At the A1 level, you are just beginning your journey into the Portuguese language, and 'superar' might seem like a big, complex word. However, it is a very useful verb to learn early on because it talks about something everyone experiences: overcoming problems. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complicated emotional or business meanings. Just think of 'superar' as a stronger way to say 'passar por um problema' (to go through a problem). You can use it in very simple sentences. For example, if your friend is sad because they failed a test, you can say 'Você vai superar' (You will overcome it). It is a word of encouragement. It is a regular verb ending in '-ar', which means it follows the easiest conjugation rules in Portuguese. In the present tense, you say 'eu supero' (I overcome), 'você supera' (you overcome), and 'nós superamos' (we overcome). You will hear this word in simple songs, basic stories, and everyday conversations when people talk about getting better after being sick or sad. Don't worry about using it perfectly yet; just recognize it when you hear it and understand that it means someone is beating a difficulty and moving forward.
Moving into the A2 level, your ability to express yourself in Portuguese is growing, and 'superar' becomes a fantastic tool for your vocabulary. At this stage, you can start using it to talk about your own experiences and challenges. You know how to talk about the past now, so you can use the preterite tense: 'eu superei' (I overcame) or 'ele superou' (he overcame). This is incredibly useful for telling stories about your life. For instance, you can say 'Eu superei o meu medo de falar português' (I overcame my fear of speaking Portuguese). You can also start using it with common nouns like 'problemas' (problems), 'dificuldades' (difficulties), and 'obstáculos' (obstacles). You will notice that 'superar' is often used in a positive, uplifting context. It is the word you use when the hard part is over, and things are getting better. You might hear it on TV shows or read it in simple news articles about people who have done something difficult. Practice making sentences about small challenges you have faced recently. Remember, it is a direct verb, so you don't need a preposition after it. Just say 'superar' plus the thing you overcame. This simple structure will make you sound much more natural and fluent.
Welcome to the B1 level, where 'superar' truly shines as a core component of your expressive vocabulary. At this intermediate stage, you are expected to discuss abstract concepts, emotions, and opinions, and 'superar' is perfect for this. You are no longer just talking about physical obstacles; you are discussing emotional hurdles, societal issues, and personal growth. You can confidently use phrases like 'superar uma crise financeira' (overcome a financial crisis) or 'superar o fim de um relacionamento' (get over a breakup). This is also the perfect time to master the reflexive form, 'superar-se'. When you say 'Ela superou-se no exame' (She outdid herself on the exam), you are expressing a nuanced idea of personal achievement that goes beyond simple victory. You will encounter this verb constantly in podcasts, news broadcasts, and intermediate reading materials. It is a favorite word of journalists and motivational speakers. Pay attention to the adverbs often paired with it, such as 'facilmente' (easily) or 'dificilmente' (with difficulty). By actively incorporating 'superar' into your speaking and writing, you demonstrate that you can handle the emotional and abstract dimensions of the Portuguese language, moving well beyond basic transactional communication.
At the B2 level, your fluency is developing rapidly, and your use of 'superar' should reflect a high degree of precision and cultural awareness. You are now capable of understanding and using the word in professional, academic, and complex social contexts. In a business environment, you can discuss how a company managed to 'superar as expectativas do mercado' (exceed market expectations) or 'superar a concorrência' (overcome the competition). You understand the subtle differences between 'superar', 'ultrapassar', and 'vencer', and you can choose the correct synonym based on the exact shade of meaning you want to convey. You are also comfortable using 'superar' in more complex grammatical structures, such as the passive voice: 'As dificuldades foram superadas com muito esforço' (The difficulties were overcome with much effort). Furthermore, you can engage in deep conversations about mental health, resilience, and societal challenges, using 'superar' to articulate the process of recovery and progress. You will read this word in literature and opinion pieces, where it carries significant thematic weight. Your goal at this level is to use 'superar' as naturally as a native speaker, employing it not just to describe an action, but to convey the emotional and effortful reality of overcoming adversity.
Reaching the C1 level means you are now exploring the subtleties, idioms, and advanced stylistic uses of the Portuguese language. Your command of 'superar' is comprehensive. You use it effortlessly in abstract, hypothetical, and highly formal contexts. You can debate philosophical or sociological topics, discussing how a society must 'superar os seus preconceitos históricos' (overcome its historical prejudices) or how humanity aims to 'superar as limitações tecnológicas' (overcome technological limitations). You are adept at using it in the subjunctive mood to express desires or doubts: 'Espero que ele supere essa fase' (I hope he overcomes this phase) or 'É essencial que superemos nossas divergências' (It is essential that we overcome our differences). You also recognize when 'superar' is used ironically or metaphorically in literature and advanced journalism. At this level, you are not just translating 'overcome'; you are thinking in Portuguese, understanding the cultural resonance of resilience and triumph that the word carries in Lusophone societies. You can write persuasive essays or deliver professional presentations where 'superar' serves as a key thematic anchor, demonstrating your sophisticated grasp of vocabulary and your ability to articulate complex narratives of struggle and success with eloquence and authority.
At the pinnacle of language learning, the C2 level, your understanding and application of 'superar' are indistinguishable from those of a highly educated native speaker. You possess an intuitive grasp of its etymological roots and its evolution in contemporary discourse. You can deconstruct complex literary texts where 'superar' is used to explore the depths of the human condition, existential angst, or the triumph of the human spirit. You seamlessly integrate it into highly specialized jargon, whether in legal, medical, or scientific fields, understanding precisely how it functions within those specific lexicons. You play with the word, using it in creative writing or rhetorical speech to evoke powerful imagery and emotional responses. You are fully aware of the regional variations in its usage, perhaps noting how the reflexive 'superar-se' might be positioned differently in a sentence in Lisbon compared to São Paulo, and you can adapt your own speech accordingly. At this mastery level, 'superar' is more than just a vocabulary item; it is a conceptual tool that you wield with absolute precision to express the most profound and nuanced ideas about human capability, endurance, and the perpetual drive to move beyond existing boundaries and limitations.

superar 30초 만에

  • Means to overcome or get past a difficulty.
  • Used for emotional, physical, and business challenges.
  • A regular -ar verb, easy to conjugate.
  • Can be reflexive (superar-se) to mean outdoing oneself.
The Portuguese verb 'superar' is a highly versatile and deeply expressive word that fundamentally translates to the English concept of overcoming, conquering, or successfully dealing with a significant problem, obstacle, or difficulty that stands in one's way. When you use this word, you are talking about moving past a barrier, whether that barrier is physical, emotional, psychological, or professional. It implies a sense of victory and resilience, a triumph over adversity that requires effort, time, and determination. In everyday conversations, you will frequently hear people talk about 'superar uma crise' (overcoming a crisis) or 'superar o medo' (overcoming fear). This word is not just about surviving a situation; it is about emerging from it stronger and more capable.
Literal Meaning
To go over or above something, though this is rarely used in a strictly physical sense today.

Ela conseguiu superar todas as dificuldades financeiras.

Beyond the literal translation, 'superar' carries a heavy emotional weight. It is the word you use when someone recovers from a difficult breakup, a severe illness, or a traumatic event. It is the language of therapy, of personal growth, and of motivational speaking. When athletes break a world record, they 'superam o recorde'. When a company exceeds its sales targets, it 'supera as expectativas'. This broad applicability makes it an essential verb for any intermediate to advanced Portuguese learner.
Figurative Usage
To move past an emotional trauma or to exceed a previously set limit or expectation.

O atleta conseguiu superar o seu próprio recorde pessoal.

Furthermore, the reflexive form 'superar-se' is incredibly common and powerful. It means to outdo oneself, to push beyond one's own perceived limits. If you perform better on a test than you ever thought possible, you 'superou-se'. This reflexive usage highlights the internal battle and the personal growth that comes from facing challenges.
Reflexive Form
Superar-se means to outdo oneself or to push past one's own personal limitations.

Você precisa superar o trauma do passado para seguir em frente.

In the context of relationships, 'superar' is the standard verb for getting over an ex-partner. If someone is still sad about a breakup, a friend might tell them 'Você precisa superar isso' (You need to get over it). It is a word of encouragement, a call to action, and a recognition of human resilience.

Ele ainda não conseguiu superar o fim do relacionamento.

Ultimately, understanding 'superar' gives you a window into how Portuguese speakers conceptualize struggle and success. It is not a passive word; it requires an active subject who takes charge of their destiny. Whether dealing with macroeconomic factors, global pandemics, personal grief, or athletic milestones, 'superar' is the verb that bridges the gap between the challenge and the triumph.

Juntos, vamos superar esta crise global.

By mastering this word, you elevate your Portuguese from simple descriptions of events to profound expressions of the human experience.
Using 'superar' correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure, its common collocations, and its reflexive properties. As a regular verb ending in '-ar', its conjugation follows the standard patterns, making it relatively easy for learners to adopt. The present tense is 'eu supero, tu superas, ele/ela supera, nós superamos, eles/elas superam'. The preterite, which is very common when talking about past victories, is 'eu superei, tu superaste, ele/ela superou, nós superamos, eles/elas superaram'.
Direct Object
Superar is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. You must overcome *something*.

Nós vamos superar esse obstáculo juntos.

Syntactically, 'superar' is almost always followed directly by the noun phrase representing the obstacle or expectation. You do not use a preposition between the verb and its object. For example, you say 'superar o problema' (overcome the problem), not 'superar de problema' or 'superar por problema'. This direct transitive nature makes sentence construction straightforward.
No Preposition
Unlike some English verbs that might take 'over' or 'past', superar stands alone before the noun.

O filme conseguiu superar as expectativas de bilheteria.

The reflexive form, 'superar-se', is slightly more complex but highly rewarding to use. When you say 'ele superou-se', you are saying 'he outdid himself'. This is used when someone performs exceptionally well, beyond what anyone, including themselves, anticipated. In Brazilian Portuguese, the pronoun often comes before the verb in everyday speech ('ele se superou'), while in European Portuguese, it follows the verb ('ele superou-se').
Pronoun Placement
Remember the difference between Brazilian (proclisis preferred) and European (enclisis preferred) pronoun placement.

A cozinheira superou-se com este prato maravilhoso.

Another common construction is using 'superar' in the passive voice, though it is less frequent than the active voice. For example, 'O recorde foi superado' (The record was broken/overcome). This is common in journalistic writing, especially in sports or finance.

O limite de velocidade foi superado pelo motorista.

Finally, 'superar' is often used with adverbs of degree to emphasize the extent of the overcoming. You might hear 'superar facilmente' (overcome easily) or 'superar completamente' (overcome completely). These adverbs help paint a clearer picture of the victory. By practicing these structures, you will quickly find 'superar' becoming a natural and indispensable part of your Portuguese vocabulary, allowing you to articulate complex narratives of struggle and success with ease and precision.

Eles conseguiram superar rapidamente a crise de relações públicas.

The verb 'superar' is ubiquitous in the Portuguese-speaking world, appearing across a vast array of contexts, from the most intimate personal conversations to grand public broadcasts. Its versatility means you will encounter it in almost every form of media and daily interaction. One of the most prominent places you will hear 'superar' is in the realm of sports journalism. Commentators constantly use it to describe athletes breaking records, teams coming back from a deficit, or players recovering from injuries. In this context, it is synonymous with athletic triumph and physical endurance.
Sports Context
Used to describe breaking records, beating opponents, or recovering from a losing streak.

O corredor conseguiu superar a dor e vencer a maratona.

Beyond sports, 'superar' is a staple in the corporate and business world. Managers and executives use it in meetings, reports, and presentations to discuss beating sales targets, surviving economic downturns, or outperforming competitors. Phrases like 'superar as metas' (exceed goals) or 'superar a concorrência' (overcome the competition) are standard business jargon.
Business Context
Used for exceeding targets, surviving market crashes, or beating rival companies.

A empresa conseguiu superar a crise econômica do ano passado.

In everyday social life, 'superar' takes on a deeply personal and emotional tone. It is the go-to word in therapy sessions, self-help books, and heart-to-heart conversations among friends. When someone is dealing with grief, a breakup, or a phobia, the goal is always to 'superar'. It is a word of healing and forward momentum.
Psychological Context
Used in therapy and self-help to describe moving past trauma, anxiety, or heartbreak.

Com muita terapia, ela conseguiu superar o trauma de infância.

You will also hear it frequently in pop culture, particularly in music and telenovelas. Songs about heartbreak often feature lyrics about the struggle to 'superar' an ex-lover. In soap operas, characters face dramatic obstacles that they must 'superar' to achieve their happy ending. The dramatic weight of the word makes it perfect for storytelling.

Na novela, o herói tem que superar muitos vilões para ficar com a mocinha.

Finally, in academic and scientific literature, 'superar' is used to describe technological advancements or the solving of complex problems. A new invention might 'superar' the limitations of older technology. A medical breakthrough might 'superar' a previously incurable disease. In all these contexts, the core meaning remains the same: a triumphant movement past a barrier. By paying attention to these different arenas, you will develop a nuanced understanding of how 'superar' functions in the real world.

A nova tecnologia promete superar as falhas do sistema anterior.

While 'superar' is a relatively straightforward verb, learners of Portuguese often stumble into a few common pitfalls, primarily due to direct translation from their native languages or confusion with similar Portuguese verbs. One of the most frequent mistakes is confusing 'superar' with 'ultrapassar'. While both can mean 'to overcome' or 'to surpass', 'ultrapassar' is more commonly used for physical overtaking, like a car passing another car on the highway. Using 'superar' in this physical context sounds unnatural. You wouldn't say 'Vou superar aquele carro' (I will overcome that car); you would say 'Vou ultrapassar aquele carro'.
Superar vs Ultrapassar
Superar is for abstract obstacles (fears, crises). Ultrapassar is for physical overtaking (cars, runners).

É difícil superar a perda de um ente querido. (Correct)

Another common error arises from English speakers trying to translate 'get over' literally. In English, you 'get over' a cold or 'get over' a fence. In Portuguese, you do not use 'superar' for getting over a physical fence (that would be 'pular' or 'saltar'). While you *can* use 'superar' for recovering from a severe illness, for a simple cold, it sounds too dramatic; 'recuperar-se' or 'melhorar' is better.
Over-dramatization
Do not use superar for minor inconveniences. It carries a weight of significant struggle.

Ele precisa superar o vício para ter uma vida saudável.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the reflexive form 'superar-se'. A mistake is using it when a simple direct object is needed. For example, saying 'Ele se superou o problema' is incorrect. It should be either 'Ele superou o problema' (He overcame the problem) or 'Ele superou-se' (He outdid himself). Mixing the two structures creates grammatical confusion.
Reflexive Confusion
Do not use a direct object when using the reflexive form superar-se.

A equipe superou-se na final do campeonato.

Additionally, preposition errors are common. Because English uses 'overcome *by*' in passive constructions (e.g., overcome by grief), learners might try to say 'superado por tristeza'. While grammatically possible, it is less idiomatic than saying 'dominado pela tristeza' or 'tomado pela tristeza'. 'Superar' is generally an active, victorious verb, not one of defeat.

Nós vamos superar essa fase ruim.

Finally, pronunciation can be a slight hurdle. The stress is on the final syllable (su-pe-RAR), as it is with all regular infinitive verbs ending in '-ar'. Placing the stress on the middle syllable (su-PE-rar) will mark you as a foreigner. Practice the rhythm and stress to ensure your spoken Portuguese sounds natural and confident.

É preciso ter força para superar os obstáculos da vida.

To truly master the nuances of 'superar', it is highly beneficial to compare it with its synonyms and related terms in Portuguese. While several words translate to 'overcome' or 'beat' in English, their usage in Portuguese depends heavily on the context. The most common synonym is 'vencer' (to win, to defeat). While you can 'vencer um obstáculo' (defeat an obstacle) just as you can 'superar um obstáculo', 'vencer' is more adversarial. It implies an opponent or a battle. 'Superar' is more about the internal journey of moving past the obstacle.
Superar vs Vencer
Vencer focuses on defeating an opponent or winning a fight. Superar focuses on the personal growth of moving past a barrier.

Ele conseguiu superar a doença com muita fé.

Another closely related word is 'ultrapassar', which we discussed in the common mistakes section. To reiterate, 'ultrapassar' is primarily physical (overtaking a car, crossing a border), whereas 'superar' is abstract and emotional. However, in business, they can sometimes overlap. You can 'ultrapassar a meta' or 'superar a meta' (exceed the goal), and both are perfectly acceptable and commonly used.
Superar vs Ultrapassar
Both can mean to exceed expectations or goals, but ultrapassar retains a stronger physical connotation.

As vendas deste mês conseguiram superar as do mês passado.

The verb 'derrotar' (to defeat) is another word in this semantic field, but it is strictly used for vanquishing an enemy or opponent in a conflict, war, or game. You cannot 'derrotar' a trauma or a fear; you must 'superar' it. Understanding this distinction is crucial for emotional intelligence in Portuguese.
Superar vs Derrotar
Derrotar requires an active, usually human or personified, enemy. Superar deals with abstract challenges.

A nação inteira se uniu para superar a tragédia.

Finally, 'sobreviver' (to survive) is related but distinct. Surviving implies making it through alive, often just barely. 'Superar' implies thriving afterward, or at least successfully processing the event so it no longer holds you back. You might survive ('sobreviver') a car crash, but it takes time to overcome ('superar') the trauma of it. By carefully choosing between these words, you can express exactly the shade of meaning you intend, demonstrating a high level of fluency and cultural understanding.

Com o tempo, você vai superar essa dor profunda.

How Formal Is It?

난이도

알아야 할 문법

Regular -ar verb conjugation in the preterite tense.

Placement of reflexive pronouns (próclise vs ênclise).

Direct transitive verbs and direct objects.

Using the subjunctive mood after expressions of hope or necessity (e.g., Espero que supere).

Passive voice construction (foi superado).

수준별 예문

1

Eu supero o problema.

I overcome the problem.

Present tense, first person singular of a regular -ar verb.

2

Você supera o medo.

You overcome the fear.

Present tense, second/third person singular.

3

Nós superamos isso.

We overcome this.

Present tense, first person plural.

4

Ele vai superar.

He will overcome.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

5

Ela supera a dor.

She overcomes the pain.

Direct object 'a dor' without a preposition.

6

Eles superam tudo.

They overcome everything.

Present tense, third person plural.

7

Eu quero superar.

I want to overcome.

Verb 'querer' followed by the infinitive 'superar'.

8

Você pode superar.

You can overcome.

Verb 'poder' followed by the infinitive.

1

Eu superei o meu medo de voar.

I overcame my fear of flying.

Preterite tense, first person singular.

2

Ela superou a doença no ano passado.

She overcame the illness last year.

Preterite tense used for a completed past action.

3

Nós superamos as dificuldades juntos.

We overcame the difficulties together.

Preterite tense, first person plural.

4

Eles não conseguiram superar o obstáculo.

They couldn't overcome the obstacle.

Negative sentence with 'conseguir' + infinitive.

5

Você precisa superar essa tristeza.

You need to overcome this sadness.

'Precisar' + infinitive for expressing necessity.

6

O time superou o adversário.

The team overcame the opponent.

Using 'superar' in a sports context.

7

Eu vou superar esse desafio.

I am going to overcome this challenge.

Informal future tense.

8

Ela sempre supera os problemas.

She always overcomes problems.

Present tense with the adverb of frequency 'sempre'.

1

É difícil superar o fim de um relacionamento longo.

It is hard to overcome the end of a long relationship.

Using 'superar' for emotional recovery.

2

A empresa superou as expectativas de lucro neste trimestre.

The company exceeded profit expectations this quarter.

Business context: 'superar expectativas'.

3

Ele superou-se ao cozinhar aquele jantar maravilhoso.

He outdid himself by cooking that wonderful dinner.

Reflexive usage 'superar-se' meaning to outdo oneself.

4

Para ter sucesso, você deve superar a sua zona de conforto.

To succeed, you must overcome your comfort zone.

Abstract concept as a direct object.

5

A atleta conseguiu superar a lesão e voltou a competir.

The athlete managed to overcome the injury and returned to compete.

Sports and physical recovery context.

6

Espero que nós superemos esta crise rapidamente.

I hope we overcome this crisis quickly.

Present subjunctive 'superemos' after 'espero que'.

7

O amor pode superar qualquer barreira.

Love can overcome any barrier.

Philosophical/romantic statement.

8

Eles superaram as diferenças e voltaram a ser amigos.

They overcame their differences and became friends again.

Social context: resolving conflicts.

1

Apesar das adversidades, a comunidade superou a tragédia com notável resiliência.

Despite the adversities, the community overcame the tragedy with remarkable resilience.

Formal vocabulary and complex sentence structure.

2

O novo modelo de smartphone superou amplamente as vendas do seu antecessor.

The new smartphone model vastly exceeded the sales of its predecessor.

Using an adverb 'amplamente' to modify the verb.

3

Foi necessário muito apoio psicológico para que ela superasse o trauma.

A lot of psychological support was necessary for her to overcome the trauma.

Imperfect subjunctive 'superasse' triggered by 'para que'.

4

O recorde mundial foi finalmente superado após vinte anos.

The world record was finally broken after twenty years.

Passive voice 'foi superado'.

5

Ele tem uma capacidade incrível de se superar a cada novo projeto.

He has an incredible ability to outdo himself with each new project.

Reflexive pronoun placement in Brazilian Portuguese ('se superar').

6

A humanidade precisa superar a dependência de combustíveis fósseis.

Humanity needs to overcome its dependence on fossil fuels.

Global/environmental context.

7

Não é fácil superar os preconceitos enraizados na sociedade.

It is not easy to overcome prejudices rooted in society.

Sociological context.

8

Se tivéssemos trabalhado juntos, teríamos superado o problema mais cedo.

If we had worked together, we would have overcome the problem sooner.

Past perfect conditional 'teríamos superado'.

1

A obra literária transcende o seu tempo, ajudando o leitor a superar as suas próprias limitações existenciais.

The literary work transcends its time, helping the reader overcome their own existential limitations.

Highly abstract and literary usage.

2

É imperativo que a nação supere as clivagens políticas para garantir a estabilidade democrática.

It is imperative that the nation overcomes political divides to ensure democratic stability.

Formal political discourse with present subjunctive.

3

A startup não apenas sobreviveu à recessão, mas superou-se, redefinindo o paradigma do mercado.

The startup not only survived the recession but outdid itself, redefining the market paradigm.

Advanced business vocabulary and reflexive usage.

4

A protagonista da narrativa embarca numa jornada épica para superar os fantasmas do seu passado.

The narrative's protagonist embarks on an epic journey to overcome the ghosts of her past.

Metaphorical usage in a literary analysis context.

5

Embora a dor da perda seja incomensurável, o tempo atua como um catalisador para a superar.

Although the pain of loss is immeasurable, time acts as a catalyst to overcome it.

Sophisticated syntax and vocabulary ('incomensurável', 'catalisador').

6

O avanço científico permitiu superar barreiras que outrora eram consideradas intransponíveis.

Scientific advancement allowed for overcoming barriers that were once considered insurmountable.

Scientific context with advanced adjectives ('intransponíveis').

7

A resiliência humana manifesta-se na capacidade intrínseca de superar as mais severas adversidades.

Human resilience manifests itself in the intrinsic ability to overcome the most severe adversities.

Philosophical statement on human nature.

8

Caso não superemos este impasse diplomático, as consequências geopolíticas serão desastrosas.

If we do not overcome this diplomatic impasse, the geopolitical consequences will be disastrous.

Future subjunctive 'superemos' in a conditional clause.

1

A genialidade do compositor reside na sua habilidade de superar as convenções harmónicas da sua época.

The composer's genius lies in his ability to overcome the harmonic conventions of his time.

Academic critique context.

2

O tratado filosófico argumenta que o indivíduo deve superar a moralidade de rebanho para alcançar a verdadeira autonomia.

The philosophical treatise argues that the individual must overcome herd morality to achieve true autonomy.

Nietzschean philosophical context.

3

A despeito das vicissitudes inerentes ao processo, a equipa de investigação logrou superar os constrangimentos metodológicos.

Despite the vicissitudes inherent to the process, the research team managed to overcome the methodological constraints.

Extremely formal academic register ('vicissitudes', 'logrou', 'constrangimentos').

4

A superação do trauma não implica o seu esquecimento, mas sim a sua integração na tapeçaria da identidade pessoal.

Overcoming trauma does not imply forgetting it, but rather integrating it into the tapestry of personal identity.

Using the noun form 'superação' in a deep psychological context.

5

O discurso do estadista foi um apelo veemente para que a sociedade superasse a polarização endémica que a corrói.

The statesman's speech was a vehement appeal for society to overcome the endemic polarization that corrodes it.

Imperfect subjunctive in a complex political sentence.

6

A arquitetura do edifício desafia a gravidade, parecendo superar as próprias leis da física.

The building's architecture defies gravity, seeming to overcome the very laws of physics.

Poetic and descriptive usage.

7

A sua capacidade de se reinventar e superar as sucessivas crises financeiras tornou-o uma lenda em Wall Street.

His ability to reinvent himself and overcome successive financial crises made him a legend on Wall Street.

Complex narrative structure.

8

A verdadeira sabedoria encontra-se na aceitação daquilo que não podemos mudar, e na coragem para superar o que podemos.

True wisdom is found in the acceptance of what we cannot change, and the courage to overcome what we can.

Aphoristic and philosophical statement.

자주 쓰는 조합

superar expectativas
superar limites
superar dificuldades
superar a crise
superar o medo
superar obstáculos
superar a dor
superar traumas
superar a si mesmo
superar problemas

자주 혼동되는 단어

superar vs ultrapassar

superar vs vencer

superar vs passar

혼동하기 쉬운

superar vs

superar vs

superar vs

superar vs

superar vs

문장 패턴

사용법

note

While 'superar' is generally positive, implying victory, it can be used in a neutral, statistical sense in business (e.g., numbers overcoming other numbers).

자주 하는 실수
  • Using 'superar' for physical overtaking (like passing a car). Use 'ultrapassar' instead.
  • Adding a preposition after the verb (e.g., superar de). It should be a direct object.
  • Confusing it with 'derrotar' when talking about an enemy in a war or game.
  • Using it for minor inconveniences (like getting over a cold). It implies significant struggle.
  • Misplacing the stress on the middle syllable instead of the final syllable.

Direct Object Rule

Always remember that 'superar' takes a direct object. Do not translate the English 'over' into a Portuguese preposition. Just say the verb and the thing being overcome.

Pair with Abstract Nouns

To sound native, pair 'superar' with abstract nouns. The most common are medo (fear), crise (crisis), dificuldade (difficulty), and expectativa (expectation).

Comforting Friends

If someone is going through a hard time, saying 'Você vai superar' is a standard, empathetic way to offer support. It shows you believe in their strength.

Resume Booster

If you are writing a CV in Portuguese, using phrases like 'superar metas de vendas' (exceeded sales goals) is a great way to highlight your achievements.

Stress the End

Make sure the emphasis is on the final 'rar'. If you stress the middle syllable, it sounds like a different, non-existent word. Su-pe-RAR.

Telenovela Drama

Watch any Brazilian soap opera, and you will hear this word in the dramatic climax. The heroes always have to 'superar' the villains' plots.

Dar a volta por cima

While 'superar' is a single word, the idiom 'dar a volta por cima' means exactly the same thing: to bounce back and overcome a bad situation.

Praise with Superar-se

Want to give someone a huge compliment? Tell them 'Você se superou!' (You outdid yourself!). It makes people feel incredibly proud of their work.

Sports Commentary

Tune into a soccer match. When a team is losing but comes back to win, the announcers will scream about the team's 'poder de superação'.

Don't Overuse for Small Things

Save 'superar' for real challenges. If you just fixed a tiny bug in your code or found your lost keys, use 'resolver' or 'achar'. 'Superar' needs drama.

암기하기

기억법

Think of SUPERMAN. Superman can OVERCOME any obstacle. Superar = Superman overcoming.

어원

From Latin 'superare', meaning to go over, surmount, or overcome.

문화적 맥락

In Brazil, 'história de superação' is a very common phrase used in reality TV and journalism to describe an inspiring life story.

In Portugal, it is used similarly but often with a slightly more stoic tone, reflecting a quiet endurance of difficulties.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

대화 시작하기

"Qual foi o maior desafio que você já conseguiu superar?"

"Como você acha que podemos superar esta crise atual?"

"Você acha que o tempo ajuda a superar qualquer coisa?"

"Qual é a melhor maneira de superar o medo de falar em público?"

"Você já se superou em alguma situação inesperada?"

일기 주제

Escreva sobre uma vez em que você teve que superar um grande medo.

Como você ajuda um amigo a superar um momento difícil?

Descreva uma meta que você superou no ano passado.

O que significa 'superação' para você?

Escreva uma carta para o seu 'eu' do passado sobre como você superou um problema.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Generally, no. While its Latin root meant to physically go over, in modern Portuguese, 'superar' is almost exclusively used for abstract obstacles, emotions, or records. To physically go over a wall, you would use 'pular' (jump) or 'ultrapassar' (cross/overtake).

'Vencer' means to win or defeat, and it usually implies an opponent, like a rival team or an enemy. 'Superar' means to overcome, and it implies an obstacle, a difficulty, or a personal limitation. You 'vencer' a game, but you 'superar' a fear.

The most direct and common translation is 'supera isso' or simply 'supera'. If a friend is complaining about an old breakup, you might say 'Cara, supera!' (Dude, get over it!). It is informal but very widely used.

Yes, very common. It means to outdo oneself. If you normally get B's in school but study hard and get an A+, your teacher might say 'Você se superou' (You outdid yourself). It is a high compliment.

No. 'Superar' is a direct transitive verb. You directly attach the object to it. For example, 'superar o medo' (overcome the fear). Do not say 'superar do medo' or 'superar pelo medo'.

Absolutely. It is a staple of corporate vocabulary. Companies aim to 'superar metas' (exceed goals) and 'superar expectativas' (exceed expectations). It sounds very professional and ambitious.

Yes, it is a completely regular verb ending in '-ar'. It follows the exact same conjugation pattern as 'falar' or 'amar'. This makes it very easy for learners to adopt and use in all tenses.

'Superação' is the act of overcoming. It translates roughly to 'overcoming' or 'triumph over adversity'. A 'história de superação' is an inspiring story about someone beating the odds.

Yes, you can say 'superar uma doença' (overcome an illness), especially if it was a severe or life-threatening one like cancer. For a simple cold, it sounds too dramatic; use 'melhorar' (get better) instead.

Yes, the meaning and usage are identical in both countries. The only slight difference might be in the placement of the reflexive pronoun (ele se superou in Brazil vs ele superou-se in Portugal).

셀프 테스트 200 질문

writing

Write a sentence using 'superar' in the present tense (eu).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'superar' in the past tense (ela).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'superar' in the future tense (nós).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'I need to overcome this.'

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writing

Translate: 'They overcame the difficulties.'

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writing

Write a sentence using the reflexive 'superar-se'.

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writing

Translate: 'The company exceeded expectations.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'superar' with a negative.

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writing

Translate: 'You will overcome.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'superar' in the passive voice.

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writing

Translate: 'It is hard to overcome.'

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writing

Write a sentence about overcoming a fear.

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writing

Translate: 'We must overcome the obstacles.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'superar' in the subjunctive (espero que).

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writing

Translate: 'She always overcomes problems.'

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writing

Write a sentence about sports using 'superar'.

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writing

Translate: 'A story of overcoming.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'superar limites'.

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writing

Translate: 'He outdid himself.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'superar' and 'juntos'.

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I overcame the problem' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'We will overcome this crisis' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'She outdid herself' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'To overcome fear' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The company exceeded expectations' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'You need to get over it' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'They overcame the difficulties' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'It is hard to overcome' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'A story of overcoming' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'He overcame the illness' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'We overcame our limits' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The record was broken' using superar.

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speaking

Say 'I hope you overcome this' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Love overcomes everything' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'To overcome an obstacle' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'They overcame their differences' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I want to overcome' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'You will overcome' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The team overcame the opponent' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Overcoming trauma' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: Eu superei o medo.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: Vamos superar isso juntos.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: A empresa superou as metas.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: Ele superou-se na prova.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: É uma história de superação.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: Você precisa superar o passado.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: Eles superaram as dificuldades.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: O recorde foi superado.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: Espero que ele supere a crise.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: Superar os próprios limites.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: A dor é difícil de superar.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: Nós superamos o obstáculo.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: Ela superou a doença rapidamente.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: O amor supera todas as barreiras.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: Eles não conseguiram superar as diferenças.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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