Contaminar
Contaminar 30秒で
- Contaminar means to make something impure or harmful by adding a bad substance. It is commonly used for environmental pollution and biological infections.
- The word is a regular -ar verb in Portuguese, making it easy to conjugate. It is a direct cognate of the English word 'contaminate'.
- Beyond physical pollution, it is used figuratively to describe the spread of ideas, moods, or social influences, both positive and negative.
- Essential for discussing health, ecology, and science, it appears frequently in news reports, academic texts, and professional safety protocols.
The Portuguese verb contaminar is a direct cognate of the English word 'to contaminate'. At its most basic level, it refers to the process of making something impure, dirty, or dangerous by adding a substance that is harmful or unwanted. In the Portuguese-speaking world, this word is essential for discussing environmental issues, health, and even social influences. It belongs to the first conjugation (verbs ending in -ar) and is remarkably versatile in both literal and figurative contexts. Whether you are talking about a chemical spill in the Amazon or the way a negative attitude spreads through a group of friends, contaminar is your go-to term.
- Literal Usage
- This refers to physical pollution or infection. For example, 'A bactéria pode contaminar a comida' (The bacteria can contaminate the food). It is frequently used in scientific, medical, and environmental reports.
- Figurative Usage
- This describes the spread of ideas, emotions, or behaviors. For instance, 'O entusiasmo dela contaminou toda a equipe' (Her enthusiasm contaminated/infected the whole team). Note that in Portuguese, this figurative 'contamination' can be positive, like spreading joy.
Não podemos deixar que o lixo venha a contaminar a nossa reserva de água potável.
When using this word, it is important to understand the nuance between it and other similar verbs like poluir (to pollute). While they are often interchangeable, contaminar specifically implies the introduction of an external element that changes the nature of the original substance. In a medical context, it is often preferred when discussing the spread of viruses or bacteria in a laboratory or clinical setting. In Brazilian and Portuguese culture, environmental protection is a hot topic, making this word very common in the daily news cycle, especially concerning the protection of rivers and coastal areas.
Furthermore, the word carries a weight of responsibility. In legal and ethical discussions in Portuguese, finding out who is responsible for 'contaminating' a site involves complex investigations. The word is also used in the context of 'contaminação cruzada' (cross-contamination) in the culinary world, which is a vital concept for anyone working in or studying gastronomy in a Portuguese-speaking country. As you progress in your studies, you will see it paired with various prepositions, most commonly 'com' (with), to indicate the source of the impurity.
O vírus começou a contaminar a população local rapidamente.
- Social Context
- In social settings, one might say 'A corrupção contaminou as instituições', suggesting a deep-seated rot that has spread from one part to another.
In summary, contaminar is a high-frequency word that spans the gap between technical science and everyday emotional descriptions. It is a powerful tool for any learner looking to describe how things change—usually for the worse—when they come into contact with something else. By mastering this word, you unlock the ability to discuss ecology, health, and social dynamics with precision and clarity.
Using contaminar correctly requires understanding its grammatical structure and the prepositions that typically follow it. As a transitive verb, it usually takes a direct object—the thing being contaminated. However, it can also be used reflexively or in the passive voice. The most common pattern is [Subject] + [contaminar] + [Direct Object] + [Prepositional Phrase].
- The 'Com' Pattern
- We use 'com' to specify the agent of contamination. 'Eles contaminaram o solo com produtos químicos' (They contaminated the soil with chemicals).
- The Passive Voice
- In news reports, you will often see 'foi contaminado/a'. 'A água foi contaminada por óleo' (The water was contaminated by oil).
Cuidado para não contaminar a amostra durante o experimento.
When using the verb in a figurative sense, the structure remains the same but the meaning shifts to influence. For example, 'O medo contaminou a multidão' (Fear contaminated/spread through the crowd). Here, 'medo' is the subject that acts upon 'multidão'. It is also important to note the reflexive form contaminar-se, which means 'to become contaminated' or 'to catch (an infection)'. 'Ele se contaminou ao tocar na superfície suja' (He became contaminated/infected by touching the dirty surface).
One of the most interesting ways to use contaminar is in the present participle form as an adjective: contaminante (contaminating/contaminant). This describes something that has the power to contaminate. 'O mercúrio é um metal altamente contaminante' (Mercury is a highly contaminating metal). This usage is very common in academic and environmental texts. Conversely, the past participle contaminado functions as 'contaminated'. 'O rio contaminado não tem peixes' (The contaminated river has no fish).
É essencial evitar que as ideologias extremistas venham a contaminar o debate público.
- Verb Tenses
- Present: Eu contamino. Preterite: Eu contaminei. Future: Eu contaminarei. Imperfect: Eu contaminava.
Finally, consider the context of 'contaminação' (the noun). While this guide focuses on the verb, knowing that 'contaminar' leads to 'contaminação' helps you recognize the word family in complex sentences. In professional environments, you might hear about 'risco de contaminação' (risk of contamination), which is a standard phrase in safety briefings and healthcare protocols. By practicing these different structures, you will move from a basic understanding to a sophisticated use of the word.
You will encounter contaminar in a variety of real-world scenarios. The most frequent is likely the evening news (o telejornal). Brazil, with its vast natural resources, frequently reports on environmental challenges. News anchors often use the word when discussing oil spills (vazamentos de óleo) or the impact of mining on indigenous lands. In these contexts, the word carries a tone of urgency and gravity.
- Environmental News
- 'A lama da barragem pode contaminar o Rio Doce por décadas.' (The mud from the dam could contaminate the Doce River for decades.)
- Health and Medicine
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, 'contaminar' was used daily to describe how the virus spreads. 'Lave as mãos para não contaminar os outros.'
O relatório aponta que a indústria continua a contaminar o ar da cidade.
Another common place to hear this word is in educational settings. If you attend a biology or chemistry class in a Portuguese-speaking country, the instructor will use contaminar to explain laboratory protocols. It is a fundamental term for anyone in the STEM fields. They might discuss how a control group was 'contaminado' by an external variable, ruining the results of an experiment. This technical precision is vital for academic success.
In the world of business and psychology, contaminar takes on a more metaphorical tone. You might hear a manager say, 'Não deixe que o pessimismo de um funcionário contamine toda a equipe' (Don't let one employee's pessimism contaminate the whole team). This usage is very common in corporate workshops and self-help literature in Portuguese. It highlights the social aspect of the word—how one person's energy can affect everyone around them.
Sua alegria é capaz de contaminar até o ambiente mais triste.
- Legal Context
- Lawyers might talk about how illegal evidence can 'contaminar' an entire legal process, leading to the annulment of a trial.
Finally, you will find this word in literature and film. A protagonist might fear that their dark past will 'contaminar' their new life, or a sci-fi movie might center around a 'planeta contaminado'. Because the word has such strong visual and sensory associations, it is a favorite for writers looking to create a sense of corruption or decay. Whether in a high-stakes legal drama or a simple conversation about hygiene, contaminar is a word that appears everywhere.
While contaminar is a cognate, English speakers often make subtle mistakes in its application. One of the most common errors is confusing it with poluir (to pollute). While they are related, they are not identical. Poluir is generally used for the environment (air, water, noise), whereas contaminar implies the presence of a specific harmful agent, like a virus or a chemical, that makes something dangerous to use or consume.
- Contaminar vs. Infectar
- 'Infectar' is strictly medical (viruses, bacteria). You 'infect' a person, but you 'contaminate' an object or an environment which then 'infects' the person.
- Preposition Errors
- Learners often forget to use 'com' when identifying the source. Saying 'contaminado de' is less common than 'contaminado com' or 'por'.
Errado: A água está poluída com vírus. (Better: contaminada).
Another mistake is the over-reliance on the word 'pegar' (to catch/take) when discussing diseases. While 'peguei uma gripe' is perfectly fine in casual speech, saying 'fui contaminado pelo vírus da gripe' is the correct way to express the biological process. Using 'contaminar' in formal writing or medical discussions is essential for sounding educated and precise. Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the reflexive form. Remember: if you are the one getting sick because of an external source, you 'se contaminou'.
In figurative usage, English speakers sometimes use 'contaminar' only for negative things. However, in Portuguese, it is very common to use it for positive things like 'contaminar com alegria' or 'contaminar com entusiasmo'. If you only use it for negative contexts, you are missing out on a beautiful and common expressive range of the language. Another pitfall is the conjugation of the future subjunctive. Many learners say 'se eu contaminar' correctly, but forget the 'r' when writing, leading to 'se eu contamina', which is incorrect.
Cuidado: Não diga 'o rio está contaminoso'. O adjetivo correto é 'contaminado'.
- Spelling Mistakes
- Ensure you use the 'm' before 't'. English speakers sometimes try to spell it 'contaninar' by mistake, following patterns from other words.
Lastly, be careful with the word 'sujar' (to get dirty). While 'sujar' is common for physical dirt like mud on shoes, using it for toxic chemicals or viruses sounds too childish. In those cases, 'contaminar' is the required level of vocabulary. By avoiding these common traps, you will use contaminar like a native speaker, ensuring your message is both accurate and appropriate for the context.
To truly master contaminar, you should know the words that surround it in the semantic field of 'impurity' and 'influence'. Portuguese offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific type of contamination you are discussing. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the perfect word for every situation.
- Poluir
- Primarily used for environmental pollution. You 'polui' the air with smoke, but you 'contamina' a wound with bacteria.
- Infectar
- Used for biological infections. It is more specific to the body's reaction to a pathogen.
- Corromper
- Used for moral or data contamination. You 'corrompe' a file on a computer or a politician's integrity.
Em vez de contaminar, podemos usar 'macular' para falar de algo que perdeu sua pureza moral.
If you are talking about something becoming physically dirty in a non-dangerous way, use sujar. If you want to sound more poetic or formal, macular (to stain/spot) or inquinar (to pollute/corrupt) are excellent choices. Inquinar is quite rare and mostly found in older literature or legal texts, but it is a powerful synonym for 'contaminar'. In a laboratory, you might hear adulterar, which means to alter something by adding an inferior substance, often used in the context of food or fuel fraud.
In figurative language, viciar is a great alternative. It means to taint or to make something faulty. For example, 'O erro viciou todo o processo' (The error tainted/vitiated the whole process). This is often used in law and logic. Another emotional alternative is influenciar. While 'contaminar' implies a deep, often unwanted change, 'influenciar' is more neutral. If a friend's mood 'contamina' you, it feels like it happened to you; if they 'influenciam' you, it sounds more like a conscious or external process.
A radiação pode contaminar a área, tornando-a inabitável.
- Sujidade vs. Contaminação
- 'Sujidade' is just dirt. 'Contaminação' is dirt that causes harm. Choose your verb based on the severity of the situation.
By expanding your vocabulary to include these synonyms and alternatives, you will be able to express a wider range of ideas. You won't just be saying 'it's dirty'; you'll be able to specify if it's infected, corrupted, tainted, or polluted. This level of detail is what separates a beginner from an intermediate or advanced speaker. Practice switching contaminar with these alternatives in your writing to see how the tone and meaning of your sentences shift.
How Formal Is It?
豆知識
In ancient Roman theater, 'contaminatio' referred to the practice of mixing elements from two different Greek plays to create a new Latin one. It wasn't always a negative term!
発音ガイド
- Pronouncing the final 'r' like an English 'r' (as in 'car').
- Forgetting the nasalization of the first 'o'.
- Putting the stress on the 'mi' syllable instead of the 'nar' syllable.
- Pronouncing the 't' with too much breath (aspirated); it should be a 'dry' t.
- Treating the 'i' like a long English 'e'; it's a short, sharp 'ee'.
難易度
Very easy to recognize because it is a cognate of 'contaminate'.
Requires knowledge of -ar verb endings and the correct preposition 'com'.
The nasal 'o' and the final 'r' can be tricky for English speakers.
Clearly pronounced in most dialects, usually easy to pick out in a sentence.
次に学ぶべきこと
前提知識
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知っておくべき文法
Regular -ar verbs in the Present Tense
Eu contamino, tu contaminas, ele contamina...
Passive Voice with 'Ser'
O rio foi contaminado pela fábrica.
Reflexive Verbs for self-action
Ele se contaminou ao beber a água suja.
Future Subjunctive for 'if' clauses
Se você contaminar a amostra, o teste falhará.
Nasal vowels (o + n/m)
The 'con' in contaminar is a nasalized 'o'.
レベル別の例文
O lixo pode contaminar a água do rio.
Trash can contaminate the river water.
Simple subject-verb-object structure.
Não use as mãos sujas para não contaminar a comida.
Don't use dirty hands so you don't contaminate the food.
Imperative negative 'Não use'.
A bactéria vai contaminar o leite.
The bacteria will contaminate the milk.
Future with 'ir' + infinitive.
Eles não querem contaminar o solo.
They don't want to contaminate the soil.
Negative 'não' before the verb.
O óleo pode contaminar o mar.
Oil can contaminate the sea.
Modal verb 'pode' + infinitive.
Cuidado para não contaminar o seu irmão.
Be careful not to infect/contaminate your brother.
Figurative use for illness.
A poeira vai contaminar a sala limpa.
The dust will contaminate the clean room.
Future tense.
Nós precisamos não contaminar o ar.
We need to not contaminate the air.
Present tense with 'precisar'.
O vazamento de óleo contaminou a praia toda.
The oil spill contaminated the whole beach.
Preterite tense 'contaminou'.
É perigoso contaminar a ferida com terra.
It is dangerous to contaminate the wound with dirt.
Infinitive as a subject.
Os médicos tentam não contaminar os pacientes.
Doctors try not to contaminate the patients.
Present tense plural.
A indústria contaminou o ar da cidade.
Industry contaminated the city's air.
Preterite tense.
Você se contaminou porque não lavou as mãos.
You became contaminated because you didn't wash your hands.
Reflexive verb 'se contaminou'.
O veneno pode contaminar os peixes do lago.
The poison can contaminate the fish in the lake.
Modal verb.
Nós contaminamos a amostra sem querer.
We contaminated the sample by mistake.
Preterite first person plural.
Não deixe o cachorro contaminar a sua cama.
Don't let the dog contaminate your bed.
Imperative 'não deixe'.
O pessimismo dele acabou por contaminar toda a equipe de vendas.
His pessimism ended up contaminating the whole sales team.
Figurative use; 'acabar por' construction.
Se não filtrarmos a água, ela poderá contaminar a população.
If we don't filter the water, it might contaminate the population.
Conditional sentence with future 'poderá'.
A alegria das crianças contaminou o ambiente da festa.
The children's joy contaminated (filled) the party atmosphere.
Positive figurative use.
Muitos rios foram contaminados pelo uso excessivo de agrotóxicos.
Many rivers were contaminated by the excessive use of pesticides.
Passive voice 'foram contaminados'.
É importante evitar que o vírus venha a contaminar mais pessoas.
It is important to prevent the virus from contaminating more people.
Subjunctive 'venha a'.
O laboratório foi fechado para não contaminar as outras salas.
The lab was closed so as not to contaminate the other rooms.
Purpose clause 'para não'.
Sua atitude rebelde começou a contaminar os outros alunos.
His rebellious attitude began to contaminate the other students.
Inceptive 'começou a'.
A carne crua não deve contaminar os vegetais na cozinha.
Raw meat should not contaminate the vegetables in the kitchen.
Modal 'deve' + negative.
A corrupção sistêmica ameaça contaminar todas as esferas do governo.
Systemic corruption threatens to contaminate all spheres of government.
Abstract usage in a political context.
O descarte incorreto de baterias pode contaminar o lençol freático.
Incorrect disposal of batteries can contaminate the water table.
Technical vocabulary 'lençol freático'.
Houve o receio de que a radiação pudesse contaminar os países vizinhos.
There was a fear that radiation could contaminate neighboring countries.
Imperfect subjunctive 'pudesse'.
O malware foi projetado para contaminar o máximo de dispositivos possível.
The malware was designed to contaminate as many devices as possible.
Technical use in computing.
A empresa foi multada por contaminar o ecossistema local propositalmente.
The company was fined for purposefully contaminating the local ecosystem.
Adverb 'propositalmente'.
A contaminação cruzada é o maior risco em uma cozinha industrial.
Cross-contamination is the biggest risk in an industrial kitchen.
Noun form 'contaminação'.
Não permita que as emoções pessoais venham a contaminar o seu julgamento profissional.
Don't allow personal emotions to contaminate your professional judgment.
Compound verb 'venham a contaminar'.
O estudo foi invalidado porque um fator externo contaminou os resultados.
The study was invalidated because an external factor contaminated the results.
Causal clause with 'porque'.
A retórica de ódio busca contaminar o tecido social e gerar divisão.
Hate rhetoric seeks to contaminate the social fabric and generate division.
Highly abstract/metaphorical language.
É imperativo que a ética não seja contaminada por interesses puramente financeiros.
It is imperative that ethics not be contaminated by purely financial interests.
Passive subjunctive 'seja contaminada'.
A infiltração de ideologias estranhas pode contaminar a pureza da doutrina original.
The infiltration of foreign ideologies can contaminate the purity of the original doctrine.
Philosophical/theological context.
O escândalo acabou por contaminar a reputação de todos os envolvidos no projeto.
The scandal ended up contaminating the reputation of everyone involved in the project.
Usage in public relations/reputation.
A análise química revelou que o solo estava contaminado por metais pesados.
Chemical analysis revealed that the soil was contaminated by heavy metals.
Technical/scientific report style.
O autor utiliza a metáfora da doença para mostrar como o crime contamina a cidade.
The author uses the metaphor of disease to show how crime contaminates the city.
Literary analysis context.
Qualquer tentativa de diálogo foi contaminada por preconceitos enraizados.
Any attempt at dialogue was contaminated by deep-rooted prejudices.
Passive voice with 'foi'.
A descoberta de que o poço estava contaminado causou pânico na aldeia.
The discovery that the well was contaminated caused panic in the village.
Complex sentence structure.
A subjetividade do observador corre o risco de contaminar a objetividade da pesquisa científica.
The observer's subjectivity runs the risk of contaminating the objectivity of scientific research.
Epistemological context.
O niilismo contemporâneo parece contaminar as produções artísticas da última década.
Contemporary nihilism seems to contaminate the artistic productions of the last decade.
Aesthetic/philosophical critique.
A prova ilícita tem o condão de contaminar todo o acervo probatório, levando à nulidade.
Illicit evidence has the power to contaminate the entire body of evidence, leading to nullity.
High-level legal terminology ('acervo probatório').
A pureza da língua é frequentemente contaminada por estrangeirismos desnecessários.
The purity of the language is often contaminated by unnecessary foreignisms.
Linguistic purism context.
O trauma geracional pode contaminar as relações familiares por séculos.
Generational trauma can contaminate family relationships for centuries.
Psychological/sociological depth.
A presença de impurezas traço pode contaminar o semicondutor, alterando suas propriedades.
The presence of trace impurities can contaminate the semiconductor, altering its properties.
Advanced physics/engineering context.
A corrupção da alma, segundo o filósofo, contamina até as ações mais nobres.
The corruption of the soul, according to the philosopher, contaminates even the noblest actions.
Ethical/philosophical discourse.
O fluxo migratório não deve ser visto como algo que contamina a cultura local, mas que a enriquece.
The migratory flow should not be seen as something that contaminates the local culture, but that enriches it.
Sociopolitical commentary.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
— The danger of something becoming contaminated. Used in safety signs.
Há um alto risco de contaminação nesta área.
— When bacteria spread from one food to another. Vital in cooking.
Evite a contaminação cruzada usando tábuas diferentes.
— An area that has been polluted or infected. Often restricted.
Ninguém pode entrar na zona contaminada sem proteção.
— Earth that contains harmful chemicals or toxins.
O solo contaminado não serve para a agricultura.
— Water that is unsafe to drink due to impurities.
Beber água contaminada pode causar doenças graves.
— To catch a virus or become infected by it.
Muitas pessoas se contaminaram com o vírus no inverno.
— A warning not to let bad influences or moods affect you.
Não se deixe contaminar pelo estresse do trabalho.
— The substance or organism that causes contamination.
O mercúrio é um agente contaminante perigoso.
— A legal or logical process that has been ruined by errors.
O processo judicial foi contaminado por provas falsas.
— To pollute the air on a large scale.
Os vulcões podem contaminar a atmosfera com cinzas.
よく混同される語
English speakers might mix them up because they start with 'com' and end in 'inar'. Combinar means to combine or agree.
Sounds slightly similar but means to contemplate or view.
Commonly confused by beginners; means to confirm.
慣用句と表現
— One bad person can ruin a whole group. Similar to the English idiom.
Tire ele da equipe; uma maçã podre contamina o cesto.
informal/proverbial— To preemptively spread negative information about someone to ruin their reputation.
Ele tentou contaminar o poço antes da minha apresentação.
formal/figurative— When someone loses their values because of the environment they work in.
Ele era honesto, mas foi contaminado pelo sistema.
neutral/critical— Often used interchangeably with 'contaminar' for positive emotions.
O sorriso dela contagia (contamina) a todos.
informal— Can refer to a tense or unpleasant social atmosphere.
O ar estava contaminado de desconfiança na reunião.
figurative— Can refer to bad lineage or a corrupted heritage in older literature.
Naquela história, ele temia o seu sangue contaminado.
literary— To introduce irrelevant or harmful arguments into a discussion.
Não vamos deixar que insultos contaminem o debate.
formal— Someone who can only think of bad or dirty things.
Você tem uma mente contaminada por maldade.
informal— To ruin the origin of something, making everything that follows bad.
Se você contaminar a fonte, nada mais será puro.
metaphorical— A poetic way to say someone is overwhelmed by love.
Ele estava contaminado de amor por ela.
poetic間違えやすい
Both deal with dirt and the environment.
Poluir is general environmental damage; contaminar is specific harmful agents.
Carros poluem o ar; o mercúrio contamina a água.
Both involve germs and sickness.
Infectar is for the biological reaction inside a body; contaminar is for the presence of the agent on a surface or in a medium.
O vírus contamina o corrimão e depois infecta a pessoa.
Both mean making something not clean.
Sujar is for simple dirt (mud, dust); contaminar is for dangerous things (toxins, viruses).
A criança sujou a roupa; o lixo hospitalar contaminou a luva.
In figurative Portuguese, both mean 'to ruin'.
Viciar is mostly for legal processes or habits; contaminar is for spreading influence or physical substances.
O vício de forma viciou o processo; o medo contaminou a equipe.
Both imply a loss of purity.
Macular is poetic/literary; contaminar is scientific/common.
A mentira maculou sua alma; o óleo contaminou a areia.
文型パターン
O [noun] contamina o [noun].
O lixo contamina o rio.
Não [verb] para não contaminar.
Não toque para não contaminar.
[Noun] pode vir a contaminar [noun].
O vírus pode vir a contaminar a cidade.
[Noun] foi contaminado por [agent].
O solo foi contaminado por óleo.
Ao contaminar [noun], o [noun] gerou [consequence].
Ao contaminar o debate, o político gerou confusão.
A despeito de [action], o risco de contaminar [noun] persiste.
A despeito da limpeza, o risco de contaminar a amostra persiste.
É preciso evitar contaminar [noun].
É preciso evitar contaminar a nossa mente.
[Noun] contamina [noun] com [substance].
A fábrica contamina o ar com fumaça.
語族
名詞
動詞
形容詞
関連
使い方
High, especially in news and science.
-
Using 'contaminar' for simple dirt.
→
sujar
If your shoes have mud, they are 'sujos'. If they have toxic waste, they are 'contaminados'. Use 'sujar' for everyday messes.
-
Saying 'contaminoso' as an adjective.
→
contaminado
English speakers often try to add '-oso' to make adjectives. While 'perigoso' exists, the adjective for contamination is 'contaminado'.
-
Forgetting the 'se' in reflexive use.
→
Ele se contaminou.
If you are the one catching a disease, you must use the reflexive pronoun. 'Ele contaminou' means he contaminated something else.
-
Misspelling with 'n' instead of 'm'.
→
contaminar
In Portuguese, we use 'm' before 'p' and 'b', but also in the middle of 'contaminar'. Avoid 'contaninar'.
-
Using 'poluir' for viruses.
→
contaminar / infectar
You don't 'pollute' a person with a virus. You 'contaminate' them or 'infect' them. 'Poluir' is for the environment.
ヒント
Contact = Contaminate
Just remember that contamination happens through contact. The 'CON' in both words will help you link the concept and the verb.
Regular -ar Verb
Don't overthink the conjugation. If you know 'falar', you know 'contaminar'. Eu contamino, você contamina, nós contaminamos.
Positive Contamination
Impress native speakers by using 'contaminar' for good vibes. 'Sua risada contamina a sala!' sounds very natural and advanced.
Nasal 'O'
Practice the first syllable 'con' by closing your nose slightly. It should sound like the 'on' in the French word 'bon'.
Read the Signs
Look for 'Risco de Contaminação' signs in Brazil or Portugal. It's a great way to see the word in its most serious, real-world context.
Passive Voice
In news articles, use 'foi contaminado'. It sounds much more professional than saying 'alguém contaminou'.
Kitchen Talk
Learn 'contaminação cruzada' if you want to work in a restaurant. It's the #1 safety term you'll need to know.
Radio News
Listen to environmental reports on Portuguese radio. You will hear 'contaminar' almost every time they talk about rivers or mining.
Legal Logic
Think of 'contaminar' as a 'poisoned tree' in law. One bad piece of evidence contaminates the whole case.
Group Dynamics
Use the word to describe office culture. 'A fofoca contamina o trabalho' (Gossip contaminates work) is a very common sentiment.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Think of the 'CON' in CONTAMINAR as 'CONtact'. When things come into CONTACT with something bad, they CONTAMINATE.
視覚的連想
Imagine a clear glass of water. Now imagine a single drop of black ink falling into it and spreading. That is CONTAMINAR.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Try to write three sentences using 'contaminar': one about the environment, one about a virus, and one about an emotion. Use a different tense for each.
語源
From the Latin 'contaminare', which means 'to bring into contact' or 'to defile'. It is formed by 'con-' (together) and a root related to 'tangere' (to touch).
元の意味: The original sense was to blend or mix different things together, which later evolved into the negative sense of spoiling something pure by mixing it with something inferior.
Romance > Latin > Proto-Indo-European文化的な背景
Be careful when using 'contaminar' to describe people or cultures, as it can sound xenophobic or offensive (e.g., saying a culture 'contaminates' another). Use it for substances or abstract influences instead.
English speakers use 'contaminate' mostly for science and pollution. In Portuguese, don't be afraid to use 'contaminar' for feelings and social vibes too!
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
Environmental Science
- contaminar o ecossistema
- nível de contaminação
- resíduos que contaminam
- contaminar a fauna
Healthcare
- contaminar o ferimento
- não contaminar a gaze
- risco de se contaminar
- contaminar o instrumental
Cooking
- contaminar os alimentos
- evitar contaminação cruzada
- contaminar a superfície
- contaminar com bactérias
Social/Emotional
- contaminar com alegria
- contaminar o grupo
- não se deixe contaminar
- contaminar a conversa
Information Technology
- contaminar o sistema
- vírus que contamina
- contaminar os dados
- contaminar a rede
会話のきっかけ
"Você acha que as indústrias estão fazendo o suficiente para não contaminar os rios?"
"Como podemos evitar de contaminar os outros quando estamos gripados?"
"Você já sentiu que a alegria de alguém contaminou o seu dia inteiro?"
"Quais são os maiores perigos de contaminar o solo com plástico?"
"Como evitar a contaminação cruzada na hora de cozinhar para os amigos?"
日記のテーマ
Escreva sobre uma vez que o entusiasmo de um amigo contaminou você de forma positiva.
Quais são as três coisas que mais contaminam o meio ambiente na sua cidade hoje?
Como você se sente quando vê notícias sobre empresas que contaminam a natureza por lucro?
Descreva um experimento científico (real ou imaginário) onde algo contaminou a amostra.
Pense em uma música ou livro que 'contaminou' seus pensamentos por muito tempo.
よくある質問
10 問Yes! In Portuguese, it is very common to say 'contaminar com alegria' (contaminate with joy) or 'contaminar com entusiasmo' (contaminate with enthusiasm). It means to spread a good feeling to everyone around you.
'Poluir' is usually for the environment in a general sense (air, noise, visual pollution). 'Contaminar' implies a specific harmful substance like a chemical or a virus that makes something dangerous.
Yes, it is a perfectly regular -ar verb. It follows the same conjugation rules as 'falar', 'amar', and 'estudar'. This makes it easy for learners to use in different tenses.
The term is 'contaminação cruzada'. It is a very important phrase in food safety and professional cooking in Brazil and Portugal.
Yes, you can. You can say 'O vírus contaminou o sistema' or 'O vírus contaminou os arquivos'. However, 'infectar' is also very common in this context.
The most common prepositions are 'com' (with) and 'por' (by). For example: 'Contaminado com veneno' or 'Contaminado por bactérias'.
No, that is a common mistake. The correct adjective is 'contaminado' (contaminated) or 'contaminante' (contaminating/contaminant).
Yes, lawyers use it to describe how illegal evidence can 'contaminate' a whole trial, making the entire process invalid.
You use the reflexive form: 'contaminar-se'. For example: 'Ele se contaminou na floresta' (He got contaminated in the forest).
The stress is always on the last syllable: 'nar'. In Portuguese, verbs in the infinitive almost always stress the final syllable.
自分をテスト 180 問
Escreva uma frase sobre a poluição dos rios usando 'contaminar'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Escreva uma frase figurativa usando 'contaminar' e 'alegria'.
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Como você diria a alguém para não sujar a comida?
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Descreva o que acontece quando o óleo vaza no mar.
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Explique por que devemos lavar as mãos antes de comer.
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Use a palavra 'contaminado' para descrever um lugar perigoso.
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Crie um diálogo curto entre um médico e um paciente sobre um vírus.
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Escreva sobre o perigo do lixo eletrônico.
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Fale sobre como o estresse afeta uma equipe.
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Use 'contaminar' em uma frase sobre política.
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Escreva uma frase no futuro do subjuntivo (Se eu...).
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Como se diz 'The water was contaminated by the factory'?
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Escreva um aviso para uma cozinha industrial.
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Fale sobre a importância da purificação.
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Descreva o efeito de uma notícia falsa.
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Crie uma frase usando 'agente contaminante'.
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Use 'contaminar-se' no passado (Eu...).
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Escreva sobre a preservação da natureza.
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Use 'contaminar' em um contexto poético.
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Fale sobre segurança digital.
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Pronuncie a palavra: con-ta-mi-nar.
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Diga a frase: 'A água está contaminada.'
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Diga a frase: 'Não contamine o rio.'
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Pronuncie: con-ta-mi-na-ção.
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Diga: 'O vírus contaminou muita gente.'
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Diga: 'Sua alegria me contamina.'
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Pronuncie: con-ta-mi-nan-te.
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Diga: 'Eu não quero me contaminar.'
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Diga: 'O solo foi contaminado.'
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Diga: 'Evite a contaminação cruzada.'
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Diga: 'A corrupção contamina tudo.'
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Diga: 'O ar da cidade é contaminado.'
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Diga: 'Não deixe o medo te contaminar.'
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Pronuncie: des-con-ta-mi-nar.
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Diga: 'O óleo contaminou a areia.'
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Diga: 'A amostra está contaminada.'
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Diga: 'O lixo contamina a natureza.'
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Diga: 'O riso dela é contaminante.'
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Diga: 'A prova foi contaminada.'
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Diga: 'Nós contaminamos o poço.'
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Ouça a frase e escreva o verbo usado: 'O lixo vai contaminar o mar.'
Ouça e identifique o tempo verbal: 'Eles contaminaram o solo.'
Ouça e escreva o adjetivo: 'A água está muito contaminada.'
Ouça e identifique o objeto: 'O vírus contamina as mãos.'
Ouça a frase: 'Sua alegria me contamina.' É positivo ou negativo?
Ouça e escreva o substantivo: 'A contaminação é grave.'
Ouça a frase: 'Não deixe o ódio te contaminar.' O que deve ser evitado?
Ouça e identifique o agente: 'O rio foi contaminado por óleo.'
Ouça e escreva: 'Evite a contaminação cruzada.'
Ouça e identifique o lugar: 'O laboratório está contaminado.'
Ouça: 'O mercúrio contamina os peixes.' Qual o metal citado?
Ouça e escreva o verbo no futuro: 'A radiação contaminará a região.'
Ouça: 'Se você contaminar a amostra, pare.' Qual a condição?
Ouça e identifique o sentimento: 'O medo contaminou a cidade.'
Ouça e escreva: 'Descontaminar o solo é caro.'
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The verb 'contaminar' is a versatile tool for describing both physical pollution and the spread of abstract influences. It is a regular -ar verb and a cognate of 'contaminate'. Example: 'O óleo contaminou o mar' (The oil contaminated the sea).
- Contaminar means to make something impure or harmful by adding a bad substance. It is commonly used for environmental pollution and biological infections.
- The word is a regular -ar verb in Portuguese, making it easy to conjugate. It is a direct cognate of the English word 'contaminate'.
- Beyond physical pollution, it is used figuratively to describe the spread of ideas, moods, or social influences, both positive and negative.
- Essential for discussing health, ecology, and science, it appears frequently in news reports, academic texts, and professional safety protocols.
Contact = Contaminate
Just remember that contamination happens through contact. The 'CON' in both words will help you link the concept and the verb.
Regular -ar Verb
Don't overthink the conjugation. If you know 'falar', you know 'contaminar'. Eu contamino, você contamina, nós contaminamos.
Positive Contamination
Impress native speakers by using 'contaminar' for good vibes. 'Sua risada contamina a sala!' sounds very natural and advanced.
Nasal 'O'
Practice the first syllable 'con' by closing your nose slightly. It should sound like the 'on' in the French word 'bon'.
例文
O lixo industrial pode contaminar o solo e a água.
関連コンテンツ
この単語を他の言語で
natureの関連語
à beira
B1On the edge or brink of.
à beira de
B1〜の縁に;〜の寸前に。物理的な場所や、今にも起こりそうな状態を表します。
à distância
A2遠くから、遠隔で。
a favor de
B1In favor of; supporting.
à sombra
A2日陰で (Hikage de). '日陰で休みましょう (Vamos descansar à sombra).' / '木の日陰に座る (Sentar-se à sombra da árvore).'
à volta
A2「À volta」は「~の周り」または「~の近く」を意味します。一般的なエリアや近くの場所を表すのに使われます。例:カフェは広場の<strong>à volta</strong>にあります。(カフェは広場の周りにあります。) 円形の動きも示します。例:公園の<strong>à volta</strong>を散歩しましょう。(公園の周りを散歩しましょう。)
abanar
A2To wave or swing back and forth, like an animal's tail; to wag.
abater
B11. 切り倒す(木)。 2. 屠殺する(動物)。 3. 控除する(税金)。 '木を切り倒す。' '税金から費用を控除する。'
Abelha
A2Bee; a stinging winged insect that produces honey.
abeto
A2アベット(abeto)は、平たい針葉を持つ常緑樹で、モミの木として知られています。