In Portuguese, the verb 'bicar' is used to describe the action of a bird using its beak to peck at something. For example, a chicken might 'bicar' the ground to find food, or a small bird might 'bicar' seeds. It's a simple action, like a quick tap or bite with the beak. Think of a bird eating. This word is useful for understanding basic descriptions of animals and their actions.
The verb 'bicar' is used to describe the action of a bird using its beak to peck at something, often to eat or investigate. This can include a chicken pecking at grain, a parrot pecking at a seed, or a bird pecking at a surface for insects. It implies short, sharp movements of the beak. You might hear this in contexts like observing animals in a farm or a park, or in simple nature descriptions. It's a specific verb that paints a clear visual image of a bird's feeding behavior.
'Bicar' refers to the specific action of a bird using its beak to strike or pick at something. This includes the act of eating, such as a bird pecking at seeds, grain, or insects, as well as investigating or grooming by pecking at surfaces like bark or the ground. The action is characterized by quick, repetitive movements of the beak. This verb is common in contexts discussing ornithology, zoology, or simply observing wildlife. It's more descriptive than a general term like 'comer' (to eat) because it highlights the precise mechanism of the beak.
In Portuguese, 'bicar' denotes the deliberate action performed by a bird using its beak to strike, probe, or extract food items from a substrate or surface. This encompasses a range of behaviors, from consuming seeds and grains to foraging for insects in the ground or bark. The verb emphasizes the characteristic, often rapid and repetitive, motion of the beak. Its usage is prevalent in ecological descriptions, zoological texts, and everyday conversations about avian behavior, providing a precise term that distinguishes this specific feeding mechanism from more general terms of consumption.
The verb 'bicar' in Portuguese is a specialized term describing the precise motor action of avian foraging and interaction with the environment. It refers to the act of striking, probing, or manipulating objects with the beak, typically for the purpose of acquiring sustenance (e.g., pecking at seeds, insects, or fruits) or for exploration and maintenance (e.g., pecking at bark or the ground). The semantic field of 'bicar' is rooted in the biomechanics of avian feeding, characterized by rapid, focused, and often repetitive beak movements. Its precise application distinguishes it from broader terms of consumption or manipulation, making it a valuable asset in detailed descriptions within zoological, ecological, and behavioral studies.
'Bicar' functions as a highly specific lexeme within the Portuguese lexicon, denoting the characteristic biomechanical act of avian manipulation and consumption mediated by the beak. This action is defined by the rapid, targeted, and often iterative striking or probing movements of the rostrum against a substrate or object. Its semantic scope encompasses not only the acquisition of food resources (granivorous, insectivorous, frugivorous behaviors) but also exploratory pecking, social signaling, and nest-building activities. The verb's precision allows for nuanced descriptions in scientific discourse concerning avian ethology, morphology, and ecology, differentiating it from generalized verbs of ingestion or interaction and conveying the distinctive nature of avian foraging strategies.
Literal Meaning
The primary meaning of 'bicar' refers to the action of a bird using its beak to peck at something. This is often associated with eating, such as a chicken pecking at grain, or a parrot pecking at a seed. It can also describe a bird pecking at a surface, perhaps to find insects or to groom itself.
Figurative Use (Less Common)
While less common, 'bicar' can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe a persistent, small-scale action or complaint, similar to 'to nitpick' or 'to pick at' something. However, this usage is much rarer and context-dependent. The literal meaning related to birds is by far the most prevalent.
Contexts
You will most often encounter 'bicar' when discussing birds, their feeding habits, or in natural settings. It's a descriptive verb that paints a clear picture of a bird's actions. For example, when observing poultry, a farmer might say the chickens are 'bicando' the ground for worms. In a zoo or aviary, a visitor might point out a parrot 'bicando' its cage. It's also used in children's stories or educational material about animals.

O galo está a bicar o milho no chão.

The rooster is pecking at the corn on the ground.

Os passarinhos adoram bicar as sementes.

The little birds love to peck at the seeds.
Common Scenarios
Imagine a farmer tending to their chickens. They might observe the chickens 'bicando' the dirt in search of worms or insects. Or, perhaps you're watching a documentary about wildlife, and the narrator describes a woodpecker 'bicando' a tree to find food. The action is quick, precise, and often repetitive, characteristic of a bird's feeding behavior. It's a visual verb that immediately brings to mind the image of a bird's head moving up and down as it pecks. Even a child learning about farm animals will likely encounter this word when describing how chickens eat.
Basic Sentence Structure
The most straightforward way to use 'bicar' is with a subject (usually a bird or birds) followed by the verb and then the object being pecked at. For example: 'O pássaro bica as migalhas.' (The bird pecks at the crumbs.) The verb conjugates like other regular -ar verbs in Portuguese.
Indicative Mood Examples
In the present tense, you might say: 'As galinhas bicam no quintal.' (The chickens peck in the yard.) For past actions: 'O pombo bicou o grão que caiu.' (The pigeon pecked the grain that fell.) Future actions: 'O corvo bicará a fruta madura.' (The crow will peck the ripe fruit.)
Using Prepositions
Often, 'bicar' is followed by prepositions like 'em' (in/on) or 'a' (at) to specify where the pecking is happening or what is being pecked. For instance: 'Ele gosta de bicar nas sementes.' (He likes to peck at the seeds.) or 'A ave bica a casca da árvore.' (The bird pecks the tree bark.)
Describing the Action
You can add adverbs to describe how the bird pecks. For example: 'O beija-flor bicava rapidamente as flores.' (The hummingbird pecked quickly at the flowers.) This adds detail to the image you are creating.
Subjunctive Mood
In conditional or hypothetical situations, the subjunctive mood is used. 'Espero que o pardal não bique as minhas plantas.' (I hope the sparrow doesn't peck my plants.)
Imperative Mood
While less common for commands directed at birds, the imperative can be used in specific contexts, perhaps in a playful or educational manner. 'Bica, pintinho, bica!' (Peck, chick, peck!)

O pato gosta de bicar a água.

The duck likes to dip its beak in the water.

A arara bicou a fruta com força.

The macaw pecked the fruit forcefully.
Nature Documentaries and Zoos
This is perhaps the most common place you'll hear 'bicar'. Narrators describing the feeding habits of birds, whether it's a hummingbird sipping nectar, a parrot cracking a nut, or a woodpecker tapping on a tree, will frequently use this verb. Zoo keepers might also use it when talking about the animals' diets and behaviors.
Children's Books and Educational Content
For young learners, 'bicar' is an essential verb for understanding animal actions. Books about farm animals, birds, or nature will often feature sentences like 'O pintinho bica a minhoca' (The chick pecks the worm) or 'O cisne bica a grama' (The swan pecks the grass). It's a simple, descriptive word perfect for early language acquisition.
Conversations about Pets
If someone owns pet birds like canaries, parakeets, or parrots, they will likely use 'bicar' in everyday conversation. They might say, 'My parrot loves to bicar sunflower seeds' or 'I saw the canary bicando its food dish.' It's a practical verb for describing the daily routines of pet birds.
Rural and Agricultural Settings
In areas where poultry farming or bird watching is common, 'bicar' is a standard term. Farmers might discuss how their chickens are 'bicando' the feed or how wild birds are 'bicando' the crops. It's a functional verb in these contexts.
Figurative Use (Rare)
Occasionally, you might hear a more colloquial or informal use of 'bicar' to mean 'to nag' or 'to pick on' someone, similar to 'to nitpick'. For example, 'Ele não para de me bicar sobre a minha roupa.' (He won't stop picking on me about my clothes.) However, this is a less common and more regional usage, and the primary meaning related to birds is overwhelmingly dominant.

O documentário mostrou o pica-pau a bicar a árvore.

The documentary showed the woodpecker pecking the tree.
Confusing with 'comer' (to eat)
Learners might sometimes use the general verb 'comer' when the specific action of pecking is meant. While birds do eat, 'bicar' describes the *method* of eating. For example, saying 'O pássaro come as sementes' is correct but less precise than 'O pássaro bica as sementes'.
Using it for Non-Birds
'Bicar' is exclusively for birds. You would not use it for a dog eating its food or a person picking at a plate. Stick to its literal meaning related to beaks.
Incorrect Verb Conjugation
As with any verb, incorrect conjugation is a common pitfall. Ensure you are using the correct endings for the subject and tense. For instance, using 'bico' (I peck) when it should be 'bica' (he/she/it pecks).
Overuse in Figurative Sense
While 'bicar' can occasionally mean to nag or criticize, relying on this figurative meaning too heavily can lead to confusion. Stick to the literal meaning unless the context strongly suggests otherwise, as it's the primary and most understood use.
Missing Prepositions
Sentences might sound awkward or incomplete if the preposition is omitted when it's needed to specify what is being pecked. For example, 'O pássaro bica as sementes' is fine, but 'O pássaro bica nas sementes' is also very common and natural.

Errado: O cão bica a comida. Certo: O cão come a comida.

Wrong: The dog pecks the food. Correct: The dog eats the food.
'Comer' (to eat)
'Comer' is the general verb for 'to eat'. While birds eat, 'bicar' specifies the *way* they eat. Use 'comer' when you want to talk about eating in general, and 'bicar' when you want to emphasize the pecking action.
'Picotar' (to chop into small pieces)
'Picotar' means to cut something into very small pieces. While a bird's pecking can result in small pieces, 'picotar' is usually a deliberate action done with a knife or tool, or by an animal that chews its food into small bits. It doesn't specifically involve a beak.
'Beliscar' (to pinch, to nibble)
'Beliscar' can mean to pinch or to nibble. As a nibble, it's similar to a light peck, but it's not exclusively used for birds and can imply a gentler action than 'bicar'. It can also mean to pinch with fingers or claws.
'Mordiscar' (to bite repeatedly, to nibble)
Similar to 'beliscar', 'mordiscar' implies repeated small bites. It's often used for animals with teeth or for a gentle, continuous biting action. It's not specific to birds.
'Picar' (to sting, to prick, to cut)
This is a very common point of confusion. 'Picar' has multiple meanings, including 'to sting' (like an insect), 'to prick' (with a needle), or 'to cut' into small pieces. While the sound is similar, 'picar' is not related to the beak action of birds. It's crucial to distinguish between 'bicar' (peck with beak) and 'picar' (sting, prick, cut).
'Bater' (to hit, to beat)
'Bater' is a general term for hitting or beating. While a bird's beak movement involves hitting, 'bater' is too general. 'Bicar' is specific to the pecking action with a beak.

'Bicar' (bird's beak) vs. 'Picar' (sting/prick).

'Bicar' refers to pecking with a beak, while 'picar' means to sting or prick.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The word 'bico' in Portuguese means 'beak' but also has many other meanings, such as 'spout', 'nozzle', and even 'job' or 'side hustle' (gíria). The verb 'bicar' is directly tied to the primary meaning of 'bico' as a bird's beak.

発音ガイド

UK /biˈkaɾ/
US /biˈkɑr/
The stress falls on the second syllable: bi-CAR.
韻が合う語
olhar falar amar chegar cantar dançar lugares mar
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing the 'c' as 's' (like 'bisar').
  • Not rolling the final 'r'.
  • Pronouncing the 'i' too long or too short.
  • Incorrect stress placement (e.g., BI-car).

難易度

読解 2/5

The word 'bicar' is relatively straightforward and common in texts related to nature or animals. Understanding its literal meaning is easy. Figurative uses are less common and would require more context.

ライティング 2/5

Using 'bicar' correctly in writing is generally easy, especially in its literal sense. Learners might need practice with conjugations and prepositions like 'em'.

スピーキング 2/5

Pronunciation is manageable. The main challenge in speaking is remembering to use 'bicar' specifically for birds and distinguishing it from 'picar'.

リスニング 2/5

The sound is distinct, and in contexts related to birds, it's usually easy to identify. Figurative uses might require more attention to context.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

pássaro bico comer água comida terra semente

次に学ぶ

granívoro insetívoro forragear subtrato etologia

上級

rostrum mandíbula ornitologia morfologia biomecânica

知っておくべき文法

Present Continuous (Estar a + Infinitive)

O pássaro está a bicar as sementes.

Pretérito Perfeito Simples (Simple Past)

O galo bicou o milho.

Pretérito Imperfeito Simples (Imperfect Past)

Os pássaros bicavam no chão todos os dias.

Infinitive after prepositions (e.g., 'para', 'de', 'em')

Ele gosta de bicar. / Ela veio para bicar.

Use of 'em' with 'bicar'

Os pássaros bicam em migalhas.

レベル別の例文

1

O pássaro bica a semente.

The bird pecks the seed.

Simple present tense, third person singular.

2

A galinha bica o milho.

The chicken pecks the corn.

Simple present tense, third person singular.

3

Pequenos pássaros bicam migalhas.

Little birds peck crumbs.

Simple present tense, third person plural.

4

O pato bica a água.

The duck pecks the water.

Simple present tense, third person singular.

5

Eu vejo o pardal bicar.

I see the sparrow peck.

Infinitive form used after 'ver'.

6

Ele bica o grão.

He pecks the grain.

Simple present tense, third person singular.

7

A ave bica.

The bird pecks.

Simple present tense, third person singular, without an object.

8

O pintinho bica a terra.

The chick pecks the ground.

Simple present tense, third person singular.

1

O galo está a bicar as sementes no chão.

The rooster is pecking the seeds on the ground.

Present continuous (estar a + infinitive).

2

Eu vi os pássaros bicarem as frutas maduras.

I saw the birds peck the ripe fruits.

Infinitive used after 'ver' in the past tense.

3

A arara bicou a casca da árvore para encontrar insetos.

The macaw pecked the tree bark to find insects.

Pretérito Perfeito Simples (simple past).

4

Os passarinhos bicam em busca de comida.

The little birds peck in search of food.

Preposition 'em' used to indicate the target/purpose.

5

Se o tempo estiver bom, os pombos bicam no parque.

If the weather is good, the pigeons peck in the park.

Conditional clause using 'se' and present subjunctive.

6

Ele gosta de observar os pássaros bicarem.

He likes to watch the birds peck.

Infinitive used after 'gostar de'.

7

A coruja bicava a carne com cuidado.

The owl pecked the meat carefully.

Pretérito Imperfeito Simples (imperfect past) suggesting a habitual or ongoing action in the past.

8

As aves aquáticas bicam na lama.

The aquatic birds peck in the mud.

Simple present tense, third person plural.

1

O pica-pau utiliza o seu bico forte para bicar a madeira em busca de larvas.

The woodpecker uses its strong beak to peck the wood in search of larvae.

Infinitive 'bicar' used after 'para' to express purpose.

2

É fascinante observar como os flamingos bicam na água rasa para filtrar o alimento.

It is fascinating to observe how flamingos peck in the shallow water to filter food.

Infinitive 'bicar' used after 'como'.

3

Tenho receio que os esquilos comecem a bicar as minhas plantas.

I fear that the squirrels will start to peck my plants.

Infinitive 'bicar' used after 'comecem a'.

4

O beija-flor bicava o néctar das flores com uma rapidez impressionante.

The hummingbird pecked the nectar from the flowers with impressive speed.

Pretérito Imperfeito do Indicativo (imperfect past indicative) for ongoing or habitual action in the past.

5

Os criadores de aves garantem que os animais bicam a ração de forma adequada.

The bird breeders ensure that the animals peck the feed properly.

Infinitive 'bicar' used after 'garantem que' and a verb implying action.

6

Será que a gaivota bicou o meu peixe?

Did the seagull peck my fish?

Interrogative sentence using the Pretérito Perfeito Simples.

7

Aves de rapina, embora não bicando como os granívoros, utilizam o bico para rasgar a carne.

Birds of prey, although not pecking like granivores, use their beaks to tear meat.

Gerund 'bicando' used in a subordinate clause contrasting with the main action.

8

O papagaio gosta de bicar os brinquedos que lhe damos.

The parrot likes to peck the toys we give it.

Infinitive 'bicar' used after 'gosta de'.

1

A observação do comportamento alimentar de aves granívoras revela que elas tendem a bicar as sementes com precisão milimétrica.

The observation of granivorous birds' feeding behavior reveals that they tend to peck seeds with millimeter precision.

Infinitive 'bicar' used after 'tendem a' indicating a characteristic behavior.

2

Em ambientes controlados, é crucial que os animais possam bicar o seu alimento sem impedimentos para garantir uma nutrição adequada.

In controlled environments, it is crucial that the animals can peck their food without impediments to ensure adequate nutrition.

Infinitive 'bicar' used after 'possam'.

3

O estudo etológico descreve o ato de bicar como uma ferramenta primária para a exploração do substrato e a detecção de presas.

The ethological study describes the act of pecking as a primary tool for substrate exploration and prey detection.

Noun phrase 'o ato de bicar' derived from the verb.

4

A força com que um pica-pau bica a madeira pode ser surpreendente, dada a sua estrutura óssea.

The force with which a woodpecker pecks wood can be surprising, given its bone structure.

Infinitive 'bicar' used after 'com que'.

5

É imperativo que os criadores de aves evitem práticas que impeçam os animais de bicar o seu alimento naturalmente.

It is imperative that bird breeders avoid practices that prevent the animals from pecking their food naturally.

Infinitive 'bicar' used after 'impedir de'.

6

Acredita-se que o canto de algumas aves seja complementado pelo ato de bicar em certas superfícies para ressonância.

It is believed that the singing of some birds is complemented by the act of pecking at certain surfaces for resonance.

Noun phrase 'o ato de bicar' derived from the verb.

7

Os colibris não apenas bicam o néctar, mas também utilizam essa habilidade para se defender de intrusos.

Hummingbirds not only peck nectar but also use this ability to defend themselves from intruders.

Infinitive 'bicar' used in parallel structure with 'utilizam'.

8

A capacidade de bicar eficientemente é um fator chave para a sobrevivência de muitas espécies de aves em ambientes hostis.

The ability to peck efficiently is a key factor for the survival of many bird species in hostile environments.

Noun phrase 'capacidade de bicar' derived from the verb.

1

A morfologia do bico de certas aves está intrinsecamente ligada à sua especialização em bicar substratos específicos, como o solo ou a casca de árvores.

The beak morphology of certain birds is intrinsically linked to their specialization in pecking specific substrates, such as soil or tree bark.

Infinitive 'bicar' used after 'especialização em'.

2

O estudo da etologia aviária frequentemente investiga a frequência e a força com que os animais bicam, correlacionando esses dados com a disponibilidade de presas.

The study of avian ethology frequently investigates the frequency and force with which animals peck, correlating this data with prey availability.

Infinitive 'bicar' used after 'com que'.

3

A adaptação evolutiva permitiu que algumas espécies desenvolvessem a capacidade de bicar com extrema delicadeza para extrair insetos de fendas minúsculas.

Evolutionary adaptation has allowed some species to develop the ability to peck with extreme delicacy to extract insects from tiny crevices.

Noun phrase 'capacidade de bicar' derived from the verb.

4

O padrão de bicar em aves granívoras não é aleatório; é um comportamento aprendido e refinado ao longo de gerações.

The pecking pattern in granivorous birds is not random; it is a learned behavior refined over generations.

Noun phrase 'padrão de bicar' derived from the verb.

5

A análise acústica revela que o som produzido ao bicar a madeira por um pica-pau pode servir para comunicação intraespecífica.

Acoustic analysis reveals that the sound produced when a woodpecker pecks wood can serve for intraspecific communication.

Infinitive 'bicar' used after 'ao'.

6

A resistência do bico é um fator biomecânico crucial para aves que precisam bicar materiais duros, como sementes com cascas resistentes.

Beak resistance is a crucial biomechanical factor for birds that need to peck hard materials, such as seeds with tough shells.

Infinitive 'bicar' used after 'precisam'.

7

Observações indicam que o ato de bicar pode ser um indicador de estresse ou tédio em aves mantidas em cativeiro.

Observations indicate that the act of pecking can be an indicator of stress or boredom in captive birds.

Noun phrase 'ato de bicar' derived from the verb.

8

A evolução filogenética demonstra como a função de bicar se diversificou entre os clados aviários.

Phylogenetic evolution demonstrates how the function of pecking has diversified among avian clades.

Noun phrase 'função de bicar' derived from the verb.

1

A biomecânica do ato de bicar em psitacídeos permite não apenas a manipulação de alimentos de consistência variada, mas também o uso do bico como ferramenta de locomoção e exploração.

The biomechanics of the pecking act in psittacines allow not only the manipulation of food of varying consistency but also the use of the beak as a tool for locomotion and exploration.

Noun phrase 'ato de bicar' derived from the verb.

2

A análise comparativa da taxa de bicar entre diferentes espécies de passeriformes revela adaptações ontogenéticas e filogenéticas à disponibilidade de nichos tróficos.

Comparative analysis of the pecking rate among different passerine species reveals ontogenetic and phylogenetic adaptations to the availability of trophic niches.

Noun phrase 'taxa de bicar' derived from the verb.

3

A função comunicativa do bicar, embora menos estudada que o vocal, pode desempenhar um papel crucial na dinâmica social de certas colônias aviárias.

The communicative function of pecking, though less studied than vocalization, may play a crucial role in the social dynamics of certain avian colonies.

Noun phrase 'função comunicativa do bicar' derived from the verb.

4

A plasticidade fenotípica manifesta-se na capacidade de um indivíduo de ajustar a sua estratégia de bicar em resposta a mudanças ambientais ou na disponibilidade de recursos alimentares.

Phenotypic plasticity is manifested in an individual's ability to adjust its pecking strategy in response to environmental changes or food resource availability.

Noun phrase 'estratégia de bicar' derived from the verb.

5

A paleopatologia aviária por vezes infere a dieta de espécies extintas com base em marcas de bicar observadas em fósseis.

Avian paleopathology sometimes infers the diet of extinct species based on pecking marks observed on fossils.

Noun phrase 'marcas de bicar' derived from the verb.

6

A eficácia do bicar como mecanismo de forrageamento é um testemunho da coevolução entre a morfologia do bico e as características do alimento.

The effectiveness of pecking as a foraging mechanism is a testament to the coevolution between beak morphology and food characteristics.

Noun phrase 'eficácia do bicar' derived from the verb.

7

A caracterização detalhada dos padrões de bicar em diferentes ordens de aves contribui para a compreensão da diversificação adaptativa do aparelho mandibular aviário.

Detailed characterization of pecking patterns in different avian orders contributes to understanding the adaptive diversification of the avian mandibular apparatus.

Noun phrase 'padrões de bicar' derived from the verb.

8

A fenomenologia do bicar, observada em tempo real, revela complexas interações sensório-motoras que permitem ao ave otimizar a ingestão de nutrientes.

The phenomenology of pecking, observed in real-time, reveals complex sensorimotor interactions that allow the bird to optimize nutrient intake.

Noun phrase 'fenomenologia do bicar' derived from the verb.

よく使う組み合わせ

bicar o chão
bicar as sementes
bicar a fruta
bicar a madeira
bicar o grão
bicar a água
bicar o cão
bicar em
bicar a casca
bicar com o bico

よく使うフレーズ

estar a bicar

— To be pecking (present continuous action)

O galo está a bicar o milho.

gostar de bicar

— To like to peck

Os passarinhos gostam de bicar as sementes.

ver bicar

— To see pecking

Eu gosto de ver os pássaros bicarem.

começar a bicar

— To start pecking

O pintinho começou a bicar a ração.

deixar bicar

— To let peck

Deixe o pássaro bicar a sua comida.

parar de bicar

— To stop pecking

Ele parou de bicar o grão e voou.

bicar como um pássaro

— To peck like a bird (often used figuratively)

Ele come tão rápido, parece que está a bicar como um pássaro.

bicar o olho de alguém

— To peck someone's eye (literal and figurative, meaning to annoy)

O corvo tentou bicar o olho do espantalho. / Ele não para de me bicar sobre este assunto.

bicar a sorte

— To try one's luck (very informal, rare)

Vou tentar bicar a sorte naquela loteria.

bicar o pão

— To peck at bread (often implies eating a little)

A criança bicava o pão em vez de comê-lo.

よく混同される語

bicar vs picar

'Picar' means to sting, prick, or cut into small pieces. While 'bicar' involves a striking action, it's specifically with a beak. Mistaking 'bicar' for 'picar' can lead to misunderstandings, for example, saying a bird 'picou' the seed when it actually 'bicou'.

bicar vs comer

'Comer' is the general verb for 'to eat'. 'Bicar' is more specific, describing the *method* of eating by pecking. While a bird 'come' seeds, it 'bica' them.

bicar vs beliscar

'Beliscar' implies a gentler nibbling action. 'Bicar' is generally a more direct and sometimes forceful pecking.

慣用句と表現

"bicar o olho de alguém"

— Literally, to peck someone's eye. Figuratively, it means to annoy, nag, or pester someone persistently about something minor.

O meu irmão não para de me bicar o olho sobre o meu quarto bagunçado.

Informal
"bicar a sorte"

— To try one's luck, to take a chance on something, often with a low expectation of success. It implies a small, tentative attempt.

Vou bicar a sorte e comprar um bilhete de loteria.

Very informal, colloquial
"bicar o pão"

— To eat very little, to pick at food rather than eat a full meal. It suggests a lack of appetite or interest in the food.

Ela estava doente e só bicava o pão da sopa.

Informal
"bicar a bola"

— In some sports contexts (like futsal or football), it can refer to a light, precise touch of the ball, often to pass it or control it subtly.

O jogador deu um toque rápido, bicou a bola para o colega.

Sports slang
"bicar o dedo"

— To peck one's own finger (literal). Figuratively, it can mean to make a mistake or to get into trouble due to one's own actions.

Ele tentou enganar o chefe e acabou por bicar o dedo.

Informal
"bicar o tempo"

— To pass the time idly, to do small, insignificant things to make time go by. Similar to 'matar o tempo' but with a sense of minimal activity.

Estava à espera do autocarro e ficava a bicar o tempo a olhar as pessoas.

Colloquial
"bicar o disco"

— In a DJ context, to scratch or manipulate a vinyl record in a specific way.

O DJ começou a bicar o disco com um ritmo contagiante.

Music/DJ slang
"bicar a conversa"

— To interject briefly or make a small, perhaps insignificant, comment in a conversation.

Ele só bicou a conversa para concordar com o que foi dito.

Informal
"bicar o nariz"

— To pick one's nose (literal).

É feio bicar o nariz em público.

Common, slightly impolite
"bicar a ferida"

— To pick at a wound (literal). Figuratively, to bring up painful memories or issues, making someone feel worse.

Não adianta ficar a bicar a ferida, o passado já passou.

Figurative, common

間違えやすい

bicar vs picar

Similar sound and both involve a sharp action.

'Bicar' is exclusively for birds pecking with their beaks. 'Picar' means to sting (like an insect), prick (like a needle), or cut into small pieces. They are not interchangeable.

O mosquito picou-me. (The mosquito stung me.) vs. O pássaro bicou a semente. (The bird pecked the seed.)

bicar vs comer

Both relate to food intake.

'Comer' is the general act of eating. 'Bicar' describes the specific action of pecking with a beak, which is a way of eating for birds. You can 'comer' without 'bicando', and 'bicando' is usually done to 'comer'.

O cão come a ração. (The dog eats the food.) vs. O galo bica o milho. (The rooster pecks the corn.)

bicar vs beliscar

Both imply small, repeated actions.

'Beliscar' often implies a gentler nibbling or a slight pinch. 'Bicar' is more specific to the beak action of birds, which can be more forceful or precise for grabbing and consuming food.

O coelho beliscava a alface. (The rabbit nibbled the lettuce.) vs. O pintinho bicava a minhoca. (The chick pecked the worm.)

bicar vs cutucar

Both involve poking or prodding.

'Cutucar' is a more general poking action, often with a finger or a stick. 'Bicar' is specifically the action of a bird's beak, usually for feeding or exploring.

Ele cutucou a porta com o dedo. (He poked the door with his finger.) vs. O pato bicava a lama. (The duck pecked the mud.)

bicar vs bater

Both involve hitting.

'Bater' is a general verb for hitting or beating. 'Bicar' is a specific type of hitting action performed by a bird's beak, typically for feeding or interacting with its environment.

Ele bateu na mesa. (He hit the table.) vs. O pássaro bicou o grão. (The bird pecked the grain.)

文型パターン

A1

Subject (bird) + bicar + Object

O pássaro bica a semente.

A1

Subject (bird) + bicar

A galinha bica.

A2

Subject (bird) + estar a + bicar + Object

O pintinho está a bicar o grão.

A2

Subject (bird) + bicar + em + Location

Os pombos bicam no chão.

B1

Subject (bird) + gostar de + bicar

Ele gosta de bicar as frutas.

B1

Subject (bird) + ver + Object + bicar

Eu vi o pássaro bicar a comida.

B2

Subject + bicar + com + Instrument/Manner

O pica-pau bicava com força a árvore.

B2

Subject + bicar + para + Purpose

O pássaro bicava para encontrar insetos.

語族

名詞

bicada A peck; the act of pecking.
bico Beak (of a bird); nozzle; spout.

動詞

bicar

関連

bicudo Having a large or prominent beak; sharp-beaked. Can also refer to someone with a sharp tongue or who is nosy.
bico-de-papagaio Poinsettia (a plant).
bicicleta Bicycle (derived from 'bico' meaning spout/nozzle shape of early frames, not directly related to pecking).
bichento A small bird that is still learning to fly or feed itself.
bicatório Relating to pecking.

使い方

frequency

High (in contexts related to birds)

よくある間違い
  • Using 'picar' instead of 'bicar' for a bird eating seeds. O pássaro bicou a semente.

    'Bicar' specifically means to peck with a beak, while 'picar' means to sting, prick, or cut. The context of a bird eating is crucial for choosing 'bicar'.

  • Confusing 'bicar' with 'comer' when precision is needed. O galo bica o milho.

    While 'comer' means to eat, 'bicar' describes the specific action of pecking. In contexts where the pecking action is important, 'bicar' is more accurate and descriptive than the general verb 'comer'.

  • Using 'bicar' for non-bird actions. O cão come a ração.

    'Bicar' is reserved for the action of a bird's beak. It would be incorrect to say a dog 'bica' its food; it 'come' or 'morde'.

  • Incorrect conjugation, e.g., 'Eu bico' for 'he pecks'. Ele bica o grão.

    Like all verbs, 'bicar' needs to be conjugated correctly for the subject and tense. 'Eu bico' means 'I peck', while 'Ele bica' means 'He pecks'.

  • Using the figurative meaning ('to nag') in a formal context. O meu irmão não para de me incomodar sobre a minha roupa.

    The figurative use of 'bicar' (to nag/pester) is informal. In formal writing or speech, it's better to use words like 'incomodar' (to bother) or 'criticar' (to criticize).

ヒント

Focus on the Beak

Always associate 'bicar' with the action of a bird's beak. If the action doesn't involve a beak, it's unlikely to be 'bicar'. This is the most crucial distinction.

Roll Your R's

The final 'r' in 'bicar' is typically a rolled or tapped 'r' in Portuguese. Practice this sound to make your pronunciation more natural. Remember the stress is on the second syllable: bi-CAR.

Distinguish from 'Picar'

Make a conscious effort to differentiate 'bicar' (to peck with a beak) from 'picar' (to sting, prick, cut). They sound similar but have completely different meanings and are not interchangeable.

Nature is Key

You'll hear 'bicar' most often when discussing birds, their feeding habits, or in natural settings. Try to recall this context whenever you encounter the word.

Common Patterns

Familiarize yourself with common sentence structures like 'Subject + bicar + Object' and 'Subject + bicar + em + Location'. These will help you use the verb correctly in various situations.

Visual Association

Create a strong mental image of a bird pecking at food. The more vivid the image, the easier it will be to recall the word 'bicar'.

Be Cautious with Figurative Meanings

While 'bicar' can informally mean to nag or pester, its primary and most common meaning is literal. Use the figurative sense only when the context is very clear and informal.

Use it Actively

Try to incorporate 'bicar' into your own sentences, whether in writing or speaking. The more you use it, the more natural it will become.

Connect to 'Bico'

Remember that 'bicar' comes from 'bico' (beak). This connection reinforces the meaning and helps you remember the word.

Listen for Context

When listening to Portuguese, pay attention to the context. If the speaker is talking about birds and their actions, and you hear a word that sounds like pecking, it's likely 'bicar'.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Imagine a bird with a very 'biting' personality, always 'biting' at its food. The 'bi-' sound reminds you of 'biting', and the action is pecking.

視覚的連想

Picture a chicken vigorously pecking at a pile of corn kernels. Focus on the quick, repetitive up-and-down motion of its beak.

Word Web

Bird Beak Peck Eat Seeds Grain Food Action

チャレンジ

Try to describe the feeding habits of different birds you see, using the verb 'bicar' as much as possible. For example, 'The pigeon is bicando crumbs on the sidewalk,' or 'The woodpecker is bicando the tree trunk.'

語源

The word 'bicar' likely originates from the Latin word 'beccare', which means 'to peck' or 'to strike with the beak'. This Latin root is also the source of the word 'bico' (beak).

元の意味: To strike or peck with the beak.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Portuguese.

文化的な背景

The term is neutral and descriptive. There are no particular sensitivities associated with its literal meaning. Figurative uses should be considered based on context and audience.

In English, the closest equivalent is 'to peck'. Other related verbs include 'to nibble' or 'to pick at', but 'peck' is the most direct translation for the action of a bird's beak.

Children's songs about farm animals often feature chickens 'bicando'. Nature documentaries narrated in Portuguese will extensively use 'bicar' when describing bird feeding. Proverbs or sayings, though rare for this specific verb, might exist in regional dialects.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Observing birds in a park or garden.

  • O que é que aquele pássaro está a bicar?
  • Estão a bicar as sementes?
  • Parece que ele bicou algo interessante.

Talking about pets (birds).

  • O meu periquito adora bicar os brinquedos.
  • Ele bicou a fruta que lhe dei.
  • Deixa-o bicar à vontade.

Discussing farm animals (poultry).

  • As galinhas bicam o milho todo.
  • O galo bicava o chão o dia todo.
  • Elas bicam umas nas outras às vezes.

Reading children's books about animals.

  • O pintinho bicou a minhoca.
  • Os passarinhos bicam em tudo!
  • Que fome, ele bicava sem parar.

Watching nature documentaries.

  • O pica-pau bicava a árvore.
  • O beija-flor bicava o néctar.
  • Vemos como eles bicam para sobreviver.

会話のきっかけ

"Have you ever watched birds pecking at food? What did they look like?"

"If you had a pet bird, what would you expect it to do with its beak?"

"Can you think of any other actions birds do with their beaks besides eating?"

"Imagine a bird that doesn't peck; how else might it eat?"

"What sounds do you think a bird makes when it pecks at something?"

日記のテーマ

Describe a time you saw a bird pecking. What was it doing, and what did it look like?

If you could have a conversation with a bird, what would you ask it about its pecking habits?

How is the action of pecking different from other ways animals eat?

Write a short story from the perspective of a bird that loves to peck at shiny objects.

Consider the importance of a bird's beak. How does the ability to 'bicar' help birds survive?

よくある質問

10 問

The main difference lies in the subject performing the action and the tool used. 'Bicar' exclusively refers to the action of a bird pecking with its beak. 'Picar', on the other hand, means to sting (like an insect), prick (like a needle), or cut into small pieces. You would never say a bird 'picou' a seed; it 'bicou' it. Similarly, you wouldn't say a mosquito 'bicou' you; it 'picou' you.

No, 'bicar' is specifically used for the action of a bird using its beak. If another animal is eating or striking with its mouth, you would use verbs like 'comer' (to eat), 'morder' (to bite), or 'atacar' (to attack).

When a bird 'bica' something, it means it is using its beak to strike at it, usually to pick up food (like seeds, insects, or grains), to investigate something, or sometimes to groom itself or its surroundings. It implies a quick, repetitive motion of the head and beak.

Yes, although less common than its literal meaning, 'bicar' can be used informally to mean 'to nag', 'to pester', or 'to pick on' someone, similar to the English idiom 'to pick at' or 'to nag'. For example, 'Ele não para de me bicar sobre a minha roupa' means 'He won't stop picking on me about my clothes.' This figurative use is context-dependent.

The pronunciation is 'bee-CAR'. The stress is on the second syllable ('CAR'). The 'b' is voiced, the 'i' is a short 'ee' sound, the 'c' is a 'k' sound, and the final 'r' is typically rolled or tapped. For example, in IPA: /biˈkaɾ/.

Birds commonly 'bicar' seeds, grains, insects, small fruits, the ground, tree bark, and sometimes even water or other birds. The specific object depends on the bird's species and its diet or behavior.

Yes, 'bicar' is a very common and useful word in Portuguese, especially when talking about birds, nature, or animals. It's frequently encountered in everyday language, children's books, and documentaries.

'Bicar' is the general term for a bird pecking with its beak. 'Beliscar' implies a gentler, more nibbling action, or a slight pinch. While a bird might 'beliscar' a very small seed, 'bicar' is the broader term for the pecking action.

Certainly. In the simple past (Pretérito Perfeito Simples), it would be: 'O pássaro bicou a semente.' (The bird pecked the seed.) In the imperfect past (Pretérito Imperfeito Simples), suggesting a habitual or ongoing action in the past: 'Os pássaros bicavam as migalhas no chão.' (The birds used to peck the crumbs on the ground.)

You can use the present continuous form: 'estar a bicar'. For example, 'O galo está a bicar o milho.' (The rooster is pecking the corn.)

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