estender
When you're dealing with Portuguese at a C1 level, you're looking for nuances beyond basic definitions. The verb "estender" certainly means to stretch or spread out, which you've likely encountered in contexts like "estender a roupa" (to hang out the laundry) or "estender a mão" (to extend a hand). However, at this advanced stage, you should also be aware of its more abstract uses and idiomatic expressions.
Consider its use in situations where something is being prolonged or expanded, such as "estender o prazo" (to extend the deadline) or "a discussão estendeu-se por horas" (the discussion extended for hours). This highlights a temporal aspect. Furthermore, you might find it in reflective forms like "estender-se" meaning to lie down or recline, as in "estender-se no sofá" (to stretch out on the sofa), which adds a positional dimension. Grasping these various applications will significantly enhance your fluency and comprehension.
§ What 'estender' means
The Portuguese verb estender (pronounced es-ten-DER) is your go-to word for stretching something out, spreading something, or extending something. It's a regular verb ending in -er, which makes its conjugations fairly predictable. You'll hear it used in a variety of everyday situations, but one of its most common uses, especially in European Portuguese, is when talking about laundry.
- DEFINITION
- To stretch out, to spread out, to extend. Often used for hanging laundry to dry.
Think of it as the action of taking something crumpled or folded and making it flat or elongated. This can be something physical, like a rug, or something more abstract, like a hand for a handshake.
§ Common uses for 'estender'
Let's look at the most common scenarios where Portuguese speakers use estender. This will give you a solid understanding of how to integrate it into your own conversations.
- Laundry: This is probably the most frequent use you'll encounter. When you wash clothes, you need to hang them up to dry. That action is estender a roupa.
Preciso de estender a roupa antes que chova. (I need to hang out the laundry before it rains.)
Ela estendeu os lençóis no varal. (She spread the sheets on the clothesline.)
- Spreading things out: This could be anything from a blanket on the grass to a map on a table.
Vamos estender a toalha na praia. (Let's spread the towel on the beach.)
Ele estendeu o mapa para ver o caminho. (He spread out the map to see the way.)
- Extending a part of your body: This is common for offering a hand, or stretching your legs.
Vou estender a mão para cumprimentá-lo. (I'm going to extend my hand to greet him.)
Depois de uma longa viagem, é bom estender as pernas. (After a long journey, it's good to stretch your legs.)
- Figurative extension: Sometimes, estender is used in a more abstract sense, meaning to prolong or to make something last longer.
Eles decidiram estender o prazo do projeto. (They decided to extend the project deadline.)
As you can see, estender is a versatile verb. The context will usually make its meaning clear, but paying attention to the direct object (what is being stretched or spread) will help you understand it perfectly every time. Just remember the core idea: making something go from a smaller, more compact state to a larger, more expanded one.
रोचक तथ्य
The 'ex-' prefix in Latin often means 'out of' or 'from', emphasizing the outward motion of stretching. This word shares roots with English words like 'extend' and 'extension'.
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
Vou estender a roupa no varal.
I'm going to hang the clothes on the clothesline.
Por favor, estenda a toalha para secar.
Please, spread out the towel to dry.
Ela estendeu a mão para me ajudar.
She extended her hand to help me.
Estenda o mapa sobre a mesa.
Spread the map over the table.
Eles estenderam um tapete no chão.
They spread a rug on the floor.
É preciso estender a massa para fazer pão.
It's necessary to stretch out the dough to make bread.
Vamos estender nosso piquenique na grama.
Let's spread out our picnic on the grass.
O gato gosta de se estender ao sol.
The cat likes to stretch out in the sun.
Vou estender a roupa no varal para secar ao sol.
I'm going to hang the clothes on the clothesline to dry in the sun.
Here, 'estender' means to hang out or spread out laundry.
Por favor, pode estender o mapa na mesa para vermos a rota?
Please, can you spread the map on the table so we can see the route?
'Estender' is used for spreading objects like maps.
Ele estendeu a mão para me ajudar a levantar.
He reached out his hand to help me up.
'Estender a mão' is a common idiom meaning to offer help.
Os manifestantes estenderam uma faixa enorme pela rua.
The protestors unfurled a huge banner across the street.
'Estender' can refer to unfurling or stretching out something like a banner.
Vamos estender o prazo para a entrega do projeto por mais uma semana.
We are going to extend the deadline for the project delivery by one more week.
In this context, 'estender' means to extend a period of time.
O cão estendeu as patas e bocejou preguiçosamente.
The dog stretched its paws and yawned lazily.
'Estender as patas' refers to an animal stretching its limbs.
A notícia se estendeu rapidamente por toda a cidade.
The news spread quickly throughout the city.
Here, 'estender-se' (reflexive) means to spread or disseminate.
Ela estendeu um sorriso amigável para o novo vizinho.
She offered a friendly smile to the new neighbor.
'Estender um sorriso' is a more figurative use, meaning to offer a smile.
सामान्य शब्द संयोजन
सामान्य वाक्यांश
Por favor, pode estender a roupa para mim?
Please, can you hang out the laundry for me?
Ele precisou estender a mão para alcançar a caixa.
He needed to reach out his hand to reach the box.
É bom estender os braços depois de muito tempo sentado.
It's good to stretch your arms after sitting for a long time.
Vamos estender um tapete novo na sala.
We're going to roll out a new carpet in the living room.
Eu preciso estender a massa para fazer a pizza.
I need to roll out the dough to make the pizza.
Conseguimos estender o prazo para a entrega do projeto.
We managed to extend the deadline for the project delivery.
Você pode estender a toalha na praia?
Can you spread the towel at the beach?
Vamos parar para estender as pernas um pouco.
Let's stop to stretch our legs a bit.
Gostaria de estender um convite a todos vocês.
I'd like to extend an invitation to all of you.
Ela estendeu a coberta sobre o sofá.
She spread the blanket over the sofa.
सुझाव
Basic use of 'estender'
The most common use of 'estender' is to hang laundry. You'll often hear: 'Vou estender a roupa.' (I'm going to hang out the laundry.)
Estender in other contexts
'Estender' can also mean to stretch out something. For example, 'Vou estender o tapete.' (I'm going to spread out the rug.)
Estender as a synonym
In some cases, 'estender' can be a synonym for 'alongar' (to lengthen or stretch). For example, 'Ele gosta de estender as pernas depois de correr.' (He likes to stretch his legs after running.)
Reflexive form: 'estender-se'
When something stretches itself out, you use the reflexive form: 'A cidade estende-se pela planície.' (The city stretches itself out across the plain.)
Don't confuse with 'entender'
Be careful not to confuse 'estender' with 'entender', which means to understand. They sound similar but have very different meanings.
Common phrase: 'estender a mão'
'Estender a mão' means to offer a helping hand or to reach out. For example, 'Ele estendeu a mão para me ajudar.' (He offered his hand to help me.)
Past tense example
In the past tense: 'Eu estendi a toalha no varal.' (I hung out the towel on the clothesline.)
Future tense example
In the future tense: 'Nós estenderemos a roupa mais tarde.' (We will hang out the laundry later.)
Laundry culture
In many Portuguese-speaking countries, it's common to air dry laundry outside, so 'estender a roupa' is a very frequent phrase.
Figurative use of 'estender'
Figuratively, 'estender' can mean to prolong or extend (e.g., 'estender o prazo' - to extend the deadline).
याद करें
स्मृति सहायक
Think of an 'extension cord' that you 'extend' to reach an outlet. 'Estender' sounds a bit like 'extend' and has a similar meaning of stretching or spreading out.
दृश्य संबंध
Imagine a long, colorful clothesline with freshly washed clothes 'estending' (spreading out) in the sun. Picture yourself stretching your arms out wide, 'estending' them as far as they can go.
Word Web
चैलेंज
Try to use 'estender' in a sentence today. For example, when you put your clothes away, think about 'estender a roupa' as you fold them. Or, if you see something spread out, mentally describe it using 'estender'.
शब्द की उत्पत्ति
Latin 'extendere'
मूल अर्थ: to stretch out, spread out, extend
Indo-European, Italic, Romanceसांस्कृतिक संदर्भ
In many Portuguese-speaking countries, especially Portugal and Brazil, it's very common to <i>estender a roupa</i> (hang out the laundry) to dry naturally in the sun and air. This practice is both economical and environmentally friendly, often seen in apartment buildings with clotheslines on balconies or shared courtyards. It's a simple, everyday act that reflects a connection to traditional household routines.
खुद को परखो 54 सवाल
This is a basic sentence introducing a pet. 'Eu' (I), 'tenho' (have), 'um' (a/an), 'cachorro' (dog).
This sentence expresses a preference. 'Ela' (She), 'gosta' (likes), 'de' (of/about), 'maçãs' (apples).
This sentence describes an action related to food. 'Nós' (We), 'comemos' (eat), 'pão' (bread).
Choose the best translation for "estender as roupas".
In Portuguese, 'estender as roupas' specifically means to spread out or hang clothes, usually to dry them.
Which sentence uses 'estender' correctly to mean 'to spread out'?
'Estender o cobertor no chão' means 'I will spread the blanket on the floor', which is a correct use of 'estender'. The other options don't make sense grammatically or contextually.
If you want to 'stretch your arms' in Portuguese, you would say:
'Estender os braços' is the most common and direct way to say 'to stretch your arms' in Portuguese. While 'esticar' and 'alongar' can also mean 'to stretch', 'estender' fits perfectly here.
You can use 'estender' when talking about extending an invitation.
Yes, 'estender um convite' means 'to extend an invitation' in Portuguese, showing another common use of the verb.
The verb 'estender' can be used to describe someone 'extending their hand' to help.
'Estender a mão' literally means 'to extend a hand' and is a common idiom for offering help.
When you 'estender' a fabric, you are usually folding it.
No, 'estender' implies spreading out or stretching, not folding. To fold would be 'dobrar'.
Imagine you're helping a friend move. Describe three things you would need to 'estender' (spread out) in their new apartment.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Eu precisaria de estender os lençóis na cama, o tapete na sala e as toalhas no banheiro.
You are giving instructions to someone on how to hang laundry outside. Write two sentences using 'estender' about what they need to do.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Por favor, estenda a roupa no varal para secar ao sol. Não esqueça de estender os lençóis separadamente.
Describe a time when you had to 'estender' (stretch out) yourself physically to reach something or to do an activity. What did you do?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Eu tive que estender o meu braço para pegar um livro na prateleira mais alta. Também gosto de estender minhas pernas antes de correr.
Onde ela estende as camisetas?
Read this passage:
Depois de lavar a roupa, ela sempre estende as camisetas no varal atrás da casa. Gosta que sequem ao sol. É um hábito antigo da sua avó que ela mantém.
Onde ela estende as camisetas?
O texto diz explicitamente 'ela sempre estende as camisetas no varal atrás da casa'.
O texto diz explicitamente 'ela sempre estende as camisetas no varal atrás da casa'.
Por que o professor pediu para estenderem os braços?
Read this passage:
O professor pediu aos alunos para estenderem os braços e fazerem alguns exercícios de alongamento antes da aula de educação física. É importante para evitar lesões.
Por que o professor pediu para estenderem os braços?
O texto afirma 'para estenderem os braços e fazerem alguns exercícios de alongamento'.
O texto afirma 'para estenderem os braços e fazerem alguns exercícios de alongamento'.
Qual é a primeira coisa que fazem ao acampar, de acordo com o texto?
Read this passage:
Quando acampamos, a primeira coisa que fazemos é estender a lona para criar um abrigo. Protege-nos da chuva e do sol forte. É essencial para o conforto.
Qual é a primeira coisa que fazem ao acampar, de acordo com o texto?
O texto menciona 'a primeira coisa que fazemos é estender a lona'.
O texto menciona 'a primeira coisa que fazemos é estender a lona'.
This sentence means 'Clothes to hang on the clothesline.' The word 'estender' here means to hang out to dry.
This sentence means 'He will reach out a hand to help.' 'Estender a mão' is an idiom meaning to offer help.
This sentence means 'The child likes to stretch out their arms.' Here, 'estender' refers to physically stretching.
Depois de lavar a roupa, ela foi ___ no varal.
In this context, 'estender' specifically refers to hanging laundry to dry.
O pintor precisou ___ a lona para cobrir todo o chão.
'Estender' means to spread out something, like a tarp, over an area.
A criança decidiu ___ os braços para alcançar o brinquedo.
Here, 'estender' means to stretch out a body part, like arms, to reach for something.
Você pode 'estender' a mão para ajudar alguém que caiu.
Yes, 'estender a mão' is an idiomatic expression meaning to offer help or assistance.
Quando você 'estende' um documento, você o encurta.
No, 'estender' implies making something longer or larger, not shorter.
É comum 'estender' o tapete no chão da sala de estar.
Yes, 'estender' is used when spreading out a rug or carpet on the floor.
Após a tempestade, foi preciso ___ a lona sobre o telhado danificado.
The context implies covering something large, which fits 'estender' (to spread/stretch out). 'Encolher' means to shrink, 'dobrar' means to fold, and 'recolher' means to collect.
A gerente decidiu ___ o prazo para a entrega do projeto devido aos atrasos inesperados.
To 'estender' a deadline means to extend it. 'Encurtar' means to shorten, 'adiar' means to postpone (but doesn't imply duration), and 'concluir' means to conclude.
O mapa detalhado permitiu ___ a rota mais eficiente para a nossa viagem.
To 'estender' a map means to spread it out. 'Enrolar' means to roll up, 'dobrar' means to fold, and 'desdobrar' means to unfold (which is similar to 'estender' in this context, but 'estender' emphasizes the full spread).
Para secar as ervas aromáticas, é fundamental ___ as folhas em uma superfície plana e arejada.
To 'estender' the leaves means to spread them out. 'Amontoar' means to pile up, 'empilhar' means to stack, and 'compactar' means to compact.
O pintor precisou ___ a tela cuidadosamente antes de começar a aplicar as primeiras camadas de tinta.
To 'estender' the canvas implies spreading it out or mounting it to be ready. 'Dobrar' means to fold, 'amassar' means to crumple, and 'esticar' means to stretch (which is part of preparing a canvas, but 'estender' can encompass the whole action of preparing it flat).
Após a reunião, o presidente pediu que ___ os cumprimentos a todos os colaboradores pelo sucesso do projeto.
To 'estender' cumprimentos means to convey or extend greetings. 'Restringir' means to restrict, 'omitir' means to omit, and 'encurtar' means to shorten.
Consider the act of offering help.
Think about expanding a physical space.
Focus on drying laundry.
Read this aloud:
Você poderia, por favor, estender os lençóis no varal?
Focus: estender
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
É importante estender a pesquisa para incluir mais dados demográficos.
Focus: estender a pesquisa
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Devemos estender o prazo de entrega para acomodar as revisões necessárias.
Focus: estender o prazo
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The news spread quickly.
The efforts extended throughout the country.
We need to extend the project deadline.
This sentence discusses how the influence of globalization continues to expand across all spheres of contemporary society.
This sentence emphasizes the importance of extending dialogue to all stakeholders to ensure an equitable solution.
This sentence talks about the economic crisis's effects threatening to spread beyond national borders.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Basic use of 'estender'
The most common use of 'estender' is to hang laundry. You'll often hear: 'Vou estender a roupa.' (I'm going to hang out the laundry.)
Estender in other contexts
'Estender' can also mean to stretch out something. For example, 'Vou estender o tapete.' (I'm going to spread out the rug.)
Estender as a synonym
In some cases, 'estender' can be a synonym for 'alongar' (to lengthen or stretch). For example, 'Ele gosta de estender as pernas depois de correr.' (He likes to stretch his legs after running.)
Reflexive form: 'estender-se'
When something stretches itself out, you use the reflexive form: 'A cidade estende-se pela planície.' (The city stretches itself out across the plain.)
उदाहरण
Ela foi estender a roupa no varal.
संबंधित सामग्री
संबंधित ग्रामर रूल्स
संबंधित मुहावरे
home के और शब्द
à direita de
A2To the right side of something or someone.
à esquerda de
A2To the left side of something or someone.
a gás
B1Operating on or powered by gas.
a minha
B1My (feminine singular possessive determiner).
a nossa
B1Our (feminine singular possessive determiner).
a tua
B1Your (informal, feminine singular possessive determiner).
abafado
A2Lacking fresh air; stuffy.
abaixo de
A2Below, under, lower than.
abajur
A2A decorative cover for a light bulb, or a small lamp.
abrir à chave
A2To unlock something with a key.
