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A2 noun #6,000 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

vela

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces vela en 30 secondes
Explication vela in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'vela' is introduced as a basic noun for 'candle'. Students learn it in the context of birthdays and basic household items. You will likely see it in the sentence 'A vela é branca' (The candle is white) or 'Eu tenho uma vela' (I have a candle). At this stage, the focus is on the object's physical properties—it is made of wax, it provides light, and it is used when there is no electricity. It's a feminine noun ('a vela'), which is a standard pattern for words ending in '-a'. Students should focus on simple verbs like 'ter' (to have) and 'ver' (to see). The connection to 'velar' (to watch over) is not yet introduced, nor are the nautical or mechanical meanings. The goal is simply to identify the object in a room or on a cake.
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At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'vela' to include common verbs and social situations. This is where you learn 'acender a vela' (to light the candle) and 'apagar a vela' (to blow out/extinguish the candle). You also begin to see 'vela' in the context of hobbies, specifically 'vela' as 'sailing'. A 'barco a vela' (sailboat) is a common vocabulary item for travel and leisure topics. You might also encounter the idiom 'segurar a vela' (to be a third wheel), as A2 levels start introducing basic idiomatic expressions. The focus here is on interaction: what do you do with a candle? You light it, you blow it out, or you buy it at the supermarket. You also learn to describe it with more adjectives like 'cheirosa' (scented) or 'derretida' (melted).
At the B1 level, 'vela' becomes more technical and metaphorical. Learners are expected to understand the nautical use in more detail, including verbs like 'içar as velas' (to hoist the sails). This level also introduces the mechanical meaning: 'velas de ignição' (spark plugs). If you are reading a story about a car breaking down or a maritime adventure, you need to distinguish which 'vela' is being discussed based on the context. You might also see 'vela' in religious contexts, such as describing a 'procissão de velas' (candlelight procession), which is a significant cultural element in Portugal and Brazil. The grammar becomes more complex, using 'vela' in passive voice or with relative clauses: 'A vela que eu acendi ontem já acabou' (The candle that I lit yesterday is already finished).
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At the B2 level, 'vela' appears in more formal and idiomatic Portuguese. You might encounter the verb 'velar', which means to stay awake, to watch over, or to keep a vigil. While 'vela' is the noun, the relationship between 'vela' (candle) and 'velar' (vigil) becomes clearer. You'll understand expressions like 'estar de vela' (to be on watch). In literature, 'vela' might be used metaphorically to represent hope or a small light in the darkness. You are also expected to handle the plural forms of compound words if they arise and use the word in professional contexts, such as discussing 'desportos de vela' (sailing sports) in a marketing or news context. Your ability to distinguish nuances between 'vela', 'tocha', and 'círio' should be well-developed at this stage.
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At the C1 level, you explore the deep etymological roots and literary uses of 'vela'. You might read classical Portuguese literature (like Camões or Fernando Pessoa) where 'velas' are central symbols of the Age of Discovery, representing the expansion of the Portuguese Empire. The word takes on a romantic and historical weight. You also learn obscure idioms and technical jargon. For example, 'vela' in a medical or historical sense might refer to a 'vigília'. You can discuss the socio-economic impact of 'indústria das velas' in religious tourism. At this level, you should be able to write a detailed essay about maritime history or a technical report on engine components using 'vela' with perfect precision and varied synonyms like 'velame' or 'ignição'.
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At the C2 level, 'vela' is used with total native-like fluidity, including puns, complex metaphors, and archaic references. You understand the subtle difference between 'velar por alguém' (to look after someone) and how it relates to the 'vela' that burns through the night. You can appreciate poetry where 'velas' might represent the soul or the passing of time. You are comfortable with highly technical nautical terms where 'vela' is just one part of a complex system (e.g., 'vela de estai', 'vela latina'). You can engage in high-level debates about the ethics of religious offerings or the engineering of modern combustion engines. The word 'vela' is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a tool for nuanced expression across all registers of the Portuguese language.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

vela en 30 secondes

  • Vela primarily means 'candle' in Portuguese, used for light, birthdays, or religious offerings in churches and shrines.
  • It also means 'sail', referring to the large fabric sheets on boats that capture wind for propulsion.
  • In a mechanical context, 'vela' refers to a spark plug in a car's engine, crucial for starting the vehicle.
  • The phrase 'segurar a vela' is a common idiom meaning to be a 'third wheel' in a social setting.

The Portuguese word vela is a fascinating example of a polysemous noun—a word with multiple distinct meanings that are all commonly used in daily life. At its most basic level, taught at the A2 level, it refers to a candle. However, its utility extends far beyond the dinner table or a birthday cake. Understanding 'vela' requires looking at three primary domains: illumination, navigation, and mechanics.

A Vela de Cera (The Candle)
This is the primary meaning. Whether it is a decorative scented candle in a living room or a votive candle in a cathedral like Fátima, the word remains the same. In Portuguese culture, candles are deeply tied to religious traditions and celebrations. When the power goes out (uma falta de luz), the first thing a Portuguese family looks for is a 'vela'.

Apaga a vela antes de saíres do quarto para não haver perigo de incêndio.

A Vela de Navegação (The Sail)
Historically, Portugal is a seafaring nation. The 'vela' is the sail of a ship. This usage is vital in historical contexts and sports. Phrases like 'navegar à vela' (to sail) highlight the importance of wind power. This meaning comes from the Latin 'vela', the plural of 'velum'.

O barco de vela deslizava suavemente pelo Rio Tejo durante o pôr do sol.

A Vela do Motor (The Spark Plug)
If you are at a mechanic in Lisbon or Luanda, 'vela' refers to the spark plug of an internal combustion engine. It is the component that 'ignites' the fuel mixture, drawing a metaphor from the flame of a candle. If your car won't start, the mechanic might say, 'As velas estão sujas' (The spark plugs are dirty).

O mecânico recomendou trocar as velas do carro a cada vinte mil quilómetros.

Eles começaram a namorar e eu fiquei ali a segurar a vela.

Beyond these, 'vela' can also relate to 'vigil' or 'watching' (from the verb 'velar'). In literary Portuguese, 'estar de vela' means to be on guard or keeping watch through the night. This multifaceted nature makes it a high-frequency word that adapts to the environment it is used in, from the spiritual silence of a church to the grease of a garage or the salty air of the Atlantic.

Using 'vela' correctly involves choosing the right verbs to accompany it depending on the context. Because 'vela' can be a candle, a sail, or a spark plug, the surrounding vocabulary is what clarifies the meaning for the listener.

With Candles (Iluminação)
Use 'acender' (to light), 'apagar' (to extinguish/blow out), and 'derreter' (to melt). When talking about birthdays, we use 'soprar as velas' (to blow out the candles).

A criança soprou todas as velas do bolo de uma só vez.

With Sails (Navegação)
Use 'içar' (to hoist/raise), 'recolher' (to pull in/furl), and 'ajustar' (to trim). A boat with sails is a 'barco a vela'.

O capitão ordenou que içassem a vela mestra para aproveitar o vento norte.

With Spark Plugs (Mecânica)
Use 'trocar' (to change), 'limpar' (to clean), or 'testar' (to test). In this context, it is almost always plural because engines usually have multiple spark plugs.

Se o motor estiver a falhar, pode ser um problema nas velas de ignição.

When describing the candle itself, you might use adjectives like 'aromática' (scented), 'decorativa' (decorative), or 'acesa' (lit). For sails, you might hear 'enfunada' (billowing/full of wind). For spark plugs, 'queimada' (burnt out) is common. Mastering these combinations allows you to transition between talking about a romantic dinner, a boat trip, or car maintenance seamlessly.

You will encounter 'vela' in various cultural and practical settings across the Lusophone world. Its presence in daily life is consistent but varies by location and situation.

At Home and Celebrations
In every Portuguese-speaking household, 'velas' are kept for birthdays and emergencies. At a birthday party, you'll hear the crowd shout, 'Sopra a vela!' after singing 'Parabéns a Você'. During a power cut, which can happen during winter storms in rural Portugal or during 'apagões' in Brazil, 'vela' becomes the most important word in the house.

Ficámos sem eletricidade, por isso acendemos uma vela na cozinha.

Religious and Spiritual Sites
Portugal is deeply Catholic. In shrines like Fátima, thousands of 'velas' are lit daily as offerings (promessas). You will see shops selling 'velas' of all sizes, some even shaped like body parts for specific healing prayers. The smell of melting wax is synonymous with these sacred spaces.

Fui ao santuário e acendi uma vela pela saúde da minha avó.

Coastal Cities and Marinas
In cities like Cascais, Lagos, or Rio de Janeiro, 'vela' is heard in the context of water sports. 'Escola de vela' (sailing school) is a common sight. You might hear weather reports discussing if the wind is good for 'vela'.

Finally, the automotive context is universal. Every 'oficina' (garage) uses the term. It's one of those technical words that every driver eventually learns. Whether in a shop, a church, a boat, or a garage, 'vela' is a constant presence in the Portuguese linguistic landscape.

While 'vela' is a relatively simple word, learners often stumble on its gender, its pluralization in compound terms, and confusing it with similar-sounding words.

Mistaking the Gender
Learners sometimes assume that because it ends in 'a', it's always easy, but they might accidentally say 'o vela' if they are thinking of 'o velame' (the set of sails). Remember: it is always 'a vela'.

Incorrect: O vela está aceso.
Correct: A vela está acesa.

Confusion with 'Venda' or 'Veia'
To the untrained ear, 'vela' can sound like 'venda' (sale/bandage) or 'veia' (vein). 'Vela' has a clear 'L' sound. Practice the 'L' placement behind the upper teeth to avoid saying 'veia' (way-ah).

Não confunda: Vela (candle) com Venda (sale).

The 'Third Wheel' Idiom
Learners often try to translate 'third wheel' literally as 'terceira roda'. While understood, the natural way to say it is 'segurar a vela'. Using the literal English translation sounds non-native.

Another mistake is using 'vela' when you mean 'lanterna' (flashlight). Even though both provide light, a 'vela' always involves fire and wax. In some African Portuguese varieties, regionalisms might exist, but the core meaning remains the same. Always ensure the adjective agrees in gender: 'vela perfumada', not 'perfumado'.

Depending on whether you are talking about light, boats, or cars, there are several alternatives to 'vela' that can make your Portuguese sound more sophisticated.

Candeia vs. Vela
A 'candeia' is an oil lamp. While 'vela' uses solid wax, 'candeia' uses liquid fuel. It is more common in historical novels or rural settings. There is a famous proverb: 'De noite, à candeia, parece a bonita a feia' (At night, by the lamp, the ugly woman looks beautiful).
Tocha (Torch)
A 'tocha' is much larger than a 'vela'. Think of the Olympic torch or a medieval wall torch. It implies a larger flame and usually a wooden handle.
Velame (Sails/Set of Sails)
When referring to all the sails of a ship collectively, the word 'velame' is used. It is a collective noun. You would use this if you are describing a large galleon with many sails.

O navio tinha um velame impressionante que brilhava ao sol.

Cirio (Votive Candle)
A 'círio' is a large, thick candle used specifically in religious processions or ceremonies. The 'Círio de Nazaré' in Brazil is one of the world's largest religious festivals.

Choosing the right word depends on the scale and the fuel. Small and wax? 'Vela'. Large and wooden handle? 'Tocha'. Liquid fuel? 'Candeia' or 'lamparina'. Collectively on a boat? 'Velame'. Knowing these distinctions prevents you from sounding like a beginner who uses 'vela' for everything that glows.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The reason 'vela' means both 'candle' and 'sail' is due to two different Latin roots merging. The 'candle' meaning comes from 'vigilia' (watch/vigil) because candles were used to keep watch, while 'sail' comes from 'velum'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈvɛ.lɐ/
US /ˈvɛ.lə/
Stressed on the first syllable (VE-la).
Rime avec
Amarela Janela Bela Cela Fivela Tabela Aquela Magrela
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing the 'e' as a closed 'ê' (like 'vêla'). It should be open 'vèla'.
  • Confusing the 'L' with a 'W' sound as in some Brazilian dialects (ve-wa), though in 'vela' the L is usually clear.
  • Over-stressing the final 'a'.
  • Missing the 'v' sound and making it sound like 'bela' (common for Spanish speakers).
  • Making the 'e' sound like 'ei' (veila).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to identify in text due to frequent usage.

Écriture 2/5

Simple spelling, but remember the feminine gender.

Expression orale 3/5

Requires correct open 'e' sound to sound native.

Écoute 3/5

Must distinguish between candle, sail, and car part via context.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Luz Fogo Barco Carro Cera

Apprends ensuite

Pavio Içar Ignição Navegar Chama

Avancé

Velame Bruxuleante Círio Velejar Vigília

Grammaire à connaître

Feminine Nouns in -a

A vela, a mesa, a casa.

Compound Nouns with 'a'

Barco a vela (Boat powered by sail).

Preposition 'de' for purpose

Vela de aniversário (Candle for birthday).

Adjective Agreement

Vela acesa (not aceso).

Pluralization

Vela -> Velas.

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Exemples par niveau

1

A vela é amarela.

The candle is yellow.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

2

Eu tenho uma vela no meu quarto.

I have a candle in my bedroom.

Use of indefinite article 'uma'.

3

Onde está a vela?

Where is the candle?

Interrogative sentence.

4

A vela dá luz.

The candle gives light.

Present tense of 'dar'.

5

Ela compra uma vela.

She buys a candle.

Third person singular present.

6

A vela é pequena.

The candle is small.

Adjective agreement (feminine).

7

Não tenho uma vela.

I don't have a candle.

Negative sentence.

8

A vela está na mesa.

The candle is on the table.

Preposition 'na' (em + a).

1

Podes acender a vela, por favor?

Can you light the candle, please?

Polite request with 'podes'.

2

Ela soprou as velas do bolo.

She blew out the candles on the cake.

Past tense 'soprou'.

3

Nós vamos andar num barco a vela.

We are going to go on a sailboat.

Phrase 'barco a vela'.

4

A vela derreteu muito depressa.

The candle melted very quickly.

Verb 'derreter' in past tense.

5

Eu não gosto de segurar a vela.

I don't like being a third wheel.

Idiomatic use of 'segurar a vela'.

6

Precisamos de comprar velas novas.

We need to buy new candles.

Plural agreement.

7

A vela tem um cheiro muito bom.

The candle has a very good smell.

Describing scent.

8

Apaga a vela antes de dormir.

Blow out the candle before sleeping.

Imperative 'apaga'.

1

O marinheiro içou a vela principal.

The sailor hoisted the main sail.

Nautical vocabulary 'içar'.

2

O carro não arranca; talvez sejam as velas.

The car won't start; maybe it's the spark plugs.

Mechanical context.

3

Havia centenas de velas acesas na igreja.

There were hundreds of lit candles in the church.

Plural 'centenas de'.

4

A vela de ignição precisa de ser trocada.

The spark plug needs to be changed.

Passive construction.

5

Eles praticam vela todos os fins de semana.

They practice sailing every weekend.

Vela as a sport (uncountable here).

6

A cera da vela manchou a toalha.

The candle wax stained the tablecloth.

Noun 'cera'.

7

O vento rasgou a vela do navio.

The wind tore the ship's sail.

Verb 'rasgar'.

8

Ela acendeu uma vela por cada familiar.

She lit a candle for each family member.

Preposition 'por' (for the sake of).

1

O velame do navio brilhava sob o luar.

The ship's sails shone under the moonlight.

Collective noun 'velame'.

2

Ficámos de vela a noite toda à espera dele.

We stayed awake all night waiting for him.

Idiom 'ficar de vela' (to keep watch).

3

A chama da vela oscilava com a brisa.

The candle flame flickered with the breeze.

Verb 'oscilar'.

4

É necessário ajustar a vela para ganhar velocidade.

It is necessary to adjust the sail to gain speed.

Infinitive after 'é necessário'.

5

As velas de incandescência são essenciais nos motores diesel.

Glow plugs are essential in diesel engines.

Specific technical term 'velas de incandescência'.

6

A luz da vela criava sombras misteriosas na parede.

The candlelight created mysterious shadows on the wall.

Descriptive narrative style.

7

O santuário estava repleto de velas votivas.

The sanctuary was full of votive candles.

Adjective 'repleto'.

8

Navegar à vela exige muito conhecimento técnico.

Sailing requires a lot of technical knowledge.

Gerund-like use of 'navegar'.

1

As caravelas portuguesas usavam velas latinas.

Portuguese caravels used lateen sails.

Historical reference.

2

A vida dele consumiu-se como uma vela ao vento.

His life was consumed like a candle in the wind.

Simile/Metaphor.

3

O místico passava as noites em vela, em profunda oração.

The mystic spent his nights awake, in deep prayer.

Noun phrase 'em vela' (vigil).

4

A aerodinâmica da vela é crucial para a performance.

The aerodynamics of the sail is crucial for performance.

Scientific context.

5

O motor 'grila' se as velas não forem as adequadas.

The engine 'knocks' if the spark plugs are not appropriate.

Slang 'grilar' and conditional.

6

A procissão dos Passos é marcada pelo brilho das velas.

The Procession of the Steps is marked by the glow of candles.

Passive voice.

7

O capitão mandou recolher as velas perante a tempestade iminente.

The captain ordered the sails to be furled before the imminent storm.

Complex sentence structure.

8

A vela, embora pequena, vencia a escuridão do abismo.

The candle, though small, defeated the darkness of the abyss.

Concessive clause 'embora'.

1

O seu olhar era uma vela bruxuleante num mar de desespero.

Her gaze was a flickering candle in a sea of despair.

Highly poetic 'bruxuleante'.

2

A vigília de armas era a última vela do cavaleiro antes da investidura.

The vigil of arms was the knight's last watch before the investiture.

Archaic/Historical context.

3

A tensão era tal que se podia ouvir o derreter da vela.

The tension was such that one could hear the candle melting.

Abstract description.

4

O velame enfunado era o orgulho da marinha mercante.

The billowing sails were the pride of the merchant navy.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'enfunado'.

5

Não se deve deixar a vela da esperança apagar-se por um sopro de desventura.

One should not let the candle of hope be extinguished by a breath of misfortune.

Philosophical metaphor.

6

A combustão era irregular devido ao desgaste prematuro das velas.

Combustion was irregular due to premature wear of the spark plugs.

Technical/Scientific precision.

7

O poeta descreveu a lua como uma vela no altar do céu.

The poet described the moon as a candle on the altar of the sky.

Literary metaphor.

8

Estar de vela sobre o destino da pátria é o dever do estadista.

To be on watch over the nation's destiny is the statesman's duty.

Political/Abstract usage.

Collocations courantes

Acender uma vela
Apagar a vela
Barco a vela
Vela de ignição
Vela aromática
Soprar as velas
Luz de vela
Içar as velas
Vela derretida
Escola de vela

Phrases Courantes

À luz de velas

— By candlelight, usually implying a romantic setting.

O restaurante oferece jantares à luz de velas.

Vela de aniversário

— The specific candles used on birthday cakes.

Esquecemo-nos de comprar a vela de aniversário!

Navegação à vela

— The act of sailing using wind power.

A navegação à vela é um desporto olímpico.

Vela de cera

— A standard wax candle.

Antigamente só existiam velas de cera de abelha.

Vela de sete dias

— A large candle meant to burn for a week, often for religious purposes.

Minha avó acende uma vela de sete dias toda semana.

Vela de estai

— A specific type of triangular sail.

A vela de estai ajuda na estabilidade.

Trocar as velas

— To replace the spark plugs in a car.

O carro está a falhar, preciso trocar as velas.

Vela acesa

— A lit candle.

Deixou uma vela acesa na janela.

Vela apagada

— An unlit or extinguished candle.

A vela apagada ainda cheirava a fumo.

Vela de Natal

— Decorative candles used during the Christmas season.

Colocamos velas de Natal na lareira.

Souvent confondu avec

vela vs Venda

Venda means a sale or a blindfold. It sounds similar but has a 'd'.

vela vs Veia

Veia means a vein in the body. It lacks the 'l' sound.

vela vs Bela

Bela means beautiful. Only the first letter is different.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Segurar a vela"

— To be the 'third wheel', an extra person with a romantic couple.

Não quero ir ao cinema convosco para não ficar a segurar a vela.

Informal
"Estar de vela"

— To be on watch or keeping a vigil through the night.

O soldado esteve de vela até ao amanhecer.

Formal/Literary
"Ir de vela"

— In some Portuguese slang, it means to be fired, to leave, or to fail/die.

Se ele não trabalhar bem, vai de vela este mês.

Slang
"Ficar a ver navios (de vela)"

— To be left disappointed or to miss an opportunity.

Prometeram-me o emprego, mas fiquei a ver navios.

Informal
"Dar corda à vela"

— To speed up or to encourage someone to move faster.

Temos de dar corda à vela se quisermos chegar a tempo.

Informal
"Vela ao vento"

— To be at the mercy of circumstances or moving with the current.

Ele vive a vida como uma vela ao vento.

Literary
"Arriar as velas"

— To give up or to lower one's expectations/ambition.

Depois da discussão, ele arriou as velas.

Informal
"Pôr-se na vela"

— To stay alert or to keep an eye on something.

Põe-te na vela para não seres enganado.

Informal
"À vela"

— To be exposed or uncovered (rare).

Deixou os segredos todos à vela.

Literary
"Nem por uma vela"

— Not for anything in the world (rare).

Não faria isso nem por uma vela.

Informal

Facile à confondre

vela vs Lâmpada

Both provide light.

Lâmpada is electric; vela is wax and fire.

A lâmpada fundiu, acende uma vela.

vela vs Tocha

Both are fire-based lights.

Tocha is large and handheld; vela is usually smaller and for tables/cakes.

Ele levava uma tocha na mão.

vela vs Candeia

Old-fashioned light source.

Candeia uses oil; vela uses wax.

A candeia estava sem azeite.

vela vs Bujão

Both are engine parts.

Bujão is a plug for liquids; vela is for electrical sparks.

O bujão do cárter está a verter.

vela vs Lume

Related to fire.

Lume is the fire/heat itself; vela is the object.

Põe a vela ao lume.

Structures de phrases

A1

A vela é [cor].

A vela é branca.

A2

Eu vou [verbo] a vela.

Eu vou acender a vela.

B1

O [substantivo] tem uma vela.

O barco tem uma vela.

B2

Se [condição], as velas [verbo].

Se o vento soprar, as velas abrem.

C1

Apesar de [verbo], a vela [verbo].

Apesar de haver vento, a vela não se apagou.

C2

Tal como uma vela, [metáfora].

Tal como uma vela, a esperança ilumina o caminho.

B1

É preciso [verbo] as velas.

É preciso trocar as velas do carro.

A2

Gosto de [substantivo] à luz de velas.

Gosto de jantar à luz de velas.

Famille de mots

Noms

Velame
Velaria
Veleiro
Velejador
Velatura

Verbes

Velar
Velejar

Adjectifs

Veleiro
Velejante

Apparenté

Cera
Pavio
Chama
Vento
Motor
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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely common in daily life, religion, and mechanics.

Erreurs courantes
  • O vela → A vela

    Vela is a feminine noun, regardless of its meaning.

  • Soprar as luzes → Soprar as velas

    On a cake, you blow out the candles (velas), not the lights.

  • Barco de vela → Barco a vela

    While 'de' is sometimes used, 'a vela' is the standard way to describe the propulsion.

  • Vela de ignição (plural) → Velas de ignição

    Most engines have multiple spark plugs, so use the plural.

  • Terceira roda → Segurar a vela

    Don't translate 'third wheel' literally; use the Portuguese idiom.

Astuces

Religious Significance

In Portugal, visiting Fátima often involves buying a 'vela' to place in the huge burning pits as a sign of faith.

Nautical Roots

Many Portuguese idioms come from the sea. 'Vela' is central to these because of the country's history of exploration.

Gender Consistency

Always keep 'vela' feminine. Even in technical contexts, it's 'as velas do motor'.

Open your E

The 'e' in vela is open /ɛ/. Think of the word 'egg' in English.

Car Maintenance

If your car is 'engasgado' (stuttering), the first thing a Portuguese person checks are the 'velas'.

Birthdays

Don't forget the plural: 'soprar as velas'. One for each year!

Fire Safety

Common phrase: 'Não deixes a vela acesa' (Don't leave the candle lit).

Third Wheel

Use 'segurar a vela' to describe being the awkward extra person with a couple.

Poetic Use

In poems, 'vela' often symbolizes the short duration of human life.

Buying Velas

In supermarkets, candles are usually in the 'utilidades' or 'limpeza' aisle.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Vela' as a 'Very Elegant Light Apparatus'. Or imagine a boat's 'Sail' (Vela) made of 'Wax' (Candle) to remember both main meanings.

Association visuelle

Visualize a birthday cake on a sailboat. The wind blows the sails and you blow the candles. Both are 'velas'.

Word Web

Cera Barco Motor Luz Fogo Vento Mar Aniversário

Défi

Try to use 'vela' in three different sentences today: one about a candle, one about a boat, and one about a car.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'vela', which was the neuter plural of 'velum' (cloth, covering, sail). Over time, in Vulgar Latin, the plural 'vela' began to be treated as a feminine singular noun.

Sens originel : Sails or coverings.

Romance (Indo-European).

Contexte culturel

Be respectful when discussing candles in religious contexts (Fátima or Afro-Brazilian religions).

English uses three different words: candle, sail, and spark plug. Portuguese uses only 'vela'.

The song 'Velas Içadas' by Ivan Lins. The poem 'A Vela' by various Portuguese authors. The 'Círio de Nazaré' festival.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Birthday Party

  • Soprar as velas
  • Vela de aniversário
  • Quantas velas?
  • Acende a vela

Sailing

  • Içar as velas
  • Barco a vela
  • Ajustar a vela
  • Vela mestra

Mechanic

  • Trocar as velas
  • Velas de ignição
  • Limpar as velas
  • O motor falha

Romantic Dinner

  • À luz de velas
  • Vela aromática
  • Jantar romântico
  • Ambiente com velas

Church/Shrine

  • Acender uma vela
  • Vela votiva
  • Promessa
  • Procissão de velas

Amorces de conversation

"Gostas de jantares à luz de velas ou preferes luz forte?"

"Já alguma vez andaste num barco a vela?"

"Sabes como trocar as velas de um carro?"

"Costumas acender velas aromáticas em casa?"

"Qual foi a última vez que sopraste as velas de um bolo?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descreve um momento em que tiveste de usar uma vela por falta de eletricidade.

Se fosses viajar num barco a vela, para onde irias?

Escreve sobre uma tradição de aniversário que envolva velas.

O que sentes quando vês uma vela acesa numa igreja?

Inventa uma história sobre uma vela que nunca se apaga.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it also means 'sail' (of a boat) and 'spark plug' (of a car). You have to use context to know which one.

The phrase is 'soprar as velas'. You use this at birthday parties.

It is an idiom meaning to be a third wheel. For example, if you go out with a couple, you are 'segurando a vela'.

It is feminine: 'a vela'. Even when it refers to a mechanical part or a sail, it remains feminine.

You say 'barco a vela' or 'veleiro'.

These are spark plugs in an engine. Most people just say 'velas' when talking to a mechanic.

No, the verb is 'velar', which means to watch over or to keep a vigil. 'Vela' is the noun.

You just add the adjective: 'vela aromática' or 'vela perfumada'.

It is a tall religious candle designed to burn for seven days, often used for prayers or in memory of someone.

Rarely. In slang, 'ir de vela' usually means to be fired or to be kicked out of a place.

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Teste-toi 180 questions

writing

Escreve uma frase sobre um bolo de aniversário usando a palavra 'vela'.

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writing

Descreve um barco a vela em duas frases.

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writing

O que fazes quando falta a luz em tua casa? Usa a palavra 'vela'.

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writing

Explica o significado da expressão 'segurar a vela'.

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writing

Escreve um pequeno diálogo entre um cliente e um mecânico sobre as velas do carro.

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writing

Cria um slogan para uma marca de velas aromáticas.

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writing

Descreve uma cena romântica à luz de velas.

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writing

Escreve sobre a importância das velas nos Descobrimentos portugueses.

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writing

Como se sente alguém que está 'de vela' a noite toda? Descreve os seus sentimentos.

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writing

Compara uma vela a uma lâmpada elétrica. Quais são as vantagens e desvantagens?

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writing

Escreve uma curta oração ou desejo que farias ao acender uma vela numa igreja.

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writing

Descreve o processo de fabrico de uma vela artesanal.

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writing

Escreve um poema de quatro versos que rime com 'vela'.

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writing

Qual é a tua memória favorita que envolva velas?

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writing

O que acontece se um barco a vela não tiver vento? Escreve a tua opinião.

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writing

Usa a palavra 'bruxuleante' numa frase sobre uma vela.

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writing

Escreve uma notícia curta sobre uma competição de vela no mar.

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writing

Explica a diferença entre uma 'vela' e uma 'tocha'.

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writing

Escreve sobre o uso de velas em festivais culturais no Brasil.

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writing

Cria uma metáfora usando a palavra 'vela' para descrever a vida.

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speaking

Diz em voz alta: 'A vela está acesa.'

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speaking

Explica como se acende uma vela.

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speaking

Conta uma história curta sobre um barco a vela.

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speaking

Diz a frase: 'Eu não gosto de segurar a vela.'

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speaking

Descreve o cheiro da tua vela favorita.

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speaking

Explica para que servem as velas de um carro.

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speaking

Pronuncia corretamente: 'velame' e 'veleiro'.

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speaking

O que dirias se alguém se esquecesse de apagar uma vela?

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speaking

Imagina que és um capitão. Dá ordens sobre as velas.

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speaking

Fala sobre a importância das velas em Fátima.

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speaking

Diz três palavras que rimem com 'vela'.

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speaking

Como se pede velas de aniversário numa loja?

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speaking

Explica o significado de 'ir de vela'.

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speaking

Descreve a chama de uma vela usando três adjetivos.

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speaking

Lê este trava-línguas: 'A vela de Viana vela a vida da vizinha.'

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speaking

Pergunta ao mecânico se ele já trocou as velas.

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speaking

Diz: 'O jantar à luz de velas foi maravilhoso.'

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speaking

Explica a diferença entre vela de cera e vela de motor.

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speaking

O que sentes ao olhar para uma vela acesa?

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speaking

Diz: 'Içaram-se as velas ao amanhecer.'

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listening

Ouve a descrição: 'É comprida, branca, feita de cera e serve para iluminar.' O que é?

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listening

Ouve o som de um fósforo a riscar e uma chama. O que aconteceu?

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listening

Ouve: 'O capitão mandou subir o pano.' Que parte do barco é o pano?

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listening

Ouve o som de 'Parabéns a você' e um sopro. O que aconteceu?

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listening

Ouve: 'O motor está a falhar na ignição.' Qual peça pode estar estragada?

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listening

Ouve: 'Não aguento mais ser o terceiro elemento.' Qual é a expressão idiomática?

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listening

Ouve o som do vento nas lonas de um barco. O que estás a ouvir?

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listening

Ouve: 'Comprei uma com cheiro a baunilha.' Do que se fala?

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listening

Ouve: 'A procissão era um mar de luzes pequenas.' O que carregavam as pessoas?

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listening

Ouve: 'O barco deslizava sem motor.' Como se movia?

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listening

Ouve: 'A cera está muito quente.' De onde vem a cera?

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listening

Ouve: 'O mecânico disse que são 50 euros pelas quatro.' Pelas quatro o quê?

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listening

Ouve: 'A chama bruxuleava na escuridão.' O que significa bruxulear?

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listening

Ouve: 'Vou acender uma vela por ti.' O que significa este gesto?

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listening

Ouve: 'Velas latinas eram usadas nas caravelas.' De que época se fala?

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error correction

O vela é muito bonito.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : A vela é muito bonita.
error correction

Eu soprei os velas do bolo.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Eu soprei as velas do bolo.
error correction

O barco de vela é rápido.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : O barco a vela é rápido.

/ 180 correct

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