apontar in 30 Seconds
- Primarily means to point with a finger or object toward a specific target.
- Commonly used in schools to mean sharpening a pencil (apontar o lápis).
- Acts as a synonym for 'anotar' when taking quick notes or memos.
- Used figuratively to indicate errors, trends, or evidence in formal contexts.
The Portuguese verb apontar is a multi-faceted word that every Portuguese learner must master early in their journey. At its most fundamental level, it refers to the physical act of directing a finger, a tool, or an object toward a specific target. This is the 'A1' level of understanding that most students start with. However, as you progress to A2 and beyond, you will discover that apontar is a linguistic Swiss Army knife. It is used in the classroom, the office, the workshop, and even in nature. The versatility of this verb stems from its root meaning of 'directing attention' or 'bringing to a point.'
- Physical Direction
- This is the most common use. Whether you are pointing at a map, a person (though be careful, as this can be rude!), or a star in the sky, you use apontar para. The preposition 'para' is crucial here to indicate the target of your gesture.
O guia turístico gosta de apontar para os monumentos históricos enquanto explica a sua história aos visitantes.
Another fascinating use of apontar is in the context of stationery. In Portugal and Brazil, if your pencil is blunt, you don't 'sharpen' it with a word related to 'sharp'; you 'apontar' it. This literally means you are bringing the pencil to a 'ponto' (point). This usage is ubiquitous in schools and offices. If you ask a colleague, 'Podes emprestar-me um aponta-lápis?', you are asking for a pencil sharpener, derived directly from this verb. This connection between a physical point and the action of the verb helps learners visualize the meaning.
- Taking Notes
- In professional and academic contexts, apontar means to jot something down quickly. It implies a brief, pointed record of information rather than a long essay. You might 'apontar o número de telefone' (jot down the phone number) on a piece of scrap paper.
Não te esqueças de apontar a data da reunião na tua agenda para não te esqueceres.
Lastly, apontar is used when aiming a weapon or a light source. A photographer might 'apontar a câmara' (aim the camera), or a police officer might 'apontar a lanterna' (point the flashlight) into a dark corner. In all these cases, the core concept remains the same: directing a specific point of focus toward an object. As you listen to native speakers, pay attention to how they use it to indicate emerging things, like the sun 'apontando' over the horizon in the morning. This poetic use highlights the verb's versatility in describing the first appearance of something.
Using apontar correctly requires an understanding of its transitivity and the prepositions that follow it. Depending on what you are doing—pointing at something, sharpening something, or writing something down—the sentence structure changes slightly. This is where many learners get tripped up, but with a few simple rules, you can navigate these variations like a native.
- Pointing at a Target (Verb + Para)
- When you are indicating a direction or an object, you almost always use the preposition para. For example: 'Eu aponto para o norte' (I point to the north). Without the 'para', the sentence might sound incomplete or change meaning to 'writing down the north', which makes little sense.
A criança apontou para o avião no céu com muita excitação.
When using apontar to mean 'sharpen' or 'write down', it acts as a direct transitive verb. This means you do not need a preposition between the verb and the object. You simply 'apontar o lápis' or 'apontar o recado'. This distinction is vital. If you say 'aponto para o lápis', you are just pointing your finger at the pencil, not sharpening it. The absence of the preposition is what signals the change in action.
- Pointing Out Errors (Figurative Use)
- When you want to 'point out' a mistake or a fact, you can use the verb directly with the object. 'O professor apontou os erros no meu teste' (The teacher pointed out the mistakes in my test). Here, it functions similarly to 'indicar' or 'salientar'.
O relatório aponta várias soluções para o problema do trânsito na cidade.
In more advanced contexts, apontar can be used reflexively or in passive structures, such as 'Tudo aponta para um aumento nos preços' (Everything points to a price increase). In this case, 'tudo' is the subject that is 'pointing' toward a conclusion. Notice how 'para' returns here because we are dealing with a directional metaphorical movement toward a result. Mastering these three structures—pointing (para), sharpening/writing (direct), and indicating (direct)—will give you full control over this verb.
The word apontar echoes through many different spheres of Portuguese life. If you walk into a primary school in Lisbon or Luanda, you will undoubtedly hear a teacher telling a student to 'apontar o lápis' before starting their drawing. It is one of the first verbs children learn in a functional, classroom setting. Similarly, during a lesson, the teacher might say, 'Apontem isto no vosso caderno', instructing students to take notes. This makes it a foundational word for anyone involved in education or learning.
- In the Streets and Tourism
- When asking for directions, apontar is the verb of choice for physical gestures. A passerby might say, 'Aponte para ali', while showing you the way to the subway. It is the verb of spatial orientation, used by tourists and locals alike to navigate the winding streets of Alfama or the broad avenues of São Paulo.
Se te perderes, pede a alguém para apontar o caminho correto no mapa.
In the world of journalism and news, apontar is frequently used to attribute statements or indicate trends. You will see headlines like 'Especialistas apontam para uma crise económica' (Experts point toward an economic crisis). In this context, it sounds more formal and authoritative. It suggests that evidence or experts are 'directing' our attention to a likely future or a specific cause. This usage is very common in newspapers like 'Público' or 'Folha de S.Paulo', where reporters summarize complex data by 'pointing' to the most important factors.
- In Police and Legal Contexts
- You will also hear this word in more serious settings. If a witness identifies a suspect, they 'apontam o culpado'. In crime dramas or news reports, the phrase 'apontar uma arma' (to point a weapon) is a standard description of a threat. It conveys a direct, focused action that carries significant legal weight.
A testemunha teve de apontar o suspeito numa linha de reconhecimento na esquadra.
From the gentle act of a child pointing at a butterfly to the serious implications of a legal identification, apontar is a verb that spans the entire spectrum of human interaction. Whether you are in a quiet library 'apontando notas' or in a bustling city asking for the 'caminho', this word will be your constant companion in Portuguese-speaking environments.
While apontar is a versatile verb, its multiple meanings can lead to common pitfalls for English speakers. One of the most frequent errors is the confusion between apontar and anotar. While they can both mean 'to take notes', anotar is more specific to the act of recording data, whereas apontar can also mean the physical gesture of pointing. A student might say 'Vou anotar para o quadro' when they mean they will point at the board, which is incorrect. You 'aponta para' (point to) but you 'anota' (write down) the information on the board.
- Mistake 1: Misusing Prepositions
- Many learners forget the 'para' when pointing at something. Saying 'Eu aponto o carro' sounds like you are either writing down the car's details or somehow sharpening the car! To say you are pointing your finger at it, you must say 'Eu aponto para o carro'.
Incorrect: Eu apontei o dedo em ele.
Correct: Eu apontei o dedo para ele.
Another mistake occurs when learners try to translate the English 'point out' literally. In English, we 'point out' a mistake. In Portuguese, you don't say 'apontar fora'. You simply use 'apontar' as a transitive verb: 'apontar um erro'. Adding 'fora' (out) is a common anglicism that native speakers will find confusing. Similarly, don't confuse apontar with marcar. While marcar means to mark or schedule, apontar is more about the initial act of noting something down or indicating it.
- Mistake 2: The 'Pointing is Rude' Trap
- This is a cultural mistake rather than a linguistic one. While you might use the word apontar correctly, doing the action in public while speaking can be seen as aggressive or impolite in many Lusophone cultures. Learners often point too much while practicing the word.
É melhor não apontar diretamente para as pessoas na rua, pois é considerado falta de educação.
Finally, be careful with the word apontamento. While it comes from apontar and means 'a note', in some contexts (especially in Portugal), it can refer to a specific type of study material or a 'handout'. English speakers often try to use 'nota' for everything, but 'apontamentos' is the much more common way to refer to the collective notes taken during a lecture. Avoiding these common errors—preposition slips, anglicisms, and cultural faux pas—will make your use of apontar much more authentic and effective.
To truly expand your Portuguese vocabulary, it's helpful to know which words can replace apontar depending on the context. While apontar is a great 'all-rounder', sometimes a more specific verb will make you sound more sophisticated or precise. For instance, if you are pointing something out to emphasize it, indicar or salientar might be better choices.
- Indicar vs. Apontar
- Indicar is more formal and often used when giving instructions or recommendations. While you can 'apontar o caminho', 'indicar o caminho' sounds slightly more professional, like something a GPS or an official would do.
- Anotar vs. Apontar
- Anotar is the direct equivalent of 'to note down'. If you are writing a long list of items, 'anotar' is preferred. 'Apontar' is usually for quick, singular pieces of information, like a name or a price.
O médico preferiu indicar um novo tratamento em vez de apenas apontar os sintomas.
If you are talking about sharpening a pencil, there is another verb: afiar. While apontar is the standard term for pencils, afiar is used for knives, scissors, or tools. You would never 'apontar uma faca' (unless you are pointing it at something!), you would 'afiar a faca'. Knowing this distinction prevents you from sounding like you're trying to write with a kitchen knife! Another alternative in the context of taking notes is registar (to register/record), which is used for more official or permanent records.
- Salientar and Destacar
- These verbs mean 'to highlight' or 'to stress'. If you are pointing out a specific detail in a painting or a flaw in an argument to make it stand out, these are more powerful than the simple apontar.
Gostaria de destacar que todos os dados apontam para uma melhoria no desempenho.
In summary, while apontar is your reliable 'go-to' verb for pointing, sharpening pencils, and quick notes, don't be afraid to branch out. Use indicar for directions, afiar for blades, anotar for detailed writing, and salientar for emphasis. This variety will make your Portuguese sound richer and more precise, allowing you to convey exactly what you mean in any situation.
Examples by Level
Eu aponto para o gato.
I point to the cat.
Uses 'para' to indicate direction.
Aponte para a porta, por favor.
Point to the door, please.
Imperative form 'aponte'.
Ela aponta para o sol.
She points to the sun.
Third person singular present.
Nós apontamos para o livro.
We point to the book.
First person plural present.
Onde está o carro? Aponta para ele.
Where is the car? Point to it.
Informal imperative 'aponta'.
Eles apontam para a casa azul.
They point to the blue house.
Third person plural present.
Tu apontas para a mesa.
You point to the table.
Second person singular present.
Não apontes para as pessoas.
Don't point at people.
Negative imperative 'não apontes'.
Eu preciso de apontar o meu lápis.
I need to sharpen my pencil.
Apontar means 'to sharpen' here.
Podes apontar o meu número de telefone?
Can you write down my phone number?
Apontar means 'to note down' here.
O aluno apontou o que a professora disse.
The student noted down what the teacher said.
Preterite tense of apontar.
Vou apontar a morada no papel.
I will jot down the address on the paper.
Future with 'vou' + infinitive.
Tens um aponta-lápis?
Do you have a pencil sharpener?
Noun derived from the verb.
Nós apontamos as respostas corretas.
We noted down the correct answers.
Direct transitive use (no preposition).
Ele apontou para o erro no exercício.
He pointed to the error in the exercise.
Pointing at a specific thing.
Ela está a apontar a faca para o pão.
She is pointing the knife at the bread.
Present continuous with 'estar a'.
O relatório aponta várias falhas no sistema.
The report points out several flaws in the system.
Figurative use meaning 'to indicate'.
O guia apontou as principais atrações da cidade.
The guide pointed out the main attractions of the city.
Meaning to show or highlight.
Tudo aponta para uma mudança de planos.
Everything points to a change of plans.
Metaphorical direction toward a conclusion.
O professor apontou que precisamos de estudar mais.
The teacher pointed out that we need to study more.
Used to introduce a clause with 'que'.
Apontaste os itens que faltam na lista?
Did you note down the items missing from the list?
Informal preterite question.
Ele apontou a lanterna para o fundo da cave.
He pointed the flashlight to the back of the basement.
Directing a light source.
As provas apontam o vizinho como culpado.
The evidence points to the neighbor as the guilty one.
Identifying someone as something.
Ela gosta de apontar os defeitos dos outros.
She likes to point out other people's faults.
Negative social context.
Os especialistas apontam para uma subida dos juros.
Experts point toward a rise in interest rates.
Formal use in economics.
O autor aponta a ironia na situação política.
The author points out the irony in the political situation.
Analytical use of the verb.
A investigação aponta para uma falha humana.
The investigation points to human error.
Passive/objective indication of cause.
Ele apontou a câmara para captar o pôr do sol.
He aimed the camera to capture the sunset.
Using 'apontar' as 'to aim'.
O diretor apontou os objetivos para o próximo ano.
The director pointed out the goals for next year.
Strategic planning context.
Não podemos apontar o dedo sem ter certezas.
We cannot point the finger without being sure.
Idiomatic expression 'apontar o dedo'.
O documento aponta que houve negligência médica.
The document points out that there was medical negligence.
Formal reporting of findings.
Muitos dedos se apontaram contra a decisão do juiz.
Many fingers were pointed against the judge's decision.
Reflexive/passive metaphorical use.
O sol já apontava no horizonte quando acordei.
The sun was already appearing on the horizon when I woke up.
Poetic use meaning 'to emerge' or 'to appear'.
A sua obra aponta para uma nova estética literária.
His work points toward a new literary aesthetic.
High-level cultural analysis.
O orador apontou as subtilezas do discurso diplomático.
The speaker pointed out the subtleties of the diplomatic speech.
Identifying nuanced details.
As estatísticas apontam inequivocamente para o sucesso.
The statistics unequivocally point to success.
Use with strong adverbs like 'inequivocamente'.
Apontar soluções é mais difícil do que apontar problemas.
Pointing out solutions is harder than pointing out problems.
Using the infinitive as a noun/subject.
O filósofo aponta a vacuidade da existência moderna.
The philosopher points out the emptiness of modern existence.
Abstract philosophical usage.
As tendências apontam para uma digitalização total.
Trends point toward total digitalization.
Describing broad societal shifts.
Ele limitou-se a apontar as diretrizes gerais.
He limited himself to pointing out the general guidelines.
Formal restriction of scope.
As entrelinhas do texto apontam um descontentamento latente.
Reading between the lines of the text points to a latent discontent.
Advanced textual interpretation.
O historiador aponta o declínio do império a partir daí.
The historian points out the decline of the empire from that point.
Scholarly attribution of causality.
Tudo nela apontava uma nobreza de espírito invulgar.
Everything about her pointed to an unusual nobility of spirit.
Literary description of character.
O veredito aponta para uma jurisprudência inovadora.
The verdict points toward innovative jurisprudence.
Highly specialized legal context.
As crónicas da época apontam o rei como um visionário.
Chronicles of the time point to the king as a visionary.
Historical reference.
O seu silêncio aponta mais do que as suas palavras.
His silence points to more than his words do.
Paradoxical and deep metaphorical use.
A bússola moral do país aponta agora noutra direção.
The country's moral compass now points in another direction.
Complex sociopolitical metaphor.
O autor aponta a efemeridade da glória mundana.
The author points out the ephemerality of worldly glory.
Classical literary theme.
Summary
The verb 'apontar' is essential for physical interaction and organization. Remember: use 'apontar para' for physical pointing, but use it directly (without 'para') when sharpening a pencil or writing a note. Example: 'Aponto para o mapa' vs 'Aponto o recado'.
- Primarily means to point with a finger or object toward a specific target.
- Commonly used in schools to mean sharpening a pencil (apontar o lápis).
- Acts as a synonym for 'anotar' when taking quick notes or memos.
- Used figuratively to indicate errors, trends, or evidence in formal contexts.
Example
Ele apontou para o céu estrelado.
Related Content
Related Phrases
More general words
a cerca de
B1About; approximately.
à direita
A2To the right side.
à esquerda
A2To the left side.
a fim de
A2in order to
à frente
A2In front of.
a frente
A2At or toward the front.
À frente de
A2In front of
a tempo
A2on time, punctually
à volta de
A2Around.
abaixo
A1At a lower level or layer than; below.
