Representar 30秒で
- Representar is a versatile regular -ar verb meaning to represent, act, or symbolize.
- It is used in politics (representing people), arts (acting), and everyday life (symbols).
- Commonly confused with 'apresentar' (to present), which has a different meaning.
- Essential for discussing identity, roles, and the deeper meaning of objects or events.
The Portuguese verb representar is a multifaceted linguistic pillar that bridges the gap between the physical and the symbolic. At its most fundamental level, it describes the act of standing in for someone or something else, acting as a proxy, or serving as a symbol. Whether you are a diplomat representing a nation, an actor representing a character on stage, or a mathematical variable representing a value, the core essence remains the same: substitution and manifestation. In the Lusophone world, this word carries significant weight in legal, artistic, and emotional contexts, often used to describe how an object or action embodies a deeper meaning or a collective identity.
- Primary Function
- To serve as a sign, symbol, or substitute for something else in a formal or informal capacity.
- Artistic Context
- The act of performing a role in a play, film, or artistic production (to act/perform).
- Legal/Political Context
- To act on behalf of a group, individual, or entity with authorized power.
O embaixador vai representar o Brasil na conferência internacional de amanhã.
Beyond mere substitution, representar often touches upon the concept of 'meaning' or 'significance.' When a Portuguese speaker asks, "O que isso representa para você?", they aren't just asking for a definition; they are asking about the emotional or personal value that an object or event holds. It is a verb of depth, used to explore the layers of human experience where one thing points toward another. In visual arts, it refers to the depiction of reality through a medium, such as a painting representing a landscape or a sculpture representing a historical figure.
Esta pintura representa a luta do povo pela liberdade e justiça social.
In technical fields like mathematics or computer science, the verb is used to describe how data or symbols stand for specific values or logic. For example, a variable 'x' represents a number. This versatility makes it one of the most useful verbs for learners to master, as it transitions seamlessly from everyday conversation to high-level academic discourse. Understanding its nuances allows a speaker to discuss everything from their role in a company to the symbolic meaning of a national flag.
Na matemática, a letra 'x' pode representar qualquer valor desconhecido na equação.
- Synonymic Shift
- Depending on context, it can be replaced by 'simbolizar' (symbolize), 'significar' (signify), or 'interpretar' (interpret/act).
Ela foi escolhida para representar a turma na cerimônia de graduação.
O que a família representa na sua vida pessoal e profissional?
Using representar correctly requires an understanding of its three main pillars: Agency, Symbolism, and Performance. As a regular verb ending in -ar, it is relatively straightforward to conjugate in all tenses, but its prepositional usage and object placement vary depending on the intended meaning.
1. Agency: Acting on Behalf of Others
When you represent a group, company, or country, the verb is usually transitive direct, meaning it takes a direct object without a preposition. You represent someone or something.
- O advogado representa o cliente. (The lawyer represents the client.)
- Nós representamos a nossa empresa. (We represent our company.)
2. Symbolism: Meaning and Significance
When discussing what something 'stands for', representar can be used to describe abstract concepts. In this context, it often answers the question "What does this mean?".
A pomba branca representa a paz mundial.
A common structure is: [Subject] + representar + [Meaning] + para + [Person]. This is used to express personal significance.
- Este presente representa muito para mim. (This gift represents/means a lot to me.)
3. Performance: The World of Acting
In the arts, representar is synonymous with performing a role. It is frequently used in theater and cinema discussions.
O ator representou o papel de Hamlet com perfeição.
4. Formal and Legal Usage
In legal documents, you will see 'representante legal' (legal representative). The verb form is used to establish authority: "O procurador representa os herdeiros." (The proxy represents the heirs.)
- Reflexive Form?
- While 'representar-se' exists (to represent oneself), it is rare and usually found in legal contexts where someone acts as their own lawyer.
The verb representar is ubiquitous across various domains of Lusophone life. From the evening news to the classroom, its presence is constant. Here are the most common environments where you will encounter this word:
1. Politics and News
In every election cycle in Brazil, Portugal, Angola, or Mozambique, you will hear about 'representatividade' (representativeness). News anchors often discuss how politicians representam their constituents' interests.
Os deputados devem representar a vontade do povo no parlamento.
2. Sports
When an athlete competes in the Olympics or a World Cup, they are said to be representing their country. This is a point of great national pride.
- É uma honra representar Portugal nos Jogos Olímpicos. (It is an honor to represent Portugal in the Olympic Games.)
3. Education and Academia
Teachers use the word to explain symbols, graphs, and data. "Este gráfico representa o crescimento da população." (This graph represents population growth.) It is a key verb for students learning to analyze information.
4. Theater and Culture
If you go to a 'teatro' in Lisbon or São Paulo, the program might list the actors and the roles they representam. It is also used in the context of 'representações culturais' (cultural representations), referring to how a culture is portrayed in media.
5. Business and Law
In a corporate setting, a salesperson representa a brand. In a courtroom, a lawyer representa a defendant. It is the standard term for professional agency.
- Daily Conversation
- "O que isso representa?" (What does that represent/mean?) is a common way to ask for clarification on the importance of something.
Even though representar is a cognate with the English 'to represent', there are specific pitfalls that learners often encounter when using it in Portuguese.
1. Confusing with 'Apresentar'
This is the most frequent error. Apresentar means 'to present' or 'to introduce'. Representar means 'to stand for' or 'to act as'.
- Incorrect: Eu vou representar o meu novo projeto. (I am going to represent my new project - implies you are the project's proxy).
- Correct: Eu vou apresentar o meu novo projeto. (I am going to present my new project).
2. Overusing it for 'Mean'
While representar can mean 'to mean', it is usually for symbolic or emotional meaning. For literal definitions or translations, use significar or querer dizer.
- Incorrect: 'Maçã' representa 'apple' em inglês.
- Correct: 'Maçã' significa 'apple' em inglês.
3. Preposition Errors
Learners sometimes add unnecessary prepositions. Remember that when representing a person or entity, it is usually direct.
Errado: Ele representa
apara a empresa.
Certo: Ele representa a empresa.
4. False Friends in Context
In some contexts, English speakers use 'represent' to mean 'to claim' (e.g., "He represented himself as a doctor"). In Portuguese, this would be better expressed as fazer-se passar por or afirmar ser.
To truly master representar, you should understand how it relates to and differs from its synonyms and related terms. This will help you choose the most precise word for your context.
- Simbolizar (To Symbolize)
- Used when something stands as a symbol for an abstract idea. While 'representar' is broader, 'simbolizar' is specific to iconography.
Ex: A cor verde simboliza a esperança. - Significar (To Mean)
- Used for definitions, logical consequences, or the meaning of words.
Ex: O que significa esta palavra? - Atuar / Interpretar (To Act / Interpret)
- Specific to the performing arts. 'Atuar' is the physical act of acting, while 'interpretar' focuses on the artistic delivery of a role.
Ex: Ela interpreta a vilã na novela. - Personificar (To Personify)
- When a person embodies a quality or idea perfectly.
Ex: Ele personifica a bondade.
Embora possamos usar representar em quase todos estes casos, escolher a palavra específica torna o seu português mais rico e preciso.
In a legal sense, you might also encounter advogar (to advocate/plead) or procurar (in the sense of 'procuração' - power of attorney). While 'representar' is the general act of the lawyer, 'advogar' is the specific professional action of defending a cause.
How Formal Is It?
難易度
知っておくべき文法
Regular -ar verb conjugation
Direct vs. Indirect Objects
Use of the Subjunctive for desires/needs
Passive voice with 'ser' + past participle
Adverb placement with verbs
レベル別の例文
Eu represento a minha escola.
I represent my school.
Present tense, 1st person singular.
O vermelho representa o amor.
Red represents love.
Simple subject-verb-object structure.
Eles representam a nossa equipe.
They represent our team.
Present tense, 3rd person plural.
O que isto representa?
What does this represent?
Interrogative sentence.
Ela representa a mãe na reunião.
She represents her mother at the meeting.
Usage of 'representar' as a proxy.
O sol representa o dia.
The sun represents the day.
Basic symbolic usage.
Nós representamos o Brasil.
We represent Brazil.
Present tense, 1st person plural.
A bandeira representa o país.
The flag represents the country.
Standard symbolic meaning.
Ontem, eu representei a minha turma.
Yesterday, I represented my class.
Pretérito Perfeito (Past tense).
Ela gosta de representar no teatro.
She likes to act in the theater.
Infinitive after 'gosta de'.
Este anel representa a nossa amizade.
This ring represents our friendship.
Abstract representation.
Vocês representaram bem a empresa.
You (plural) represented the company well.
Adverb 'bem' modifying the verb.
O ator representou um rei no filme.
The actor played a king in the movie.
Context of acting/performance.
O que este presente representa para você?
What does this gift mean to you?
Structure 'representar para [alguém]'.
Nós vamos representar a escola no torneio.
We are going to represent the school in the tournament.
Future with 'ir' + infinitive.
A pintura representa uma paisagem rural.
The painting represents a rural landscape.
Artistic depiction.
A nova lei representa um avanço para a sociedade.
The new law represents a step forward for society.
Abstract social concept.
Espero que você nos represente na conferência.
I hope you represent us at the conference.
Present Subjunctive after 'Espero que'.
O diretor não pôde representar a empresa pessoalmente.
The director could not represent the company in person.
Modal verb 'poder' + infinitive.
Esta estátua representa a liberdade conquistada.
This statue represents the freedom achieved.
Symbolism of historical events.
Ela representava o papel principal na peça de Natal.
She was playing the lead role in the Christmas play.
Pretérito Imperfeito for ongoing past action.
Os dados representam a realidade do mercado atual.
The data represents the reality of the current market.
Technical/Analytical usage.
Representar os outros exige muita responsabilidade.
Representing others requires a lot of responsibility.
Gerund-like use of infinitive as a subject.
O que a sua cultura representa para o mundo?
What does your culture represent to the world?
Broad cultural inquiry.
O advogado tem plenos poderes para representar o réu.
The lawyer has full powers to represent the defendant.
Legal terminology 'plenos poderes'.
A queda do muro representou o fim de uma era.
The fall of the wall represented the end of an era.
Historical significance.
Se eu fosse você, representaria a queixa formalmente.
If I were you, I would file the complaint formally.
Conditional mood.
A obra de Saramago representa o auge da literatura portuguesa moderna.
Saramago's work represents the peak of modern Portuguese literature.
Literary criticism.
Os manifestantes representam uma parcela significativa da população.
The protesters represent a significant portion of the population.
Sociopolitical context.
Não podemos permitir que interesses privados representem o bem comum.
We cannot allow private interests to represent the common good.
Complex subjunctive construction.
O gráfico representa a volatilidade dos preços do petróleo.
The graph represents the volatility of oil prices.
Technical economic usage.
Ela foi convidada para representar a juventude no fórum mundial.
She was invited to represent youth at the world forum.
Passive voice construction.
A peça procura representar a angústia existencial do homem moderno.
The play seeks to represent the existential angst of modern man.
Philosophical/Literary depth.
É imperativo que as minorias sejam devidamente representadas.
It is imperative that minorities be properly represented.
Passive subjunctive.
O conceito de 'eu' representa uma construção social complexa.
The concept of 'self' represents a complex social construction.
Academic/Sociological usage.
A sua atitude representa uma violação direta do contrato.
Your attitude represents a direct violation of the contract.
Formal/Legal accusation.
Representar fielmente a realidade é o desafio de qualquer historiador.
Faithfully representing reality is the challenge of any historian.
Adverbial modification 'fielmente'.
A metáfora representa o elo entre o conhecido e o desconhecido.
The metaphor represents the link between the known and the unknown.
Linguistic/Philosophical analysis.
Embora representasse um risco, a empresa decidiu investir na tecnologia.
Although it represented a risk, the company decided to invest in the technology.
Concessive clause with Imperfect Subjunctive.
A arquitetura desta cidade representa séculos de influências cruzadas.
The architecture of this city represents centuries of cross-influences.
Historical/Architectural context.
A semiótica estuda como os signos representam a realidade fenoménica.
Semiotics studies how signs represent phenomenal reality.
High-level academic discourse.
A sua renúncia representa o desmoronamento final da coligação.
His resignation represents the final collapse of the coalition.
Metaphorical political usage.
Representar o inefável através da música é o propósito da sua obra.
Representing the ineffable through music is the purpose of his work.
Abstract artistic philosophy.
A delegação de poderes permite ao agente representar o mandante em juízo.
The delegation of powers allows the agent to represent the principal in court.
Precise legal terminology.
Esta descoberta representa uma mudança de paradigma na física quântica.
This discovery represents a paradigm shift in quantum physics.
Scientific breakthrough context.
O autor utiliza o protagonista para representar as contradições da burguesia.
The author uses the protagonist to represent the contradictions of the bourgeoisie.
Literary analysis.
A iconografia bizantina representava o divino de forma altamente estilizada.
Byzantine iconography represented the divine in a highly stylized way.
Art history context.
Tal decisão representaria uma abdicação das nossas responsabilidades éticas.
Such a decision would represent an abdication of our ethical responsibilities.
Ethical/Philosophical argument.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
よく混同される語
To present or introduce something new, whereas representar is to stand in for something existing.
Simbolizar is more specific to abstract icons; representar is broader and includes legal/acting roles.
Figurar means to appear or be present in a list/place, not necessarily acting on behalf of others.
慣用句と表現
間違えやすい
文型パターン
使い方
In Brazil, 'representar' is often used in the sense of 'to be significant' in a social way.
In legal Portuguese, 'representação' is a specific term for a formal complaint.
The word 'representatividade' is a modern buzzword for diversity in representation.
- Using 'representar' instead of 'apresentar' for 'to present a project'.
- Pronouncing the 's' as 's' instead of 'z'.
- Using 'representar' for literal word translations (use 'significar' instead).
- Adding 'a' or 'para' when representing a company (it's direct: 'representar a empresa').
- Confusing the noun 'representante' with the verb 'representar'.
ヒント
Regular Conjugation
Remember that 'representar' is a regular -ar verb. Its endings are -o, -as, -a, -amos, -ais, -am in the present tense. This makes it one of the easiest verbs to master early on. Just attach the standard endings to the stem 'represent-'.
Avoid 'Apresentar'
Don't confuse 'representar' with 'apresentar'. 'Apresentar' is for introducing someone or showing a project. 'Representar' is for standing in for someone or symbolizing an idea. Think of 'representar' as 'acting as a proxy'.
The 'S' Sound
The 's' in 'representar' is between two vowels (e and e), so it must be pronounced like a 'z'. Practice saying 're-pre-zen-tar' to ensure you sound natural. A common mistake is pronouncing it like an 's' or 'sh'.
Theater Context
If you are in a theater, 'representar' is the word for acting. You can say 'Ele representa o papel de vilão' (He plays the role of the villain). It's a great word to use when discussing movies or plays with friends.
Legal Usage
In formal or legal documents, 'representar' is the standard term for acting on behalf of someone. Use it when writing emails to companies or authorities. For example: 'Represento os interesses dos moradores'.
Abstract Ideas
Use 'representar' to talk about what things stand for. 'A pomba representa a paz' is a classic example. It helps you describe abstract concepts using concrete symbols, which is great for intermediate level discussions.
Brazilian Slang
In Brazil, you might hear someone say 'Você representou!' after you do something cool. In this context, it means 'You did a great job' or 'You stepped up'. It's very informal but common among younger people.
Representatividade
On social media, you will often see the hashtag #representatividade. This comes from the verb 'representar' and refers to the importance of seeing diverse people in media. It's a key word for modern cultural awareness.
Vs. Significar
If you want to say what a word means in a dictionary, use 'significar'. If you want to say what an object means to your heart, use 'representar'. This distinction will make your Portuguese sound much more sophisticated.
Business Proxy
When you are at a meeting for your boss, you are 'representando' them. It's a high-value verb for professional settings. Use it to clarify your role: 'Estou aqui para representar o meu departamento'.
暗記しよう
語源
From Latin 'repraesentare'
文化的な背景
Often used in the context of 'representatividade negra' or 'feminina' in media.
Strongly associated with classical theater and the National Theater D. Maria II.
Used in post-colonial discourse regarding the representation of national history.
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
会話のきっかけ
"Quem você representa na sua empresa?"
"O que a bandeira do seu país representa para você?"
"Qual ator você acha que representa melhor este papel?"
"Você acha que os políticos representam bem o povo?"
"O que esta música representa na sua vida?"
日記のテーマ
Escreva sobre um objeto que representa a sua infância.
Descreva uma situação em que você teve que representar alguém.
O que o sucesso representa para você?
Se você fosse um animal, qual representaria a sua personalidade?
Como a arte representa a realidade na sua opinião?
よくある質問
10 問Yes, in Portuguese, 'representar' is a very common word for acting in a play or movie. It is often used interchangeably with 'atuar'. For example, 'Ela representa muito bem' means 'She acts very well'. It carries a slightly more classical or formal connotation than 'atuar'. This usage is common in both Brazil and Portugal.
While both can mean 'to mean', 'significar' is used for literal definitions or logical results. 'Representar' is used for symbolic, emotional, or proxy meanings. You would say 'A palavra 'casa' significa 'home'', but 'Esta casa representa a minha infância'. Use 'significar' for facts and 'representar' for symbols and roles.
Yes, 'representar' is a perfectly regular -ar verb. It follows the same conjugation pattern as 'falar' or 'estudar'. This makes it very easy for learners to use in different tenses once they know the basic rules. There are no stem changes or irregular endings to worry about.
You should say 'Eu represento a empresa'. You do not need a preposition between the verb and the object. It is a transitive direct verb in this context. If you are writing a formal email, this is the correct and most professional way to state your role.
Absolutely. In math, you would say 'A letra x representa um número desconhecido'. This is the standard way to describe variables or symbols in technical fields. It is used exactly like the English word 'represent' in this scientific context.
This is a noun derived from 'representar'. It refers to the quality of being representative, especially in a social or political sense. It is often used to discuss whether media or government includes diverse groups (e.g., 'representatividade feminina'). It is a very important word in modern Portuguese discourse.
Yes, but it is rare. It is mostly used in legal contexts where someone represents themselves in court ('representar-se a si mesmo'). In daily life, you almost always represent someone else or an idea, so the reflexive form is not common.
Yes, it is very common to say 'representar uma ameaça' or 'representar um perigo'. In this case, it means that something 'constitutes' or 'is' a threat. For example: 'O aquecimento global representa um perigo para o planeta'. This is a formal and precise way to express risk.
The past participle is 'representado'. It is used in compound tenses (e.g., 'Tenho representado') and as an adjective (e.g., 'O povo está bem representado'). It follows the regular -ado ending for -ar verbs.
Use the structure 'representar para [pessoa]'. For example: 'Você representa tudo para mim' (You mean everything to me). This is a very common and emotional way to use the verb in relationships and personal reflections.
自分をテスト 180 問
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Mastering 'representar' allows you to navigate formal, artistic, and symbolic contexts in Portuguese, enabling you to discuss who you are acting for and what your values stand for.
- Representar is a versatile regular -ar verb meaning to represent, act, or symbolize.
- It is used in politics (representing people), arts (acting), and everyday life (symbols).
- Commonly confused with 'apresentar' (to present), which has a different meaning.
- Essential for discussing identity, roles, and the deeper meaning of objects or events.
Regular Conjugation
Remember that 'representar' is a regular -ar verb. Its endings are -o, -as, -a, -amos, -ais, -am in the present tense. This makes it one of the easiest verbs to master early on. Just attach the standard endings to the stem 'represent-'.
Avoid 'Apresentar'
Don't confuse 'representar' with 'apresentar'. 'Apresentar' is for introducing someone or showing a project. 'Representar' is for standing in for someone or symbolizing an idea. Think of 'representar' as 'acting as a proxy'.
The 'S' Sound
The 's' in 'representar' is between two vowels (e and e), so it must be pronounced like a 'z'. Practice saying 're-pre-zen-tar' to ensure you sound natural. A common mistake is pronouncing it like an 's' or 'sh'.
Theater Context
If you are in a theater, 'representar' is the word for acting. You can say 'Ele representa o papel de vilão' (He plays the role of the villain). It's a great word to use when discussing movies or plays with friends.
関連コンテンツ
この単語を他の言語で
generalの関連語
a cerca de
B1距離や将来の時間について「約」や「およそ」を意味します。
à direita
A2右に、または右側に。方向や場所を示すために使われます。
à esquerda
A2左側に。方向を示したり、場所を説明したりするために使用されます。
a fim de
A2〜するために、〜したい気分。 '合格するために勉強する。' / 'ピザが食べたい気分だ。'
à frente
A2の前に (No mae ni). '彼は私の前にいます。'
a frente
A2前方に; 前に
À frente de
A2〜の前に、または〜を率いて。「車の前に木があります」。
a tempo
A2間に合って、時間通りに。手遅れになる前に行動することを指します。
à volta de
A2の周りに。場所（テーブルの周り）や見積もり（約10ユーロ）に使用されます。
abaixo
A1〜の下に; 以下に。
