aplicar-se in 30 Seconds
- Aplicar-se: To apply oneself, to dedicate effort.
- Reflexive verb, requires 'se'.
- Commonly used with 'a': aplicar-se a algo.
- Implies hard work and focus.
The Portuguese verb aplicar-se is a reflexive verb that translates to 'to apply oneself' or 'to dedicate oneself' in English. It signifies putting effort, focus, and commitment into a particular task, study, or goal. It's often used to express the idea of working hard and diligently towards something.
- Core Meaning
- To put one's effort, time, and attention into something with determination.
- Common Usage
- Used when describing someone's dedication to studies, work, a hobby, or a personal project.
- Nuance
- Implies a conscious decision to focus and exert oneself, rather than simply doing something passively.
Ele decidiu aplicar-se aos estudos para passar no exame.
When you want to encourage someone to put their best effort into something, or when you are describing someone's diligent approach to a task, 'aplicar-se' is the perfect verb to use. It’s a very common verb in Portuguese, especially in academic and professional contexts, but it can also be used in personal endeavors. For instance, if a student is struggling with a subject but decides to really focus and study hard, you would say they are 'a aplicar-se'. Similarly, an artist might 'aplicar-se' to perfecting a new technique, or an entrepreneur might 'aplicar-se' to developing their business plan.
A atleta teve de aplicar-se muito para alcançar o seu objetivo.
- Context: Learning
- When learning a new language, you need to aplicar-se to your studies consistently.
- Context: Work
- To get a promotion, it is important to aplicar-se to your responsibilities.
- Context: Hobbies
- She loves painting and aplica-se for hours on her canvases.
It's a verb that encourages a proactive and engaged attitude. Instead of just 'doing' something, one 'applies oneself' to it, implying a deeper level of involvement and effort. It’s about making a conscious choice to put in the necessary work to achieve a desired outcome. Think of it as the Portuguese equivalent of 'to buckle down' or 'to put one's nose to the grindstone'.
Using aplicar-se correctly involves understanding its reflexive nature and its common prepositions. As a reflexive verb, it requires a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, vos, se) that agrees with the subject. The most frequent construction is 'aplicar-se a', meaning 'to apply oneself to something'.
Eu aplico-me aos meus treinos todos os dias.
Here's a breakdown of how to use it in various tenses and contexts:
- Present Tense
- Eu aplico-me (I apply myself), Tu aplicas-te (You apply yourself - informal), Ele/Ela/Você aplica-se (He/She/You apply oneself), Nós aplicamo-nos (We apply ourselves), Vós aplicais-vos (You apply yourselves - formal/plural), Eles/Elas/Vocês aplicam-se (They/You apply themselves).
- Example (Present)
- A estudante aplica-se aos estudos para tirar boas notas.
- Past Tense (Pretérito Perfeito)
- Conjugations follow standard past tense patterns for -ar verbs: Eu apliquei-me, Tu aplicaste-te, Ele/Ela/Você aplicou-se, etc.
- Example (Past)
- No ano passado, ele aplicou-se bastante no projeto.
- Future Tense
- Uses the auxiliary verb 'ir' + infinitive: Eu vou aplicar-me, Tu vais aplicar-te, Ele/Ela/Você vai aplicar-se, etc.
- Example (Future)
- Se quisermos ter sucesso, teremos de nos aplicar.
Precisamos de nos aplicar mais para terminar este trabalho a tempo.
When used with nouns or pronouns, the preposition 'a' is essential. For example, 'aplicar-se à matemática' (to apply oneself to mathematics), 'aplicar-se ao trabalho' (to apply oneself to work). It can also be used with infinitives, like 'aplicar-se a aprender' (to apply oneself to learning).
- Gerund Form
- The gerund is aplicando-se (applying oneself).
- Example (Gerund)
- Ele está constantemente aplicando-se a novas técnicas.
- Imperative Mood
- Aplica-te! (Apply yourself! - informal singular), Apliquem-se! (Apply yourselves! - plural/formal).
- Example (Imperative)
- Filho, aplica-te aos teus estudos!
Consider the context: is the subject singular or plural? Who is being addressed? This will determine the correct reflexive pronoun and verb conjugation. The meaning of 'dedication' and 'effort' should always be present when using this verb.
You'll encounter aplicar-se in a wide array of everyday conversations and formal settings in Portuguese-speaking countries. Its versatility makes it a common fixture in discussions about personal development, academic pursuits, and professional life.
Os pais incentivam os filhos a aplicarem-se nos estudos.
In Educational Settings: This is perhaps where 'aplicar-se' is heard most frequently. Teachers, professors, and guidance counselors often use it to motivate students. You might hear:
- Teacher to student
- 'Se quiseres ter sucesso neste curso, tens de te aplicar mais.'
- Parent to child
- 'Não te esqueças de te aplicar aos trabalhos de casa.'
In the Workplace: Managers and supervisors use it to discuss performance and dedication. It's common in performance reviews or when setting expectations:
- Manager to employee
- 'Precisamos que todos se apliquem ao novo projeto com empenho.'
- Colleagues discussing a project
- 'Ela realmente aplica-se em tudo o que faz.'
O artista aplica-se na criação das suas obras.
In Personal Development and Hobbies: When people talk about their passions or goals, 'aplicar-se' often comes up:
- Someone talking about a hobby
- 'Estou a aplicar-me a aprender a tocar violino.'
- Someone discussing a personal goal
- 'Tenho de me aplicar mais para conseguir correr uma maratona.'
You might also hear it in more general advice or motivational speeches. The core idea of putting in dedicated effort is universally applicable, making this verb a common tool in the Portuguese language for conveying diligence and commitment.
While aplicar-se is a straightforward verb, learners can sometimes make a few common errors. Understanding these pitfalls can help you use the verb more accurately and confidently.
Incorrect: Eu aplico no trabalho.
- Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun
- The most frequent mistake is forgetting that 'aplicar-se' is reflexive. This means you need to include the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, vos, se) that agrees with the subject. For example, saying 'Eu aplico' instead of 'Eu aplico-me' is incorrect when you mean 'I apply myself'.
- Incorrect Pronoun Agreement
- Ensuring the pronoun matches the subject is crucial. For instance, 'Nós aplico-me' is wrong; it should be 'Nós aplicamo-nos'. Similarly, 'Eles aplicas-te' should be 'Eles aplicam-se'.
- Incorrect Preposition
- While 'aplicar-se' can sometimes be used without a preposition in specific contexts (e.g., 'aplica-se a regra'), when referring to applying oneself *to* something, the preposition 'a' is almost always required. Using 'em' or omitting the preposition can lead to errors. For example, 'Eu aplico-me em estudar' is less common and potentially incorrect compared to 'Eu aplico-me a estudar'.
- Confusing with 'aplicar' (to apply something)
- 'Aplicar' (without 'se') means 'to apply' something, like applying a cream or applying a rule. For example, 'Eu aplico o creme' (I apply the cream) or 'A professora aplica a regra' (The teacher applies the rule). It's important not to confuse this transitive verb with the reflexive 'aplicar-se'.
- Incorrect Verb Conjugation
- As with any verb, learners might make mistakes in conjugating 'aplicar-se' in different tenses. Pay close attention to the endings for present, past, and future tenses, especially in the context of the reflexive pronoun.
- Using the wrong 'se' form
- In some cases, learners might incorrectly use 'se' with the first person ('eu') or second person ('tu'). Remember that 'se' is for the third person (ele/ela/você, eles/elas/vocês). The correct pronouns for the first person are 'me' and 'nos', and for the second person are 'te' and 'vos'.
Incorrect: Eles aplicam nos estudos.
To avoid these mistakes, practice conjugating the verb in all persons and tenses, and always remember to include the correct reflexive pronoun and the preposition 'a' when indicating what you are applying yourself to.
While aplicar-se is a precise term for dedicating oneself to a task, several other Portuguese words and phrases can convey similar meanings, each with subtle differences in nuance and formality.
- Dedicar-se
- This is a very close synonym, meaning 'to dedicate oneself'. It often implies a deeper emotional or long-term commitment. While 'aplicar-se' focuses on the effort and action, 'dedicar-se' can also imply devotion and passion.
- Empregar-se
- This verb means 'to employ oneself' or 'to apply oneself', often in the context of work or a specific role. It can be more formal than 'aplicar-se' and sometimes implies using one's skills or efforts in a particular capacity.
- Empenhar-se
- Meaning 'to commit oneself', 'to strive', or 'to make an effort'. This word strongly emphasizes the exertion of effort and commitment. It's often used when a task is challenging and requires significant determination.
- Concentrar-se
- This means 'to concentrate' or 'to focus'. While applying oneself often involves concentration, 'concentrar-se' specifically refers to the mental act of focusing, whereas 'aplicar-se' includes the action and effort that comes with that focus.
- Esforçar-se
- Meaning 'to make an effort' or 'to strive'. This is a very general term for putting in effort. 'Aplicar-se' is a more specific way of saying one is putting effort into a particular task or goal.
- Obrigar-se
- Meaning 'to oblige oneself' or 'to compel oneself'. This implies a stronger sense of obligation or self-imposed duty. It's less about passion and more about a necessary commitment.
Ele dedica-se à sua arte com paixão.
Here's a comparison:
- Aplicar-se vs. Dedicar-se
- 'Aplicar-se' is about diligent effort and focus on a task, like studying hard for an exam. 'Dedicar-se' is broader, implying a deeper, often lifelong, commitment to something, like dedicating oneself to a cause or a career.
- Aplicar-se vs. Empenhar-se
- 'Aplicar-se' is about applying oneself to a task. 'Empenhar-se' emphasizes the strenuous effort and commitment required, often for difficult tasks. You might 'aplicar-se' to learning a language, but you would 'empenhar-se' to overcome a significant obstacle.
- Aplicar-se vs. Esforçar-se
- 'Esforçar-se' is a general term for making an effort. 'Aplicar-se' is more specific, implying that the effort is directed towards a particular task or goal with focus and diligence.
Choosing the right word depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. 'Aplicar-se' is excellent for describing focused effort on a particular endeavor, while other verbs might be more suitable for expressing passion, intense struggle, or a broader sense of commitment.
How Formal Is It?
"É imperativo que os colaboradores se apliquem diligentemente às suas funções para o bom funcionamento da empresa."
"Ele aplicou-se a aprender a tocar guitarra durante as férias."
"Anda, aplica-te mais um bocado que já quase acabas!"
"Tens de te aplicar um bocadinho mais para desenhar bem o solzinho!"
Fun Fact
The Latin root 'plicare' is also the origin of words like 'complicate', 'duplicate', and 'implicate', all related to the idea of folding or bending. In 'aplicar-se', it evolved to mean bending oneself towards a task.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'r' too strongly at the end of 'aplicar'.
- Incorrect stress placement, often on the first syllable.
- Not clearly enunciating the final 'e' sound in 'se'.
Difficulty Rating
CEFR A2. The verb 'aplicar-se' is introduced at the A2 level. Learners will encounter it in simple sentences and common contexts related to effort and dedication. Understanding its reflexive nature and basic conjugations is key at this stage.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Reflexive Verbs
Verbs like 'aplicar-se' require a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, vos, se) that agrees with the subject. Example: Eu aplico-me, Tu aplicas-te, Ele aplica-se.
Preposition 'a'
When indicating what one applies oneself *to*, the preposition 'a' is commonly used. Example: Ele aplica-se a estudar.
Verb Conjugation in Different Tenses
Understanding how to conjugate 'aplicar-se' in the present, past, and future tenses is crucial. Example: Eu aplico-me (present), Eu apliquei-me (past), Eu vou aplicar-me (future).
Infinitive Usage
The infinitive form 'aplicar-se' can be used impersonally or after auxiliary verbs. Example: É preciso aplicar-se. / Tenho de me aplicar.
Subjunctive Mood
The subjunctive mood is often used after expressions of necessity, desire, or doubt. Example: É importante que se apliquem.
Examples by Level
Eu aplico-me a aprender português.
I apply myself to learning Portuguese.
Simple present tense, first person singular reflexive verb.
Ele aplica-se no trabalho.
He applies himself at work.
Present tense, third person singular reflexive verb with preposition 'no' (em + o).
Nós aplicamo-nos aos estudos.
We apply ourselves to our studies.
Present tense, first person plural reflexive verb with preposition 'aos' (a + os).
Tu aplicas-te bem.
You apply yourself well.
Present tense, second person singular informal reflexive verb.
Ela aplica-se a cozinhar.
She applies herself to cooking.
Present tense, third person singular reflexive verb with infinitive.
Vocês aplicam-se nos treinos.
You (plural) apply yourselves to training.
Present tense, second person plural reflexive verb with preposition 'nos' (em + os).
Eu apliquei-me ontem.
I applied myself yesterday.
Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), first person singular reflexive verb.
Eles aplicam-se a aprender.
They apply themselves to learning.
Present tense, third person plural reflexive verb with infinitive.
Para ter sucesso, é preciso aplicar-se.
To succeed, it is necessary to apply oneself.
Infinitive form used impersonally, common in advice.
Ele decidiu aplicar-se mais aos estudos.
He decided to apply himself more to his studies.
Infinitive after 'decidiu', third person singular past tense.
Nós aplicámo-nos bastante para terminar o projeto.
We applied ourselves quite a bit to finish the project.
Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), first person plural.
Ela quer aplicar-se a aprender a tocar piano.
She wants to apply herself to learning to play the piano.
Infinitive after 'quer', third person singular present tense.
Se quiseres ser bom, tens de te aplicar.
If you want to be good, you have to apply yourself.
Conditional clause, second person singular informal.
A atleta aplicou-se muito para ganhar a medalha.
The athlete applied herself greatly to win the medal.
Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), third person singular.
O artista aplica-se na criação das suas obras.
The artist applies himself to the creation of his works.
Present tense, third person singular, using 'na' (em + a).
É importante aplicar-se nas tarefas diárias.
It is important to apply oneself to daily tasks.
Infinitive used impersonally, emphasizing importance.
Para atingir os seus objetivos, ele teve de se aplicar intensamente.
To achieve his goals, he had to apply himself intensely.
Infinitive after 'ter de', third person singular past tense.
A equipa aplicou-se ao máximo durante o jogo.
The team applied itself to the maximum during the game.
Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), third person singular, emphasizing maximum effort.
Ela aplica-se a aprender novas línguas com grande entusiasmo.
She applies herself to learning new languages with great enthusiasm.
Present tense, third person singular, highlighting enthusiasm.
Os alunos foram incentivados a aplicarem-se nos trabalhos de casa.
The students were encouraged to apply themselves to their homework.
Infinitive after 'incentivados a', passive voice.
Se te aplicares a isto, conseguirás bons resultados.
If you apply yourself to this, you will achieve good results.
Conditional sentence, second person singular informal.
O programador aplicou-se a resolver o bug complexo.
The programmer applied himself to solving the complex bug.
Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), third person singular.
Nós temos de nos aplicar para sermos bem-sucedidos.
We have to apply ourselves to be successful.
Present tense with 'ter de', first person plural.
Ele aplicou-se em melhorar as suas competências.
He applied himself to improving his skills.
Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), third person singular, using 'em' (less common but acceptable in some contexts).
A dedicação com que ela se aplica ao seu trabalho é notável.
The dedication with which she applies herself to her work is remarkable.
Present tense, third person singular, embedded clause.
Para superar os desafios, é fundamental que nos apliquemos com perseverança.
To overcome the challenges, it is fundamental that we apply ourselves with perseverance.
Subjunctive mood after 'que', first person plural.
O cientista aplicou-se exaustivamente na pesquisa para encontrar a cura.
The scientist applied himself exhaustively to the research to find the cure.
Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), third person singular, emphasizing exhaustive effort.
Se quisermos progredir, cada um de nós deve aplicar-se às suas responsabilidades.
If we want to progress, each of us must apply ourselves to our responsibilities.
Conditional sentence, third person singular imperative implied for 'cada um'.
Ela aplicou-se a dominar a técnica de caligrafia com resultados impressionantes.
She applied herself to mastering the calligraphy technique with impressive results.
Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), third person singular.
O jovem empreendedor aplicou-se arduamente na elaboração do seu plano de negócios.
The young entrepreneur applied himself arduously to the elaboration of his business plan.
Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), third person singular, emphasizing arduous effort.
É essencial que os alunos se apliquem não só nas aulas, mas também nos estudos independentes.
It is essential that students apply themselves not only in class but also in independent study.
Subjunctive mood after 'que', third person plural.
O atleta aplicou-se em superar os seus limites pessoais.
The athlete applied himself to surpassing his personal limits.
Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), third person singular, using 'em'.
A sua capacidade de se aplicar a tarefas complexas é uma das suas maiores virtudes.
Her ability to apply herself to complex tasks is one of her greatest virtues.
Infinitive after 'capacidade de', third person singular present tense.
Para alcançar a excelência, não basta ter talento; é preciso aplicar-se com diligência e rigor.
To achieve excellence, talent is not enough; it is necessary to apply oneself with diligence and rigor.
Infinitive used impersonally, emphasizing rigor.
O diplomata aplicou-se na negociação do acordo de paz com notável sagacidade.
The diplomat applied himself to the negotiation of the peace agreement with remarkable shrewdness.
Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), third person singular, highlighting intelligence in effort.
Independentemente das adversidades, devemos sempre aplicar-nos a fazer o nosso melhor.
Regardless of the adversities, we must always apply ourselves to doing our best.
Imperative/advisory, first person plural.
A forma como o músico se aplica à prática diária revela o seu compromisso com a arte.
The way the musician applies himself to daily practice reveals his commitment to art.
Present tense, third person singular, complex sentence structure.
Ela aplicou-se a estudar a fundo a história da arte renascentista.
She applied herself to thoroughly studying the history of Renaissance art.
Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), third person singular, emphasizing depth of study.
O líder exigiu que a equipa se aplicasse com afinco na resolução dos problemas pendentes.
The leader demanded that the team apply itself with tenacity to the resolution of pending issues.
Subjunctive mood after 'exigiu que', third person plural.
Ao longo da sua carreira, ele sempre se aplicou a aprender e a inovar.
Throughout his career, he always applied himself to learning and innovating.
Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), third person singular, emphasizing continuous learning.
A maestria que o artesão demonstra advém da forma como se aplica meticulosamente ao seu ofício.
The mastery the artisan demonstrates stems from the way he meticulously applies himself to his craft.
Present tense, third person singular, complex subordinate clause.
É imperativo que, perante os desafios impostos pela globalização, nos apliquemos a encontrar soluções sustentáveis e inovadoras.
It is imperative that, in the face of challenges imposed by globalization, we apply ourselves to finding sustainable and innovative solutions.
Subjunctive mood after 'que', first person plural, formal context.
O historiador aplicou-se a desvendar os enigmas do passado com uma dedicação que beirava a obsessão.
The historian applied himself to unraveling the enigmas of the past with a dedication bordering on obsession.
Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), third person singular, emphasizing extreme dedication.
Não basta apenas querer o sucesso; é preciso aplicar-se com resiliência e uma estratégia bem definida.
It is not enough to just want success; it is necessary to apply oneself with resilience and a well-defined strategy.
Infinitive used impersonally, highlighting strategic effort.
A forma como o jovem escritor se aplica à polidez da sua prosa é digna de nota.
The way the young writer applies himself to the polish of his prose is worthy of note.
Present tense, third person singular, focusing on refined effort.
Ela aplicou-se a desenvolver um método de ensino que contemplasse as necessidades individuais de cada aluno.
She applied herself to developing a teaching method that considered the individual needs of each student.
Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), third person singular, emphasizing pedagogical effort.
O líder da expedição insistiu que todos se aplicassem nas tarefas de sobrevivência com o máximo de empenho.
The expedition leader insisted that everyone apply themselves to survival tasks with the utmost commitment.
Subjunctive mood after 'insistiu que', third person plural, high-stakes context.
Ao longo das décadas, o filósofo dedicou-se a aplicar-se na reflexão sobre a condição humana.
Throughout the decades, the philosopher dedicated himself to applying himself to reflection on the human condition.
Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), third person singular, emphasizing lifelong intellectual pursuit.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To apply oneself to everything, to be generally diligent.
Ela é uma pessoa que se aplica a tudo o que faz.
— To apply oneself more, to increase one's effort.
Precisas de te aplicar mais se queres passar.
— To apply oneself in order to achieve something.
Ele aplicou-se para conseguir a promoção.
— To apply oneself without rest, to work tirelessly.
A equipa aplicou-se sem descanso para terminar o projeto.
— To have to apply oneself, indicating a necessity.
Para aprender isto, tens de te aplicar.
— To apply oneself to something (often used interchangeably with 'a').
Ele aplicou-se em melhorar as suas competências.
— To apply oneself to life, to live life fully and with purpose.
Depois da crise, ele decidiu aplicar-se à vida com mais vigor.
— To apply oneself to the utmost, to give maximum effort.
A atleta aplicou-se ao máximo para quebrar o recorde.
— To apply oneself with dedication.
O voluntário aplicou-se com dedicação no seu trabalho.
Often Confused With
'Aplicar' (without 'se') is a transitive verb meaning 'to apply' something, like applying a rule or a cream. 'Aplicar-se' is reflexive, meaning 'to apply oneself'.
While similar, 'dedicar-se' often implies a deeper, more passionate, or long-term commitment, whereas 'aplicar-se' focuses more on the diligent effort put into a specific task.
'Empenhar-se' emphasizes strenuous effort and commitment, often for difficult tasks. 'Aplicar-se' is about focused effort on a task, which might or might not be strenuous.
Idioms & Expressions
— To get to work and apply oneself diligently. It's a call to action and sustained effort.
Chega de desculpas, vamos meter mãos à obra e aplicar-nos neste projeto!
— To apply oneself with all one's might; to fight for something with great determination.
Ela aplicou-se com unhas e dentes para conseguir a bolsa de estudos.
— To not apply oneself to anything; to be lazy or unmotivated.
Ele tem potencial, mas não se aplica a nada.
— To apply oneself as if there were no tomorrow; to work with extreme urgency and dedication.
Temos de nos aplicar como se não houvesse amanhã para terminar isto a tempo.
— To apply oneself seriously or with true effort.
Se quiseres aprender, tens de te aplicar para valer.
— To apply oneself with body and soul; to be completely devoted and invested.
O músico aplicou-se de corpo e alma na composição da sinfonia.
— To apply oneself seriously.
Ele decidiu aplicar-se a sério para mudar de carreira.
— To cling to something and apply oneself with great persistence, like a limpet.
Ela aplicou-se como uma lapa aos seus estudos de medicina.
— To apply oneself until the last drop of energy; to give one's absolute all.
O atleta aplicou-se até ao último pingo de energia na maratona.
— To apply oneself with tenacity and diligence.
Os investigadores aplicaram-se com afinco na busca por uma cura.
Easily Confused
Both verbs share the root 'aplicar'.
'Aplicar' is transitive: you apply *something* to *something else* (e.g., 'Aplicar o creme na pele' - Apply the cream to the skin). 'Aplicar-se' is reflexive: you apply *yourself* to *something* (e.g., 'Eu aplico-me aos estudos' - I apply myself to my studies).
Eu aplico a vacina. (I apply the vaccine.) vs. Eu aplico-me a aprender. (I apply myself to learning.)
Both mean to commit oneself to something.
'Aplicar-se' focuses on the effort and action put into a specific task or goal. 'Dedicar-se' implies a deeper, more sustained commitment, often involving passion, time, and energy over a longer period, sometimes to a cause or a person.
Ele aplicou-se a terminar o relatório. (He applied himself to finishing the report - focused effort.) vs. Ele dedicou-se à sua família. (He dedicated himself to his family - deep, ongoing commitment.)
Both relate to putting in effort.
'Esforçar-se' is a general term for making an effort or trying hard. 'Aplicar-se' is more specific, suggesting that the effort is directed towards a particular task or objective with focus and diligence. You can 'esforçar-se' generally, but you 'aplicar-se' *to* something specific.
Ele esforçou-se muito. (He tried very hard.) vs. Ele aplicou-se muito ao projeto. (He applied himself very hard to the project.)
Both involve focus.
'Concentrar-se' refers specifically to the mental act of focusing one's attention. 'Aplicar-se' includes this mental focus but also encompasses the physical and active effort involved in performing a task.
Preciso de me concentrar para resolver este problema. (I need to concentrate to solve this problem.) vs. Ele aplicou-se a resolver o problema com concentração. (He applied himself to solving the problem with concentration.)
Both imply putting in significant effort.
'Empenhar-se' often suggests putting in a great deal of effort, sometimes in the face of difficulty or challenge, implying a struggle or a strong commitment. 'Aplicar-se' is more about focused, diligent work on a task, which may or may not be a struggle.
Ela empenhou-se para passar no exame difícil. (She strived hard to pass the difficult exam.) vs. Ela aplicou-se a estudar para o exame. (She applied herself to studying for the exam.)
Sentence Patterns
Subject + aplicar-se (conjugated) + a + Noun
Eu aplico-me à escola.
Subject + aplicar-se (conjugated) + no/na + Noun
Ele aplica-se no trabalho.
Infinitive + aplicar-se + (adverb)
É preciso aplicar-se bem.
Subject + ter de + infinitive (aplicar-se)
Nós temos de nos aplicar.
Subject + Past tense (aplicar-se) + a + Noun/Infinitive
Ela aplicou-se a aprender a cozinhar.
Conditional + Subject + aplicar-se (conjugated)
Se te aplicares, terás sucesso.
Complex sentence with 'que' + Subjunctive (aplicar-se)
É importante que eles se apliquem.
Adverb + Subject + aplicar-se (conjugated) + a + Noun/Infinitive
Ele aplica-se sempre com dedicação.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very common, especially in contexts of education, work, and personal development.
-
Forgetting the reflexive pronoun.
→
Eu aplico-me.
The verb 'aplicar-se' is reflexive, so the pronoun ('me', 'te', 'se', etc.) must always be included and agree with the subject.
-
Using the wrong preposition.
→
Ele aplica-se a estudar.
When indicating what one applies oneself to, the preposition 'a' is most common. Using 'em' can sometimes be acceptable but 'a' is generally preferred and more standard.
-
Confusing 'aplicar' with 'aplicar-se'.
→
Eu aplico-me ao trabalho. (I apply myself to work.)
'Aplicar' is transitive (e.g., 'aplicar uma regra' - apply a rule), while 'aplicar-se' is reflexive (e.g., 'aplicar-se ao trabalho' - apply oneself to work).
-
Incorrect pronoun agreement.
→
Nós aplicamo-nos.
The reflexive pronoun must match the subject. 'Nós' requires 'nos', not 'me' or 'se'.
-
Omitting the final 'e' in 'se' when it follows a verb ending in 'r'.
→
Aplica-se.
When the reflexive pronoun 'se' follows a verb ending in 'r' (like 'aplicar'), the 'r' is dropped and 'se' is attached. The final 'e' in 'se' should be pronounced.
Tips
Master Reflexive Pronouns
Remember that 'aplicar-se' is reflexive. Always include the correct reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, vos, se) that matches the subject. This is crucial for correct conjugation.
Use the Preposition 'a'
When you're applying yourself *to* something specific, use the preposition 'a'. For example, 'Eu aplico-me a aprender português.' This clarifies the object of your effort.
Stress and Sound
Pay attention to the stress on the second syllable: a-pli-CAR-se. Ensure you pronounce the 'a' clearly and the final 'e' in 'se' softly.
Active Application
Try to use 'aplicar-se' in your own sentences daily. Describe tasks you are applying yourself to, or encourage others to do so. Active use solidifies understanding.
Distinguish from 'Aplicar'
Don't confuse 'aplicar-se' (to apply oneself) with 'aplicar' (to apply something). The presence of 'se' is the key indicator of the reflexive meaning.
Explore Nuances
Learn related verbs like 'dedicar-se' and 'empenhar-se'. Understanding their subtle differences will allow you to express shades of meaning more precisely.
Mnemonic Techniques
Use mnemonics like 'plying your trade with effort' to link the sound and meaning. Visual associations can also be very effective for remembering the concept.
Cultural Value
Recognize that 'aplicar-se' reflects a cultural value placed on hard work and dedication in Portuguese-speaking societies. This context can help you understand its importance.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
Be mindful of forgetting the reflexive pronoun or using the wrong preposition. Regular practice and review will help prevent these common mistakes.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine yourself 'applying' a special 'plywood' to a project, working very hard ('se' sounding like 'see' yourself doing it). The more you 'ply' the wood, the more you 'apply' yourself.
Visual Association
Picture someone diligently 'plying' wood for a craft project, their brow furrowed in concentration. The 'se' sound can remind you of 'see' yourself doing this hard work.
Word Web
Challenge
For the next week, identify one task you can 'aplicar-se' to more fully. This could be studying a language, a hobby, or a work project. Consciously tell yourself 'Eu vou aplicar-me a isto' and observe how your focus and output change.
Word Origin
The verb 'aplicar-se' derives from the Latin verb 'applicare', which means 'to join', 'to attach', or 'to apply'. It is formed by the prefix 'ad-' (to, towards) and 'plicare' (to fold, to bend).
Original meaning: To bring into close connection; to attach; to join.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > PortugueseCultural Context
The term is generally positive and encouraging. It respects individual effort and dedication. There are no major cultural sensitivities associated with its use.
In English-speaking cultures, similar phrases like 'to apply oneself', 'to buckle down', 'to put one's nose to the grindstone', or 'to commit oneself' convey the same meaning of dedicated effort.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Academic encouragement
- Aplica-te aos estudos.
- Tens de te aplicar mais.
- É importante aplicar-se para ter boas notas.
Professional advice
- Aplica-se no trabalho.
- É preciso aplicar-se para ter sucesso na carreira.
- O funcionário aplicou-se muito.
Personal goals
- Quero aplicar-me a aprender...
- Vou aplicar-me para conseguir...
- Ela aplica-se ao seu hobby.
General motivation
- Aplica-te!
- É preciso aplicar-se.
- Ele aplica-se a tudo.
Describing effort
- Aplicou-se bastante.
- Aplico-me com dedicação.
- Aplicou-se ao máximo.
Conversation Starters
"What task are you currently applying yourself to?"
"How important is it to apply oneself to achieve goals?"
"Can you give an example of a time you really applied yourself?"
"What advice would you give someone who needs to apply themselves more?"
"Do you think applying oneself is more important than talent?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a goal you have and how you plan to apply yourself to achieve it.
Reflect on a time you had to apply yourself to overcome a challenge. What did you learn?
Write about the difference between just doing something and truly applying yourself to it.
What does 'applying yourself' mean to you in your daily life?
Consider a skill you want to develop. How will you apply yourself to master it?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'aplicar-se' is always a reflexive verb. This means it requires a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, vos, se) that agrees with the subject of the sentence. For example, 'Eu aplico-me', 'Tu aplicas-te', 'Ele aplica-se', etc.
'Aplicar' is a transitive verb meaning 'to apply' something. For instance, 'Eu aplico o creme' (I apply the cream). 'Aplicar-se' is a reflexive verb meaning 'to apply oneself' or 'to dedicate oneself' to a task. For example, 'Eu aplico-me aos estudos' (I apply myself to my studies).
The phrase 'aplicar-se a' means 'to apply oneself to' something. It indicates the specific task, subject, or goal to which someone is dedicating their effort and focus. For example, 'Ela aplica-se a aprender português.'
Yes, 'aplicar-se' can be conjugated in all tenses, including the past. For example, in the Pretérito Perfeito (simple past), it would be 'Eu apliquei-me', 'Tu aplicaste-te', 'Ele aplicou-se', and so on.
Common synonyms include 'dedicar-se' (to dedicate oneself), 'empenhar-se' (to strive, to commit oneself), and 'esforçar-se' (to make an effort). Each has slightly different nuances, with 'dedicar-se' often implying deeper commitment and 'empenhar-se' emphasizing strenuous effort.
The pronoun 'se' is used for the third person singular (ele, ela, você) and third person plural (eles, elas, vocês). For other persons, the pronoun changes: 'me' for 'eu' (eu aplico-me), 'te' for 'tu' (tu aplicas-te), 'nos' for 'nós' (nós aplicamo-nos), and 'vos' for 'vós' (vós aplicais-vos).
'Aplicar-se' can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's common in academic and professional settings, but also in everyday conversation when talking about personal goals or hobbies.
To 'aplicar-se a fundo' means to apply oneself thoroughly or deeply. It implies a very serious and detailed effort towards understanding or mastering something.
While not a direct grammatical pattern, you can describe *how* someone applies themselves using adverbs or phrases. For example, 'Ele aplica-se com diligência' (He applies himself with diligence) or 'Ela aplica-se intensamente' (She applies herself intensely).
Remember the mnemonic: 'plying' your trade with effort. The 'ply' sound links to 'apply', and 'se' reminds you to 'see' yourself working hard. It's about putting in focused effort.
Test Yourself 10 questions
/ 10 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The Portuguese verb 'aplicar-se' means to apply oneself or to dedicate oneself to a task, emphasizing focused effort and diligence. It is a reflexive verb, so it always requires a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, etc.) and is often followed by the preposition 'a'. For example, 'Eu aplico-me aos meus estudos' means 'I apply myself to my studies'.
- Aplicar-se: To apply oneself, to dedicate effort.
- Reflexive verb, requires 'se'.
- Commonly used with 'a': aplicar-se a algo.
- Implies hard work and focus.
Master Reflexive Pronouns
Remember that 'aplicar-se' is reflexive. Always include the correct reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, vos, se) that matches the subject. This is crucial for correct conjugation.
Use the Preposition 'a'
When you're applying yourself *to* something specific, use the preposition 'a'. For example, 'Eu aplico-me a aprender português.' This clarifies the object of your effort.
Context is Key
Understand the context in which 'aplicar-se' is used. It's often associated with academic studies, professional tasks, or personal goals where dedication and focus are required.
Stress and Sound
Pay attention to the stress on the second syllable: a-pli-CAR-se. Ensure you pronounce the 'a' clearly and the final 'e' in 'se' softly.
Related Content
More academic words
a despeito de
A2Despite; in spite of.
a fim
A2In order to; for the purpose of. (Followed by 'de')
a saber
A2Namely; that is to say.
a título de exemplo
A2By way of example; for example.
abordagem
A2A way of dealing with something; an approach.
abordar
B1To deal with (a matter or problem); to approach a topic.
abreviar
B1To shorten (a word, phrase, or text).
abreviatura
B1A shortened form of a word or phrase.
abstração
B1The quality of dealing with ideas rather than events.
abstracto
B1Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
