At the A1 level, you should learn 'aparar' as a simple action word related to your body and daily routine. It means 'to trim'. You will most often use it when talking about your hair or your nails. For example, 'Eu aparo as unhas' (I trim my nails). It is a regular verb ending in -ar, so it follows the same pattern as 'falar' or 'cantar'. At this stage, don't worry about the metaphorical meanings. Just think of it as a way to say you are cutting something just a little bit to make it look nice. It is a very useful word for when you visit a barber or a salon in a Portuguese-speaking country. You can say 'Aparar, por favor' to mean 'Just a trim, please'. This is much safer than saying 'cortar', which might result in a much shorter haircut than you wanted! Focus on the present tense: eu aparo, tu aparas, ele/ela apara. Learn it alongside body parts like 'cabelo' (hair), 'barba' (beard), and 'unhas' (nails).
At the A2 level, you can start using 'aparar' in more varied contexts beyond just personal grooming. You might use it to talk about gardening, like 'aparar a relva' (to trim the grass) or 'aparar as plantas' (to trim the plants). You also learn that 'aparar' can be used for sharpening a pencil: 'aparar o lápis'. This is a common classroom or office activity. You should also be comfortable using the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) to describe things you have already done, such as 'Ontem, eu aparerei a minha barba' (Yesterday, I trimmed my beard). At this level, you understand that 'aparar' implies a small, neat cut rather than a large one. You are also beginning to see the word in the imperative form, especially in instructions or requests. If you are reading a simple DIY guide or a gardening tip, the word 'aparar' will likely appear. It is a step up from the basic 'cortar' because it shows you are being more specific about the type of cutting you are doing.
By the B1 level, you should be able to use 'aparar' in more complex sentence structures and understand its role in physical actions like catching. For instance, 'Ele aparou a bola com facilidade' (He caught/stopped the ball with ease). You are now moving into the 'intermediate' territory where a word can have multiple, slightly different meanings depending on the situation. You should also be familiar with the reflexive-like usage where the action is done to oneself, although in Portuguese we often just use the definite article with body parts. You can use 'aparar' in the future tense and conditional to talk about plans: 'Se tivesse tempo, apararia a sebe hoje' (If I had time, I would trim the hedge today). This level also introduces the idea of 'aparar' as a way to block or parry a blow in sports or self-defense. You are becoming more precise with your verbs, choosing 'aparar' when you mean 'to refine' and 'cortar' when you mean 'to sever'.
At the B2 level, you are expected to understand and use the metaphorical meanings of 'aparar'. The most important idiom is 'aparar as arestas', which means to smooth over difficulties, resolve minor conflicts, or finalize details in a negotiation. You will hear this frequently in news reports, business meetings, and political discussions. For example, 'Os dois países estão a tentar aparar as arestas do acordo comercial' (The two countries are trying to smooth over the edges of the trade agreement). You also understand the word's use in more technical or artistic contexts, such as a sculptor 'aparando' a piece of stone or a writer 'aparando' a text to make it more concise. Your vocabulary is now flexible enough to use 'aparar' as a synonym for 'refine' or 'perfect'. You can also distinguish between 'aparar' and more specialized verbs like 'podar' (for pruning) or 'afiar' (for sharpening blades).
At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the nuances of 'aparar'. You can use it in literary or formal writing to describe the subtle removal of excess. You might use it to describe the way light is filtered or 'aparada' by a shade, or how a speaker 'apara' their words to avoid giving offense. You are aware of the word's etymology from the Latin 'parare' (to prepare) and how this influences its various meanings across the Romance languages. You can use 'aparar' in complex grammatical constructions, such as the personal infinitive or the future subjunctive, without hesitation. Your use of 'aparar as arestas' is natural and well-timed in professional debates. You also recognize the noun forms like 'aparagem' (the act of trimming) or 'aparadura' (the shavings/clippings themselves). At this level, 'aparar' is not just a verb but a tool for expressing precision, care, and the process of bringing something to its final, polished state.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 'aparar' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You appreciate the word's versatility in classical literature and its specific applications in archaic or highly specialized fields, such as the sharpening of quills ('aparar uma pena') or specific techniques in traditional crafts. You can play with the word's various meanings for rhetorical effect or in wordplay. You understand the subtle regional differences in how 'aparar' is used across the Lusophone world, from the 'aparadores' (sideboards) of a Portuguese home to the specific gardening terms used in Brazil. You can use the verb to describe abstract concepts, such as 'aparar o tempo' (to make better use of time by cutting out the unnecessary). Your command of the word includes its most obscure collocations and its role in forming complex idiomatic expressions. For you, 'aparar' is a testament to the economy and elegance of the Portuguese language.

aparar 30초 만에

  • Aparar means to trim, refine, or catch.

The Portuguese verb aparar is a versatile term primarily associated with the act of refining, trimming, or smoothing something by removing its extremities or rough edges. While English speakers might immediately think of 'trimming' a hedge or 'clipping' nails, aparar covers a broader spectrum of activities ranging from personal grooming to carpentry and even physical defense. At its core, the word suggests a precise, controlled action rather than a total removal or a deep cut. When you apara something, you are usually making it neater, more functional, or safer.

Grooming Context
In daily life, this is the most common usage. It refers to trimming hair, beards, or fingernails. It implies maintaining the current style rather than changing it completely.

Preciso aparar a minha barba antes da reunião de amanhã.

Beyond grooming, aparar is the standard verb for sharpening a pencil (aparar um lápis), though apontar is also used. It evokes the image of the wood shavings being sliced away to reveal the lead. In the garden, you apara a relva (trim the grass) or apara a sebe (trim the hedge). In these cases, the focus is on the aesthetic neatness achieved by the action. The word is deeply rooted in the idea of 'finishing' a task or bringing an object to its ideal state by removing the unnecessary.

Physical Interaction
Interestingly, 'aparar' also means to catch or parry. If someone throws a ball at you, you 'apara a bola'. If someone falls, you might 'aparar a queda' (cushion the fall).

O guarda-redes conseguiu aparar o remate forte do avançado.

In a metaphorical sense, the phrase aparar as arestas (to trim the edges) is widely used in business and diplomacy. It refers to resolving minor disagreements or smoothing over difficulties between parties to reach a consensus. This highlights the word's association with harmony and refinement. Whether you are working with wood, hair, or social conflicts, aparar is about the delicate touch required to make things right. It is a verb of precision and care, distinguishing itself from the brute force of cortar (to cut).

Eles tiveram uma longa conversa para aparar as arestas do contrato.

Technical Nuance
In carpentry or bookbinding, 'aparar' refers to the final cut that levels the edges of paper or wood, ensuring a perfectly straight line.

O carpinteiro usa a plaina para aparar as irregularidades da madeira.

Using aparar correctly requires understanding the object being acted upon. It is a transitive verb, meaning it almost always takes a direct object. When used in the context of grooming, it is frequently reflexive or involves parts of the body. For instance, 'Eu aparo a barba' (I trim the beard) or 'Ela aparou as unhas' (She trimmed the nails). Note that in Portuguese, we use the definite article (a, as, o, os) rather than possessive adjectives when referring to body parts that belong to the subject.

The Imperative Form
You will often hear this at the barber: 'Apare só as pontas, por favor' (Trim just the ends, please). It is a polite way to request a minor adjustment.

Apare o excesso de papel com uma guilhotina para ficar direito.

In gardening, the structure remains simple: [Subject] + [Verb] + [Article] + [Plant/Area]. 'O jardineiro vai aparar as sebes do jardim municipal'. Here, the focus is on the maintenance aspect. If you were to say 'cortar as sebes', it might imply cutting them down entirely, whereas 'aparar' specifically means keeping them tidy. This distinction is crucial for learners to sound more natural and precise.

Catching and Receiving
When used to mean 'to catch', it often describes an instinctive or skillful reaction. 'Ele aparou o vaso antes que este batesse no chão' (He caught the vase before it hit the floor).

Tens de estar pronto para aparar a bola se eu a atirar para ti.

For more advanced learners, using aparar in the passive voice or with auxiliary verbs adds depth. 'As arestas precisam de ser aparadas' (The edges need to be trimmed). Or 'Estou a aparar o lápis' (I am sharpening the pencil). In European Portuguese, the 'estou a [infinitive]' construction is standard for continuous actions, while in Brazilian Portuguese, 'estou aparando' is the norm. Both are perfectly correct and widely understood.

O cavaleiro conseguiu aparar o golpe do adversário com o seu escudo.

Metaphorical Usage
'Aparar arestas' is a fixed expression. You don't usually say 'aparar problemas' or 'aparar discussões'—you specifically 'aparar arestas' to mean smoothing things over.

Vamos aparar as arestas deste projeto antes de o apresentarmos ao cliente.

The word aparar is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking environments, though its frequency varies by context. If you walk into a traditional barbearia (barbershop) in Lisbon or Luanda, you will hear it constantly. Customers will ask the barber to aparar as patilhas (trim the sideburns) or aparar o bigode (trim the mustache). It is the language of maintenance and style. In these settings, it carries a connotation of grooming and social presentation.

In the Garden
Gardening shows or conversations about home maintenance frequently use 'aparar'. 'É tempo de aparar as rosas' (It's time to prune/trim the roses).

Ouvi o vizinho a aparar a relva logo de manhã cedo.

In schools and offices, you might hear it in relation to stationery. Although digital tools are dominant, the physical act of sharpening a pencil is still described as aparar o lápis. You might hear a teacher say, 'Meninos, quem precisa de aparar o lápis?'. This usage connects the word to the concept of preparation for a task. In sports commentary, especially football (soccer), a commentator might shout, 'O guarda-redes aparou com segurança!' when a goalie catches a ball cleanly without spilling it.

The Corporate World
In meetings, the phrase 'aparar arestas' is a staple. It sounds professional and collaborative. Managers use it to signal that they are looking for a compromise.

Na reunião de hoje, vamos aparar as arestas da nossa estratégia de marketing.

In a domestic setting, parents often tell children to aparar as unhas before school. It’s a word associated with hygiene and order. You'll also see it on labels for grooming products, such as aparadores de barba (beard trimmers). This commercial usage reinforces the word's link to technology and precision. Whether in the quiet of a garden or the bustle of a hair salon, aparar is the word for the small, necessary adjustments that keep life neat.

Comprei um dispositivo novo para aparar os pelos do nariz.

News and Media
Journalists use 'aparar' when discussing budget cuts that are minor or targeted, rather than sweeping. 'O governo pretende aparar os gastos supérfluos'.

O apresentador tentou aparar as críticas dos convidados durante o debate.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using aparar is confusing it with the general verb cortar (to cut). While all aparar involves cutting, not all cortar is aparar. If you want to say you got a haircut where significant length was removed, you should use cortar o cabelo. If you only got a 'trim' to remove split ends, aparar as pontas is the correct choice. Using cortar when you mean aparar can lead to misunderstandings at the salon!

Confusion with 'Apontar'
When sharpening a pencil, both 'aparar' and 'apontar' are used. However, 'apontar' is more common for the specific act of making the tip sharp, while 'aparar' refers to the removal of the wood.

Não diga 'vou cortar as arestas' se quiser dizer que vai resolver um pequeno conflito; use 'aparar'.

Another error involves the preposition usage. Unlike some English verbs like 'trim down', aparar is usually a direct transitive verb and does not require a preposition before its object. Saying 'aparar de' or 'aparar em' is typically incorrect unless it's part of a different grammatical structure. Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse aparar with parar (to stop) because of their similar spelling. Remember: the 'a' at the beginning changes the meaning entirely from stopping an action to refining an object.

Misusing for 'Catch'
While 'aparar' means to catch a falling object or a ball, it is not used for catching a bus (panhar/pegar) or catching a cold (apanhar/ficar com).

Ele tentou aparar o autocarro, mas o motorista não parou. (Errado - use 'apanhar').

Lastly, be careful with the word aparador. While it is the noun for a trimmer, it also refers to a 'sideboard' or 'buffet' (a piece of furniture). If you tell someone to look for something 'no aparador', they might look in the dining room rather than the bathroom cabinet. Context is key! Always ensure that the object you are 'aparando' is something that can logically be trimmed, caught, or smoothed. Overextending the verb to mean 'reducing' in general (like 'reducing speed') is also a mistake; use reduzir or abrandar instead.

O jardineiro deve aparar a relva, não apenas cortá-la de qualquer maneira.

Reflexive Confusion
Learners often forget that when you do the action to yourself (like trimming your own beard), you don't always need 'se'. 'Vou aparar a barba' is sufficient.

Ela esqueceu-se de aparar as unhas antes do concerto de piano.

Portuguese offers a rich vocabulary for the act of cutting and refining, and choosing the right synonym for aparar depends heavily on the context. The most common alternative is cortar, which is the general term for 'to cut'. While aparar is specific to trimming or smoothing, cortar is broader. For example, you corta a steak, but you apara the fat off the edges of the steak. Understanding this distinction helps you convey the intent of your action more clearly.

Aparar vs. Podar
In gardening, 'podar' is used for pruning trees and bushes to encourage growth or remove dead branches. 'Aparar' is used for the aesthetic shaping or leveling of hedges and grass.

É melhor podar a videira no inverno e aparar as folhas no verão.

Another related word is limar, which means 'to file'. This is used specifically for smoothing surfaces with a file, such as fingernails (limar as unhas) or metal edges. While aparar as unhas means to cut them shorter with scissors or clippers, limar as unhas means to smooth them down. In technical contexts, retificar (to rectify/adjust) or ajustar (to adjust) might be used when the goal is to make something fit perfectly, similar to the metaphorical 'aparar arestas'.

Aparar vs. Apanhar
When catching an object, 'apanhar' is the general word. 'Aparar' is more specific to catching something with the intent of preventing it from hitting the ground or cushioning its impact.

Ele conseguiu aparar o telemóvel com o pé antes de ele cair na água.

For the metaphorical sense of 'aparar arestas', you could use conciliar (to reconcile) or resolver (to resolve). However, aparar arestas is more evocative, suggesting that the problems are just minor 'points' that need to be smoothed down. In the context of hair, desbastar is a more technical term used by hairdressers to mean 'thinning out' hair rather than just trimming the length. Choosing the right word demonstrates a high level of fluency and an appreciation for the nuances of the Portuguese language.

O escultor começou a aparar o bloco de mármore para dar forma à estátua.

Regional Variations
In some regions of Brazil, 'tosquiar' might be used for shearing sheep or even a very rough haircut, whereas 'aparar' remains the polite, standard term for a neat trim.

Precisamos de aparar as despesas supérfluas para poupar dinheiro.

수준별 예문

1

Eu aparo as minhas unhas todos os sábados.

I trim my nails every Saturday.

Present tense, first person singular.

2

O barbeiro vai aparar o meu cabelo.

The barber is going to trim my hair.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

3

Tu aparas a barba?

Do you trim your beard?

Question in the present tense, second person singular.

4

Ela apara as pontas do cabelo.

She trims the ends of her hair.

Present tense, third person singular.

5

Nós apararmos as unhas do gato.

We trim the cat's nails.

Present tense, first person plural.

6

Eles aparam a relva do jardim.

They trim the garden grass.

Present tense, third person plural.

7

Podes aparar este papel para mim?

Can you trim this paper for me?

Modal verb 'poder' + infinitive.

8

Eu preciso de aparar o meu bigode.

I need to trim my mustache.

Verb 'precisar de' + infinitive.

1

Ontem, o meu pai aparou a sebe do quintal.

Yesterday, my father trimmed the backyard hedge.

Pretérito Perfeito (Past tense).

2

Vou aparar o lápis porque a ponta partiu-se.

I'm going to sharpen the pencil because the tip broke.

Immediate future construction.

3

Ela aparava as unhas enquanto via televisão.

She used to trim her nails while watching TV.

Pretérito Imperfecto (Describing a past habit).

4

Apare as bordas da massa antes de a levar ao forno.

Trim the edges of the dough before putting it in the oven.

Imperative form (Instruction).

5

Nós já aparámos os arbustos este mês.

We have already trimmed the bushes this month.

Pretérito Perfeito, first person plural.

6

Eles não apararam bem o relvado.

They didn't trim the lawn well.

Negative sentence in the past tense.

7

Queres que eu te apare o cabelo?

Do you want me to trim your hair?

Present Subjunctive after 'querer que'.

8

O jardineiro está a aparar as flores secas.

The gardener is trimming the dried flowers.

Present Continuous (European Portuguese style).

1

O guarda-redes aparou a bola com as duas mãos.

The goalkeeper caught the ball with both hands.

Using 'aparar' to mean 'to catch'.

2

Se o vaso cair, tenta apará-lo.

If the vase falls, try to catch it.

Imperative + object pronoun 'lo'.

3

Ele aparou o golpe do adversário com o braço.

He parried the opponent's blow with his arm.

Using 'aparar' to mean 'to parry/block'.

4

É necessário aparar as despesas para poupar mais.

It is necessary to trim expenses to save more.

Metaphorical use for reducing costs.

5

Espero que o barbeiro não apare demasiado o meu bigode.

I hope the barber doesn't trim my mustache too much.

Present Subjunctive after 'esperar que'.

6

Ela estava a aparar as unhas quando o telefone tocou.

She was trimming her nails when the phone rang.

Past continuous action interrupted by another action.

7

Nós apararíamos a relva se não estivesse a chover.

We would trim the grass if it weren't raining.

Conditional tense.

8

Tens de aparar as arestas desse pedaço de madeira.

You have to smooth the edges of that piece of wood.

Literal use of the 'arestas' phrase.

1

Precisamos de uma reunião para aparar as arestas do projeto.

We need a meeting to smooth over the project's details.

Idiomatic use of 'aparar as arestas'.

2

O governo decidiu aparar os subsídios para reduzir o défice.

The government decided to trim subsidies to reduce the deficit.

Formal/Political context.

3

O autor aparou o texto para o tornar mais direto.

The author trimmed the text to make it more direct.

Metaphorical use in creative work.

4

O cavaleiro aparou o ataque com o seu escudo de metal.

The knight parried the attack with his metal shield.

Historical/Literary context.

5

Sempre que discutem, tentam aparar as arestas logo de seguida.

Whenever they argue, they try to smooth things over immediately afterwards.

Idiomatic use in relationships.

6

O carpinteiro aparou as irregularidades da mesa com cuidado.

The carpenter carefully trimmed the irregularities of the table.

Describing precise manual labor.

7

A empresa está a aparar a sua estrutura interna.

The company is trimming its internal structure.

Corporate jargon for restructuring.

8

Ao aparar a queda da criança, ele magoou o pulso.

In cushioning the child's fall, he hurt his wrist.

Gerund/Infinitive phrase expressing cause.

1

A diplomacia serve para aparar as arestas entre nações em conflito.

Diplomacy serves to smooth the edges between nations in conflict.

High-level abstract usage.

2

O escultor aparou o mármore até revelar a forma pretendida.

The sculptor trimmed the marble until the intended shape was revealed.

Literary description of artistic process.

3

É fundamental aparar as ambiguidades do contrato jurídico.

It is fundamental to trim the ambiguities of the legal contract.

Formal/Technical context.

4

O orador aparou o seu discurso para não ofender a audiência.

The speaker refined his speech so as not to offend the audience.

Metaphorical use for social tact.

5

A luz era aparada pelas cortinas pesadas da sala.

The light was shaded by the heavy curtains in the room.

Passive voice, metaphorical use for light.

6

Ele tem o dom de aparar as críticas mais ferozes com humor.

He has the gift of parrying the fiercest criticisms with humor.

Abstract use for managing social interaction.

7

O alfaiate aparou o excesso de tecido para um ajuste perfeito.

The tailor trimmed the excess fabric for a perfect fit.

Precise trade context.

8

Aparar as arestas de uma personalidade difícil exige paciência.

Smoothing the edges of a difficult personality requires patience.

Psychological/Metaphorical usage.

1

O filósofo procurava aparar as redundâncias do seu pensamento.

The philosopher sought to trim the redundancies of his thought.

Abstract, intellectual context.

2

Nas mãos do mestre, o cinzel apara a madeira com uma precisão cirúrgica.

In the master's hands, the chisel trims the wood with surgical precision.

Highly descriptive, literary style.

3

Aparar uma pena de ganso era uma arte essencial para os escribas.

Sharpening a goose quill was an essential art for scribes.

Archaic/Historical context.

4

O tratado visava aparar as arestas remanescentes do pós-guerra.

The treaty aimed to smooth over the remaining post-war issues.

Formal historical/political usage.

5

Ela aparou o seu ímpeto inicial para agir com mais prudência.

She tempered her initial impulse to act with more prudence.

Metaphorical use for internal emotions.

6

O vento aparava as cristas das ondas, criando uma névoa salina.

The wind clipped the crests of the waves, creating a salt mist.

Poetic/Literary description of nature.

7

Aparar o tempo é a única forma de encontrar a verdadeira essência da vida.

Trimming time is the only way to find the true essence of life.

Philosophical/Metaphorical usage.

8

O editor foi implacável ao aparar as gorduras do manuscrito.

The editor was relentless in trimming the 'fat' from the manuscript.

Professional jargon in publishing.

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