At the A1 level, you should learn 'tricotar' as a basic action verb related to hobbies. Think of it in the context of 'I like' or 'My grandmother does'. It is a regular verb ending in -ar, which makes it easy to conjugate in the present tense: eu tricoto, tu tricotas, ele tricota. You don't need to worry about the figurative meanings yet. Just focus on the physical act of making a scarf or a sweater. It's a great word to use when describing people's interests or what they do in their free time. You might see it in simple reading exercises about family traditions or household activities. Remember: 'tricotar' = needles + wool.
At A2, you start using 'tricotar' in the past tense to describe completed actions or habits. 'Ontem, eu tricotei por duas horas' (Yesterday, I knitted for two hours). You should also be able to use it with the present continuous to describe what someone is doing right now. In Portugal, this is 'estar a tricotar'; in Brazil, it is 'estar tricotando'. You might also learn the names of the items you can knit, like 'um cachecol' (a scarf) or 'uma camisola' (a sweater). At this level, you are building the ability to talk about crafts as a personal skill or a way to spend a rainy afternoon.
By B1, you can handle more complex sentence structures and the figurative use of 'tricotar conversa' (to chat/gossip). You can use the imperfect tense to describe long-term habits: 'Antigamente, as mulheres tricotavam juntas na rua' (In the old days, women used to knit together in the street). You should also be able to give instructions or talk about the benefits of the hobby, such as it being relaxing. You might encounter the word in short stories or news articles about traditional crafts. You are now moving beyond the literal and starting to see the cultural 'texture' of the word.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the nuance between 'tricotar' and its synonyms like 'tecer' or 'crochetar'. You can use the word in the subjunctive mood to express desires or possibilities: 'Espero que ela tricote algo para o meu filho' (I hope she knits something for my son). You also understand the metaphorical use of 'tricotar um plano' (to knit/weave a plan), implying a careful, step-by-step preparation. Your vocabulary is now rich enough to discuss the sociological aspects of knitting circles or the impact of handmade goods on the economy.
At C1, 'tricotar' becomes a tool for sophisticated expression. You can use it in literary contexts or high-level journalism. You understand the subtle irony when someone says 'estão ali a tricotar' to refer to politicians making deals in the corridors of power. You can discuss the etymology and the way the word reflects the domestic history of Lusophone countries. You are also aware of regional variations in terminology for the tools and the resulting fabrics. Your use of the word is precise, whether you are talking about the technical specifications of a textile or the delicate social dynamics of a group conversation.
At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over 'tricotar'. You can use it in all its shades of meaning, including rare idiomatic expressions or creative metaphors in poetry. You can appreciate the word's role in the 'fado' lyrics or classical Portuguese literature where it might symbolize the passage of time or the weaving of fate (like the Moirai, but with knitting needles). You can engage in technical debates about the evolution of the word from its French roots 'tricoter' and how it has integrated into the Portuguese linguistic fabric. The word is no longer just a verb; it is a cultural symbol you can manipulate with native-level flair.

tricotar 30초 만에

  • Tricotar is the Portuguese verb for 'to knit', a regular -ar verb used for both the hobby and the professional craft of making wool garments.
  • Beyond its literal meaning, it is frequently used to describe gossiping ('tricotar conversa') or carefully planning and scheming behind the scenes.
  • It is culturally significant in Portugal and Brazil, representing both traditional domestic life and a modern, sustainable DIY fashion movement.
  • Grammatically, it follows regular patterns but should not be confused with 'tecer' (to weave) or 'coser' (to sew), which involve different tools.

The Portuguese verb tricotar primarily refers to the rhythmic and artistic act of knitting. It is an essential vocabulary word for anyone interested in crafts, fashion, or domestic life in Lusophone cultures. At its core, it describes the process of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn or thread with specialized needles. However, its usage extends far beyond the mere mechanical action of moving needles. In the Portuguese-speaking world, tricotar carries a heavy weight of tradition, often evoking images of grandmothers sitting on porches in rural Portugal or social circles in Brazilian cities where the craft has seen a modern resurgence among younger generations.

Literal Meaning
To knit; the manual production of textiles using two or more needles and yarn.
Figurative Meaning (Social)
To gossip or engage in long, detailed conversations, typically while performing a secondary task. This is often used in the expression 'tricotar conversa'.
Figurative Meaning (Strategic)
To plot, scheme, or carefully construct a plan or a story, much like one carefully constructs rows of stitches.

Minha avó passava as tardes a tricotar mantas de lã para o inverno.

Translation: My grandmother spent her afternoons knitting wool blankets for the winter.

Historically, tricotar was a necessity for survival in colder mountainous regions like the Serra da Estrela in Portugal. Today, it is also a form of 'mindfulness' or therapy. When you use this word, you are tapping into a deep-rooted cultural practice that spans centuries. Whether you are describing a hobby or accusing someone of gossiping, the verb remains versatile and culturally rich.

Eles estão ali a tricotar uma conspiração contra o diretor.

Translation: They are over there knitting (scheming) a conspiracy against the director.

Using tricotar correctly requires understanding its conjugation as a regular '-ar' verb and its syntactic relationship with objects. Usually, it is a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object—the item being knitted. However, it can also be used intransitively when focusing solely on the activity itself.

Direct Object Usage
When you specify what is being made: 'Eu tricotei um cachecol' (I knitted a scarf).
The 'A + Infinitive' Construction
Common in European Portuguese to show ongoing action: 'Estou a tricotar' (I am knitting).
The Gerund Construction
Common in Brazilian Portuguese: 'Estou tricotando' (I am knitting).

Ela tricota muito rápido quando está nervosa.

Translation: She knits very fast when she is nervous.

When using the word figuratively to mean 'gossip', it is almost always used with the word 'conversa' (conversation). For example, 'Vamos tricotar um pouco?' (Shall we chat/gossip for a bit?). This implies a cozy, informal, and perhaps slightly judgmental exchange of information. It's important to note that while 'tricotar' is a neutral hobby, using it for gossip can sometimes carry a slightly sexist undertone, historically associated with women's social circles, though today it is used more broadly.

You will encounter tricotar in several distinct environments. The most obvious is within the family home. In Portugal and Brazil, artisanal crafts are highly valued. You might hear a mother saying, 'Vou tricotar um casaquinho para o bebê' (I'm going to knit a little cardigan for the baby). In these contexts, the word is warm and affectionate.

Naquela loja de lãs, as senhoras reúnem-se para tricotar e beber chá.

Translation: In that wool shop, the ladies gather to knit and drink tea.

Another common setting is in modern 'maker' spaces and craft workshops. With the rise of 'slow fashion', tricotar has become a trendy verb among urban youths in Lisbon, Porto, and São Paulo. You'll hear it in workshops where people learn to make their own sustainable clothing. In media, particularly in 'telenovelas', characters might be shown 'tricotando' while discussing the plot's latest scandals, reinforcing the link between the craft and the sharing of secrets.

Television & Media
Used to describe characters who are 'spinning a web' of lies or simply chatting.
Fashion Industry
Used when discussing handmade collections or 'tricot' (knitwear) textures.

English speakers often stumble when using tricotar due to false cognates or confusion with related textile arts. The most frequent error is confusing it with 'coser' (to sew) or 'crochetar' (to crochet). While in English we might loosely say 'stitching', Portuguese is very specific about the tool being used.

Mistake: Tricotar vs. Tecer
Learners often use 'tecer' for knitting. 'Tecer' is for weaving on a loom. If you have two needles, you are 'tricotando'.
Mistake: Conjugation of the 'o'
Some learners try to change the stem vowel 'o' to 'u' (like 'trucoto'), but 'tricotar' is a perfectly regular verb. Keep the 'o' throughout.

Incorrect: Eu teci uma camisola de lã com agulhas.

Correct: Eu tricotei uma camisola de lã com agulhas.

Another mistake involves the figurative use. Don't use 'tricotar' to mean 'knitting together' in a physical sense like a bone healing; for that, use 'consolidar' or 'soldar'. 'Tricotar' as a metaphor is almost exclusively for social interaction or complex planning. Also, avoid using 'tricotar' for industrial manufacturing unless you are specifically referring to the knit structure; otherwise, 'fabricar' or 'produzir' is better.

To expand your vocabulary, it is helpful to see where tricotar sits among its 'textile cousins'. Each verb implies a different tool and a different result. Understanding these nuances will make you sound much more like a native speaker.

Crochetar
To crochet. Uses a single hook (agulha de croché) rather than two needles. Often used for lace or doilies.
Bordar
To embroider. Decorating an existing fabric with needle and thread.
Coser / Costurar
To sew. Joining two pieces of fabric together. 'Coser' is more common in Portugal, 'costurar' in Brazil.
Fuxicar (slang)
A Brazilian alternative for 'tricotar conversa' when you mean pure, sometimes malicious gossip.

Ao contrário de bordar, tricotar cria a própria estrutura do tecido.

Translation: Unlike embroidering, knitting creates the very structure of the fabric.

If you want to sound more formal when talking about the figurative sense of 'knitting a plan', you could use arquitetar (to architect/design) or urdir (to warp/plot). However, tricotar remains the most evocative and common choice for everyday speech.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

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중립

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비격식체

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Child friendly

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속어

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재미있는 사실

Before it meant knitting, 'tricoter' in French was related to 'tricot', a type of club or stick. The movement of the needles resembled the quick movement of sticks.

발음 가이드

UK /tɾikuˈtaɾ/
US /tɾikoˈtaʁ/
The stress is on the final syllable: tri-co-TAR.
라임이 맞는 단어
cantar falar andar olhar pensar amar chegar estar
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing the 'tr' like the English 'tr' in 'tree' (it should be a single tap).
  • Over-emphasizing the 'o' in European Portuguese (where it should be reduced).
  • Making the final 'r' too strong like an American 'r'.
  • Confusing the 'i' with a short 'ih' sound.
  • Stressing the second syllable instead of the last.

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know the English 'tricot' or French 'tricoter'.

쓰기 3/5

Regular -ar conjugation makes it straightforward, but watch the 'tr' cluster.

말하기 4/5

The 'tr' and 'o' reduction in EP can be tricky for beginners.

듣기 3/5

Clear sound, but figurative meanings can be missed in fast speech.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

fio agulha fazer roupa

다음에 배울 것

crochetar bordar tecer costurar fofocar

고급

urdidura trama entrelaçamento artesanato manufatura

알아야 할 문법

Regular -ar verbs in the present tense.

Eu tricoto, tu tricotas, ele tricota.

Use of 'a' before an infinitive after 'aprender'.

Aprendi a tricotar.

The preposition 'de' after 'gostar'.

Gosto de tricotar.

Pretérito Imperfeito for habitual actions.

Eu tricotava todos os dias.

Object pronouns with verbs.

Vou tricotá-lo (the scarf).

수준별 예문

1

Eu gosto de tricotar.

I like to knit.

Simple present tense with 'gostar de'.

2

Minha avó tricota muito.

My grandmother knits a lot.

Third person singular present.

3

Você sabe tricotar?

Do you know how to knit?

Using 'saber' + infinitive for skills.

4

Ela tricota um cachecol azul.

She is knitting a blue scarf.

Present tense used for current action.

5

Nós tricotamos no inverno.

We knit in the winter.

First person plural present.

6

Eles não tricotam bem.

They don't knit well.

Negative sentence structure.

7

Quero aprender a tricotar.

I want to learn how to knit.

Infinitive after 'aprender a'.

8

O gato brinca enquanto eu tricoto.

The cat plays while I knit.

Conjunction 'enquanto' connecting two actions.

1

Ontem, eu tricotei uma luva.

Yesterday, I knitted a glove.

Pretérito Perfeito (Past Simple).

2

Ela estava a tricotar na sala.

She was knitting in the living room.

European Portuguese past continuous.

3

Nós tricotávamos todas as noites.

We used to knit every night.

Pretérito Imperfeito for habits.

4

Você já tricotou um chapéu?

Have you ever knitted a hat?

Past tense question with 'já'.

5

Vou tricotar um presente para você.

I am going to knit a present for you.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

6

Minha mãe me ensinou a tricotar.

My mother taught me to knit.

Direct object pronoun 'me'.

7

É difícil tricotar com lã fina.

It is difficult to knit with thin wool.

Adjective + infinitive construction.

8

Eles tricotaram muitas meias.

They knitted many socks.

Third person plural past.

1

Se eu tivesse tempo, tricotaria mais.

If I had time, I would knit more.

Conditional mood.

2

Ela gosta de tricotar conversa com as vizinhas.

She likes to gossip with the neighbors.

Figurative use of 'tricotar conversa'.

3

Estou a tricotar uma camisola para o meu neto.

I am knitting a sweater for my grandson.

Present continuous in EP.

4

É relaxante tricotar depois do trabalho.

It is relaxing to knit after work.

Gerund or infinitive as a subject.

5

Ela tricota enquanto ouve o rádio.

She knits while listening to the radio.

Simultaneous actions.

6

Nunca tricotei nada tão complicado.

I have never knitted anything so complicated.

Negative past with 'nunca'.

7

Podes tricotar isto para mim?

Can you knit this for me?

Modal verb 'poder'.

8

Ela aprendeu a tricotar sozinha.

She learned to knit by herself.

Adverb 'sozinha' (alone).

1

Embora ela saiba tricotar, prefere fazer croché.

Although she knows how to knit, she prefers to crochet.

Concessive clause with subjunctive 'saiba'.

2

Eles passaram a tarde a tricotar um plano de fuga.

They spent the afternoon knitting (scheming) an escape plan.

Metaphorical use for planning.

3

O mercado de tricotar à mão está a crescer.

The hand-knitting market is growing.

Noun use of the infinitive.

4

Duvido que ele consiga tricotar esse padrão.

I doubt that he can knit that pattern.

Subjunctive after 'duvidar que'.

5

Ela tricota com uma perfeição invejável.

She knits with an enviable perfection.

Adverbial phrase with noun.

6

Ao tricotar, ela esquece todos os problemas.

By knitting, she forgets all her problems.

Preposition 'ao' + infinitive.

7

Tricotar exige paciência e dedicação.

Knitting requires patience and dedication.

Infinitive as a subject.

8

Ela foi tricotando a história aos poucos.

She went on weaving/knitting the story bit by bit.

Progressive action with 'ir' + gerund.

1

A arte de tricotar remonta a tempos imemoriais.

The art of knitting dates back to immemorial times.

Formal register.

2

O governo está a tricotar uma nova aliança política.

The government is knitting (forming) a new political alliance.

Political metaphor.

3

Não convém tricotar intrigas no local de trabalho.

It is not advisable to knit (weave) intrigues in the workplace.

Abstract noun 'intrigas'.

4

A paciência necessária para tricotar é uma virtude rara.

The patience required to knit is a rare virtue.

Passive participle 'necessária'.

5

Ela tricota as palavras com uma cadência poética.

She knits words with a poetic cadence.

Literary metaphor.

6

Tricotaram-se amizades profundas naqueles serões.

Deep friendships were knitted (formed) during those evening gatherings.

Passive 'se' construction.

7

O autor tricota uma trama complexa e envolvente.

The author knits (weaves) a complex and engaging plot.

Narrative terminology.

8

Havia um silêncio apenas quebrado pelo som de tricotar.

There was a silence only broken by the sound of knitting.

Substantive use of the infinitive.

1

A teia de mentiras que ele tricota é insustentável.

The web of lies he is knitting is unsustainable.

Advanced metaphor.

2

Tricotar o destino exige mais do que simples vontade.

Knitting one's destiny requires more than simple will.

Philosophical usage.

3

A destreza com que ela tricota advém de décadas de prática.

The dexterity with which she knits comes from decades of practice.

Relative clause with 'com que'.

4

Pode-se tricotar uma solução para este impasse social?

Can a solution be knitted (crafted) for this social impasse?

Impersonal 'se' in a question.

5

A narrativa foi tricotada com fios de realidade e ficção.

The narrative was knitted with threads of reality and fiction.

Passive voice with metaphorical 'fios'.

6

Tricotar, para ela, era um ato de resistência cultural.

Knitting, for her, was an act of cultural resistance.

Sociopolitical context.

7

A complexidade do padrão exigia que ela tricotasse isolada.

The complexity of the pattern required her to knit in isolation.

Imperfect subjunctive 'tricotasse'.

8

O tempo vai tricotando as rugas no rosto da velha senhora.

Time goes on knitting the wrinkles on the old lady's face.

Personification of time.

자주 쓰는 조합

tricotar lã
tricotar uma camisola
tricotar conversa
tricotar um cachecol
tricotar à mão
tricotar devagar
tricotar para fora
agulhas de tricotar
tricotar um plano
tricotar meias

자주 쓰는 구문

Pôr-se a tricotar

— To start knitting or talking. 'Ela pôs-se a tricotar mal chegou.'

She started knitting/chatting as soon as she arrived.

Tricotar o tempo

— To pass the time by knitting. 'Tricotando o tempo, ela esperava o comboio.'

Knitting the time away, she waited for the train.

Tricotar amizades

— To build friendships slowly and carefully. 'Eles tricotaram uma amizade de anos.'

They built a friendship over years.

Tricotar intrigas

— To create trouble or spread rumors. 'Ele adora tricotar intrigas na oficina.'

He loves to stir up trouble in the workshop.

Saber tricotar

— To have the skill of knitting. 'Quem te ensinou a saber tricotar assim?'

Who taught you how to knit like that?

Tricotar por prazer

— To knit for fun/leisure. 'Eu só tricoto por prazer.'

I only knit for pleasure.

Tricotar em grupo

— To knit in a social setting. 'Tricotar em grupo é mais divertido.'

Knitting in a group is more fun.

Tricotar à lareira

— To knit by the fireplace. 'Nada melhor que tricotar à lareira.'

Nothing better than knitting by the fireplace.

Tricotar com agulhas circulares

— To knit with circular needles. 'Aprendi a tricotar com agulhas circulares.'

I learned to knit with circular needles.

Deixar de tricotar

— To stop knitting. 'Ela deixou de tricotar por causa da artrite.'

She stopped knitting because of arthritis.

자주 혼동되는 단어

tricotar vs tecer

Tecer is weaving on a loom; tricotar is knitting with needles.

tricotar vs crochetar

Crochetar uses one hook; tricotar uses two needles.

tricotar vs coser

Coser is sewing pieces together; tricotar creates the fabric itself.

관용어 및 표현

"Tricotar conversa"

— To gossip or have a long, informal chat.

As vizinhas passam a tarde a tricotar conversa.

informal
"Tricotar o destino"

— To shape or create one's own future through careful actions.

Cada um tricota o seu próprio destino.

literary
"Tricotar uma mentira"

— To construct a complex lie.

Ele tricotou uma mentira tão grande que se perdeu nela.

neutral
"Tricotar com os olhos"

— To watch someone knitting very intently to learn the stitch.

Ela estava a tricotar com os olhos o trabalho da mestra.

informal
"Tricotar em segredo"

— To plan something secretly.

Eles estão a tricotar algo em segredo para a tua festa.

neutral
"Tricotar a vida"

— To live life step by step, making the most of every small 'stitch'.

Ela vai tricotando a vida com muita calma.

poetic
"Tricotar a rede"

— To build a social or professional network.

É preciso tricotar a rede de contactos.

business
"Tricotar a frio"

— To plan something without emotion or in a calculated way.

Tricotaram a vingança a frio.

informal
"Tricotar o juízo"

— To drive someone crazy with constant talking (rare).

Ela tricotou-me o juízo com tanta falação.

slang
"Tricotar o ponto"

— To get the details of a story or plan exactly right.

Temos de tricotar bem este ponto para não falharmos.

neutral

혼동하기 쉬운

tricotar vs tricô

It's the noun form.

Tricotar is the action (verb), tricô is the result or the craft (noun).

Eu faço tricô (noun) porque gosto de tricotar (verb).

tricotar vs trincar

Similar sound.

Trincar means to bite or crunch something hard.

Não trinques o gelo!

tricotar vs trocar

Similar sound.

Trocar means to exchange or change.

Vou trocar de roupa.

tricotar vs traçar

Initial 'tr' sound.

Traçar means to draw, trace, or outline.

Traçar um plano no papel.

tricotar vs trabalhar

Common 'tr' verb.

Trabalhar means to work in general.

Eu trabalho no escritório.

문장 패턴

A1

Eu [verb] [object].

Eu tricoto meias.

A2

Eu vou [verb] [object].

Eu vou tricotar um casaco.

B1

Eu estava a [verb] quando [action].

Eu estava a tricotar quando o telefone tocou.

B2

É importante que tu [subjunctive verb].

É importante que tu tricotes com atenção.

C1

Ao [verb], percebi que...

Ao tricotar, percebi que a paciência é tudo.

C2

Não há quem não [subjunctive verb]...

Não há quem não tricote a sua própria história.

Mixed

Se [conditional], [future/conditional].

Se eu tivesse lã, tricotaria agora.

Idiomatic

Vamos [verb] conversa?

Vamos tricotar conversa?

어휘 가족

명사

동사

형용사

관련

사용법

frequency

Common in domestic, craft, and informal social contexts.

암기하기

기억법

Think of the 'tri' in 'tricotar' as 'three'—even though you usually use two needles, imagine a third needle 'tri-ing' to finish the scarf! Or associate 'TRicotar' with 'THRead'.

시각적 연상

Imagine a grandmother sitting on a 'TRInket' box, 'TRicotar-ing' a giant 'TRangle' of wool.

Word Web

agulhas cachecol conversa vovó inverno casaco ponto

챌린지

Try to say 'A vovó tricota o tricô' five times fast without stumbling over the 'tr' and 'cr' sounds!

어원

From the French verb 'tricoter', which appeared in the 15th century.

원래 의미: To move the legs quickly, then later specifically to move needles to create fabric.

Romance (Gallic influence on Portuguese).

문화적 맥락

Be aware that calling men's conversation 'tricotar' might be seen as slightly mocking or feminizing in traditional circles, though this is changing.

Similar to the 'Stitch 'n Bitch' culture in the US/UK, Portuguese speakers use 'tricotar conversa'.

The song 'Tricotando' by various Brazilian samba artists. Portuguese literature often uses the image of a woman knitting by the window to represent longing (saudade). Telenovela characters like 'Tia Nastácia' in Brazilian folklore.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Hobby/Craft

  • Qual é o ponto?
  • Quantos novelos preciso?
  • É difícil tricotar?
  • Gosto de tricotar meias.

Social/Gossip

  • Vamos tricotar um pouco.
  • O que é que elas estão a tricotar?
  • Tricotar conversa é bom.
  • Parem de tricotar!

Family

  • A avó está a tricotar.
  • Ensina-me a tricotar.
  • Tricotei isto para o bebé.
  • Roupa tricotada à mão.

Fashion

  • Tendências de tricotar.
  • Peças tricotadas.
  • Fio para tricotar.
  • Estilo tricot.

Planning

  • Tricotar um plano.
  • Tricotar uma estratégia.
  • Tricotar o futuro.
  • Tricotar acordos.

대화 시작하기

"Você sabe tricotar ou prefere fazer croché?"

"O que você gosta de tricotar quando está frio?"

"A sua avó costumava tricotar para a família?"

"Você acha que tricotar ajuda a relaxar a mente?"

"Já ouviu alguém dizer 'tricotar conversa' hoje?"

일기 주제

Descreva uma peça de roupa que alguém tricotou para você e como se sentiu ao usá-la.

Se você pudesse tricotar o seu futuro, que cores e padrões você usaria?

Escreva sobre uma tarde ideal passada a tricotar conversa com os seus melhores amigos.

O tricotar é uma arte em extinção ou está a ganhar novos adeptos na sua cidade?

Imagine que você está a tricotar um plano secreto para viajar pelo mundo. O que você faria?

자주 묻는 질문

5 질문

Yes, anyone can 'tricotar'. While historically associated with women, many men knit as a hobby today. However, the idiom 'tricotar conversa' still carries a slightly feminine connotation in older generations.

In Portugal, you say 'estou a tricotar' and the noun is often 'malha'. In Brazil, you say 'estou tricotando' and the noun is 'tricô'.

Yes, it is a perfectly regular -ar verb. It follows the same pattern as 'falar' or 'cantar'.

You say 'agulhas de tricotar' or simply 'agulhas de tricô'.

Yes, but usually you would say 'tricotagem industrial' or 'produzir em tricô'

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