another transitive slang expression. It is also important to note the pronunciation: the 'quei' is pronounced as a diphthong /kei/, and the 'm' nasalizes the preceding 'a' slightly in some dialects before the final 'r'. By mastering these syntactic structures, learners can confidently deploy 'queimar' across its vast spectrum of meanings, from the kitchen to the beach, and from the gym to the office, ensuring accurate and natural-sounding Portuguese.
The verb 'queimar' is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking environments, echoing through various settings from the domestic sphere to professional and recreational contexts. Because it covers literal fire, cooking, electronics, fitness, and social reputation, you will encounter this word daily. In the kitchen, it is a constant presence. Cooking shows, family dinners, and restaurant kitchens frequently use 'queimar' to warn about the state of the food.

Abaixa o fogo, senão vais queimar a cebola toda.

You will hear parents warning children about hot stoves, irons, or boiling water.

Não toques no ferro de engomar, podes te queimar!

During the summer, especially in coastal countries like Portugal and Brazil, 'queimar' dominates conversations at the beach. Discussions about sunscreen, tanning, and the intensity of the sun inevitably involve this verb.

O sol do meio-dia é perigoso, vai te queimar em minutos.

In the realm of technology and household maintenance, 'queimar' is the go-to word for electrical failures. If you call an electrician or IT support, you will likely use this word.

Houve um pico de energia e o meu computador acabou por queimar.

The fitness industry also relies heavily on 'queimar'. Gym instructors, fitness apps, and health articles constantly talk about burning calories and fat to achieve health goals.

Este treino de alta intensidade é excelente para queimar gordura.

Domestic Context
Used constantly in kitchens and around the house to warn of heat dangers.
Recreational Context
Heard at beaches regarding sunburns, and in gyms regarding calorie expenditure.
Technical Context
The standard term for blown fuses, broken appliances, and fried electronics.
Beyond these physical contexts, 'queimar' is deeply embedded in social and professional jargon. In office environments, you might hear about someone 'burning' an opportunity or 'burning' a bridge with a client. In informal social gatherings, gossip might involve someone who 'burned their movie' (queimou o filme), meaning they embarrassed themselves or ruined their reputation. News broadcasts use it when reporting on wildfires (incêndios florestais), which are unfortunately common in Portugal and Brazil, discussing how many hectares were burned. Because its applications are so diverse, tuning your ear to 'queimar' will significantly improve your comprehension of everyday Portuguese, allowing you to navigate conversations about cooking, health, technology, and social dynamics with ease.
While 'queimar' is a regular and frequently used verb, learners often stumble over its nuances, particularly when distinguishing it from similar verbs or when navigating its reflexive forms. One of the most prevalent mistakes is confusing 'queimar' with 'arder'. In English, both can sometimes be translated as 'to burn', but in Portuguese, they describe different aspects of fire and heat. 'Queimar' is the action of consuming or destroying something with fire or heat, often requiring a direct object or used reflexively for injuries. 'Arder', on the other hand, describes the state of being on fire, glowing, or producing a stinging, burning sensation.

Incorreto: A ferida está a queimar. (The wound is burning/stinging).

Correto: A ferida está a arder. (The wound is stinging).

Another common error involves the omission of the reflexive pronoun when talking about personal burns. Learners often translate directly from English 'I burned in the sun' to 'Eu queimei no sol', which sounds incomplete or implies you burned something else in the sun.

Incorreto: Eu queimei no sol ontem à tarde.

Correto: Eu queimei-me no sol ontem à tarde.

Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 'queimar' with 'incendiar'. While 'queimar' is a general term for burning, 'incendiar' specifically means to set fire to a building, forest, or large structure, often intentionally or catastrophically. You can 'queimar' a piece of paper, but you 'incendiar' a house.

Incorreto: O criminoso decidiu queimar o prédio inteiro.

(While understandable, 'incendiar' is much more accurate here).
Queimar vs Arder
Queimar is the action of destruction by heat; Arder is the state of being on fire or a stinging physical sensation.
Reflexive Omission
Failing to use 'se' when the subject receives the burn (e.g., sunburns, touching hot pans).
Queimar vs Incendiar
Using queimar for large-scale arson instead of the more precise incendiar.
Another subtle mistake is related to electronics. English speakers might say 'the TV broke', and translate it to 'a TV partiu' (shattered). If the TV stopped working due to an internal electrical issue, the correct Portuguese expression is 'a TV queimou'. By paying attention to these distinctions—especially the reflexive requirement for personal injuries and the semantic boundary between 'queimar' and 'arder'—learners can avoid the most common pitfalls and speak Portuguese with much greater precision and natural fluency.
The Portuguese vocabulary surrounding fire, heat, and destruction is rich and nuanced. While 'queimar' is the most general and widely used verb for 'to burn', several other verbs share similar meanings but are used in more specific contexts. Understanding these synonyms and related terms will elevate your Portuguese from basic to advanced. The most closely related word is 'arder', which means to be on fire, to flame, or to sting. As discussed in common mistakes, 'arder' focuses on the state of burning or the sensation, rather than the destructive action.

A floresta continuou a arder durante dias após o raio.

Another crucial synonym is 'incendiar', which translates to 'to set fire to' or 'to ignite'. It implies a large-scale, often destructive fire, such as a building or a forest, and carries a heavier, more dramatic connotation than 'queimar'.

Os vândalos tentaram incendiar os caixotes do lixo na rua.

For culinary contexts, 'torrar' is an excellent specific synonym. It means to toast or to roast until dark, and when overdone, it means to burn to a crisp. You 'torrar' coffee beans or bread.

Deixei as torradas na máquina e acabei por torrar o pão.

'Chamuscar' is a more delicate verb, meaning to singe or to scorch slightly. It is used when only the surface or the edges of something are burned, like hair or the edges of a piece of paper.

A vela caiu e chegou a chamuscar a toalha da mesa.

'Abrasar' is a poetic or intense synonym meaning to reduce to embers, to make red-hot, or figuratively, to inflame with passion.

O sol do deserto parecia abrasar a terra seca.

Arder
To be in flames; to produce a stinging sensation.
Incendiar
To set ablaze; used for large fires like buildings or forests.
Torrar
To toast or roast, often to the point of burning; used for food or figuratively for wasting money.
In figurative slang, 'torrar' is also used to mean wasting money ('torrar dinheiro') or annoying someone ('torrar a paciência'). 'Inflamar' is another related word, meaning to ignite or to become inflamed, used both for literal combustion of gases and for medical inflammation or inciting a crowd. By incorporating words like arder, incendiar, torrar, and chamuscar into your vocabulary, you can express the exact degree, intent, and context of heat and fire, making your Portuguese much more descriptive and accurate.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Reflexive Verbs (Verbos Pronominais)

Regular -ar Verb Conjugation in the Pretérito Perfeito

Passive Voice (Voz Passiva)

Future with Ir + Infinitive

Use of Prepositions with Verbs (queimar no forno, queimar com o ferro)

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Exemples par niveau

1

O fogo vai queimar a madeira.

The fire will burn the wood.

Present tense or future with 'ir'. 'Queimar' is a regular -ar verb.

2

Eu não quero queimar o pão.

I don't want to burn the bread.

Infinitive form used after the conjugated verb 'querer'.

3

O sol queima muito hoje.

The sun burns a lot today.

Third-person singular present tense.

4

Cuidado para não queimar a mão.

Careful not to burn your hand.

Infinitive used in a warning phrase.

5

Ele queima o papel no lixo.

He burns the paper in the trash.

Third-person singular present tense.

6

Nós queimamos as folhas secas.

We burn the dry leaves.

First-person plural present tense.

7

A sopa está quente, vai queimar!

The soup is hot, it will burn!

Future tense with 'ir' + infinitive.

8

Eles queimam a lenha no inverno.

They burn firewood in the winter.

Third-person plural present tense.

1

Eu queimei-me no forno ontem.

I burned myself on the oven yesterday.

First-person singular, Pretérito Perfeito, reflexive form 'queimei-me'.

2

A lâmpada da cozinha queimou.

The kitchen lightbulb burned out.

Third-person singular, Pretérito Perfeito. Used for electronics.

3

Tu queimaste a camisa com o ferro?

Did you burn the shirt with the iron?

Second-person singular, Pretérito Perfeito.

4

Se não usares protetor, vais te queimar.

If you don't use sunscreen, you will burn yourself.

Future with 'ir' + reflexive pronoun 'te'.

5

O bolo queimou porque esqueci o tempo.

The cake burned because I forgot the time.

Third-person singular, Pretérito Perfeito.

6

Ela queima-se facilmente ao sol.

She burns easily in the sun.

Third-person singular, present tense, reflexive.

7

Nós quase queimamos o jantar.

We almost burned dinner.

First-person plural, Pretérito Perfeito (spelled same as present).

8

Não te queimes nessa panela quente!

Don't burn yourself on that hot pan!

Negative imperative, reflexive form.

1

Correr todos os dias ajuda a queimar calorias.

Running every day helps to burn calories.

Infinitive used in a health/fitness context.

2

A casa foi queimada durante o incêndio florestal.

The house was burned during the forest fire.

Passive voice: 'foi queimada' (past participle agrees with feminine subject).

3

Eu estava a queimar os documentos velhos.

I was burning the old documents.

Past continuous (estar a + infinitive).

4

O motor do carro queimou na autoestrada.

The car's engine burned out on the highway.

Pretérito Perfeito used for mechanical failure.

5

Eles querem queimar a floresta para plantar soja.

They want to burn the forest to plant soy.

Infinitive used after 'querer'.

6

Se eu fosse a ti, não queimava essa ponte.

If I were you, I wouldn't burn that bridge.

Pretérito Imperfeito used in a conditional/figurative sense.

7

O meu computador queimou por causa da trovoada.

My computer burned out because of the thunderstorm.

Pretérito Perfeito for electronic failure due to external causes.

8

Precisamos de queimar esta energia acumulada.

We need to burn this accumulated energy.

Infinitive used figuratively for expending energy.

1

Ele queimou o filme com o diretor da empresa.

He ruined his reputation with the company director.

Idiomatic expression 'queimar o filme' in the Pretérito Perfeito.

2

Estudantes costumam queimar pestanas antes dos exames.

Students usually burn the midnight oil before exams.

Idiomatic expression 'queimar pestanas' (to study hard).

3

Não podemos queimar etapas neste projeto complexo.

We cannot skip steps in this complex project.

Figurative use 'queimar etapas' meaning to skip necessary phases.

4

Mesmo que ele queime as provas, a verdade aparecerá.

Even if he burns the evidence, the truth will appear.

Present Subjunctive 'queime' after 'mesmo que'.

5

A manifestação terminou com ativistas a queimar pneus.

The protest ended with activists burning tires.

Preposition 'a' + infinitive for continuous action in PT-PT.

6

O escândalo acabou por queimar a carreira do político.

The scandal ended up destroying the politician's career.

Figurative use meaning to destroy a career or reputation.

7

Ela sentiu o rosto a queimar de vergonha.

She felt her face burning with shame.

Figurative use for intense emotion/blushing.

8

O fusível queimou-se devido a uma sobrecarga elétrica.

The fuse blew due to an electrical overload.

Reflexive past tense used for technical components.

1

O governo está a queimar capital político com estas medidas.

The government is burning political capital with these measures.

Advanced figurative use 'queimar capital político'.

2

Ele decidiu queimar os últimos cartuchos na negociação.

He decided to use his last resorts in the negotiation.

Idiom 'queimar os últimos cartuchos' (to make a final effort).

3

A paixão que os unia acabou por os queimar por dentro.

The passion that united them ended up burning them inside.

Literary/metaphorical use of the verb.

4

É imperativo que não queimemos as nossas reservas financeiras.

It is imperative that we do not burn through our financial reserves.

Present Subjunctive 'queimemos' in a formal structure.

5

O sol inclemente parecia queimar a própria alma da terra.

The unforgiving sun seemed to burn the very soul of the earth.

Poetic/literary personification.

6

Queimada a largada, o projeto estava condenado ao fracasso.

Having jumped the gun, the project was doomed to failure.

Past participle 'queimada' used in an absolute clause (idiom: queimar a largada).

7

A crítica literária queimou o novo romance do autor.

The literary critics trashed the author's new novel.

Figurative use meaning to harshly criticize or destroy the reputation of a work.

8

Eles estão a queimar dinheiro numa startup sem futuro.

They are burning money on a startup with no future.

Colloquial/business expression 'queimar dinheiro' (to waste money).

1

A inquisição usava o pretexto da heresia para queimar opositores na fogueira.

The Inquisition used the pretext of heresy to burn opponents at the stake.

Historical context, literal but culturally heavy usage.

2

A sua retórica inflamada serviu apenas para queimar as pontes do diálogo.

His inflamed rhetoric served only to burn the bridges of dialogue.

Advanced metaphorical integration with 'pontes do diálogo'.

3

Num ato de iconoclastia, a multidão decidiu queimar os símbolos do antigo regime.

In an act of iconoclasm, the crowd decided to burn the symbols of the old regime.

Sociopolitical context, formal vocabulary.

4

O escândalo financeiro calcinou a sua imagem pública, queimando-o irremediavelmente.

The financial scandal calcined his public image, burning him irremediably.

Gerund 'queimando-o' used for consequence, paired with synonym 'calcinar'.

5

Queimem-se as naus, pois não haverá recuo nesta empreitada.

Let the ships be burned, for there will be no retreat in this endeavor.

Passive imperative 'Queimem-se' referencing the historical idiom of burning ships.

6

A hiperinflação acabou por queimar as poupanças de uma geração inteira.

Hyperinflation ended up incinerating the savings of an entire generation.

Economic metaphor for rapid devaluation/loss.

7

Ele vive a vida a queimar a vela por ambas as extremidades.

He lives life burning the candle at both ends.

Direct translation of an English idiom that is understood and used in advanced PT.

8

O sol poente parecia queimar o horizonte numa explosão de tons rubros.

The setting sun seemed to burn the horizon in an explosion of ruby tones.

Highly descriptive, literary prose.

Collocations courantes

queimar calorias
queimar gordura
queimar o filme
queimar etapas
queimar a língua
queimar pestanas
queimar dinheiro
queimar pontes
queimar a largada
deixar queimar

Phrases Courantes

vai queimar!
cuidado para não te queimares
queimou a lâmpada
queimar o pão
queimar no sol
queimar o motor
queimar a pele
cheira a queimado
queimar o jantar
queimar a cara

Souvent confondu avec

queimar vs arder

queimar vs incendiar

queimar vs aquecer

Expressions idiomatiques

"queimar o filme"
"queimar pestanas"
"queimar etapas"
"queimar as pontes"
"queimar a largada"
"queimar os últimos cartuchos"
"ter dinheiro a queimar"
"queimar a língua"
"ir queimar"
"queimar o chão"

Facile à confondre

queimar vs arder

queimar vs incendiar

queimar vs aquecer

queimar vs assar

queimar vs torrar

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

register shifts

'Queimar' is perfectly acceptable in formal writing when referring to literal fire, but figurative uses like 'queimar o filme' should be restricted to informal speech.

regional differences

'Queimar o filme' is predominantly Brazilian. In Portugal, 'queimar as fitas' refers specifically to the university graduation festival.

literal vs figurative

Literal use is extremely common, but the figurative uses (reputation, electronics, calories) are just as frequent in daily life.

Erreurs courantes
  • Confusing 'queimar' (to destroy by fire) with 'arder' (to sting or be on fire).
  • Forgetting the reflexive pronoun when talking about sunburns or accidental burns (saying 'eu queimei' instead of 'eu queimei-me').
  • Using 'queimar' when a TV screen physically shatters, instead of when it breaks internally due to electrical failure.
  • Using 'queimar' for spicy food burning the mouth, instead of 'arder' or 'picar'.
  • Trying to apply irregular conjugation rules to it; 'queimar' is 100% regular.

Astuces

Always Use Reflexive for Personal Burns

When you accidentally burn yourself on a stove or in the sun, you must use the reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos). Saying 'Eu queimei no sol' sounds like you burned an object in the sun. Say 'Eu queimei-me'.

Electronics Use 'Queimar'

If your phone charger, TV, or lightbulb stops working, don't use the verb 'partir' (to break/shatter) unless it is physically smashed. Use 'queimar' to indicate it died electronically.

Master 'Queimar o Filme'

If you want to sound like a native, especially in Brazil, use 'queimar o filme' when someone does something embarrassing that ruins their image. It's a fun, highly recognizable slang.

Stress the Final Syllable

Because it ends in 'r', the stress in the infinitive 'queimar' falls on the last syllable: quei-MAR. Make sure not to stress the first syllable, or it might sound like a conjugated form.

Arder vs Queimar

Remember the golden rule: if it's a physical stinging sensation (like alcohol on a cut), it's 'arder'. If it's destruction by heat or fire, it's 'queimar'.

Gym Vocabulary

If you like going to the gym, 'queimar calorias' and 'queimar gordura' are essential phrases. You will see them on treadmill screens and hear them from personal trainers.

Kitchen Warnings

In the kitchen, use the negative imperative 'Não queimes!' (Don't burn!) to warn someone watching the food. It's a very common daily interaction.

No Spelling Changes

Unlike some verbs that change 'c' to 'qu' or 'g' to 'gu', 'queimar' is perfectly regular. The stem 'queim-' remains exactly the same across every single conjugation.

Summer News

During the summer months, watch the Portuguese or Brazilian news. You will hear 'queimar' constantly in reports about 'incêndios' (wildfires), helping you understand passive voice structures.

Burning Bridges

Just like in English, you can say 'queimar pontes' to mean destroying relationships or paths of return. It translates perfectly and is understood in professional contexts.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

'KAY-mar' sounds like 'K, mar' (Okay, sea). Imagine saying 'Okay, sea, cool me down because the sun is going to QUEIMAR me!'

Origine du mot

From Latin 'cremare', meaning to burn or consume by fire.

Contexte culturel

In Angolan Portuguese, 'queimar' can sometimes be used in street slang to mean running away fast or driving very fast.

In Brazil, the slang 'queimar o filme' (to burn the film) is universally understood to mean ruining your reputation. Also, 'queimada' is a popular schoolyard game similar to dodgeball.

In Portugal, 'queimar as fitas' (burning of the ribbons) is a massive, traditional university festival celebrating the end of the academic year, especially famous in Coimbra.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Já alguma vez queimaste o jantar quando tinhas convidados?"

"Costumas queimar-te muito quando vais à praia?"

"Qual foi a última coisa eletrónica que queimou na tua casa?"

"Achas que é fácil queimar o filme no teu ambiente de trabalho?"

"Quantas calorias costumas queimar no ginásio?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escreve sobre uma vez em que tentaste cozinhar algo e acabou por queimar.

Descreve a tua rotina de verão para evitar queimar a pele ao sol.

Conta uma história sobre alguém que 'queimou o filme' numa situação social.

Qual é a tua opinião sobre as queimadas florestais no verão?

Como te sentes quando um aparelho eletrónico caro queima de repente?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

'Queimar' refers to the action of fire destroying something or the act of burning an object. It can be transitive (I burn the paper). 'Arder' refers to the state of being on fire or producing a stinging sensation (The wound burns/stings). You cannot say 'I arder the paper'.

You use the reflexive form of 'queimar'. In Portugal, you say 'Eu queimei-me no sol'. In Brazil, it is common to say 'Eu me queimei no sol'. You can also say 'Apanhei um escaldão' in Portugal.

Yes, absolutely. This is the most common way to say an electronic device stopped working due to an internal fault or power surge. You say 'A televisão queimou' or 'A lâmpada queimou'.

Yes, 'queimar' is a completely regular verb ending in -ar. It follows the standard conjugation rules for all tenses and moods without any spelling changes in its stem.

It is a very common informal idiom, especially in Brazil, that means to ruin one's reputation, to embarrass oneself, or to make a bad impression. For example, 'Ele chegou atrasado e queimou o filme'.

The direct translation is used: 'queimar calorias'. This is the standard terminology used in gyms, fitness apps, and health discussions in Portuguese.

No. If food is spicy and makes your mouth burn, you should use 'arder' or 'picar'. You would say 'A pimenta arde na boca'. 'Queimar' would mean the food is physically too hot in temperature and damaged your tongue.

'Queimada' is a noun derived from 'queimar'. It usually refers to a forest fire or the agricultural practice of slash-and-burn. In Brazil, it is also the name of a popular children's game similar to dodgeball.

Yes, in colloquial speech, you can say 'queimar dinheiro' (to burn money), meaning to spend it wastefully or invest it in something useless. 'Torrar dinheiro' is also very common for this.

You can say 'Cuidado, o prato está quente, vais te queimar!' (Careful, the plate is hot, you will burn yourself!). This uses the future tense with the reflexive pronoun.

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