The Portuguese verb contemplar is a multifaceted gem in the Lusophone linguistic crown. At its most fundamental level, it describes the act of looking at something with profound attention, often accompanied by a sense of wonder, spiritual connection, or deep intellectual reflection. Unlike the simple verb 'ver' (to see) or 'olhar' (to look), contemplar implies a duration and a depth of engagement that transcends the physical act of sight. When you contemplate something in Portuguese, you are not merely registering its presence; you are absorbing its essence, allowing it to resonate within your consciousness. This word is deeply rooted in the contemplative traditions of the Mediterranean and has evolved to encompass various spheres of life, from the appreciation of nature to the complex world of legal statutes. In a cultural context, Portuguese speakers often use this word when standing before the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean, a moment that captures the historical and emotional weight of 'saudade'. It is a verb of stillness, suggesting that the observer has paused their daily activities to truly witness the beauty or the complexity of the object before them.
- Visual Appreciation
- The primary usage involves aesthetic or natural beauty. For instance, one might spend hours at a 'miradouro' (viewpoint) in Lisbon to contemplar the sunset over the Tagus River. This usage emphasizes the emotional impact of the visual experience.
Ao chegar ao topo da montanha, ele parou para contemplar a imensidão do vale abaixo, sentindo-se pequeno diante da natureza.
Beyond the visual, contemplar also functions in the realm of the mind and planning. It is frequently used to mean 'to consider' or 'to take into account' when making decisions or drafting documents. In this sense, it moves from the eyes to the intellect. If a company is planning a new strategy, they might contemplar various possibilities or risks. This transition from the physical to the abstract is a hallmark of B1 and B2 level Portuguese, where learners begin to navigate more formal and professional contexts. It is also a key term in legal and administrative language, where a law or a contract might 'contemplar' (include or cover) certain scenarios or benefits. This specific nuance is vital for those dealing with official Portuguese documents, as it translates more closely to 'to encompass' or 'to provide for' rather than just 'to look at'.
- Intellectual Consideration
- Used when weighing options or thinking about future possibilities. It suggests a serious and thorough mental process, rather than a fleeting thought.
O novo plano de saúde deve contemplar todos os tipos de exames preventivos para os funcionários.
In religious or philosophical discourse, contemplar takes on a sacred tone. It refers to the practice of contemplative prayer or meditation, where the individual seeks a direct, non-discursive experience of the divine or the absolute. This usage is common in Portuguese literature, especially in the works of mystics or poets like Fernando Pessoa, who often contemplated the mysteries of existence and the plurality of the self. In these contexts, the verb is almost always intransitive or followed by a direct object representing a high concept, such as 'a verdade' (the truth) or 'o divino' (the divine). Understanding this word helps learners appreciate the slower, more reflective pace of life that is often celebrated in Portuguese culture, encouraging a move away from the frantic 'correria' (rush) of modern existence toward a state of 'quietude' (stillness).
- Spiritual Practice
- Relates to meditation and deep spiritual focus. It is often found in theological texts or poetry exploring the human soul.
Muitos monges passam horas em silêncio a contemplar os mistérios da criação divina.
Gosto de me sentar no jardim e simplesmente contemplar o movimento das flores ao vento.
A proposta de orçamento não parece contemplar os custos extras com a manutenção do edifício.
Using contemplar correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility and its specific registers. As a regular verb ending in '-ar', its conjugation follows the standard patterns, making it relatively accessible for learners. However, the true challenge lies in choosing the right context. Most commonly, it is used as a transitive direct verb, meaning it takes an object directly without a preposition. For example, 'Eu contemplo a paisagem' (I contemplate the landscape). Here, 'a paisagem' is the direct object. This structure is used for both physical gazing and mental consideration. When you are 'contemplating' an idea or a plan, the structure remains the same: 'A diretoria está a contemplar uma mudança na política da empresa' (The board is contemplating a change in company policy). Note the use of the gerund in European Portuguese ('a contemplar') versus the Brazilian 'contemplando', both of which are common.
- Direct Object Usage
- The most frequent structure where the verb acts directly upon the thing being observed or considered. No 'de' or 'em' is needed between the verb and the noun.
Eles ficaram em silêncio, apenas a contemplar as estrelas no céu limpo do Alentejo.
In more formal or legal settings, contemplar often means 'to include' or 'to provide for'. In these instances, the subject is usually an abstract noun like 'lei' (law), 'contrato' (contract), or 'projeto' (project). For example, 'O regulamento contempla sanções para o atraso' (The regulation provides for sanctions for delays). This usage is essential for professional fluency. It implies that the document has 'looked at' and 'accounted for' the specific situation. Furthermore, contemplar can be used in the passive voice, which is very common in news reports or official announcements. 'As vítimas do incêndio serão contempladas com um subsídio do governo' (The fire victims will be provided with/covered by a government subsidy). In this specific passive context, it often carries the meaning of being 'granted' or 'awarded' something beneficial.
- Legal/Administrative Inclusion
- Used to indicate that a rule or document covers a specific group or situation. It is a more formal alternative to 'incluir'.
O projeto de lei contempla medidas severas contra o desmatamento ilegal na Amazônia.
Another interesting use is the reflexive form 'contemplar-se', though it is less common. It means to look at oneself, usually in a mirror, but often with a sense of vanity or introspection. 'Ela contemplou-se no espelho antes de sair' (She gazed at herself in the mirror before leaving). This emphasizes the act of self-observation. In literary Portuguese, you might also find the verb used with the preposition 'em' to describe where the contemplation is happening, although the object remains direct. 'Contemplava o futuro em seus sonhos' (He contemplated the future in his dreams). As you progress, try to substitute basic verbs like 'pensar em' (think about) with 'contemplar' when the thought process is deep and serious. 'Estou a contemplar a ideia de mudar de país' sounds more deliberate and poetic than 'Estou a pensar em mudar de país'.
- Reflexive and Literary Nuance
- The reflexive 'contemplar-se' focuses on self-image, while literary usage often pairs the verb with evocative settings to enhance the mood.
Durante a meditação, ele começou a contemplar a própria existência de uma forma nova.
Foi contemplado com o primeiro prémio no concurso de fotografia da cidade.
Não podemos deixar de contemplar a hipótese de uma crise económica global.
In the real world, you will encounter contemplar in a variety of fascinating contexts. First and foremost, it is a staple of cultural and artistic discourse. If you visit the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian in Lisbon or the MASP in São Paulo, you will often hear guides or visitors using this verb to describe the experience of engaging with a masterpiece. It isn't just looking; it is an immersive experience. You might hear someone say, 'É preciso tempo para contemplar esta obra de Rembrandt' (Time is needed to contemplate this work by Rembrandt). In these spaces, the word signals a respect for the artist's labor and the viewer's own emotional response. It is also very common in nature-oriented tourism. Portugal's many 'miradouros' (scenic viewpoints) are designed specifically for people to 'contemplar a vista'. You will see signs or brochures inviting you to 'contemplar a beleza natural da Serra da Estrela' or the cliffs of the Algarve.
- Art and Museums
- Used to describe the deep, respectful observation of artworks. It implies that the art requires time to be fully understood and appreciated.
O guia pediu silêncio para que todos pudessem contemplar os detalhes do retábulo barroco.
Moving from the aesthetic to the official, contemplar is a heavy-hitter in Portuguese news and legal reports. When the government announces a new budget or social program, the term 'contemplar' is used to specify which sectors or groups will benefit. You might read a headline like, 'O novo orçamento contempla o aumento do salário mínimo' (The new budget provides for an increase in the minimum wage). This is a very specific, formal usage that you will hear daily on RTP, SIC, or TV Globo news broadcasts. It sounds much more official and authoritative than 'incluir' (to include). If you are listening to a political debate or a business presentation, pay attention to how 'contemplar' is used to indicate foresight and comprehensive planning. It suggests that the speaker has carefully 'looked at' all the necessary components of their plan.
- News and Politics
- Frequent in reports about laws, budgets, and social benefits. It signifies that a particular group or item has been officially included in a plan.
O relatório final não parece contemplar todas as sugestões feitas pelos moradores do bairro.
Finally, you will find this word in the world of literature and personal reflection. Portuguese culture has a long history of 'contemplação'. From the epic poems of Luís de Camões to the modern prose of José Saramago, characters often pause to 'contemplar' their fate or the state of the world. In songs, particularly Fado or Bossa Nova, the verb is used to evoke a sense of melancholy or romantic longing. A singer might describe 'contemplar o mar' while waiting for a lost love. This usage ties back to the concept of 'saudade'—a deep, nostalgic longing. In everyday life, a Portuguese friend might say, 'Às vezes gosto de ficar só a contemplar a vida', which means they enjoy just sitting and reflecting on life. It’s a very common way to describe a moment of mindful presence, even if the person isn't particularly religious or philosophical.
- Literature and Music
- Used to create a reflective or melancholic mood. It is a key verb for expressing the Portuguese soul's tendency toward introspection.
Naquela tarde cinzenta, ele sentou-se à janela a contemplar a chuva que caía sobre os telhados de Lisboa.
O sorteio da lotaria contemplou um apostador de uma pequena aldeia no interior do país.
É fundamental contemplar o impacto ambiental antes de iniciar qualquer construção nesta área.
For English speakers, the most frequent mistake when using contemplar is over-translating it as the only equivalent for 'to contemplate'. In English, we often use 'contemplate' casually, as in 'I'm contemplating going to the gym'. While you can say 'Estou a contemplar ir ao ginásio' in Portuguese, it sounds extremely formal, almost as if you are making a life-altering decision about exercise. In everyday speech, Portuguese speakers would simply use 'pensar em' (thinking about) or 'planear' (planning). Using contemplar for trivial daily decisions can make you sound like you're in a 19th-century novel. Reserve it for moments of genuine beauty, serious reflection, or professional inclusion. Another common error is using the wrong preposition. In English, we 'contemplate on' something (though the direct object is also common). In Portuguese, contemplar is almost always a direct transitive verb—no preposition needed. Avoid saying 'contemplar em' or 'contemplar sobre' when you mean to look at or consider something.
- Over-Formality
- Using the word for mundane tasks. It should be saved for significant or aesthetic experiences to avoid sounding unnaturally stiff.
Estou a contemplar comer uma maçã. (Too formal)
Estou a pensar comer uma maçã. (Natural)
Confusion with 'considerar' is another pitfall. While they are synonyms in the sense of 'thinking about an option', they are not always interchangeable. 'Considerar' is more analytical and logic-driven. You 'consider' the pros and cons. 'Contemplar' is more holistic and often more passive. You 'contemplate' a possibility by letting it sit in your mind. Furthermore, in the legal/administrative sense mentioned earlier, English speakers often default to 'incluir' (include). While 'incluir' is correct, failing to use contemplar in formal writing can make your Portuguese seem less sophisticated. In professional exams or high-level business meetings, using contemplar to mean 'to encompass' shows a high degree of linguistic competence. Conversely, don't use 'contemplar' when you mean 'to watch' in the sense of 'assistir'. You 'assistir a um filme' (watch a movie), you don't 'contemplar um filme'—unless you are an art critic looking at a specific frame for ten minutes.
- Confusing with 'Assistir'
- Learners often mix up verbs for looking/watching. 'Contemplar' is static and deep, whereas 'assistir' is for performances or events that unfold over time.
O contrato contempla de várias cláusulas. (Incorrect)
O contrato contempla várias cláusulas. (Correct)
Finally, be careful with the passive voice 'ser contemplado'. In English, being 'contemplated' by someone usually just means they are thinking about you. In Portuguese, 'ser contemplado' (especially in the context of a 'consórcio' or 'sorteio') has a very specific meaning: to be chosen or to win a prize. If you say 'Fui contemplado', you are telling people you won something or were selected for a benefit. Beginners sometimes use this to mean 'someone looked at me', which is incorrect and confusing. If someone looked at you, you would say 'Ele olhou para mim'. Understanding these nuanced differences is what separates a B1 learner from a truly fluent speaker. Always consider the 'weight' of the verb before you use it; if the situation feels light and casual, 'contemplar' is likely the wrong choice.
- Passive Voice Misunderstanding
- 'Ser contemplado' is a common idiom for winning a lottery or being selected for a social program. It does not mean 'to be stared at'.
Ele foi contemplado com uma bolsa de estudos integral para Harvard.
Não devemos contemplar apenas o lucro imediato, mas também a sustentabilidade a longo prazo.
Ao contemplar as ruínas romanas, percebemos a efemeridade da glória humana.
To truly master contemplar, you must know how it sits alongside its cousins in the family of 'seeing' and 'thinking' verbs. The most common alternative is olhar. While 'olhar' is the general act of directing your eyes toward something, contemplar adds the element of time and appreciation. You 'olha' for your keys, but you 'contempla' the ocean. Another close relative is observar. 'Observar' is more clinical and detail-oriented. A scientist 'observa' a specimen under a microscope to gather data. A person 'contempla' a specimen because they find it beautiful or meaningful. 'Observar' is about the 'what' and 'how', while contemplar is about the 'why' and the feeling it evokes. In professional contexts, considerar and incluir are the primary alternatives. As discussed, 'considerar' is more about the mental weighing of options, whereas 'incluir' is a simpler, less formal way to say something is part of a whole.
- Contemplar vs. Observar
- Contemplar is emotional and aesthetic; Observar is analytical and objective. You contemplate a sunset; you observe a chemical reaction.
Enquanto o cientista observava o comportamento das aves, o poeta apenas as contemplava.
Then there is admirar. This is very close to contemplar when used in an aesthetic sense. However, 'admirar' usually implies a positive judgment—you like what you see. You can contemplar something that is tragic or terrifying (like a storm) without necessarily 'admiring' it. 'Admirar' also has the secondary meaning of 'to be surprised by' or 'to respect someone'. For example, 'Eu admiro o teu trabalho' (I admire your work). You wouldn't say 'Eu contemplo o teu trabalho' in that context. Another interesting synonym is vislumbrar. This means 'to glimpse' or 'to see dimly'. It is the opposite of contemplar in terms of clarity and duration. You 'vislumbra' a possibility that is just starting to form, but you 'contempla' a plan that is already well-defined. In legal texts, prever (to foresee/to provide for) is often used as a synonym for the administrative sense of contemplar.
- Contemplar vs. Admirar
- Admirar implies approval or respect; Contemplar is more about the act of looking and reflecting, regardless of whether the object is 'good' or 'bad'.
Podemos vislumbrar uma saída para a crise, mas precisamos contemplar todos os riscos envolvidos.
Finally, let's look at encarar and fitar. 'Encarar' means to face something, often something difficult or a person directly in the eyes. It has a more confrontational or direct energy than the peaceful contemplar. 'Fitar' means to stare or fix one's eyes on something. It is more about the physical gaze and less about the mental reflection. If you 'fita' someone, it might be uncomfortable; if you 'contempla' them, it's usually poetic or romantic. In a business context, you 'encara' a problem, but you 'contempla' a solution. By understanding these subtle differences, you can choose the word that perfectly captures the nuance of your thought. Portuguese is a language of fine distinctions, and contemplar is one of its most evocative tools for expressing the depth of human experience, whether that experience is looking at a painting, drafting a law, or winning the lottery.
- Contemplar vs. Encarar
- Encarar is active and often involves facing a challenge; Contemplar is more passive and reflective.
Ele fitou o desconhecido com desconfiança, mas depois parou para contemplar a situação com calma.
A nova lei prevê benefícios que o regulamento anterior não contemplava.
É difícil contemplar tamanha injustiça sem sentir uma profunda tristeza.
Examples by Level
Eu gosto de contemplar o mar.
I like to contemplate the sea.
Simple present tense, regular -ar verb.
Ela contempla as flores no jardim.
She contemplates the flowers in the garden.
Third person singular present.
Nós contemplamos o céu à noite.
We contemplate the sky at night.
First person plural present.
Você quer contemplar a vista?
Do you want to contemplate the view?
Infinitive after another verb.
Eles contemplam o quadro na sala.
They contemplate the painting in the room.
Third person plural present.
É bom contemplar a natureza.
It is good to contemplate nature.
Impersonal expression with infinitive.
Eu contemplo o sol todos os dias.
I contemplate the sun every day.
Regular frequency with present tense.
Ela para para contemplar o pássaro.
She stops to contemplate the bird.
Preposition 'para' followed by infinitive.
Ontem, eu contemplei um pôr do sol maravilhoso.
Yesterday, I contemplated a wonderful sunset.
Pretérito Perfeito (Simple Past).
Nós vamos contemplar as estrelas no observatório.
We are going to contemplate the stars at the observatory.
Future with 'ir' + infinitive.
Ele sempre contemplava as montanhas da sua janela.
He always used to contemplate the mountains from his window.
Pretérito Imperfeito (Past Habitual).
Vocês contemplaram a arte moderna no museu?
Did you (plural) contemplate the modern art in the museum?
Question in the past tense.
Gostaria de contemplar a arquitetura da cidade.
I would like to contemplate the city's architecture.
Conditional tense for polite desire.
Ela estava a contemplar o rio quando eu cheguei.
She was contemplating the river when I arrived.
Past continuous (European style).
Eles decidiram contemplar a paisagem em silêncio.
They decided to contemplate the landscape in silence.
Infinitive after a verb of decision.
Contemplar o mar ajuda-me a relaxar.
Contemplating the sea helps me to relax.
Gerund-like use of the infinitive as a subject.
A empresa está a contemplar a abertura de uma nova filial.
The company is contemplating opening a new branch.
Using 'contemplar' as 'considering'.
O novo contrato deve contemplar todas as despesas de viagem.
The new contract must include all travel expenses.
Using 'contemplar' as 'to cover' or 'to include'.
Se eu fosse você, contemplaria outras opções antes de decidir.
If I were you, I would contemplate other options before deciding.
Conditional mood in a hypothetical situation.
É importante contemplar os sentimentos dos outros.
It is important to take others' feelings into account.
Abstract usage of the verb.
O projeto não contempla o impacto ambiental na região.
The project does not include the environmental impact in the region.
Negation in a professional context.
Eles foram contemplados com um prémio de mérito.
They were awarded a merit prize.
Passive voice 'ser contemplado' (to be awarded).
Estou a contemplar seriamente a ideia de me mudar para o campo.
I am seriously contemplating the idea of moving to the countryside.
Adverbial modification 'seriamente'.
O orçamento da cidade contempla a renovação dos parques.
The city budget provides for the renovation of the parks.
Administrative usage.
A legislação atual já contempla este tipo de crime cibernético.
Current legislation already covers this type of cybercrime.
Formal legal usage.
Ao contemplar o futuro, devemos ser cautelosos com as nossas escolhas.
When contemplating the future, we must be cautious with our choices.
Prepositional phrase with infinitive.
O sorteio contemplou dez famílias com casas novas.
The draw provided ten families with new homes.
Specific usage for lotteries or social programs.
Não basta observar, é preciso contemplar a essência do problema.
Observation is not enough; it is necessary to contemplate the essence of the problem.
Contrast between 'observar' and 'contemplar'.
O plano de saúde foi alterado para contemplar tratamentos alternativos.
The health plan was changed to include alternative treatments.
Passive voice in a formal context.
Deveríamos contemplar a hipótese de uma fusão entre as duas empresas.
We should contemplate the hypothesis of a merger between the two companies.
Using 'contemplar' with 'hipótese'.
O poeta passou a vida a contemplar a solidão humana.
The poet spent his life contemplating human solitude.
Literary and abstract usage.
As medidas de segurança contemplam a evacuação imediata do edifício.
Safety measures provide for the immediate evacuation of the building.
Technical/Regulatory usage.
A obra de Saramago convida-nos a contemplar a cegueira moral da sociedade.
Saramago's work invites us to contemplate the moral blindness of society.
High-level literary analysis.
É imperativo que o governo contemple as necessidades das minorias.
It is imperative that the government takes into account the needs of minorities.
Present subjunctive after 'é imperativo que'.
Ao contemplar-se no espelho da história, a nação viu as suas feridas.
Contemplating itself in the mirror of history, the nation saw its wounds.
Metaphorical and reflexive usage.
O filósofo instigava os seus alunos a contemplar o absoluto.
The philosopher urged his students to contemplate the absolute.
Abstract philosophical usage.
A proposta de reforma não contempla as especificidades do setor agrícola.
The reform proposal does not take into account the specificities of the agricultural sector.
Complex administrative vocabulary.
Sinto-me privilegiado por poder contemplar tamanha beleza arquitetónica diariamente.
I feel privileged to be able to contemplate such architectural beauty daily.
Example
Ela gostava de se sentar na varanda e contemplar o pôr do sol.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More nature words
à beira
B1On the edge or brink of.
à beira de
B1On the edge of; almost in a state of.
à distância
A2At a far point in space or time.
a favor de
B1In favor of; supporting.
à sombra
A2In an area of darkness or coolness caused by the blocking of direct sunlight.
à volta
A2Around; in the vicinity.
abanar
A2To wave or swing back and forth, like an animal's tail; to wag.
abater
B1To cut down (a tree); to kill (an animal).
Abelha
A2Bee; a stinging winged insect that produces honey.
abeto
A2An evergreen coniferous tree, typically with flat needles.
