This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
A2 noun 15 min read

alarmes

Examples
Explanation alarmes in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the most basic and essential vocabulary needed for survival and simple daily interactions. The word 'alarmes' is highly relevant here because it relates to time, daily routines, and basic safety. At this stage, you only need to know that 'alarmes' means the loud sounds that wake you up or warn you of danger. You should learn to recognize it when spoken or written, especially in the context of setting a clock or hearing a loud noise in a building. The grammar focus is very simple: recognizing that it is a plural noun (ending in 's') and that it is masculine, so it takes the article 'os' (os alarmes). You will practice simple sentences like 'Eu tenho dois alarmes' (I have two alarms) or 'Os alarmes são altos' (The alarms are loud). The primary goal is to associate the word with the physical object (the phone or clock) or the loud sound. You will also learn the most basic verb associated with it, which is 'tocar' (to ring). For example, 'Os alarmes tocam de manhã' (The alarms ring in the morning). Understanding this word helps beginners talk about their morning routines, which is a core topic in A1 language courses. You do not need to worry about complex metaphors or technical jargon at this level; just focus on the literal meaning and basic sentence structure.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the A2 level, learners expand their ability to describe routines, past events, and immediate surroundings. The word 'alarmes' becomes a tool for more detailed storytelling about daily life and minor inconveniences. You will start using 'alarmes' in the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) to explain why you were late or how you woke up. For example, 'Meus alarmes não tocaram hoje' (My alarms didn't ring today) or 'Eu acordei com os alarmes' (I woke up with the alarms). You will also learn to differentiate between types of alarms using simple prepositional phrases, such as 'alarmes de carro' (car alarms) and 'alarmes de incêndio' (fire alarms). Vocabulary expansion at this level includes learning the verb 'disparar' (to go off) for security contexts, moving beyond just 'tocar'. You will practice expressing opinions and feelings related to the word, such as 'Eu odeio os alarmes do meu vizinho' (I hate my neighbor's alarms). The focus is on practical, everyday communication. You will also learn how to ask questions about alarms, like 'A que horas você coloca seus alarmes?' (What time do you set your alarms?). Understanding 'alarmes' at the A2 level allows you to participate in common small talk about sleep, neighborhood noise, and basic security measures.
At the B1 level, learners are expected to handle a wider range of situations, including those that might arise while traveling or living in a Portuguese-speaking country. The use of 'alarmes' becomes more nuanced. You will start reading and understanding instructions related to safety protocols, such as signs in hotels or offices that mention 'Em caso de emergência, soe os alarmes' (In case of emergency, sound the alarms). You will learn to use 'alarmes' in conditional sentences and future tenses. For example, 'Se os alarmes dispararem, saia do prédio' (If the alarms go off, leave the building). At this stage, you should also be comfortable with the concept of a 'falso alarme' (false alarm) and use it to describe situations where a perceived threat turned out to be nothing. The vocabulary expands to include verbs related to maintenance and configuration, such as 'programar' (to program/set), 'ativar' (to activate), and 'desativar' (to deactivate). You will be able to explain technical problems simply, like 'Os alarmes estão com defeito' (The alarms are defective). The B1 level focuses on practical independence, and knowing how to discuss 'alarmes' effectively is crucial for navigating housing issues, workplace safety, and travel accommodations.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B2 level, learners can communicate with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. The word 'alarmes' is now used not just for physical devices, but also in abstract and metaphorical contexts. You will understand and use idiomatic expressions like 'soar os alarmes' (to sound the alarm) when discussing social, economic, or environmental issues. For instance, 'Os cientistas estão soando os alarmes sobre o clima' (Scientists are sounding the alarms about the climate). You will be able to engage in complex discussions about the psychological impact of noise pollution, debating topics like the effectiveness of car alarms in modern cities. The grammar becomes more sophisticated, utilizing subjunctive moods and complex clauses. For example, 'É crucial que os alarmes sejam testados regularmente' (It is crucial that the alarms be tested regularly). You will also easily distinguish between subtle synonyms like 'alertas', 'sirenes', and 'avisos', choosing the most precise word for the context. At B2, your understanding of 'alarmes' reflects a deeper cultural and societal awareness, allowing you to consume news media and participate in debates where the concept of warning and security is central.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C1 level, learners can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. The use of 'alarmes' is sophisticated, precise, and effortlessly integrated into complex narratives. You will encounter the word in advanced literature, academic papers, and high-level journalism. In these contexts, 'alarmes' often serves as a powerful rhetorical device. You might read analyses of how a government's failure to respond to 'alarmes precoces' (early warnings) led to a crisis. You will comfortably use advanced collocations and idiomatic structures. The focus at this level is on the subtle connotations of the word. For example, discussing the 'fadiga de alarmes' (alarm fatigue) in medical or industrial settings, where people become desensitized to constant warnings. You will be able to write formal reports, essays, or complaints regarding security systems or noise ordinances, using impeccable grammar and varied vocabulary. The word 'alarmes' is no longer just a vocabulary item to be learned; it is a conceptual tool used to articulate complex ideas about risk, vigilance, and societal anxiety. Your mastery of the word includes a deep understanding of its etymological roots and its stylistic variations across different Lusophone regions.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C2 level, the learner's capacity is akin to that of an educated native speaker. The understanding and application of the word 'alarmes' are absolute and encompass all its literal, figurative, historical, and technical dimensions. You are capable of dissecting the etymology of the word, tracing its origins from the Italian 'all'arme' and understanding how its military roots have shaped its modern civilian usage. You can effortlessly navigate the highly specialized jargon of security engineering, emergency management, or cognitive psychology as it relates to auditory alerts. In literary analysis, you can deconstruct how an author uses the motif of 'alarmes' to build tension or symbolize an impending societal collapse. Your spoken and written Portuguese demonstrates complete mastery over the most subtle syntactic nuances, utilizing passive voices, complex subjunctive structures, and rare idioms with natural ease. You can engage in philosophical debates about the nature of security in the modern world, using 'alarmes' as a focal point to discuss the balance between safety and paranoia. At this pinnacle of language proficiency, 'alarmes' is a fully integrated element of your expansive lexicon, deployed with precision, elegance, and profound cultural resonance.
Sign up free to read full explanation
Examples
The Portuguese word 'alarmes' is the plural form of the masculine noun 'alarme'. In its most fundamental sense, it refers to devices or systems designed to emit a loud, often startling sound to alert individuals of an impending danger, a breach of security, or simply the arrival of a specific time. Understanding this word is essential for anyone navigating daily life in a Portuguese-speaking country, as it bridges the gap between personal routines and public safety. When we talk about 'alarmes', we are often discussing the ubiquitous technology that governs our schedules and protects our properties. Historically, the concept of an alarm comes from the Italian phrase 'all'arme', which literally translates to 'to the arms' or 'to the weapons', a call used by soldiers when a camp was under attack. Over the centuries, this military term evolved into a civilian concept, eventually becoming the physical and digital devices we rely on today. In contemporary society, 'alarmes' are everywhere. They are the digital chimes on our smartphones that wake us up for work or school. They are the piercing sirens installed in homes and businesses to deter burglaries. They are the loud, rhythmic sounds in factories or public buildings indicating a fire or other emergency requiring immediate evacuation.

Os alarmes de incêndio do prédio começaram a tocar no meio da noite.

The usage of this word extends beyond the physical devices themselves. It carries a psychological weight. Hearing 'alarmes' often triggers an immediate physical response: a rush of adrenaline, a heightened sense of awareness, and a compulsion to act. This makes the word highly evocative in literature and everyday storytelling.
Daily Routine Context
In the context of waking up, people often use the plural 'alarmes' because it is a common habit to set multiple alarms at different times (e.g., 7:00 AM, 7:05 AM, 7:10 AM) to ensure they do not oversleep.
Security is another major domain where 'alarmes' is frequently used. In many urban areas across Brazil and Portugal, home and vehicle security systems are standard. Consequently, conversations about installing, maintaining, or accidentally triggering 'alarmes' are commonplace.

Ele instalou novos alarmes nas portas e janelas da casa.

Furthermore, the word can be used metaphorically, much like in English. When a politician or a scientist 'soa o alarme' (sounds the alarm) about a crisis, such as climate change or an economic downturn, they are issuing a strong warning. While the singular is more common in this idiomatic expression, the plural 'alarmes' can be used when referring to multiple warnings from different sources.
Metaphorical Usage
When multiple indicators suggest a problem, financial analysts might say that 'vários alarmes soaram na economia', meaning multiple warning signs have appeared.

Os alarmes falsos causaram pânico desnecessário na população.

It is also worth noting the emotional relationship people have with their 'alarmes'. The sound of a morning alarm is often met with dread or annoyance, leading to the popular culture of hitting the 'snooze' button (often called 'soneca' in Portuguese). This shared human experience makes 'alarmes' a highly relatable topic of conversation.

Eu odeio quando os alarmes dos carros disparam na rua durante a madrugada.

To fully grasp the utility of the word 'alarmes', learners should practice associating it with the specific verbs that commonly accompany it, such as 'tocar' (to ring), 'disparar' (to go off/trigger), 'ligar' (to turn on), and 'desligar' (to turn off). Mastering these collocations will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and fluent.
Verb Collocations
The most common verb used with 'alarmes' when they make a sound is 'disparar' for security systems and 'tocar' for morning alarm clocks.

Configurei três alarmes diferentes para não perder o voo amanhã cedo.

In conclusion, 'alarmes' is a versatile and indispensable noun in the Portuguese language, deeply embedded in the lexicon of time management, personal safety, and public emergency protocols.
Using the word 'alarmes' correctly in Portuguese sentences requires an understanding of its gender, plurality, and the specific verbs that naturally collocate with it. As a masculine plural noun, it must be preceded by masculine plural articles (os, uns) and adjectives modifying it must also agree in gender and number (e.g., alarmes altos, alarmes falsos). The syntactical placement of 'alarmes' typically follows standard Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order, though it frequently appears as the subject of sentences describing sounds or warnings. Let us examine the most critical verbs used in conjunction with 'alarmes'. When an alarm clock rings, the verb 'tocar' (to ring/play) is predominantly used. For example, 'Os alarmes tocaram às seis da manhã' (The alarms rang at six in the morning). However, when a security alarm or fire alarm is triggered, the verb 'disparar' (to shoot/go off) is more appropriate. This distinction is crucial for sounding like a native speaker.

Todos os alarmes do banco dispararam simultaneamente durante o assalto.

Another important set of verbs relates to the manual operation of these devices. To turn an alarm on, you use 'ligar' or 'ativar'. To turn it off, you use 'desligar' or 'desativar'.
Activating and Deactivating
Use 'ativar os alarmes' when referring to arming a security system before leaving a building. Use 'desativar os alarmes' when entering a secured building.

Por favor, não se esqueça de ligar os alarmes antes de sair do escritório.

Prepositions also play a significant role in how 'alarmes' is contextualized. You will often hear phrases like 'acordar com os alarmes' (to wake up with the alarms) or 'assustar-se com os alarmes' (to be startled by the alarms). The preposition 'com' (with) is used here to indicate the instrument or cause of the action.
Preposition Usage
The phrase 'por causa dos alarmes' (because of the alarms) is very common when explaining a disruption, such as a lack of sleep or an interrupted meeting.

Eu não consegui dormir a noite toda por causa dos alarmes da loja vizinha.

Furthermore, 'alarmes' can be categorized using adjectives or prepositional phrases to specify their type. Common classifications include 'alarmes de incêndio' (fire alarms), 'alarmes de segurança' (security alarms), and 'alarmes falsos' (false alarms). A false alarm is a particularly common phrase, used both literally (when a machine malfunctions) and figuratively (when a suspected problem turns out to be nothing).

Felizmente, os barulhos estranhos eram apenas alarmes falsos causados pelo vento forte.

In more complex sentence structures, 'alarmes' can be the object of verbs expressing necessity or maintenance. For instance, 'A empresa precisa testar os alarmes mensalmente' (The company needs to test the alarms monthly) or 'O técnico veio consertar os alarmes quebrados' (The technician came to fix the broken alarms).
Maintenance Context
Verbs like 'manter', 'testar', and 'instalar' are frequently used in corporate or property management contexts when discussing the upkeep of alarm systems.

A manutenção anual exige que todos os alarmes sejam inspecionados rigorosamente.

By mastering these sentence patterns, learners can confidently discuss schedules, safety protocols, and daily annoyances involving 'alarmes' in Portuguese.
The word 'alarmes' is deeply integrated into the daily auditory and conversational landscape of Portuguese-speaking environments. You will encounter this word in a multitude of real-world contexts, ranging from intimate domestic settings to large-scale industrial complexes. Understanding where and how this word naturally appears will significantly enhance your listening comprehension and cultural fluency. One of the most common places you will hear 'alarmes' is in the context of morning routines and time management. In households, dormitories, and hotels, discussions about waking up inevitably involve this word. People will often complain about their alarms or ask others if they have set theirs. You might hear a roommate shout, 'Você já ativou seus alarmes para amanhã?' (Have you already activated your alarms for tomorrow?).

Meus alarmes não tocaram e eu acabei me atrasando para a reunião importante.

Another highly prevalent context is urban security. In cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Lisbon, or Porto, property security is a significant concern. Consequently, conversations about 'alarmes' are frequent among neighbors, building managers, and security personnel. When walking down a residential street, it is not uncommon to hear a siren and someone remarking about it.
Neighborhood Watch
In WhatsApp groups for neighborhood watches, messages frequently report when 'os alarmes' of a specific house or car are going off, prompting residents to check for suspicious activity.

O síndico enviou um aviso sobre os testes dos alarmes do condomínio.

The workplace is another domain where 'alarmes' is frequently discussed, particularly concerning occupational safety and health (OSH) regulations. Office buildings, factories, and commercial centers are required by law to have functional fire and emergency alarm systems. During onboarding or safety drills, employees are instructed on what to do when they hear the alarms.
Workplace Safety
Human Resources or Facilities Management will often send emails stating: 'Atenção, amanhã faremos um teste nos alarmes de evacuação.' (Attention, tomorrow we will run a test on the evacuation alarms.)

Quando os alarmes soarem, todos devem se dirigir calmamente para a saída de emergência.

Furthermore, you will hear this word in the context of automobiles. Car alarms are notorious for being overly sensitive or malfunctioning. Mechanics and car owners often discuss fixing or disabling these systems.

O mecânico precisou desconectar a bateria para silenciar os alarmes do veículo.

Finally, in news broadcasts and media, the word is used both literally and figuratively. Journalists report on literal alarms during robberies or fires, but they also use the term to describe warnings issued by authorities regarding weather events, public health crises, or economic indicators.
News Media
A news anchor might say that health officials are monitoring the situation closely after new data triggered 'vários alarmes' within the medical community.

As recentes tempestades acionaram os alarmes da defesa civil em toda a região costeira.

By recognizing these diverse contexts, you will be better prepared to understand and participate in conversations involving 'alarmes' across various facets of Portuguese-speaking society.
When learning the word 'alarmes', English speakers and other learners of Portuguese often encounter a few specific stumbling blocks. These mistakes usually revolve around grammatical gender, false cognates, and the incorrect choice of verbs. Addressing these common errors early in your learning process will prevent bad habits from forming and will make your spoken and written Portuguese much more precise and natural. The most frequent and glaring mistake is assigning the wrong grammatical gender to the word. Because 'alarme' ends in the letter 'e', its gender is not immediately obvious to beginners, who often rely on the 'o' (masculine) and 'a' (feminine) ending rule. Many learners mistakenly say 'as alarmes' or 'alarmes novas'. This immediately marks the speaker as a non-native. You must ensure that articles, pronouns, and adjectives are aligned correctly: 'os alarmes novos', 'estes alarmes', 'muitos alarmes'.

Ele comprou alarmes muito caros para a sua nova loja no centro da cidade.

Another common mistake involves the choice of verbs used to describe the action of an alarm making a sound. In English, we simply say an alarm 'goes off' or 'rings'. In Portuguese, learners often try to translate 'goes off' literally, which leads to confusion.
Verb Confusion
Never say 'os alarmes vão fora' (literal translation of 'go off'). Instead, use 'disparar' for security/fire alarms, and 'tocar' for alarm clocks.
Using 'tocar' for a bank robbery alarm is understandable but sounds slightly too gentle to native ears, whereas using 'disparar' for your morning wake-up alarm sounds overly dramatic, as if your phone exploded.

Os alarmes do carro dispararam quando o caminhão passou na rua.

Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 'alarmes' with 'alertas' (alerts). While they are synonyms in some contexts, they are not always interchangeable. An 'alerta' is often a notification, a message, or a state of readiness, whereas an 'alarme' usually implies a loud auditory signal or the physical device itself.
Alarme vs. Alerta
You receive 'alertas' (notifications) on your phone silently, but 'alarmes' make a loud noise to demand immediate attention.

Recebemos vários alertas no celular antes que os alarmes de tempestade começassem a soar.

Pronunciation also presents a minor challenge. English speakers might pronounce the first 'a' like the 'uh' in 'about' or the 'a' in 'cat'. In Portuguese, the first 'a' in 'alarmes' should be an open, clear 'ah' sound. Additionally, the 'r' is typically pronounced as an alveolar tap (like the 'tt' in the American English word 'butter') or a guttural 'r' depending on the regional dialect, but it should never be the hard, retroflex English 'r'.

O professor corrigiu minha pronúncia quando eu disse a palavra alarmes com sotaque estrangeiro.

Lastly, a spelling mistake occasionally occurs where learners write 'alarmis' due to the unstressed final 'e' in Brazilian Portuguese often being pronounced as an 'ee' sound. Always remember to spell it with an 'e'.
Spelling Note
Despite sounding like 'alarmis' in many Brazilian accents, the correct spelling is always 'alarmes'.

Certifique-se de escrever alarmes corretamente no relatório de segurança do prédio.

By being mindful of the masculine gender, selecting the appropriate verbs ('tocar' vs. 'disparar'), distinguishing it from 'alertas', and maintaining correct pronunciation and spelling, you will master the use of 'alarmes' without falling into these common traps.
Expanding your vocabulary beyond the word 'alarmes' is crucial for achieving fluency and precision in Portuguese. While 'alarmes' is a highly versatile and commonly used noun, there are several synonyms and related terms that native speakers use to convey specific nuances, contexts, or types of warnings. Understanding these alternatives will allow you to paint a more accurate picture of the situation you are describing. One of the most common alternatives, specifically in the context of waking up, is 'despertadores'. While people often say they set their 'alarmes' on their phones, the physical device traditionally used to wake someone up is called a 'despertador' (plural: despertadores).

Naquela loja de antiguidades, havia dezenas de velhos alarmes e despertadores de corda.

Another highly relevant word is 'sirenes' (sirens). While an alarm is the entire system or the concept of the warning, the 'sirene' is specifically the mechanical or electronic component that produces the loud, wailing sound. You would talk about the 'sirenes' of a police car, an ambulance, or a factory.
Alarmes vs. Sirenes
The 'alarme' is the system that detects the fire; the 'sirene' is the loud noise maker that alerts the people in the building.

Os alarmes dispararam e logo depois pudemos ouvir as sirenes dos bombeiros se aproximando.

For digital contexts or less urgent warnings, the words 'alertas' (alerts) and 'avisos' (warnings/notices) are excellent alternatives. 'Alertas' is frequently used for smartphone notifications, weather updates, or system errors on a computer. They don't necessarily have to be loud auditory signals; they can be visual or silent vibrations.
Digital Contexts
Use 'alertas' for push notifications on your phone, and 'avisos' for written signs or formal verbal warnings.

O aplicativo de banco me enviou vários alertas antes de bloquear os alarmes de segurança da conta.

If you are looking for a word that conveys a sense of signaling or indicating something without the panic associated with 'alarmes', the word 'sinais' (signals/signs) is very useful. A 'sinal' can be a traffic light, a school bell, or a gesture. In schools, the bell that rings at the end of class is usually called the 'sinal', not the 'alarme'.

Quando o sinal da escola tocou, as crianças saíram correndo, ignorando os alarmes de que estava chovendo.

Finally, in highly formal or technical contexts, you might encounter the word 'dispositivos de segurança' (security devices). This is a broad, umbrella term that encompasses 'alarmes', cameras, motion sensors, and other protective equipment.
Formal Terminology
In legal or insurance documents, 'alarmes' might be referred to formally as 'sistemas de detecção e alarme' (detection and alarm systems).

O contrato de seguro exige que todos os alarmes e dispositivos de segurança estejam funcionando perfeitamente.

By mastering these synonyms and related terms—despertadores, sirenes, alertas, avisos, sinais, and dispositivos—you will be able to navigate any conversation about warnings, security, and timekeeping in Portuguese with nuance and confidence.
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

Eu tenho dois alarmes.

I have two alarms.

Basic subject-verb-object structure with a plural noun.

2

Os alarmes são muito altos.

The alarms are very loud.

Use of the verb 'ser' (to be) with an adjective agreeing in gender and number.

3

Eu ouço os alarmes.

I hear the alarms.

Present tense of the irregular verb 'ouvir' (to hear).

4

Os alarmes tocam de manhã.

The alarms ring in the morning.

Use of the verb 'tocar' (to ring) for alarms.

5

Onde estão os alarmes?

Where are the alarms?

Basic question structure using 'onde' (where).

6

Eu não gosto de alarmes.

I don't like alarms.

Negative sentence with the verb 'gostar de' (to like).

7

Os alarmes da casa são novos.

The house alarms are new.

Possessive structure using 'da' (de + a).

8

Ele compra alarmes.

He buys alarms.

Third-person singular present tense.

1

Meus alarmes não tocaram hoje.

My alarms didn't ring today.

Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) of 'tocar' in the negative.

2

Eu acordei com os alarmes do vizinho.

I woke up with the neighbor's alarms.

Use of preposition 'com' (with) to indicate cause.

3

Você precisa ligar os alarmes antes de sair.

You need to turn on the alarms before leaving.

Infinitive verb 'ligar' following the modal 'precisar'.

4

Os alarmes de carro fazem muito barulho.

Car alarms make a lot of noise.

Compound noun structure 'alarmes de carro'.

5

Foi apenas um alarme falso.

It was just a false alarm.

Common phrase 'alarme falso' using the past tense 'foi'.

6

A que horas você coloca seus alarmes?

What time do you set your alarms?

Questioning about time 'A que horas'.

7

Os alarmes dispararam no meio da noite.

The alarms went off in the middle of the night.

Use of 'disparar' for security alarms in the past tense.

8

Eu tenho cinco alarmes no meu celular.

I have five alarms on my cell phone.

Preposition 'em' + 'o' = 'no' indicating location.

1

Se os alarmes dispararem, saia do prédio imediatamente.

If the alarms go off, leave the building immediately.

Future subjunctive 'dispararem' in a conditional 'se' clause.

2

O técnico veio para consertar os alarmes quebrados

Sign up free to see all examples

Related Content

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!