Meaning
To cause doubt or mistrust about someone's actions or intentions.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'levantar suspeitas' is often linked to the 'Lei de Gerson' (the principle of taking advantage of everything). Because people are wary of being cheated, they are very quick to 'levantar suspeitas' about deals that seem 'too good to be true'. Portuguese culture values 'discreção' (discretion). Anything that breaks social norms or is too loud/flashy can 'levantar suspeitas' about a person's character or upbringing. In post-conflict societies, 'levantar suspeitas' can have more serious political connotations, often appearing in news regarding government transparency and resource management. In the global Lusophone business world, 'Compliance' is the keyword. Any action that doesn't follow the 'manual de conduta' will immediately 'levantar suspeitas' and trigger an audit.
Use with 'sobre'
Always remember to use 'sobre' to indicate who or what is being suspected: 'Levantar suspeitas sobre o caso'.
Don't say 'levantar suspeitos'
A 'suspeito' is a person. You don't lift people; you lift the feeling of doubt ('suspeitas').
Meaning
To cause doubt or mistrust about someone's actions or intentions.
Use with 'sobre'
Always remember to use 'sobre' to indicate who or what is being suspected: 'Levantar suspeitas sobre o caso'.
Don't say 'levantar suspeitos'
A 'suspeito' is a person. You don't lift people; you lift the feeling of doubt ('suspeitas').
Journalistic Tone
If you want to sound like a news anchor, use 'A ação levanta suspeitas de irregularidades'.
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta do verbo 'levantar'.
O silêncio do diretor durante a crise ________ suspeitas entre os funcionários ontem.
The sentence refers to a past event ('ontem'), so the preterite 'levantou' is required.
Qual frase usa a expressão corretamente?
Escolha a opção correta:
This is the standard collocation. 'Suspeitos' refers to people, not the feeling.
Complete o diálogo de forma natural.
Policial: 'Por que você estava escondido no beco?' Suspeito: 'Eu só estava descansando, mas entendo que isso possa ________.'
In a formal police context, 'levantar suspeitas' is the most appropriate and natural phrase.
Combine a ação com a suspeita levantada.
Ação: 'O funcionário acessou arquivos confidenciais às 3 da manhã.'
Accessing confidential files at night is a classic trigger for suspicions of espionage.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesO silêncio do diretor durante a crise ________ suspeitas entre os funcionários ontem.
The sentence refers to a past event ('ontem'), so the preterite 'levantou' is required.
Escolha a opção correta:
This is the standard collocation. 'Suspeitos' refers to people, not the feeling.
Policial: 'Por que você estava escondido no beco?' Suspeito: 'Eu só estava descansando, mas entendo que isso possa ________.'
In a formal police context, 'levantar suspeitas' is the most appropriate and natural phrase.
Ação: 'O funcionário acessou arquivos confidenciais às 3 da manhã.'
Accessing confidential files at night is a classic trigger for suspicions of espionage.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's less common. The plural 'suspeitas' suggests a general state of doubt, which is usually what people mean.
Almost. 'Despertar' (to awaken) is slightly more poetic or formal, while 'levantar' is the standard everyday term.
Yes, it is universally understood and used in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
You say 'Estou desconfiado' or 'Tenho suspeitas'. You don't use 'levantar' for yourself.
Yes, an abandoned bag at an airport 'levanta suspeitas'.
Yes, it implies they are acting like a criminal or a liar. Use it carefully!
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'passar confiança' (to convey trust) is the conceptual reverse.
Yes, if you are referring to one specific doubt or theory.
Very often, especially regarding contracts, audits, and negotiations.
Not necessarily. It could just be a secret or a surprise party that someone is trying to hide.
Related Phrases
Despertar suspeitas
synonymTo awaken suspicions
Dar bandeira
similarTo give oneself away
Cheirar mal
similarTo smell fishy
Pôr em dúvida
builds onTo call into question
Estar sob escrutínio
specialized formTo be under scrutiny
