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A2 verb #3,500 가장 일반적인 16분 분량

hesitar

상위 3,500

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 hesitar 30초 만에

설명 hesitar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn basic verbs. While 'hesitar' might be a bit advanced for a total beginner, you can understand it as a way to say 'stop' or 'wait' because you are not sure. Think of it as the 'uh...' sound people make when they are thinking. At this level, you only need to know the present tense: 'Eu hesito' (I hesitate). You might see it in simple instructions like 'Não hesite!' (Don't wait! / Do it now!). It's a good word to recognize even if you don't use it in every sentence yet. Focus on the idea of a 'pause'. When you are learning Portuguese, you probably 'hesitate' a lot before speaking—that is exactly what this word describes! It's a very relatable word for any language learner. Just remember, the 'h' is silent, so you say it like 'ezitar'. This will help you sound more like a native speaker from the very beginning. Even at A1, knowing that 'hesitar' means to pause because of doubt is a great addition to your vocabulary. It helps you understand instructions and basic stories where a character might be scared or unsure of what to do next.

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At the A2 level, you should start using 'hesitar' to describe your own feelings or the actions of others in simple stories. You are now learning more about prepositions, and 'hesitar' is a great verb to practice with the preposition 'em'. For example: 'Eu hesito em falar português' (I hesitate to speak Portuguese). This is a very common feeling at this level! You can also use it in the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) to talk about things that happened: 'Ele hesitou antes de comer' (He hesitated before eating). You are moving beyond just basic needs and starting to describe how people act. 'Hesitar' is a regular verb, so you can easily conjugate it if you know the rules for '-ar' verbs. This makes it a very 'safe' verb to use. You will also see this word in polite phrases like 'Não hesite em me ligar' (Don't hesitate to call me). This is a useful phrase for making friends or in basic work situations. At A2, you are building the foundation to express more than just facts; you are starting to express nuances of behavior and emotion, and 'hesitar' is a key part of that journey.

At the B1 level, you can use 'hesitar' in more complex sentence structures, including the conditional and the future. You might say, 'Eu não hesitaria se tivesse dinheiro' (I wouldn't hesitate if I had money). You are also becoming more aware of synonyms. You might start to compare 'hesitar' with 'vacilar' or 'duvidar'. You understand that 'hesitar' is about the action (or lack of action), while 'duvidar' is about the thought. At this level, you can also use the noun 'hesitação'. For example: 'Houve uma pequena hesitação na resposta dele' (There was a small hesitation in his answer). You are now able to describe situations in more detail, and 'hesitar' helps you talk about business, relationships, and personal decisions. You might hear it in the news or read it in a simple novel. It's a word that adds 'flavor' to your descriptions. Instead of just saying someone was 'slow', you can say they 'hesitated', which tells us more about what was going on in their head. This level is all about expanding your ability to describe the 'why' behind actions, and 'hesitar' is perfect for that.

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At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'hesitar' in all tenses, including the subjunctive. You might use it to express hope or fear: 'Espero que o governo não hesite em agir' (I hope the government doesn't hesitate to act). You understand the social implications of the word. You know that in a professional context, 'hesitar' might sound a bit weak, so you might choose a word like 'ponderar' instead. You are also able to understand the word in idiomatic expressions and more abstract contexts. For example, you might read about 'mercados que hesitam' (hesitating markets) in a financial newspaper. You can use the word to write more sophisticated essays or participate in debates. You understand that 'sem hesitar' is a powerful phrase to describe courage or certainty. At B2, your Portuguese is becoming more natural and flexible. You can use 'hesitar' to create tension in a story or to describe a complex political situation. You are no longer just translating from English; you are thinking in Portuguese and choosing the word that best fits the specific nuance of the moment.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the nuances and stylistic uses of 'hesitar'. You can distinguish it from its many synonyms like 'titubear', 'vacilar', or 'oscilar' with ease. You might use 'hesitar' in a literary way to describe a character's internal monologue or a complex philosophical doubt. You are aware of the historical and etymological roots of the word, which might help you understand its use in older texts or formal legal documents. You can use the word in very subtle ways. For example, you might say 'Ele hesitou, mas não por dúvida, e sim por respeito' (He hesitated, but not out of doubt, but out of respect). This shows a very high level of linguistic control. You are also comfortable with the word in any regional variation of Portuguese, whether from Brazil, Portugal, or Angola, and you know how the context might change its 'weight'. At C1, 'hesitar' is just one of many tools you use to paint a precise and colorful picture with your words. You can use it to express irony, sarcasm, or deep empathy, depending on your tone and the surrounding text.

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At the C2 level, you use 'hesitar' with the same mastery as a highly educated native speaker. You can use it in academic writing, complex legal arguments, or high-level diplomatic discussions. You understand the most obscure uses of the word and its related forms. You might use it to discuss the 'fenomenologia da hesitação' (phenomenology of hesitation) in a philosophical essay. You are also aware of how the word has evolved over time in the Portuguese language. You can play with the word, using it in puns or complex metaphors. Your use of the word is perfectly integrated into your speech, and you never have to think about the preposition 'em' or the silent 'h'—it is completely instinctive. You can analyze a text and explain exactly why the author chose 'hesitar' instead of 'vacilar' and what that says about the character's social class or state of mind. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it is a part of your intellectual and expressive identity in the Portuguese language. You have reached a level where you can use 'hesitar' to express the finest shades of human experience with absolute precision.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

hesitar 30초 만에

Hesitar is a Portuguese verb meaning 'to hesitate' or 'to pause in indecision'.
It is a regular -ar verb, making it easy to conjugate for beginners.
Always remember to use the preposition 'em' when followed by another verb.
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to encourage or describe action.

The Portuguese verb hesitar is a fundamental word used to describe the act of pausing, wavering, or showing indecision before taking action or speaking. It is more than just a simple stop; it captures the psychological friction between thought and execution. In the context of Portuguese culture, where social interactions can be nuanced and directness varies, understanding when someone is 'hesitating' provides deep insight into their comfort level or certainty. This verb is a regular '-ar' verb, making it one of the first abstract verbs learners encounter at the A2 level. It is used in both formal and informal settings, from a business meeting where a CEO might hesitate before signing a contract, to a casual dinner where a friend might hesitate before trying a spicy dish. The word suggests a moment of internal conflict, a mental weighing of options that results in a visible or audible delay. Unlike simply being 'slow,' hesitation implies that an action was expected but was momentarily held back by doubt, fear, or meticulousness.

O Momento da Dúvida: This refers to the specific instant of hesitation. In Portuguese, we often say someone 'hesitou por um segundo' (hesitated for a second) to emphasize that the pause was brief but noticeable.

Ele não deve hesitar quando a oportunidade aparecer.

When we look at the usage of hesitar, we see it frequently paired with the preposition 'em' before another verb. For example, 'hesitar em falar' (to hesitate to speak). This structure is crucial for English speakers to master, as it mirrors the English 'hesitate to [verb]' but requires the correct Portuguese prepositional link. Beyond its literal meaning, 'hesitar' can also carry a connotation of respect or caution. If a student hesitates before answering a teacher, it might not mean they don't know the answer, but rather that they are choosing their words carefully to be precise. In legal or formal Portuguese, 'sem hesitar' (without hesitating) is a common phrase used to describe decisive actions that demonstrate clear intent or bravery. It is a word that bridges the gap between the physical act of stopping and the mental state of uncertainty.

Hesitação vs. Pausa: A 'pausa' is often intentional and neutral, like a break in music. 'Hesitação' (the noun form) almost always implies a lack of certainty or a struggle to decide.

Não hesite em nos contactar se tiver dúvidas.

In the digital age, 'hesitar' is also used in the context of user interfaces and technology. For instance, a system might 'hesitate' (lag or pause) before processing a command, although 'processar' or 'demorar' are more common for machines. For humans, however, 'hesitar' remains the gold standard for describing that 'deer in the headlights' moment or the cautious 'wait and see' approach. It is a versatile verb that appears in literature to show a character's internal struggle. Think of a protagonist standing before a closed door; the author will say they 'hesitaram' to build tension. This word allows you to paint a picture of human vulnerability and the complexity of decision-making. By mastering 'hesitar', you gain the ability to describe the very human experience of not being quite ready to take the next step, a feeling universal across all cultures but expressed with specific grammatical grace in Portuguese.

Ela hesitou antes de aceitar o convite para o jantar.

Sinônimos Comuns: Words like 'vacilar' (to waver/flicker) and 'titubear' (to stammer/stumble) are close relatives, but 'hesitar' is the most standard and widely applicable term.

O cavalo hesitou diante do obstáculo alto.

Se você hesitar muito, perderá o trem.

Using hesitar correctly involves understanding its relationship with prepositions and its placement within different tenses. As a regular verb ending in '-ar', its conjugation follows a predictable pattern, which is a relief for many learners. However, the nuance lies in the prepositions that follow it. The most common preposition used with 'hesitar' is em. When you want to say you hesitate to do something, you use the formula: [hesitar] + [em] + [infinitive verb]. For example, 'Eu hesito em comprar este carro' (I hesitate to buy this car). This 'em' is essential; omitting it is a common mistake for English speakers who are used to 'hesitate to'. Another common preposition is ante (before/in the face of), used when describing hesitation in front of an object or a situation: 'Ele hesitou ante a decisão difícil' (He hesitated before the difficult decision). Understanding these links allows you to build complex and accurate sentences that sound natural to native ears.

Preposição 'Em': Used when the object of hesitation is an action. Example: 'Não hesites em pedir ajuda' (Don't hesitate to ask for help).

Nós hesitamos em viajar durante a tempestade.

In the past tense, hesitar often appears in the Pretérito Perfeito to denote a single, specific moment of doubt. 'Ela hesitou por um momento' (She hesitated for a moment). If you want to describe a state of being hesitant over a period, you would use the Pretérito Imperfeito: 'Ele hesitava sempre que via o chefe' (He used to hesitate whenever he saw the boss). This distinction is vital for storytelling. Furthermore, the imperative mood is very common with this verb, especially in the negative form: 'Não hesite!' (Don't hesitate!). This is frequently seen in marketing, customer service, and encouraging speeches. It serves as a call to action, urging the listener to bypass their doubts. In more formal writing, you might see the verb used with the preposition 'sobre', although 'em' remains more frequent. 'Hesitar sobre o futuro' (To hesitate about the future) implies a broader, more existential form of indecision.

Preposição 'Ante': Used for physical or metaphorical obstacles. Example: 'Hesitar ante o perigo' (To hesitate before danger).

O governo hesitou em aplicar as novas leis.

When using 'hesitar' in the conditional tense, it often expresses a hypothetical lack of doubt: 'Eu não hesitaria em ajudá-la se pudesse' (I would not hesitate to help her if I could). This is a very polite and common way to offer assistance. In the subjunctive, it often follows verbs of emotion or doubt: 'Espero que ele não hesite na hora H' (I hope he doesn't hesitate at the crucial moment). The 'hora H' is a great Brazilian Portuguese idiom for the 'moment of truth'. By integrating 'hesitar' into these various grammatical structures, you move beyond simple vocabulary and start to express complex human intentions. Whether you are writing a formal email or chatting with friends, the ability to correctly place 'hesitar' in a sentence marks you as a sophisticated speaker who understands the subtle rhythms of the Portuguese language. Practice using it with different subjects—eu, você, nós, eles—to become comfortable with its regular but essential conjugation patterns.

Vocês hesitariam se soubessem a verdade?

Não hesitemos, o tempo está passando!

Uso no Futuro: 'Ele hesitará até o último minuto'. This implies a future state of indecision that is expected or predicted.

Se ela hesitar, perderá a vaga.

The word hesitar is ubiquitous in the Lusophone world, appearing in diverse contexts from high-stakes politics to intimate conversations. In the news, you will frequently hear journalists describe political leaders who 'hesitam em tomar uma decisão' (hesitate to make a decision) regarding economic policies or social reforms. This usage highlights a perceived lack of leadership or a careful strategic pause. In the business world, during negotiations, a partner might say, 'Percebi uma certa hesitação na sua proposta' (I noticed a certain hesitation in your proposal), indicating that they sensed doubt. This noun form, 'hesitação', is just as common as the verb and is often used to describe market trends or consumer behavior. For instance, 'A hesitação dos investidores' (the hesitation of investors) is a standard phrase in financial reports when markets are volatile. Hearing 'hesitar' in these contexts teaches you that the word is often associated with risk and consequence.

No Jornalismo: Commonly used to describe political stalemates. 'O ministro hesita em assinar o decreto'.

Os mercados hesitam diante da nova crise.

In daily life, you'll hear 'hesitar' in social invitations and customer service. A very common phrase used by businesses is 'Não hesite em nos contactar' (Don't hesitate to contact us). You'll see this at the bottom of emails, on websites, and in brochures. It is a polite way to encourage communication. In sports, commentators often use the word to describe a player's performance. If a striker 'hesitou na frente do gol' (hesitated in front of the goal), it usually means they missed a scoring opportunity because they didn't shoot fast enough. This highlights the word's connection to timing and speed. In literature and cinema, 'hesitar' is a key tool for character development. A character who 'não hesita em se sacrificar' (doesn't hesitate to sacrifice themselves) is portrayed as a hero, whereas a villain might 'hesitar por medo' (hesitate out of fear). These examples show how the word is used to define character traits and moral standing.

Nas Redes Sociais: You might see influencers say 'Não hesitem em deixar um comentário!' (Don't hesitate to leave a comment!) to boost engagement.

Ele hesitou e acabou perdendo a vez.

Furthermore, in educational settings, teachers might encourage students by saying 'Não hesitem em perguntar se não entenderem' (Don't hesitate to ask if you don't understand). This creates an open environment for learning. In Portuguese music, particularly in Fado or Brazilian Bossa Nova, 'hesitar' often appears in lyrics about love and heartbreak. A lover might 'hesitar em partir' (hesitate to leave), capturing the emotional weight of a breakup. This adds a poetic layer to the word, showing it isn't just for business or news but also for the deepest human emotions. Whether you are listening to a podcast, watching a 'telenovela', or reading a newspaper, 'hesitar' will appear as a marker of human choice, doubt, and the importance of the present moment. It is a word that truly resonates across all facets of Portuguese-speaking life, making it an essential part of your vocabulary toolkit.

O juiz não hesitou em dar o cartão vermelho.

Não hesite, a vida é curta!

Em Entrevistas: An interviewer might ask: 'Você hesitou antes de aceitar este cargo?' (Did you hesitate before accepting this position?).

Ela hesitou ao ver o preço do vestido.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using hesitar is the omission of the preposition em. In English, we say 'I hesitate to go.' Translating this literally as 'Eu hesito ir' is grammatically incorrect in Portuguese. You must include the 'em': 'Eu hesito em ir.' This is because 'hesitar' is an intransitive verb that requires a prepositional complement to link to another action. Another common mistake is confusing 'hesitar' with 'parar' (to stop). While both involve a cessation of movement, 'parar' is physical and often complete, whereas 'hesitar' is psychological and temporary. If you say 'O carro hesitou', it sounds like the car has a mind of its own and is feeling unsure. For a car, you would say 'O carro falhou' or 'O carro parou'. Use 'hesitar' for sentient beings who can experience doubt. Understanding this distinction prevents you from sounding like you're anthropomorphizing inanimate objects in strange ways.

Erro de Preposição: Incorrect: 'Ele hesitou falar'. Correct: 'Ele hesitou em falar'. Always remember the 'em'!

Não se deve hesitar diante de uma injustiça.

Another nuance is the confusion between hesitar and duvidar (to doubt). While they are related, 'duvidar' is about the belief itself ('I doubt it is true'), while 'hesitar' is about the action resulting from that doubt ('I hesitate to believe'). You might 'duvidar' of a friend's story, but you 'hesitar' to tell them you don't believe it. Learners also sometimes struggle with the pronunciation of the 'h'. In Portuguese, the 'h' at the beginning of words is always silent. It should sound like 'e-zi-tár'. Pronouncing the 'h' like in the English 'hesitate' is a dead giveaway of a foreign accent. Furthermore, ensure you don't confuse the spelling with 'exitar' (which isn't a word, though 'êxito' means success). The 's' in 'hesitar' is crucial. Finally, be careful with the placement of the word in negative sentences. 'Não hesitar' is a common unit; don't let other words break them up unnecessarily, as it can weaken the impact of the command.

Hesitar vs. Duvidar: 'Duvidar' is a mental state of disbelief. 'Hesitar' is the physical or verbal pause caused by that disbelief or other factors.

Muitos alunos hesitam em usar o subjuntivo.

Lastly, avoid using 'hesitar' when you simply mean 'to wait' (esperar). If you are waiting for a bus, you are 'esperando', not 'hesitando'. Hesitation implies you have the power to act but are choosing not to yet. If you are waiting for someone else's action, 'hesitar' is usually the wrong choice. Also, watch out for the reflexive usage—'hesitar-se' does not exist. It is always 'eu hesito', never 'eu me hesito'. This is a common error for those who over-apply the reflexive pattern found in verbs like 'sentir-se' or 'lembrar-se'. By keeping these distinctions in mind—the silent 'h', the mandatory 'em', the difference from 'parar' and 'duvidar', and the non-reflexive nature—you will use 'hesitar' with the precision of a native speaker. These small details are what separate a beginner from an intermediate learner who truly understands the mechanics of the Portuguese language.

Eu nunca hesitaria em ajudar um amigo em necessidade.

Você hesitou demais e o bolo queimou.

Hesitar vs. Parar: Use 'parar' for physical stops (stopping at a red light). Use 'hesitar' for mental pauses (pausing before answering a difficult question).

Não hesite em mudar de ideia se for necessário.

While hesitar is the most direct translation for 'to hesitate', Portuguese offers several rich alternatives that can add specific color to your speech. One of the closest synonyms is vacilar. While 'hesitar' is neutral, 'vacilar' often carries a slightly more negative connotation, suggesting a lack of firmness or even a moral failing. If someone 'vacila' in a commitment, they are seen as unreliable. In Brazilian slang, 'vacilar' can even mean to make a mistake or 'mess up'. Another sophisticated alternative is titubear. This word specifically describes hesitation in speech or movement, like someone who is stammering or whose legs are shaky. It is a more descriptive, almost visceral word. If a witness 'titubeia' in court, they are visibly struggling to remain certain. Choosing between these words depends on whether you want to describe a simple mental pause (hesitar), a lack of steadiness (vacilar), or a visible struggle (titubear).

Vacilar: Implies a lack of stability or a potential to fail. Often used in casual Brazilian Portuguese as 'to mess up'.

Ele vacilou e deixou a oportunidade passar.

For more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter tremear or recear. 'Recear' means to fear or be apprehensive, which is often the root cause of hesitation. Instead of saying someone 'hesitated to enter', you could say they 'recearam entrar', which explains *why* they paused. In a more action-oriented context, demorar (to take a long time / to delay) can sometimes substitute for 'hesitar'. 'Ele demorou a responder' is a common way to say he hesitated before answering. On the antonym side, words like decidir (to decide), determinar (to determine), and avançar (to advance) represent the opposite of hesitation. A person who 'não hesita' is 'decidida' (decisive). Understanding these opposites helps you define 'hesitar' by what it is not. It is the gap between the impulse and the action, the 'in-between' state that these other words help to delineate.

Titubear: More descriptive than 'hesitar'. It suggests a physical manifestation of doubt, like a trembling voice.

A sua voz titubeou ao contar a mentira.

Another interesting comparison is with balancear (to balance/swing). While 'balancear' is usually physical, it can be used metaphorically for someone swinging between two choices. However, 'hesitar' remains the most precise term for the pause itself. In professional settings, you might hear ponderar (to ponder/weigh). If someone says 'Estou ponderando a sua oferta', it sounds much more positive and professional than 'Estou hesitando'. 'Ponderar' implies a thoughtful, careful analysis, whereas 'hesitar' can sometimes imply fear or lack of confidence. Therefore, if you are in a job interview, it is better to say you are 'pondering' an offer than 'hesitating' over it. This subtle shift in vocabulary can significantly change how you are perceived. By learning these alternatives, you not only expand your vocabulary but also your ability to navigate the social nuances of the Portuguese-speaking world with confidence and precision.

Ela não hesitou em aceitar a promoção.

O projeto vacilou devido à falta de verbas.

Ponderar: A positive alternative. It means you are thinking deeply, not just being indecisive.

Ele hesitou um pouco, mas depois sorriu.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The root 'haerere' is also where we get the English word 'adhere'. So, when you hesitate, you are metaphorically 'stuck' to your current spot!

발음 가이드

UK /e.zi.ˈtaɾ/

US /e.zi.ˈtaʁ/

The stress is on the last syllable: e-zi-TÁR.

라임이 맞는 단어

cantar falar amar andar pensar olhar chegar voltar

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the initial 'h' (it should be silent).
Pronouncing the 's' as an 's' instead of a 'z' sound.
Stressing the second-to-last syllable instead of the last.
Using an English 'h' sound for the 'r' in European Portuguese.
Confusing the spelling with 'hesitar' and 'exitar'.

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize because it is similar to the English 'hesitate'.

쓰기 3/5

Requires remembering the 's' and the preposition 'em'.

말하기 3/5

Requires mastering the silent 'h' and the final 'r' sound.

듣기 2/5

Usually clear, but watch out for the 'z' sound of the 's'.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

falar fazer em não antes

다음에 배울 것

vacilar decidir duvidar ponderar escolher

고급

titubear procrastinar ambiguidade indecisão resoluto

알아야 할 문법

Regular -ar verb conjugation in the present tense.

Eu hesito, tu hesitas, ele hesita, nós hesitamos, vós hesitais, eles hesitam.

Using the preposition 'em' with verbs of movement or state change.

Hesitar em + [infinitive].

Placement of the negative 'não' before the verb.

Eu não hesito.

Imperative forms for -ar verbs.

Hesite (você), Hesitem (vocês).

The use of 'antes de' to express 'before' an action.

Ele hesitou antes de falar.

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수준별 예문

Eu hesito.

I hesitate.

Simple present tense, first person singular.

Você hesita muito.

You hesitate a lot.

Simple present tense, second person singular (você).

Não hesite!

Don't hesitate!

Imperative mood, negative form.

Ele hesita agora.

He hesitates now.

Present tense with an adverb of time.

Nós não hesitamos.

We do not hesitate.

Negative sentence in the present tense.

Ela hesita em falar.

She hesitates to speak.

Verb 'hesitar' followed by the preposition 'em'.

Eles hesitam sempre.

They always hesitate.

Present tense with a frequency adverb.

Por que você hesita?

Why do you hesitate?

Interrogative sentence.

Eu hesitei em comprar o pão.

I hesitated to buy the bread.

Pretérito Perfeito (past tense).

Ela hesitou antes de responder.

She hesitated before answering.

Past tense with the preposition 'antes de'.

Nós hesitamos em viajar hoje.

We hesitated to travel today.

First person plural in the past tense.

Não hesite em nos ligar.

Don't hesitate to call us.

Polite imperative form commonly used in service.

Ele hesitou por um segundo.

He hesitated for a second.

Past tense with a duration phrase.

Vocês hesitaram na frente da loja?

Did you all hesitate in front of the store?

Interrogative in the past tense.

Eu nunca hesito em ajudar.

I never hesitate to help.

Using 'nunca' to show a characteristic behavior.

Ela hesitou ao ver o cachorro.

She hesitated upon seeing the dog.

Using 'ao' + infinitive to show simultaneous action.

Eu não hesitaria em aceitar o emprego.

I wouldn't hesitate to accept the job.

Conditional tense expressing a hypothetical.

Se ele hesitar, perderá a chance.

If he hesitates, he will lose the chance.

Future subjunctive followed by the future indicative.

Houve muita hesitação durante a reunião.

There was a lot of hesitation during the meeting.

Using the noun form 'hesitação'.

Eles hesitaram em contar a verdade.

They hesitated to tell the truth.

Past tense describing a moral dilemma.

Eu hesito em acreditar nessa história.

I hesitate to believe that story.

Expressing doubt about information.

Ela hesitou ante o obstáculo.

She hesitated before the obstacle.

Using the preposition 'ante' for a physical barrier.

Nós hesitaríamos se fosse perigoso.

We would hesitate if it were dangerous.

Conditional mood with an 'if' clause.

O mercado hesitou após a notícia.

The market hesitated after the news.

Metaphorical use of the verb for economics.

É natural que você hesite um pouco.

It is natural that you hesitate a little.

Present subjunctive after an impersonal expression.

O governo hesitou em implementar a reforma.

The government hesitated to implement the reform.

Formal usage in a political context.

Sem hesitar, ela pulou no rio para salvar a criança.

Without hesitating, she jumped into the river to save the child.

Using 'sem' + infinitive to describe a decisive action.

A hesitação dele foi interpretada como fraqueza.

His hesitation was interpreted as weakness.

Passive voice construction with the noun form.

Embora hesitasse, ele continuou o caminho.

Although he was hesitating, he continued on the path.

Imperfect subjunctive after 'embora'.

Não hesitem em sugerir novas ideias.

Do not hesitate to suggest new ideas.

Plural imperative in a professional setting.

Ela hesitou em aceitar, mas acabou cedendo.

She hesitated to accept, but ended up giving in.

Compound sentence showing a change in state.

A empresa hesita em investir em novas tecnologias.

The company hesitates to invest in new technologies.

Present tense describing a corporate strategy.

A sua voz hesitou por um breve instante, revelando a sua insegurança.

His voice hesitated for a brief instant, revealing his insecurity.

Literary description of a physical manifestation of doubt.

O orador não hesitou em criticar abertamente a corrupção.

The speaker did not hesitate to openly criticize corruption.

Formal usage describing a bold public action.

Qualquer hesitação, por menor que seja, pode ser fatal neste negócio.

Any hesitation, however small, can be fatal in this business.

Using 'por menor que seja' for emphasis.

Ele hesitou ante a magnitude da tarefa que tinha pela frente.

He hesitated before the magnitude of the task ahead of him.

Abstract use of 'ante' with a complex noun phrase.

Não hesitarei em tomar as medidas cabíveis se o contrato for quebrado.

I will not hesitate to take the appropriate measures if the contract is broken.

Future indicative in a formal legal context.

A hesitação é, muitas vezes, o prelúdio da derrota.

Hesitation is often the prelude to defeat.

Aphoristic or philosophical sentence structure.

Hesitaram em conceder o empréstimo devido ao risco elevado.

They hesitated to grant the loan due to the high risk.

Third person plural in a formal financial context.

Ela hesitou, ponderou e, finalmente, decidiu-se pelo silêncio.

She hesitated, pondered, and finally decided on silence.

A sequence of verbs showing a thought process.

A hesitação inerente à condição humana reflete a nossa busca por certezas absolutas.

The hesitation inherent in the human condition reflects our search for absolute certainties.

Philosophical and academic vocabulary.

Não se pode hesitar quando o destino da nação está em jogo.

One cannot hesitate when the fate of the nation is at stake.

Impersonal 'se' construction for a general truth.

A sua aparente hesitação era, na verdade, uma manobra estratégica calculada.

His apparent hesitation was, in fact, a calculated strategic maneuver.

Complex sentence structure with contrasting clauses.

O autor utiliza a hesitação da protagonista como um tropo literário para explorar a ambiguidade moral.

The author uses the protagonist's hesitation as a literary trope to explore moral ambiguity.

Literary analysis terminology.

Hesitar ante o abismo da existência é um ato de profunda lucidez.

To hesitate before the abyss of existence is an act of profound lucidity.

Existentialist theme with advanced vocabulary.

A política externa do país tem sido marcada por uma hesitação crônica.

The country's foreign policy has been marked by chronic hesitation.

Political science context with a specific adjective ('crônica').

Se tivéssemos hesitado, as consequências teriam sido catastróficas.

If we had hesitated, the consequences would have been catastrophic.

Third conditional (past unreal) structure.

O neurocientista estuda os milissegundos de hesitação que precedem uma escolha consciente.

The neuroscientist studies the milliseconds of hesitation that precede a conscious choice.

Scientific and technical context.

자주 쓰는 조합

hesitar em fazer

sem hesitar

hesitar por um momento

uma leve hesitação

hesitar ante o perigo

não hesite em contactar

hesitar diante de

muita hesitação

hesitar em aceitar

hesitar sobre

자주 쓰는 구문

Não hesite!

— A direct encouragement to act now without doubt. Used in sales and coaching.

A promoção acaba hoje. Não hesite!

Sem hesitar nem por um segundo.

— Doing something instantly and with complete confidence. Shows bravery.

Ele aceitou o desafio sem hesitar nem por um segundo.

Por que a hesitação?

— A question asking why someone is taking so long to decide. Can be slightly impatient.

O contrato está pronto. Por que a hesitação?

Hesitar é humano.

— A phrase used to comfort someone who is feeling unsure, meaning it's normal to doubt.

Não se sinta mal por estar em dúvida; hesitar é humano.

Uma hesitação fatal.

— A delay that leads to a very bad or permanent consequence. Often used in stories.

Aquela hesitação fatal custou-lhe a vitória na corrida.

Não hesitarei.

— A formal promise to take action if necessary. Sounds very firm and serious.

Se houver problemas, não hesitarei em chamar a polícia.

Hesitar em silêncio.

— To be unsure but not express it out loud. Internal struggle.

Ela hesitou em silêncio antes de finalmente concordar.

Sinal de hesitação.

— An indicator that someone is not sure. Could be a look or a pause.

O seu olhar foi um claro sinal de hesitação.

Vencer a hesitação.

— To overcome one's doubts and finally take action.

Ele finalmente venceu a hesitação e declarou o seu amor.

Momento de hesitação.

— A specific, short period of time where someone was unsure.

Num momento de hesitação, ele perdeu a bola.

자주 혼동되는 단어

hesitar vs exitar

This is a common spelling error. 'Exitar' does not exist, though 'êxito' means success.

hesitar vs parar

Parar is physical. Hesitar is mental. Don't use hesitar for a car stopping at a light.

hesitar vs esperar

Esperar is to wait for something else. Hesitar is to wait because of your own doubt.

관용어 및 표현

"Ficar em cima do muro"

— To be undecided between two options, often used when someone hesitates to take a political side.

O político ficou em cima do muro e hesitou em votar.

Informal

"Bater na trave"

— To come very close but fail, often because of a moment of hesitation.

A proposta bateu na trave porque ele hesitou no preço final.

Informal (Sports-related)

"Dar para trás"

— To back out of a deal or a promise at the last minute after hesitating.

Ele hesitou tanto que acabou dando para trás no negócio.

Informal

"Engolir em seco"

— To hesitate out of fear or surprise, making a visible swallowing motion.

Ao ver o desafio, ele engoliu em seco e hesitou.

Colloquial

"Pôr as barbas de molho"

— To be cautious and hesitate before acting because you see trouble coming.

Com a crise, as empresas puseram as barbas de molho e hesitam em investir.

Idiomatic

"Estar com o pé atrás"

— To be suspicious and therefore hesitate to trust someone or something.

Estou com o pé atrás e hesito em assinar este contrato.

Informal

"Não pensar duas vezes"

— The opposite of hesitating; to act instantly and decisively.

Ele não pensou duas vezes e pulou na água.

Neutral

"Ficar com a pulga atrás da orelha"

— To be suspicious, which leads to hesitation in believing someone.

A explicação dele me deixou com a pulga atrás da orelha; agora hesito.

Informal

"Dar o braço a torcer"

— To finally stop hesitating and admit someone else is right.

Ela hesitou, mas acabou dando o braço a torcer.

Informal

"Fazer corpo mole"

— To intentionally hesitate or delay doing something out of laziness or reluctance.

Pare de fazer corpo mole e não hesite em terminar o trabalho!

Informal

혼동하기 쉬운

hesitar vs vacilar

They both mean to hesitate.

Vacilar is more informal and can imply a mistake or lack of character, whereas hesitar is neutral and just describes the pause.

Não vacila, cara! vs. Ele hesitou em responder.

hesitar vs duvidar

Doubt is the cause of hesitation.

Duvidar is the internal thought of not believing. Hesitar is the external action of pausing.

Eu duvido que ele venha. vs. Ele hesitou em vir.

hesitar vs titubear

They both mean to hesitate.

Titubear suggests a physical manifestation like stuttering or stumbling, whereas hesitar is the general term for any pause.

A voz dele titubeou. vs. Ele hesitou em falar.

hesitar vs ponderar

Both involve thinking before acting.

Ponderar is positive and implies careful weighing of options. Hesitar can be negative, implying fear or lack of confidence.

Estou ponderando a oferta. vs. Estou hesitando em aceitar.

hesitar vs demorar

Both involve a delay in time.

Demorar focuses on the duration of the delay. Hesitar focuses on the reason for the delay (doubt).

O ônibus demorou. vs. O motorista hesitou na curva.

문장 패턴

[Subject] hesita.

O menino hesita.

[Subject] hesitou em [verb].

Eu hesitei em sair.

Se [Subject] [Future Subjunctive], [Future Indicative].

Se você hesitar, eu vou também.

Não hesite em [verb].

Não hesite em perguntar.

Hesitar ante [Noun Phrase].

Hesitar ante a complexidade da vida.

A hesitação é [Abstract Noun].

A hesitação é um fardo.

Mixed

Sem hesitar, [Action].

Sem hesitar, ele correu.

Mixed

[Subject] não pensou duas vezes e não hesitou.

Ela não pensou duas vezes e não hesitou em aceitar.

어휘 가족

명사

hesitação (hesitation)

hesitante (hesitant person - also adjective)

동사

hesitar (to hesitate)

형용사

hesitante (hesitant)

hesitado (hesitated - past participle)

사용법

frequency

Common in both written and spoken Portuguese.

자주 하는 실수

Ele hesitou falar. → Ele hesitou em falar.
You must use the preposition 'em' between 'hesitar' and an infinitive verb. This is a very common error for English speakers.
Eu hesito o preço. → Eu hesito diante do preço.
'Hesitar' is an intransitive verb and cannot take a direct object. You need a preposition like 'diante de' or 'ante'.
O carro hesitou na rua. → O carro falhou na rua.
'Hesitar' is for humans/animals. Machines 'falham' or 'demoram'. Using 'hesitar' for a car sounds very strange.
Pronouncing the 'H' like 'house'. → Pronounce it like 'egg' (silent H).
The 'h' in Portuguese is always silent at the beginning of a word. This is a fundamental rule of the language.
Eu me hesito. → Eu hesito.
'Hesitar' is not a reflexive verb. You do not do it to yourself; you simply do it.

팁

The 'Em' Rule

Always follow 'hesitar' with 'em' when you are adding another verb. 'Hesitar em falar' is the correct pattern. This is the most common mistake for English speakers.

Ignore the H

Pretend the 'h' isn't even there. Start with the 'e' sound. This applies to almost all Portuguese words starting with 'h', like 'hoje' and 'homem'.

Learn the Noun

Learn 'hesitação' at the same time. It's a very common noun and follows the standard '-ção' ending for abstract concepts.

Politeness

Use 'Não hesite em...' to sound professional and welcoming in emails. It's a high-frequency phrase that makes you sound very fluent.

People Only

Only use 'hesitar' for living things that can feel doubt. For machines or systems, use 'demorar' or 'falhar' instead.

Variety

In a long story, use 'titubear' or 'vacilar' to avoid repeating 'hesitar' too many times. It adds variety and depth to your writing.

The 'S' for Stop

Remember the 's' in the middle of 'hesitar' stands for 'Stop'. You stop for a moment before you continue.

Listen for the 'Z'

The 's' between vowels in Portuguese always sounds like a 'z'. So it's 'e-ZI-tar'. This is a key rule for many Portuguese words.

Confidence

Ironically, try not to 'hesitar' when you say the word 'hesitar'! Practice it until you can say it confidently.

Literary Value

Notice 'hesitar' in Portuguese songs and poems. It's often used to describe the pain of a difficult choice in love.

암기하기

기억법

Think of the silent 'H' as a 'Hush'—you are being quiet and pausing before you speak or act.

시각적 연상

Imagine a person with one foot on a boat and one foot on the dock, unable to decide whether to get on or stay off. They are 'hesitating'.

Word Web

Dúvida Medo Pausa Escolha Ação Incerteza Tempo Decisão

챌린지

Try to use 'hesitar' in three different tenses today: 'Eu hesito', 'Eu hesitei', and 'Não hesite!'

어원

Derived from the Latin 'haesitare', which is the frequentative form of 'haerere' (to stick fast or to hang).

원래 의미: Literally 'to stick' or 'to get stuck'. This beautifully describes the feeling of being unable to move forward due to indecision.

Romance (Latin root).

문화적 맥락

Be careful not to use 'hesitar' to describe someone's disability or speech impediment (like a stutter); use 'gaguejar' for that. 'Hesitar' should refer to a mental state of doubt.

English speakers often use 'hesitate' in professional emails, and the Portuguese 'não hesite em nos contactar' is a perfect direct translation that carries the same polite tone.

The concept of 'hesitação' in the poetry of Fernando Pessoa. Political headlines in 'O Globo' or 'Público' regarding government indecision. The 'momento de hesitação' in famous football matches like the World Cup finals.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Professional Emails

Não hesite em nos contactar.
Se tiver dúvidas, não hesite em perguntar.
Caso precise de algo, não hesite.
Aguardamos a sua resposta sem hesitação.

Daily Decision Making

Estou a hesitar um pouco.
Por que você está hesitando?
Não há tempo para hesitar.
Hesitei entre o azul e o vermelho.

Sports and Games

Ele hesitou e perdeu a bola.
O goleiro não hesitou no salto.
Sem hesitar, ele fez o gol.
A hesitação custou a vitória.

Relationships

Ela hesitou em dizer 'sim'.
Não hesite em me contar a verdade.
Senti uma certa hesitação no seu olhar.
Ele nunca hesitou em me apoiar.

Learning Portuguese

Não hesite em praticar todos os dias.
É normal hesitar ao falar uma nova língua.
Eu hesito muito com os verbos irregulares.
Vença a hesitação e fale agora!

대화 시작하기

"Você costuma hesitar muito antes de tomar uma decisão importante?"

"Em que situações você nunca hesitaria em ajudar um estranho?"

"Você já hesitou tanto que acabou perdendo uma grande oportunidade?"

"Por que as pessoas hesitam em falar a verdade em situações difíceis?"

"Você hesitaria em mudar de país se recebesse uma proposta de emprego incrível?"

일기 주제

Escreva sobre uma vez que você hesitou e depois se arrependeu ou ficou feliz por ter esperado.

Liste três coisas em que você nunca hesitaria em gastar o seu dinheiro.

Como você lida com a hesitação quando precisa tomar uma decisão rápida?

Descreva um momento em que a hesitação de outra pessoa afetou a sua vida.

Reflita sobre a frase 'Hesitar é humano'. O que isso significa para você no seu dia a dia?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, 'hesitar' is a perfectly regular -ar verb. This means it follows the standard conjugation rules for verbs like 'falar' or 'cantar'. For example, in the present tense, it is: hesito, hesitas, hesita, hesitamo, hesitais, hesitam. This makes it very easy for learners to use correctly once they know the base rules.

The most common and correct preposition to use when 'hesitar' is followed by another verb is 'em'. For example, 'Eu hesito em comprar'. If you are hesitating before an object or situation, you can use 'ante' or 'diante de', like 'hesitar ante o perigo'. Using the correct preposition is key to sounding like a native speaker.

Generally, no. 'Hesitar' implies a human-like doubt or mental process. If a car engine pauses or has trouble, you should use 'falhar' (to fail/sputter) or 'engasgar' (to choke/sputter). If a computer is slow, use 'travar' (to freeze) or 'demorar' (to take long). Reserve 'hesitar' for people or animals showing signs of indecision.

No, in Portuguese, the letter 'h' at the beginning of a word is always silent. It is there for historical and etymological reasons but has no sound. You should start the word with the 'e' sound, making it 'e-zi-tár'. Pronouncing the 'h' is a very common mistake for English speakers.

'Hesitar' is the standard, neutral word for hesitating. 'Vacilar' is more informal and often implies that the hesitation was a mistake or showed a lack of firmness. In Brazilian slang, 'vacilar' can even mean 'to mess up' or 'to fail someone'. If you want to be safe and polite, stick with 'hesitar'.

The standard and very polite way to say this is 'Não hesite em nos contactar' (if you represent a company) or 'Não hesite em me contactar' (if it is just you). This is a very common phrase in professional emails and is a great one to memorize.

No, 'hesitar' is never used reflexively. You should always say 'eu hesito', 'ele hesitou', etc. Adding the reflexive 'me' or 'se' is a grammatical error. It is an intransitive verb that describes an action the subject performs, not something they do to themselves.

The noun form is 'hesitação'. It is a feminine noun, so you use 'a hesitação'. For example, 'A hesitação dele foi óbvia' (His hesitation was obvious). It is used just as frequently as the verb and is helpful for describing a state of being.

Yes, the meaning and basic usage are the same in all Portuguese-speaking countries. The only difference might be the pronunciation of the final 'r' and the frequency of certain synonyms like 'vacilar', which is more common in Brazil. But 'hesitar' itself is universally understood.

Use 'titubear' when you want to be more descriptive about how someone is hesitating. It specifically suggests that they are physically shaking, their voice is trembling, or they are stumbling over their words. It is a more 'intense' and literary word than 'hesitar'.

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