In 15 Seconds
- To actively keep a dream or expectation alive in your mind.
- Literally means 'feeding' hope so it grows and stays strong.
- Used for both positive motivation and negative self-delusion.
Meaning
It means to keep a hope alive or to let a dream grow inside you. It is the act of mentally 'feeding' a possibility so it doesn't die out.
Key Examples
3 of 6Encouraging a friend looking for a job
Você deve alimentar a esperança de conseguir essa vaga.
You should nurture the hope of getting this position.
Discussing a long-distance relationship
Nós alimentamos a esperança de morar juntos um dia.
We nurture the hope of living together one day.
A boss talking about a difficult project
Ainda alimento a esperança de terminarmos o projeto no prazo.
I still nurture the hope that we will finish the project on time.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'alimentar esperança' is often linked to the 'jeitinho brasileiro'—the belief that there is always a way to solve a problem, no matter how difficult. In Portugal, the phrase can have a more stoic tone, related to the concept of 'esperar' (which means both 'to hope' and 'to wait'). In Angolan literature, 'alimentar a esperança' often refers to the post-war period and the rebuilding of the nation's identity. The 'morna' music of Cape Verde often speaks of 'alimentar a esperança' of the return of loved ones who emigrated.
Use the Plural for Warnings
When warning someone not to be unrealistic, always use the plural: 'Não alimente esperanças'.
The 'Last to Die'
Mention the proverb 'A esperança é a última que morre' to sound like a native when discussing this topic.
In 15 Seconds
- To actively keep a dream or expectation alive in your mind.
- Literally means 'feeding' hope so it grows and stays strong.
- Used for both positive motivation and negative self-delusion.
What It Means
To alimentar esperança is to nourish a feeling of expectation. Think of hope like a small pet or a plant. If you don't feed it, it disappears. When you alimenta esperança, you are giving that feeling energy. It is about staying optimistic even when things are uncertain. It can be a beautiful thing or a dangerous one.
How To Use It
You use this phrase like a regular verb. You can say eu alimento (I feed) or eles alimentam (they feed). It works perfectly when talking about dreams, careers, or even crushes. You can use it to describe yourself or others. It often appears with the word falsa (false). Alimentar falsa esperança means leading someone on or lying to yourself. Don't do that; it's a social faux pas!
When To Use It
Use it when discussing long-term goals with friends. It fits well in a deep conversation over coffee. It is great for emotional support during a hard time. You might use it in a professional setting too. For example, when a project looks like it might finally get funded. It is a very versatile and poetic expression.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it in very fast, transactional moments. You wouldn't say this to a waiter or a bus driver. It is too 'heavy' for small talk about the weather. Don't use it if the situation is 100% certain. Hope implies a bit of doubt or waiting. If you already won the lottery, you don't alimentar esperança anymore!
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers are often seen as very emotional and resilient people. The concept of esperança is central to the Lusophone soul. It is linked to the idea of 'waiting' (the verb esperar means both to wait and to hope). This phrase reflects a culture that values the inner emotional world. It suggests that our feelings require active care and attention.
Common Variations
You will often hear perder a esperança (to lose hope). Another common one is dar esperança (to give hope to someone). If you want to be more intense, try nutrir um sonho (to nurture a dream). In Brazil, people might simply say ter fé (to have faith). But alimentar adds a layer of active, daily effort.
Usage Notes
The phrase is very safe to use in almost any context. Just remember that it carries a bit of emotional weight, so it's best for meaningful situations rather than trivial ones.
Use the Plural for Warnings
When warning someone not to be unrealistic, always use the plural: 'Não alimente esperanças'.
The 'Last to Die'
Mention the proverb 'A esperança é a última que morre' to sound like a native when discussing this topic.
Subjunctive Alert
If you follow the phrase with 'que', the next verb must be in the subjunctive (e.g., 'que ele *seja*').
Examples
6Você deve alimentar a esperança de conseguir essa vaga.
You should nurture the hope of getting this position.
Encouraging and supportive tone.
Nós alimentamos a esperança de morar juntos um dia.
We nurture the hope of living together one day.
Shows a shared long-term goal.
Ainda alimento a esperança de terminarmos o projeto no prazo.
I still nurture the hope that we will finish the project on time.
Professional but shows a personal drive.
Não alimente esperanças, ele não vai ligar.
Don't get your hopes up, he is not going to call.
A common way to give a 'reality check'.
Ainda alimento esperança no meu time, apesar de tudo!
I still have hope for my team, despite everything!
Relatable fan behavior.
É preciso alimentar a esperança em dias melhores para a nossa nação.
It is necessary to nurture hope for better days for our nation.
High-level, inspirational language.
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta do verbo 'alimentar'.
Nós sempre __________ a esperança de que a situação iria melhorar.
The subject is 'Nós' (we), so the verb must be in the first person plural.
Qual frase usa a expressão de forma mais natural?
Escolha a opção correta:
'Alimentar esperança' is the fixed collocation. 'Comer' or 'dar comida' are too literal.
Complete o diálogo com a frase mais adequada.
Pedro: 'Acho que ela ainda gosta de mim.' Maria: 'Pedro, não ____________________. Ela já está em outro relacionamento.'
Maria is warning Pedro not to nurture unrealistic expectations.
Combine a situação com a frase correta.
Situação: Um cientista trabalhando em uma cura há 20 anos.
The long-term effort of a scientist is a perfect context for 'alimentar esperança'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNós sempre __________ a esperança de que a situação iria melhorar.
The subject is 'Nós' (we), so the verb must be in the first person plural.
Escolha a opção correta:
'Alimentar esperança' is the fixed collocation. 'Comer' or 'dar comida' are too literal.
Pedro: 'Acho que ela ainda gosta de mim.' Maria: 'Pedro, não ____________________. Ela já está em outro relacionamento.'
Maria is warning Pedro not to nurture unrealistic expectations.
Situação: Um cientista trabalhando em uma cura há 20 anos.
The long-term effort of a scientist is a perfect context for 'alimentar esperança'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'esperança' is inherently positive. If you are nurturing a negative expectation, you would use 'alimentar um medo' (fear) or 'alimentar uma suspeita' (suspicion).
Absolutely. 'Nutrir esperança' is a very common and slightly more formal alternative.
Yes, it is equally common and understood in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
'Ter' is just having the feeling. 'Alimentar' implies you are doing something to keep it from disappearing.
Yes, adding the possessive 'minha' makes it more personal and is very natural.
The best translation is 'Não alimente esperanças' or 'Não crie expectativas'.
Yes, for example: 'O novo contrato alimentou a esperança de expansão da empresa'.
Yes, you can 'alimentar a esperança de alguém' (to nurture someone else's hope).
It can be, but it's used for any situation involving dreams or goals.
Not at all. It is used daily in news, social media, and conversation.
Related Phrases
nutrir um sentimento
similarTo nourish a feeling (love, hate, hope).
dar corda
similarTo encourage someone or something.
perder as esperanças
contrastTo lose hope.
viver de esperança
builds onTo live on hope alone.
