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A1 verb #1,000 most common 14 min read

Comer

Top 1,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Comer in 30 Seconds

Explanation Comer in your Level:

At the A1 level, the verb comer is introduced as a fundamental survival word. It is used in its most literal sense: the physical act of eating food. Learners at this stage focus on memorizing the present tense conjugations (eu como, tu comes, ele/ela come, nós comemos, eles/elas comem) to describe their daily routines and express basic needs. You will use it to state what you like or dislike eating, to say what you are eating right now, or to express hunger. The vocabulary paired with comer at this level includes basic food items like pão (bread), maçã (apple), carne (meat), and arroz (rice). The sentence structures are simple and direct, typically following a Subject-Verb-Object pattern. For example, 'Eu como uma maçã' (I eat an apple) or 'Nós comemos pão' (We eat bread). Understanding this verb is crucial for navigating basic social situations, such as ordering food in a restaurant or answering simple questions about dietary preferences. It is one of the first verbs taught because it is a regular -er verb, serving as a perfect model for learning the conjugation rules of its group. Mastery at this level means being able to confidently state your eating habits and understand when others talk about theirs.

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of comer by incorporating past and future tenses, allowing them to narrate events and make plans. You will learn to use the Pretérito Perfeito (simple past) to talk about completed actions, such as 'Eu comi pizza ontem' (I ate pizza yesterday). You will also start using the compound future (ir + infinitive) to express intentions, like 'Eu vou comer mais tarde' (I am going to eat later). The vocabulary surrounding the verb becomes richer, including specific meals, types of cuisine, and dining out scenarios. Learners begin to use comer in questions and negative sentences more fluidly. You might ask a friend, 'O que você comeu no almoço?' (What did you eat for lunch?) or state, 'Eu não como carne' (I don't eat meat). Additionally, the imperative form is introduced for giving simple commands or invitations, such as 'Come a tua comida!' (Eat your food!). At this stage, the verb is still used primarily in its literal sense, but the ability to manipulate it across different timeframes significantly increases conversational competence and the ability to share personal experiences related to food and dining.

At the B1 level, the usage of comer becomes more nuanced and integrated into complex sentence structures. Learners begin to use the verb with the subjunctive mood to express desires, doubts, or hypothetical situations. For example, 'Espero que você coma bem' (I hope you eat well) or 'Se eu comesse menos doce, seria mais saudável' (If I ate less candy, I would be healthier). The vocabulary expands to include dietary restrictions, nutritional discussions, and cultural food habits. You will also start encountering and using basic idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs involving comer. A common example is 'comer fora' (to eat out), which is used frequently in social planning. The Pretérito Imperfeito (imperfect past) is mastered to describe habitual past actions, such as 'Quando eu morava lá, comia muito peixe' (When I lived there, I used to eat a lot of fish). At this intermediate stage, learners can comfortably discuss their eating habits in detail, compare different diets, and participate in longer conversations about food culture, demonstrating a solid grasp of the verb's versatility in various grammatical contexts.

At the B2 level, learners are expected to understand and use comer in a wider range of idiomatic and metaphorical contexts. The literal meaning is fully mastered, and the focus shifts to how native speakers use the verb to express abstract concepts. You will encounter expressions where comer implies consuming, wasting, or taking advantage of something. For instance, 'Os impostos comem grande parte do meu salário' (Taxes eat up a large part of my salary). Learners also become familiar with regional slang and colloquialisms. In Brazil, you might hear 'comer bola' (literally 'to eat ball'), which means to make a mistake or miss an opportunity. The verb is used effortlessly across all tenses, including compound tenses and passive voice structures. You can participate in debates about food ethics, sustainability, and gastronomy, using precise vocabulary. The ability to understand jokes, cultural references, and implied meanings involving the verb comer is a hallmark of this upper-intermediate level, showing a deep integration into the cultural nuances of the Portuguese language.

At the C1 level, the mastery of comer is demonstrated through the seamless use of advanced idioms, literary expressions, and subtle metaphorical meanings. The verb is often used to describe erosion, destruction, or intense emotional states. For example, 'A ferrugem comeu o metal' (The rust ate away the metal) or 'Ele foi comido vivo pela culpa' (He was eaten alive by guilt). Learners at this stage can easily navigate complex texts, such as literature, academic articles, or journalistic pieces, where the verb might be used in highly stylized or abstract ways. You will understand expressions like 'comer o pão que o diabo amassou' (to go through a very difficult time, literally 'to eat the bread the devil kneaded') and use them appropriately in conversation. The distinction between formal synonyms (like ingerir or alimentar-se) and the colloquial use of comer is clear, and you can switch registers effortlessly depending on the social context. At this advanced level, the verb is a tool for rich, expressive communication, reflecting a near-native understanding of how Portuguese speakers conceptualize consumption and experience.

At the C2 level, the use of comer is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You possess a comprehensive understanding of the verb's etymology, its historical usage, and its variations across all Portuguese-speaking regions. You can appreciate and employ the verb in poetry, rhetorical devices, and complex wordplay. The metaphorical uses are fully internalized, and you can invent new, contextually appropriate metaphors based on the concept of eating or consuming. You are aware of the subtle, sometimes vulgar, slang uses of the verb in different dialects and know exactly when it is appropriate (or inappropriate) to use them. You can analyze literature where the act of eating symbolizes broader societal or psychological themes. At this mastery level, comer is not just a vocabulary word; it is a profound cultural and linguistic artifact that you manipulate with precision, elegance, and complete cultural sensitivity, demonstrating an absolute command of the Portuguese language in all its depth and complexity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Comer in 30 Seconds

Basic action of consuming food.
Regular -er verb conjugation.
Used metaphorically for erosion or consumption.
Essential for daily survival vocabulary.

The Portuguese verb comer is one of the most fundamental and frequently used words in the language, translating directly to the English verb to eat. It is an essential building block for any learner, starting from the very first day of study. Understanding how to use comer correctly opens the door to navigating daily life, social interactions, and cultural experiences in Portuguese-speaking countries. Whether you are ordering food in a restaurant in Lisbon, enjoying a family dinner in São Paulo, or simply expressing hunger, this verb is indispensable. The act of eating is deeply ingrained in Lusophone cultures, making the vocabulary surrounding it incredibly rich and nuanced.

Literal Usage: The most common and direct application of the word is to describe the physical act of consuming food for nourishment. This applies to all types of meals, snacks, and edible items.

Eu gosto de comer pão com manteiga no café da manhã todos os dias.

I like to eat bread with butter for breakfast every day.

Beyond its literal meaning, comer is a regular verb ending in -er, which makes it a perfect model for learning the conjugation patterns of the second conjugation group in Portuguese. Once you master how to conjugate comer, you can easily apply the same rules to dozens of other common verbs like beber (to drink), correr (to run), and escrever (to write). This makes it a highly strategic word for beginners to memorize early on.

Grammatical Function: It functions as both a transitive verb (requiring a direct object, like eating an apple) and an intransitive verb (not requiring an object, like simply stating that you are eating).

Nós vamos comer uma pizza deliciosa esta noite.

We are going to eat a delicious pizza tonight.

In social contexts, inviting someone to eat is a universal gesture of hospitality. In Brazil and Portugal, meals are often extended affairs meant for socializing, not just fueling the body. Therefore, the verb is frequently used in invitations and plans. Expressions like 'Vamos comer fora?' (Shall we eat out?) or 'O que tem para comer?' (What is there to eat?) are staples of everyday conversation. The verb also extends into metaphorical realms, describing the consumption of resources, time, or even emotions, though these uses are typically encountered at intermediate and advanced levels.

Metaphorical Usage: In advanced contexts, it can mean to consume, to erode, or to absorb completely, similar to how rust eats away at metal or expenses eat into a budget.

A inflação começou a comer o poder de compra das famílias.

Inflation began to eat away at the purchasing power of families.

Eles preferem comer em casa durante a semana.

They prefer to eat at home during the week.

Você precisa comer mais vegetais para ter saúde.

You need to eat more vegetables to be healthy.

Ultimately, mastering this verb provides a solid foundation for engaging with Portuguese speakers. It is a word that bridges the gap between basic survival needs and complex cultural expressions. By practicing its conjugation and observing its use in various contexts, learners will quickly find themselves using it naturally and confidently in their daily interactions.

Constructing sentences with the verb comer is generally straightforward because it follows the standard rules for regular -er verbs in Portuguese. The most basic sentence structure involves a subject, the conjugated verb, and a direct object. For example, 'Eu como maçãs' (I eat apples). This Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order is the backbone of Portuguese syntax. However, because Portuguese is a pro-drop language, the subject pronoun is often omitted if the context or the verb ending makes it clear who is performing the action. Thus, 'Como maçãs' is perfectly natural and commonly used in everyday speech.

Present Tense: In the present tense, the verb indicates habitual actions or general truths. The endings are -o, -es, -e, -emos, -eis, -em.

Nós comemos arroz e feijão quase todos os dias.

We eat rice and beans almost every day.

When talking about the past, the Pretérito Perfeito (Simple Past) is used for completed actions. The endings shift to -i, -este, -eu, -emos, -estes, -eram. This tense is crucial for recounting what you had for a previous meal or describing a dining experience. For instance, 'Ontem, eu comi um bolo de chocolate maravilhoso' (Yesterday, I ate a wonderful chocolate cake). It is important to distinguish this from the Pretérito Imperfeito (Imperfect Past), which describes ongoing or habitual past actions, such as 'Quando eu era criança, eu comia muitos doces' (When I was a child, I used to eat a lot of sweets).

Past Tense (Pretérito Perfeito): Used for specific, completed actions in the past. It is essential for telling stories or reporting events.

Ela comeu todo o jantar sem reclamar.

She ate all the dinner without complaining.

For future actions, learners have two main options. The formal future tense (Futuro do Presente) is formed by adding endings to the infinitive: comerei, comerás, comerá, comeremos, comereis, comerão. However, in everyday conversation, especially in Brazil, it is much more common to use the compound future: the auxiliary verb 'ir' (to go) conjugated in the present tense followed by the infinitive 'comer'. For example, 'Eu vou comer mais tarde' (I am going to eat later). This structure is simpler and highly effective for making plans.

Future Intentions: The compound future (ir + infinitive) is the most natural way to express future eating plans in spoken Portuguese.

O que você vai comer no almoço amanhã?

What are you going to eat for lunch tomorrow?

Se eu tivesse fome, eu comeria um sanduíche agora.

If I were hungry, I would eat a sandwich right now.

Eles estão comendo no restaurante da esquina.

They are eating at the corner restaurant.

By practicing these different tenses and sentence structures, learners can effectively communicate their dietary needs, preferences, and experiences. The regularity of the verb makes it a reliable anchor for building more complex sentences as proficiency increases.

The verb comer is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking environments, echoing through homes, restaurants, markets, and media. Its most natural habitat is, of course, the dining table. In family settings, meals are central to daily life, and conversations frequently revolve around what is being prepared, served, and consumed. You will hear parents asking children 'Já comeu?' (Have you eaten already?) or hosts urging guests 'Come mais um pouco!' (Eat a little more!). This reflects the cultural importance of food as a medium for care and hospitality. The word is not just functional; it carries emotional weight, signifying nourishment and togetherness.

Restaurants and Cafés: In dining establishments, the verb is essential for ordering, asking for recommendations, and discussing the menu with waiters and companions.

Gostaria de comer a especialidade da casa, por favor.

I would like to eat the house specialty, please.

Beyond the home, the verb is heavily used in social planning. Friends coordinating a get-together will inevitably discuss where and what to eat. Phrases like 'Onde vamos comer hoje?' (Where are we going to eat today?) are standard conversation starters. In the workplace, colleagues might ask 'Vai comer na cantina ou trazer marmita?' (Are you going to eat in the cafeteria or bring a lunchbox?). The verb facilitates these daily logistical decisions, making it a highly practical word for anyone living or traveling in a Lusophone country.

Social Gatherings: Food is the centerpiece of many social events, from casual barbecues (churrascos) to formal dinners, making the verb a constant presence.

Nós vamos comer um churrasco no domingo com a família.

We are going to eat barbecue on Sunday with the family.

You will also encounter the word frequently in media, advertising, and literature. Cooking shows, food blogs, and restaurant reviews rely heavily on the verb and its derivatives. Supermarket advertisements urge consumers to buy products to 'comer bem' (eat well). In literature and poetry, the act of eating can take on symbolic meanings, representing desire, consumption, or even destruction. Understanding the context in which the word is used helps learners grasp the subtleties of the language and the culture it represents.

Media and Advertising: Food marketing heavily utilizes the verb to promote products, emphasizing taste, health benefits, and the joy of consumption.

Aprenda a comer de forma saudável com estas receitas fáceis.

Learn to eat healthily with these easy recipes.

Eles saíram para comer uma pizza depois do cinema.

They went out to eat a pizza after the movies.

O médico disse que ele não pode comer açúcar.

The doctor said he cannot eat sugar.

From the intimate setting of a family breakfast to the bustling atmosphere of a street food market, the verb is a constant companion. It is a word that connects people, cultures, and experiences, making it one of the most vital and vibrant words in the Portuguese vocabulary.

While comer is a regular and relatively simple verb, English speakers often make specific mistakes when learning to use it in Portuguese. One of the most common errors involves the translation of the English phrase 'to have breakfast/lunch/dinner'. In English, we use the verb 'to have' for meals, but in Portuguese, we typically use specific verbs for the meals themselves: tomar o pequeno-almoço/café da manhã (to have breakfast), almoçar (to have lunch), and jantar (to have dinner). Using 'comer o almoço' is grammatically understandable but sounds unnatural to native speakers. It is crucial to learn these specific meal verbs rather than relying on direct translation.

Meal Verbs vs. Comer: Avoid using 'comer' with the names of main meals. Use the dedicated verbs like almoçar and jantar instead.

Eu costumo almoçar ao meio-dia. (Instead of: Eu costumo comer o almoço...)

I usually have lunch at noon.

Another frequent mistake is confusion over prepositions. When specifying what you are eating, no preposition is needed. You simply say 'comer pão' (to eat bread). However, learners sometimes incorrectly insert 'de', saying 'comer de pão', perhaps influenced by other Romance languages or a misunderstanding of partitive articles. The preposition 'de' is only used in specific contexts, such as 'comer do bolo' (to eat some of the cake), implying a portion of a whole. Generally, it is safer to use the verb directly with the object.

Unnecessary Prepositions: Do not use 'de' after the verb unless you specifically mean 'a portion of' a specific item.

Ele gosta de comer peixe. (Not: Ele gosta de comer de peixe.)

He likes to eat fish.

Pronunciation can also be a stumbling block. The letter 'o' in the first syllable of 'comer' is pronounced with a closed 'o' sound (like the 'o' in 'go', but shorter) in the infinitive and many conjugated forms. However, in the first person present tense ('eu como'), the first 'o' opens up slightly in some dialects, while the final 'o' is often reduced to a 'u' sound in Brazil. Mispronouncing these vowels can sometimes lead to confusion or mark the speaker clearly as a foreigner. Paying attention to native audio is crucial for mastering these subtle vowel shifts.

Pronunciation Nuances: The pronunciation of the vowels changes depending on the conjugation and the regional dialect. Listen closely to native speakers.

Eu como muito rápido quando estou com pressa.

I eat very fast when I am in a hurry.

Nós não vamos comer carne na sexta-feira.

We are not going to eat meat on Friday.

Ela quer comer um doce depois do jantar.

She wants to eat a sweet after dinner.

By being aware of these common pitfalls—especially the distinction between eating food and having a meal—learners can significantly improve the naturalness and accuracy of their Portuguese. Practice and exposure to authentic contexts are the best ways to internalize these rules.

While comer is the most direct and common translation for 'to eat', the Portuguese language offers a variety of synonyms and related verbs that add flavor and precision to your vocabulary. Depending on the context, the formality of the situation, or the specific manner of eating, choosing an alternative can make your speech sound much more native and expressive. For instance, the verb 'alimentar-se' (to feed oneself or to nourish oneself) is a more formal or clinical alternative. It is often used in medical contexts, nutritional advice, or formal writing rather than everyday conversation. You wouldn't typically ask a friend 'Você já se alimentou?' unless you were genuinely concerned about their health.

Alimentar-se: A formal alternative meaning to nourish oneself, used in contexts of health, diet, and formal writing.

É importante alimentar-se bem durante a gravidez.

It is important to nourish oneself well during pregnancy.

For more casual or specific actions, other verbs come into play. 'Lanchar' is a very common verb used specifically for eating a snack or having a light meal, typically in the afternoon. It is the equivalent of having tea or a snack. 'Devorar' (to devour) is used exactly as it is in English, implying eating something quickly and with great hunger or enthusiasm. 'Degustar' (to taste or to savor) is reserved for appreciating fine food or drink, often in a culinary or formal tasting context. Knowing these nuances allows learners to paint a clearer picture of the action taking place.

Lanchar: To eat a snack or a light meal, usually between main meals. Very common in daily life.

As crianças vão lanchar às quatro da tarde.

The children are going to have a snack at four in the afternoon.

Another interesting alternative is the verb 'consumir' (to consume). While it can be used for food, it is broader and can apply to drinks, energy, or products in general. It is often found in economic or environmental contexts, but also in formal discussions about dietary habits. Understanding the spectrum of these words, from the visceral 'devorar' to the refined 'degustar', enriches a learner's ability to express themselves accurately and appropriately in any situation.

Devorar: To eat something ravenously or very quickly. Can also be used metaphorically for reading books quickly.

Ele estava com tanta fome que conseguiu devorar o prato inteiro em minutos.

He was so hungry that he managed to devour the entire plate in minutes.

Nós fomos à vinícola para degustar os novos vinhos.

We went to the winery to taste the new wines.

Eu gosto de beliscar amendoins enquanto assisto ao jogo.

I like to nibble on peanuts while watching the game.

Expanding your vocabulary beyond the basic translation allows for more dynamic and precise communication. While 'comer' will always be your reliable go-to verb, sprinkling in these alternatives will make your Portuguese sound much more sophisticated and natural.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Os convidados irão alimentar-se no salão principal."

Neutral

"Nós vamos comer no shopping."

Informal

"Bora bater um prato?"

Child friendly

"Come tudo para ficar forte!"

Slang

"Ele traçou o hambúrguer em dois segundos."

Fun Fact

Because the original Latin root meant 'to eat completely', many of the metaphorical uses of 'comer' in modern Portuguese (like rust eating metal) actually stay very true to its ancient origins!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kuˈmeɾ/

US /koˈme(ʁ)/

co-MER (Stress is on the last syllable)

Rhymes With

beber correr escrever vender aprender entender viver sofrer

Common Errors

Pronouncing the first 'o' as an open 'aw' sound.
Over-pronouncing the final 'r' in Brazilian Portuguese.
Confusing the pronunciation of 'como' (I eat) with 'como' (how/like), though they are spelled the same, the context dictates the meaning.
Failing to reduce the final 'o' to a 'u' sound in the conjugation 'como' (in Brazil).
Mispronouncing the nasal sound in 'comem' (they eat).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Extremely common word, easily recognizable.

Writing 1/5

Regular spelling and conjugation.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation of vowels can vary slightly by region.

Listening 2/5

Native speakers may drop the final 'r' or speak quickly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

eu você comida água fome

Learn Next

beber almoçar jantar cozinhar pedir

Advanced

degustar devorar ingerir nutrir banquetear

Grammar to Know

Regular -er Verb Conjugation

Eu como, tu comes, ele come, nós comemos, eles comem.

Compound Future (Ir + Infinitive)

Eu vou comer (I am going to eat).

Direct Transitive Verbs (No preposition needed)

Eu como maçã (I eat apple - not 'como de maçã').

Imperative Mood (Commands)

Come a sopa! (Eat the soup!)

Gerund Formation (-endo)

Estou comendo (I am eating).

Examples by Level

Eu como uma maçã todos os dias.

I eat an apple every day.

First person singular present tense of a regular -er verb.

Você come carne?

Do you eat meat?

Second person singular (formal/Brazilian) present tense used in a question.

Nós comemos pão no café da manhã.

We eat bread for breakfast.

First person plural present tense.

O menino come o bolo.

The boy eats the cake.

Third person singular present tense.

Eles comem muito arroz.

They eat a lot of rice.

Third person plural present tense.

Eu não como peixe.

I do not eat fish.

Negative sentence structure in the present tense.

Ela come uma salada.

She eats a salad.

Third person singular present tense with a feminine noun.

O que você gosta de comer?

What do you like to eat?

Infinitive form used after the verb gostar de.

Ontem, eu comi uma pizza inteira.

Yesterday, I ate a whole pizza.

First person singular in the Pretérito Perfeito (simple past).

Nós vamos comer no restaurante hoje à noite.

We are going to eat at the restaurant tonight.

Compound future using ir + infinitive.

Você já comeu?

Have you eaten already?

Pretérito Perfeito used with the adverb 'já' to ask about a completed action.

Quando eu era criança, eu comia muitos doces.

When I was a child, I used to eat a lot of sweets.

First person singular in the Pretérito Imperfeito (imperfect past) for habitual past actions.

Eles comeram todo o bolo da festa.

They ate all the cake from the party.

Third person plural in the Pretérito Perfeito.

Eu quero comer algo doce.

I want to eat something sweet.

Infinitive form used after the verb querer.

Come a tua sopa, por favor.

Eat your soup, please.

Imperative form (tu) giving a gentle command.

Nós não comemos nada o dia todo.

We haven't eaten anything all day.

Double negative structure with the Pretérito Perfeito.

Espero que você coma bem durante a viagem.

I hope you eat well during the trip.

Present subjunctive used after an expression of hope.

Se eu comesse menos, eu perderia peso.

If I ate less, I would lose weight.

Imperfect subjunctive used in a conditional sentence.

Nós costumamos comer fora aos sábados.

We usually eat out on Saturdays.

Infinitive used with the verb costumar to express a habit.

Ele estava comendo quando o telefone tocou.

He was eating when the phone rang.

Past continuous tense (estava + gerund).

É importante que as crianças comam vegetais.

It is important that children eat vegetables.

Present subjunctive used after an impersonal expression.

Eu teria comido a sobremesa se não estivesse tão cheio.

I would have eaten dessert if I wasn't so full.

Conditional perfect tense.

Eles acabaram de comer o jantar.

They have just finished eating dinner.

Acabar de + infinitive to express a recently completed action.

Você se importa se eu comer o último pedaço?

Do you mind if I eat the last piece?

Future subjunctive used after 'se' in a conditional request.

A inflação está comendo o nosso poder de compra.

Inflation is eating away our purchasing power.

Metaphorical use of the verb in the present continuous.

Ele comeu bola e esqueceu a reunião importante.

He dropped the ball and forgot the important meeting.

Idiomatic expression 'comer bola' meaning to make a mistake.

Apesar de estar de dieta, ela não resistiu e comeu um bombom.

Despite being on a diet, she couldn't resist and ate a chocolate.

Pretérito Perfeito used in a concessive clause structure.

Nós fomos comidos vivos pelos mosquitos no acampamento.

We were eaten alive by mosquitoes at the camp.

Passive voice with a metaphorical meaning.

É preciso comer para viver, e não viver para comer.

One must eat to live, and not live to eat.

Infinitive used in a philosophical/proverbial statement.

Ele fala tão baixo que parece que está comendo as palavras.

He speaks so softly that it seems he is swallowing his words.

Metaphorical use 'comer as palavras' meaning to mumble.

Tendo comido, eles se levantaram da mesa.

Having eaten, they got up from the table.

Perfect participle used in an absolute clause.

Ela come como um passarinho.

She eats like a bird.

Simile used to describe eating very little.

A ferrugem comeu a lataria do carro antigo.

Rust ate away the bodywork of the old car.

Metaphorical use indicating slow destruction or erosion.

Ele teve que comer o pão que o diabo amassou para chegar onde está.

He had to go through hell to get where he is.

Advanced idiomatic expression indicating severe hardship.

O projeto consumiu tantos recursos que acabou comendo todo o orçamento anual.

The project consumed so many resources that it ended up eating the entire annual budget.

Metaphorical use in a professional/financial context.

Ela estava tão furiosa que parecia querer comê-lo com os olhos.

She was so furious that she seemed to want to eat him with her eyes.

Idiom 'comer com os olhos' used here to indicate intense anger (can also mean intense desire).

A inveja o comia por dentro lentamente.

Envy was eating him up inside slowly.

Metaphorical use describing an intense, consuming emotion.

Para resolver esse problema complexo, teremos que comer pelas beiradas.

To solve this complex problem, we will have to tackle it little by little.

Idiom 'comer pelas beiradas' meaning to approach a difficult situation cautiously and gradually.

O silêncio constrangedor foi comido pelo som da música alta.

The awkward silence was swallowed by the sound of loud music.

Poetic/metaphorical use in the passive voice.

Ele é um leitor voraz; come um livro por dia.

He is a voracious reader; he devours a book a day.

Metaphorical use indicating rapid and enthusiastic consumption of media.

A burocracia estatal come as entranhas da iniciativa privada.

State bureaucracy eats the innards of private enterprise.

Highly literary and dramatic metaphorical use.

No xadrez político, ele acabou sendo comido pelas próprias ambições.

In the political chess game, he ended up being consumed by his own ambitions.

Passive voice used metaphorically to describe self-destruction.

O tempo, esse devorador implacável, come nossas memórias mais tenras.

Time, that relentless devourer, eats our tenderest memories.

Poetic and philosophical personification.

Ele comeu o juízo da pobre moça com suas falsas promessas.

He drove the poor girl crazy with his false promises.

Colloquial idiom 'comer o juízo' meaning to annoy intensely or drive someone crazy.

A maresia comeu as ferragens da varanda em menos de um ano.

The sea spray corroded the balcony hardware in less than a year.

Specific use indicating chemical corrosion.

Eles se comeram de pancada no meio da rua.

They beat each other up in the middle of the street.

Highly colloquial/slang reflexive use 'comer-se de pancada' meaning to fight viciously.

A escuridão comeu os contornos da paisagem, deixando apenas sombras.

The darkness swallowed the contours of the landscape, leaving only shadows.

Literary description of visual perception.

Ele é tão ingênuo que come qualquer história que lhe contam.

He is so naive that he swallows any story he is told.

Metaphorical use meaning to believe a lie easily.

Common Collocations

Comer bem

Comer muito

Comer fora

Comer rápido

Comer saudável

Comer demais

Comer pouco

Comer de tudo

Comer com os olhos

Dar de comer

Common Phrases

O que tem para comer?

— What is there to eat? A very common question asked at home when hungry.

Mãe, o que tem para comer hoje?

Vamos comer alguma coisa?

— Shall we eat something? A casual invitation to grab a bite.

Estou com fome. Vamos comer alguma coisa?

Comer água

— To drink alcohol heavily. Slang used in some regions of Brazil.

Eles foram para o bar comer água.

Comer poeira

— To be left behind in a race or competition. Literally 'to eat dust'.

O corredor mais lento comeu poeira.

Comer mosca

— To miss an opportunity due to distraction. Literally 'to eat a fly'.

Você comeu mosca e perdeu a promoção.

Comer o pão que o diabo amassou

— To suffer greatly or go through a very difficult time.

Ele comeu o pão que o diabo amassou para criar os filhos.

Comer pelas beiradas

— To act discreetly or cautiously to achieve a goal.

O político está comendo pelas beiradas para ganhar apoio.

Comer bola

— To make a mistake or fail to notice something obvious.

O goleiro comeu bola e tomou o gol.

Comer o juízo

— To annoy someone intensely or drive them crazy.

Essas crianças estão comendo o meu juízo hoje.

Comer cru e quente

— To be very angry or eager to attack someone verbally.

O chefe estava tão bravo que queria comer o funcionário cru e quente.

Often Confused With

Comer vs Como (Conjunction/Adverb)

Spelled exactly like the first-person conjugation 'eu como'. Context tells them apart: 'Como você está?' (How are you?) vs 'Eu como pão' (I eat bread).

Comer vs Beber

Learners sometimes use 'comer' for soup. In Portuguese, thick soups can be 'comidas', but clear broths or liquids are 'tomadas' or 'bebidas'.

Comer vs Almoçar/Jantar

English speakers use 'eat lunch'. Portuguese uses the single verb 'almoçar'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Comer com os olhos"

— To desire food just by looking at it, because it looks so appetizing.

Aquele bolo na vitrine me fez comer com os olhos.

Neutral

"Comer bola"

— To make a silly mistake or miss an obvious detail.

Eu comi bola e esqueci as chaves em casa.

Informal

"Comer mosca"

— To be distracted and miss an opportunity.

Se você comer mosca, outra pessoa vai comprar o carro.

Informal

"Comer poeira"

— To be far behind someone in a race or competition.

O nosso time fez os adversários comerem poeira.

Informal

"Comer o pão que o diabo amassou"

— To endure severe hardship or suffering.

Ela comeu o pão que o diabo amassou antes de ficar rica.

Neutral

"Comer pelas beiradas"

— To approach a situation cautiously, step by step.

Para convencer o diretor, temos que comer pelas beiradas.

Informal

"Comer o juízo"

— To annoy or pester someone until they lose their patience.

Para de comer o meu juízo com essa história!

Informal

"Comer na mão de"

— To be completely submissive or controlled by someone.

O marido come na mão dela.

Informal

"Comer bronca"

— To be scolded or reprimanded.

O aluno comeu bronca do professor por chegar atrasado.

Informal

"Comer cru"

— To be furious with someone, ready to scold them severely.

Se ele descobrir a verdade, vai te comer cru.

Informal

Easily Confused

Comer vs Como

Identical spelling to 'I eat'.

'Como' can mean 'how', 'like/as', or 'I eat'. The position in the sentence and the presence of a subject usually clarify the meaning. If it's followed by food, it's the verb.

Eu como maçã como um macaco. (I eat apple like a monkey.)

Comer vs Tomar

Both relate to consumption.

'Tomar' is used for liquids (water, coffee, soup) and medicine, or for having breakfast (tomar café). 'Comer' is strictly for solid foods.

Vou tomar água e comer pão.

Comer vs Alimentar

Synonym with different usage.

'Alimentar' usually means to feed someone else (alimentar o bebê) or is used reflexively (alimentar-se) in formal contexts. 'Comer' is the everyday word for eating.

A mãe vai alimentar o bebê.

Comer vs Digerir

Related biological process.

'Digerir' means to digest. It happens after you 'comer'.

A cobra demora para digerir a presa.

Comer vs Provar

Both involve putting food in the mouth.

'Provar' means to taste or try a small amount of food to see if it's good. 'Comer' implies consuming a full portion.

Vou provar o molho antes de comer a massa.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + comer + Food

Eu como pão.

Não + comer + Food

Eu não como carne.

Ir (conjugated) + comer

Nós vamos comer.

Gostar de + comer

Ela gosta de comer bolo.

Estar + comendo (Gerund)

Eles estão comendo agora.

Costumar + comer

Eu costumo comer cedo.

Ter + comido (Perfect)

Eu já tinha comido quando ele chegou.

Passive Voice (Ser + comido)

O bolo foi comido pelas crianças.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Top 100 most common words in Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

Eu como o almoço às 12h. → Eu almoço às 12h.
In Portuguese, we use specific verbs for meals (almoçar, jantar) instead of using 'comer' with the noun.
Eu gosto de comer de maçã. → Eu gosto de comer maçã.
Do not use the preposition 'de' after 'comer' unless you are referring to a specific portion of a whole (e.g., comer do bolo).
Eu como a sopa. → Eu tomo a sopa.
For liquids and soups, the verb 'tomar' (to take/drink) is much more commonly used than 'comer'.
Nós comemos muito ontem à noite. → Nós comemos muito ontem à noite. (Pronunciation error: confusing present and past).
The spelling for 'we eat' (present) and 'we ate' (past) is exactly the same: 'comemos'. The context determines the tense.
Ele está a comer (in Brazil). → Ele está comendo.
While 'está a comer' is perfectly correct in Portugal, using it in Brazil sounds foreign. Brazilians use the gerund 'comendo'.

Tips

Regular Conjugation

Use 'comer' as your template for all regular -er verbs. If you know how to conjugate 'comer', you know how to conjugate 'beber', 'vender', and 'correr'.

Meal Verbs

Stop translating 'have lunch' as 'ter almoço' or 'comer almoço'. Learn the verb 'almoçar'. It will instantly make your Portuguese sound more natural.

The Closed 'O'

Practice the closed 'o' sound in the first syllable. It should sound like the 'o' in the English word 'go', not the 'o' in 'hot'.

Beware of Slang

Never say 'Eu quero comer você' unless you mean it in a highly inappropriate, sexual way. Always specify the food you want to eat.

Accepting Food

In Lusophone cultures, offering food is a sign of affection. Saying 'não, obrigado' too quickly might offend. Sometimes it's polite to accept a small amount.

Dropping the Pronoun

Get comfortable dropping the 'Eu'. 'Como pão' is faster, more natural, and perfectly correct compared to always saying 'Eu como pão'.

Comer Bola

Impress your Brazilian friends by using 'comi bola' next time you make a silly mistake. It shows a deep understanding of local slang.

The Missing 'R'

When listening to Brazilians, train your ear to recognize 'comê' as 'comer'. The dropped 'r' is standard in spoken language.

Comer vs. Tomar

Create a mental rule: If you have to chew it, use 'comer'. If you can swallow it without chewing (like soup or water), use 'tomar'.

Daily Journal

Write down what you eat every day in Portuguese. It's the fastest way to memorize food vocabulary and practice the past tense of 'comer'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you are CO-MEeting someone at a restaurant to EAT.

Visual Association

Picture a giant letter 'C' opening its mouth like Pac-Man to eat the letters 'O', 'M', 'E', 'R'.

Word Web

comida fome restaurante boca prato delicioso almoço jantar

Challenge

Write down three things you love to eat using the phrase 'Eu gosto de comer...'. Then, write one thing you refuse to eat using 'Eu não como...'.

Word Origin

The word comes from the Latin verb 'comedere', which is formed by the prefix 'com-' (meaning together or completely) and 'edere' (to eat). Over centuries of linguistic evolution in the Iberian Peninsula, the word shortened to 'comer'. It shares this exact root and spelling with Spanish.

Original meaning: To eat up completely or to consume entirely.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Western Romance > Ibero-Romance > Portuguese

Cultural Context

Be cautious using 'comer' as slang in Brazil, as 'comer alguém' (to eat someone) is a vulgar slang term for having sexual intercourse with someone. Always use it with food objects to be safe.

Unlike in English where 'to have' is used for meals (have breakfast, have lunch), Portuguese uses specific verbs (tomar café, almoçar, jantar). 'Comer o almoço' sounds like a direct, unnatural translation.

A Última Ceia (The Last Supper) - Cultural reference to the most famous meal. Comer, Rezar, Amar (Eat, Pray, Love) - Famous book/movie title translation. O Auto da Compadecida - Classic Brazilian play with many references to hunger and eating.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a restaurant

O que você vai comer?
Eu quero comer...
Para comer, por favor.
Estava bom de comer?

At home

Vem comer!
A comida está na mesa.
Já comeu?
O que tem para comer?

Discussing diets

Eu não como carne.
Preciso comer melhor.
Estou comendo menos açúcar.
Comer saudável.

Expressing hunger

Estou com muita fome.
Preciso comer algo.
Vou desmaiar se não comer.
Hora de comer.

Social planning

Vamos comer fora?
Onde vamos comer?
Quer comer o quê?
Te convido para comer.

Conversation Starters

"Qual é a sua comida favorita para comer no fim de semana?"

"Você prefere comer em casa ou comer fora em restaurantes?"

"Tem alguma coisa que você não come de jeito nenhum?"

"O que você costuma comer no café da manhã?"

"Qual foi a coisa mais estranha que você já comeu na vida?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre a melhor refeição que você já comeu.

Descreva o que você comeu ontem, do café da manhã ao jantar.

Se você pudesse comer apenas uma coisa para o resto da vida, o que seria?

Como os hábitos de comer no seu país são diferentes dos do Brasil ou Portugal?

Escreva uma pequena história sobre alguém que comeu algo mágico.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is not strictly necessary. Portuguese is a pro-drop language, meaning the pronoun can be omitted because the verb ending '-o' already indicates that the subject is 'eu' (I). Saying 'Como maçã' is perfectly correct and very common. However, using 'Eu como maçã' is also fine and can be used for emphasis.

While grammatically understandable, it sounds very unnatural to native speakers. The correct expression is 'tomar o café da manhã' (in Brazil) or 'tomar o pequeno-almoço' (in Portugal). Always use the specific verbs for meals rather than combining 'comer' with the meal name.

Yes, 'comer' is a completely regular verb in the '-er' conjugation group. This means it follows the standard rules for all tenses without any stem changes or irregular endings. This makes it a great verb to memorize early on as a model for others.

'Comer' is used for solid foods that require chewing. 'Tomar' is used for liquids (like water, juice, coffee), medicines, and specifically for the action of having breakfast. You 'come' a sandwich, but you 'toma' a glass of milk.

In Brazilian Portuguese, you use the gerund: 'Estou comendo'. In European Portuguese, it is more common to use the infinitive construction: 'Estou a comer'. Both mean exactly the same thing and are understood in both regions.

Yes. In Brazil, 'comer bola' means to make a mistake. 'Comer poeira' means to be left behind. Be aware that 'comer' followed by a person's name or a pronoun can be a vulgar slang term for having sex with someone, so use it carefully in informal contexts.

Generally, no. 'Comer' is a direct transitive verb, so it connects directly to the object: 'Comer pizza'. You only use the preposition 'de' if you mean 'a portion of' something specific, like 'comer do bolo' (to eat some of the cake).

To tell someone to eat informally (tu/você), you say 'Come!' (Eat!). If you are speaking formally (o senhor/a senhora), you say 'Coma!'. For a group, it is 'Comam!'.

It is an idiom that translates to 'eating with the eyes'. It means that a food looks so delicious and beautifully presented that just looking at it makes you feel like you are consuming it or intensely desiring it.

In European Portuguese, yes, it is pronounced with a slight tap. In Brazilian Portuguese, especially in informal speech, the final 'r' is very often dropped, making 'comer' sound like 'comê'.