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A2 verb #4,500 most common 14 min read

divertir

Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips divertir in 30 Seconds

Explanation divertir in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic reflexive use of divertir-se. Think of it as the Portuguese way to say 'to have fun'. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex tenses. Just learn the phrase 'Eu me divirto' (I have fun) and 'Divirta-se!' (Have fun!). It is important to remember that in Portuguese, we 'amuse ourselves' rather than 'have fun' as a possession. You will often use this verb when talking about your hobbies or what you do on the weekend. For example, 'Eu me divirto na praia' (I have fun at the beach). Even at this early stage, try to remember the reflexive pronoun 'me' for yourself and 'se' for others. It is one of the first reflexive verbs you will encounter, and mastering it early will help you with many other verbs later on. Keep your sentences simple and focus on the present tense and the imperative (commands). You might also see the adjective 'divertido' (fun), which is very useful for describing movies, games, or people. 'O jogo é divertido' (The game is fun). This is a great word to have in your basic toolkit because it allows you to express positive emotions and share your experiences with others in a simple way.

As an A2 learner, you are ready to expand your usage of divertir into the past tense and understand its transitive form. You should be comfortable saying 'Eu me diverti muito ontem' (I had a lot of fun yesterday). Notice that in the past tense, the stem change 'e' to 'i' does not happen; it follows the regular '-ir' past tense pattern. You should also start using the verb to describe how things or people amuse others. 'O palhaço diverte as crianças' (The clown entertains the children). This shows you understand the difference between doing something for yourself (reflexive) and doing it to someone else (transitive). You will also begin to notice the difference between Brazilian and European pronoun placement. In Brazil, you say 'Eu me diverti', but in Portugal, you will often hear 'Diverti-me'. Both are correct, but being aware of the difference will help your listening skills. You can also start using the gerund form 'Estou me divertindo' (I am having fun) to describe what is happening right now. This level is all about building confidence with the verb in different common situations, like parties, trips, and weekend activities. Practice using it with prepositions like 'com' (with) and 'em' (in/at).

At the B1 intermediate level, you should be able to use divertir in more complex grammatical structures, including the subjunctive and conditional moods. The present subjunctive is particularly useful for expressing wishes or hopes: 'Espero que você se divirta na sua viagem' (I hope you have fun on your trip). You should also be able to use the conditional to talk about hypothetical fun: 'Se eu tivesse dinheiro, me divertiria mais' (If I had money, I would have more fun). At this stage, you should also start exploring synonyms and related words like 'entreter' (to entertain/keep busy) and 'aproveitar' (to enjoy/make the most of). Understanding the nuances between these words will make your Portuguese sound more sophisticated. For example, you can explain that while a movie 'entreteve' (entertained) you, it didn't necessarily 'divertiu' (amused) you if it was a serious drama. You should also be comfortable with the noun 'diversão' (fun/entertainment) and the various collocations it forms, such as 'parque de diversões' (amusement park). Your ability to use the verb in different tenses and moods will allow you to tell more detailed stories about your social life and personal interests.

By the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of divertir and be able to use it in both formal and informal registers. You should be aware of its less common meanings, such as 'to divert' or 'to deflect'. For example, 'O político tentou divertir a atenção do público' (The politician tried to divert the public's attention). This usage is more formal and literary. You should also be very comfortable with the reflexive pronoun placement rules in both Brazilian and European Portuguese, including more complex scenarios like after negative words or in relative clauses (e.g., 'Não me diverti' vs 'Diverti-me'). At this level, you can also start using idiomatic expressions and more advanced vocabulary related to entertainment, such as 'desopilar o fígado' (a humorous way to say to unwind or have a good laugh). You should be able to discuss the cultural importance of 'diversão' in Lusophone societies, perhaps comparing how people in different countries 'se divertem'. Your speech should flow naturally, and you should be able to choose between 'divertir', 'curtir', 'aproveitar', and 'gozar' based on the specific context and the person you are talking to. You are no longer just using the word; you are playing with its different shades of meaning.

At the C1 advanced level, your use of divertir should be precise and stylistically appropriate. You should be able to analyze and use the verb in literary contexts, where it might take on more abstract or philosophical meanings. For instance, you could discuss the 'indústria do divertimento' (entertainment industry) in a socio-economic context or use the verb to describe the 'divertimento' (diversion) of a river's course in a technical sense. You should have a deep understanding of the etymology (from the Latin 'divertere') and how that history still influences its modern usage. Your mastery of the subjunctive should be complete, allowing you to use the imperfect subjunctive and future subjunctive effortlessly: 'Caso eles se divertissem mais, seriam menos estressados' (If they had more fun, they would be less stressed). You should also be able to recognize and use regional variations from across the entire Lusophone world, including Africa and Asia. At this level, you can use 'divertir' to add color and precision to your writing, choosing it over more generic verbs to evoke a specific sense of amusement or distraction. You are able to use the verb in sophisticated wordplay or irony, demonstrating a high level of linguistic and cultural competence.

At the C2 level of mastery, divertir is a tool you use with total flexibility and native-like intuition. You understand the most subtle connotations and historical echoes of the word. You can use it in high-level academic discourse, legal contexts (e.g., 'divertimento de fundos' - diversion of funds), or classical literature. You are familiar with its use in older texts where it might have had slightly different shades of meaning. Your control over the reflexive system is perfect, including the use of mesoclisis in formal European Portuguese ('divertir-me-ia'), although you know exactly when it is appropriate to use such a formal structure. You can participate in complex debates about the role of 'divertimento' in modern society, the ethics of the entertainment industry, or the psychological importance of 'divertir-se'. You also have a vast repertoire of idioms, slang, and regionalisms related to fun from across the Portuguese-speaking world. You can switch between these registers effortlessly, sounding like a local in Lisbon, São Paulo, or Luanda. For you, 'divertir' is not just a verb to be conjugated; it is a versatile concept that you can manipulate to express the full range of human amusement, distraction, and joy.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

divertir in 30 Seconds

Divertir means to entertain others or to have fun yourself when used reflexively.
It is an irregular -ir verb with a stem change (e to i) in the present tense.
The reflexive form 'divertir-se' is the most common way to say 'to have fun'.
It is a central word in Lusophone social culture and daily conversation.

The Portuguese verb divertir is a cornerstone of social interaction and personal well-being in Lusophone cultures. At its core, it translates to 'to entertain' or 'to amuse' in its transitive form, and 'to have fun' or 'to enjoy oneself' in its reflexive form (divertir-se). Understanding this distinction is vital for any learner. When you use it transitively, you are the agent of amusement for someone else. When you use it reflexively, you are describing your own internal state of joy or recreation. In the context of Portuguese-speaking countries, where social life, festivals, and communal gatherings are central to the cultural fabric, divertir appears in almost every conversation regarding weekends, holidays, or simple daily pleasures.

Transitive Usage: This occurs when a subject performs an action to amuse an object. For example, 'O comediante diverte a plateia' (The comedian entertains the audience). Here, the focus is on the external delivery of entertainment.
Reflexive Usage: The reflexive form 'divertir-se' is far more common in daily speech. It describes the act of having fun. 'Eu me divirto muito com meus amigos' (I have a lot of fun with my friends). Note the use of the reflexive pronoun 'me'.

Nós fomos ao parque para nos divertir durante a tarde de sol.

The emotional weight of the word is positive and lighthearted. It is not just about being 'not bored'; it is about active engagement in something that brings a smile or laughter. In Brazil, the phrase 'Divirta-se!' is the standard way to say 'Have fun!' as someone leaves for a party or a trip. In Portugal, you might hear 'Diverte-te!' or 'Divirtam-se!' depending on the number of people addressed. The word also carries a connotation of 'distraction' in more formal or literary contexts, stemming from its Latin root 'divertere', which means to turn away from one's path. Thus, to divertir is to turn away from the mundane chores of life toward something more pleasant.

Ela sabe como divertir as crianças com histórias fantásticas.

Social Context: Used at parties (festas), concerts (shows), and family gatherings (reuniões familiares). It implies a shared positive energy.

Furthermore, 'divertir' is often associated with the adjective 'divertido' (funny/fun). A person can be 'divertida' (a fun person) or an activity can be 'divertida' (a fun activity). This versatility makes it an essential verb for describing your experiences. Whether you are talking about a movie that 'divertiu' the whole family or a night out where you 'se divertiu' until dawn, the verb captures the essence of leisure. It is also important to distinguish it from 'entreter', which is more about keeping someone occupied or maintaining their attention, whereas 'divertir' specifically targets the feeling of amusement and joy.

Espero que vocês se divirtam muito na viagem para o Rio!

O jogo foi criado para divertir pessoas de todas as idades.

Grammar Hint: Remember that 'divertir' is an -ir verb that undergoes a stem change in certain present tense forms (e.g., eu me divirto, not diverto).

Eles se divertiram imenso no concerto de ontem à noite.

Mastering the usage of divertir requires a dual focus on its reflexive nature and its conjugation patterns. Because it is an irregular verb in the present tense, learners often stumble on the stem change from 'e' to 'i'. In the first person singular present, 'divertir' becomes 'divirto'. This change is consistent with many other '-ir' verbs in Portuguese. When using it reflexively, which is the most common way to say 'to have fun', you must pair it with the correct reflexive pronoun: me, te, se, nos, vos, se. The placement of these pronouns varies significantly between Brazilian Portuguese (PT-BR) and European Portuguese (PT-PT), which is a key stylistic marker for learners.

Present Tense (Reflexive): Eu me divirto (I have fun), Você se diverte (You have fun), Nós nos divertimos (We have fun), Eles se divertem (They have fun). Note the 'i' in the first person singular.
Past Tense (Pretérito Perfeito): Eu me diverti (I had fun), Você se divertiu (You had fun), Nós nos divertimos (We had fun), Eles se divertiram (They had fun). This is used for completed actions in the past.

Sempre que viajamos, nós nos divertimos explorando novos lugares.

In commands, divertir is very common. If you want to tell a friend to have a good time, you would say 'Divirta-se!' (Imperative). If you are speaking to a group, 'Divirtam-se!'. This uses the subjunctive stem. In more formal writing or in European Portuguese, you might see the pronoun attached to the end of the verb with a hyphen: 'Diverte-te' or 'Divirtam-se'. Understanding these placements helps you sound more natural depending on who you are talking to. Another important aspect is the preposition that follows. Usually, you have fun 'com' (with) someone or something, or 'em' (in/at) a place. 'Eu me divirto com música' or 'Eu me divirto na praia'.

O objetivo principal do evento é divertir os convidados.

Future Tense: Eu vou me divertir (I am going to have fun). In colloquial Portuguese, the 'ir + infinitive' construction is almost always preferred over the simple future 'divertir-me-ei'.

When using the transitive form (to amuse someone else), the reflexive pronoun is omitted because the action is directed outward. 'O palhaço divertiu as crianças' (The clown amused the children). Here, the children are the direct object. If the clown was having fun himself, he would say 'O palhaço se divertiu'. This distinction allows for precise storytelling. You can also use 'divertir' in the gerund form to describe ongoing amusement: 'Estou me divertindo muito' (I am having a lot of fun). This is a very common way to express current enjoyment during an event or activity.

Não se esqueça de se divertir enquanto trabalha!

Como você se diverte nos fins de semana?

Subjunctive Mood: Espero que você se divirta (I hope you have fun). The 'a' ending is characteristic of the present subjunctive for -ir verbs.

Se tivéssemos mais tempo, nos divertiríamos mais.

The word divertir is ubiquitous in the Lusophone world, echoing through various social strata and settings. You will hear it most frequently in informal social environments. Imagine a bustling 'boteco' in Rio de Janeiro or a 'esplanada' in Lisbon; as friends greet each other or plan their night, divertir-se is the goal. It is the verbal embodiment of the 'sextou' culture (the Friday feeling in Brazil). Beyond social life, it is a staple in the media and entertainment industry. Television hosts often start their shows by saying they hope the audience 'se divirta' with the upcoming program. In advertisements for theme parks, movies, and games, the verb is used to promise a high-quality leisure experience.

In the Family: Parents often say to their children before a school trip: 'Vá e divirta-se!' (Go and have fun!). It is a warm, encouraging command that reinforces the importance of play.
In Tourism: Travel agencies use it in slogans like 'Venha se divertir nas praias do Nordeste' (Come have fun on the Northeast beaches). It sells the dream of relaxation and joy.

O apresentador disse: 'Espero que todos se divirtam com a nossa atração musical'.

In professional settings, while less common than in social ones, it is still used during team-building exercises or office parties. A manager might say, 'Hoje é dia de nos divertirmos um pouco' (Today is a day for us to have a little fun), to break the tension of a hard work week. In literature and songwriting, the verb takes on a more poetic or ironic tone. Many MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) songs use 'divertir' to describe the bittersweet nature of life or the fleeting moments of joy. For instance, a song might describe someone 'se divertindo' despite their sorrows, adding a layer of depth to the word's meaning. You'll also encounter it in social media captions, often accompanied by emojis of laughter and celebration.

Nas férias, o mais importante é divertir-se e descansar.

In Schools: Teachers use 'divertir' to make learning sound more appealing: 'Vamos aprender gramática e nos divertir ao mesmo tempo!' (Let's learn grammar and have fun at the same time!).

Moreover, the word appears in the context of 'diversion' or 'distraction' in news reports, particularly when discussing a 'manobra para divertir a atenção' (a maneuver to divert attention). While this is a more formal and slightly different usage (meaning to deflect), it shares the same root. However, for 95% of your interactions, 'divertir' will be about the laughter and the good times. Whether it is a 'parque de diversões' (amusement park) or a 'conversa divertida' (a funny conversation), the root of the word is always pointing toward engagement and pleasure. It is a word that carries the sunshine of the Portuguese-speaking world in its syllables.

Você viu como eles se divertiram na festa de ontem?

A criança se diverte até com uma caixa de papelão.

Online Gaming: In the gaming community, 'bom jogo e divirtam-se' (good game and have fun) is a common way to start a match.

Eu me divirto lendo os comentários nas redes sociais.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using divertir is treating it as a non-reflexive verb when they mean 'to have fun'. In English, you simply 'have fun'. In Portuguese, you must 'amuse yourself'. Saying 'Eu diverti muito' is grammatically incomplete and sounds like 'I amused very much' (whom did you amuse?). The correct form is 'Eu me diverti muito'. This reflexive pronoun is the bridge between the action and the subject, and omitting it is a hallmark of a beginner's mistake. Another common pitfall is the conjugation of the present tense. Many students try to follow the regular '-ir' pattern and say 'eu diverto', but because of the stem change, it must be 'eu divirto'.

The Missing Pronoun: Mistake: 'Nós divertimos na festa'. Correct: 'Nós nos divertimos na festa'. Without the 'nos', the sentence feels naked to a native speaker.
Confusion with 'Enjoy': English speakers often translate 'enjoy' as 'divertir'. While related, 'enjoy' is often better translated as 'aproveitar' or 'gostar de'. 'Divertir' is specifically about amusement and fun, not just general enjoyment or consumption.

Errado: Eu diverto com meus amigos. Correto: Eu me divirto com meus amigos.

Pronunciation can also be a hurdle. The 'r' in 'divertir' is a flap or a trill depending on the dialect, but the 'v' should always be a voiced labiodental fricative (like English 'v'), never a 'b' sound as in some Spanish dialects. Furthermore, learners often confuse 'divertir' with 'entreter'. While 'entreter' means to entertain in a professional or keeping-someone-busy sense, 'divertir' is much more about the emotional state of being amused. If you say 'O filme me entreteve', it means it kept your attention. If you say 'O filme me divertiu', it means it made you laugh or feel happy. Using the wrong one can slightly alter the meaning of your review.

Errado: Divirta-te (in Brazil). Correto: Se divirta (in Brazil) ou Divirta-se (formal/PT-PT).

Preposition Errors: Avoid using 'para' when you mean 'with'. Say 'divertir-se com' (have fun with) rather than 'divertir-se para' unless you are stating a purpose (e.g., to have fun in order to relax).

Lastly, be careful with the adjective 'divertido'. While it usually means 'fun' or 'funny', in some contexts, it can be used sarcastically to mean 'strange' or 'peculiar', much like the English 'funny'. 'Isso é muito divertido...' said with a roll of the eyes means exactly the opposite. However, this is a more advanced nuance. For beginners, the main focus should be: reflexive pronoun, correct 'i' stem change, and using it for active amusement. If you master these three, you will avoid the vast majority of errors associated with this verb.

Não confunda: divertir (to amuse) com distrair (to distract).

Errado: Eu me diverto ontem. Correto: Eu me diverti ontem.

Agreement: When using the past participle as an adjective (divertido), it must agree in gender and number with the noun: 'as festas divertidas'.

Lembre-se: 'divertir' é o que você faz; 'divertido' é o que a coisa é.

While divertir is the most common verb for having fun, Portuguese offers a rich palette of alternatives that can add nuance to your speech. Depending on the level of intensity, the social context, or the specific type of fun you are having, you might choose a different word. For instance, if you are not just having fun but really enjoying a specific moment or opportunity, 'aproveitar' is often a better fit. If the focus is on laughter and jokes, 'brincar' or 'zombar' might be used. Understanding these synonyms helps you avoid repetition and allows for more precise expression of your feelings.

Entreter vs Divertir: 'Entreter' is more about engagement and keeping someone's attention. A book might 'entreter' you during a long flight, but a comedy 'diverte' you. 'Entreter' is often used in professional contexts (entertainment industry = indústria do entretenimento).
Aproveitar vs Divertir-se: 'Aproveitar' means to make the most of something or to enjoy. While 'divertir-se' is about the fun itself, 'aproveitar a festa' means you are making good use of the party, which usually includes having fun but is broader.

Nós vamos aproveitar o feriado para descansar e nos divertir.

In informal Brazilian Portuguese, you might encounter 'curtir'. This is a very popular slang-adjacent verb that means 'to enjoy' or 'to dig'. 'Eu curti muito o show' is a very natural way to say you had a great time and enjoyed the performance. It is less formal than 'divertir-se' and very common among younger generations. Another alternative is 'brincar', which specifically means 'to play' (like children) but can also mean 'to joke around'. If you are having fun by teasing a friend, you are 'brincando'. In Portugal, the word 'gozar' can mean to enjoy or to have fun (e.g., 'gozar a vida'), but be careful as in Brazil it has a strong sexual connotation and should be avoided in general fun contexts.

O comediante consegue fazer rir e divertir até o público mais difícil.

Recrear vs Divertir: 'Recrear' is a more formal, almost academic term for recreation. You'll see it in 'centro de recreação' (recreation center). It is rarely used in casual speech to mean 'having fun'.

If the amusement is very intense, you might say 'desopilar', which is a more sophisticated way of saying to unwind or de-stress through fun. For a very casual, almost chaotic fun, Brazilians might use 'bagunçar' or 'farrear' (to party hard). Choosing the right word depends on the 'vibe' you want to convey. 'Divertir' remains the safest, most versatile choice for any situation. However, adding 'curtir' to your vocabulary will make you sound much more like a local in Brazil, while 'aproveitar' is essential for expressing gratitude for a good experience. By comparing these terms, you can see that 'divertir' sits right in the middle: more active than 'entreter' but more general than 'brincar'.

Ele não veio para trabalhar, veio apenas para se folgar e se divertir.

A música alta serve para animar e divertir os convidados.

Antonyms: The opposite of 'divertir' would be 'entediar' (to bore) or 'aborrecer' (to annoy/bore). If you are not having fun, you are 'entediado'.

Em vez de se entediar em casa, ele preferiu se divertir no cinema.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The original meaning of 'turning away' is why we still use 'divert' in English for traffic. In Portuguese, 'having fun' was seen as 'turning away' from work or worries.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /di.veɾ.ˈtiɾ/

US /dʒi.veʁ.ˈtʃiχ/

The stress is on the last syllable: 'tir'.

Rhymes With

partir sentir mentir sorrir abrir ferir subir pedir

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'r' too strongly like an English 'r'.
Forgetting to change the 'd' to a 'j' sound in many Brazilian dialects.
Pronouncing 'v' as 'b'.
Missing the stress on the final syllable.
Merging the 'i' and 'r' into a single vowel sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts as it looks like English 'divert'.

Writing 4/5

Challenging due to the reflexive pronouns and the present tense stem change.

Speaking 3/5

Requires practice to get the reflexive pronoun placement right in real-time.

Listening 3/5

Can be tricky when spoken fast, especially with reflexive pronouns merging.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

eu você festa muito com

Learn Next

aproveitar entreter alegrar comemorar rir

Advanced

desopilar recrear deleitar entretenimento lúdico

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Verbs

Eu me divirto, tu te divertes, ele se diverte.

Stem-changing Verbs (-ir)

Divertir -> Divirto (Presente do Indicativo).

Pronoun Placement (Proclisis/Enclisis)

Me divirto (BR) vs Diverto-me (PT).

Imperative Mood

Divirta-se! (Use of the subjunctive stem for commands).

Preposition Usage

Divertir-se *com* algo ou *em* algum lugar.

Examples by Level

Eu me divirto na festa.

I have fun at the party.

Reflexive 'me' + present tense stem change 'divirto'.

Você se diverte com o gato?

Do you have fun with the cat?

Reflexive 'se' for 'você'.

Nós nos divertimos muito.

We have a lot of fun.

Reflexive 'nos' with 'nós'.

O jogo é muito divertido.

The game is very fun.

Adjective 'divertido' describing a noun.

Eles se divertem no parque.

They have fun in the park.

Third person plural 'se divertem'.

Divirta-se hoje!

Have fun today!

Imperative form 'Divirta-se'.

Ela se diverte com música.

She has fun with music.

Reflexive 'se' for 'ela'.

Eu não me divirto aqui.

I don't have fun here.

Negative 'não' comes before the reflexive pronoun.

Ontem, eu me diverti no cinema.

Yesterday, I had fun at the cinema.

Past tense (pretérito perfeito) 'diverti'.

O palhaço diverte as crianças.

The clown entertains the children.

Transitive usage (no reflexive pronoun).

Nós nos divertimos na viagem passada.

We had fun on the last trip.

Past tense 'divertimos' (same as present).

Vocês se divertiram no show?

Did you all have fun at the concert?

Past tense plural 'divertiram'.

Estou me divertindo com este livro.

I am having fun with this book.

Gerund 'divertindo' with 'estar'.

Ela divertiu os amigos com piadas.

She entertained her friends with jokes.

Transitive past tense.

Eles queriam se divertir no feriado.

They wanted to have fun on the holiday.

Infinitive 'divertir' after 'queriam'.

O filme divertiu toda a família.

The movie entertained the whole family.

Transitive usage with a direct object.

Espero que você se divirta muito.

I hope you have a lot of fun.

Present subjunctive 'divirta'.

Se eu fosse à festa, me divertiria.

If I went to the party, I would have fun.

Conditional 'divertiria'.

É importante se divertir um pouco.

It is important to have a little fun.

Impersonal infinitive usage.

Nós nos divertíamos todos os verões.

We used to have fun every summer.

Imperfect tense 'divertíamos' for habits.

O show foi feito para divertir o público.

The show was made to entertain the audience.

Passive-like structure with purpose.

Talvez eles se divirtam no museu.

Maybe they will have fun at the museum.

Subjunctive after 'talvez'.

Ela sempre se diverte, não importa onde esteja.

She always has fun, no matter where she is.

Present tense reflexive.

Eles se divertiram imenso em Portugal.

They had an immense amount of fun in Portugal.

Use of 'imenso' as an adverb of intensity.

O autor tenta divertir o leitor com ironia.

The author tries to amuse the reader with irony.

Transitive usage in a literary context.

Não creio que eles se divirtam com isso.

I don't believe they have fun with that.

Subjunctive after a negative belief.

Divertir-se é essencial para a saúde mental.

Having fun is essential for mental health.

Infinitive as a noun/subject.

O plano serviu para divertir as suspeitas.

The plan served to divert the suspicions.

Formal usage meaning 'to divert/deflect'.

Se nos tivéssemos divertido mais, estaríamos menos cansados.

If we had had more fun, we would be less tired.

Compound conditional with past participle.

Ela se divertiu à custa dos outros.

She had fun at the expense of others.

Idiomatic expression 'à custa de'.

O comediante diverte-se a observar as pessoas.

The comedian has fun observing people.

Reflexive + preposition 'a' + infinitive (PT-PT style).

Eles divertiram a água para o canal.

They diverted the water to the canal.

Technical/Formal usage of the transitive form.

A obra busca divertir sem perder a profundidade.

The work seeks to amuse without losing depth.

Transitive infinitive in literary criticism.

Duvido que se tivessem divertido tanto sem nós.

I doubt they would have had so much fun without us.

Complex subjunctive with past participle.

O divertimento das atenções foi uma tática deliberada.

The diversion of attention was a deliberate tactic.

Noun form 'divertimento' in a formal context.

Divertir-me-ei como nunca nesta viagem.

I will have fun like never before on this trip.

Formal future tense with mesoclisis (PT-PT).

Ele diverte o tédio com pensamentos abstratos.

He diverts the boredom with abstract thoughts.

Poetic/Metaphorical usage of the transitive form.

A medida visa divertir o tráfego para vias alternativas.

The measure aims to divert traffic to alternative routes.

Formal/Administrative usage.

Embora se divirtam, mantêm a compostura.

Although they are having fun, they maintain their composure.

Subjunctive after 'embora'.

Divertir-se-ão os que souberem apreciar o momento.

Those who know how to appreciate the moment will have fun.

Formal future plural with mesoclisis.

O lúdico serve para divertir a rigidez da existência.

The playful serves to amuse the rigidity of existence.

Highly abstract/philosophical usage.

Oxalá se divirtam na plenitude da sua juventude.

May they have fun in the fullness of their youth.

Archaic/Formal 'Oxalá' + subjunctive.

A digressão permitiu divertir o curso da narrativa.

The digression allowed for the diversion of the narrative's course.

Literary analysis usage.

Divertir-se-iam sobremaneira se compreendessem a ironia.

They would have fun exceedingly if they understood the irony.

Conditional mesoclisis with 'sobremaneira'.

Não há quem não se divirta com tamanha audácia.

There is no one who does not have fun with such audacity.

Double negative for emphasis.

A lei proíbe divertir verbas públicas para fins privados.

The law prohibits diverting public funds for private purposes.

Legal/Technical usage.

Eles divertiram-se a expensas de uma ignorância alheia.

They had fun at the expense of someone else's ignorance.

High-register reflexive usage.

O espetáculo divertiu as massas, mas alienou a elite.

The spectacle amused the masses but alienated the elite.

Socio-political analysis usage.

Common Collocations

divertir-se imenso

divertir-se muito

divertir o público

parque de diversões

centro de divertimento

divertir a atenção

só para divertir

divertir-se à grande

maneira divertida

divertir os convidados

Common Phrases

Divirta-se!

— The standard way to say 'Have fun!' to one person.

Tchau, divirta-se na festa!

Divirtam-se!

— The plural version of 'Have fun!'.

Boa viagem, divirtam-se!

Eu me divirto com você.

— A warm way to say you enjoy someone's company.

Você é engraçado, eu me divirto com você.

Não é para se divertir.

— Used to indicate a serious situation.

Estamos aqui para trabalhar, não é para se divertir.

Divertir-se como uma criança.

— To have pure, uninhibited fun.

Ele se divertiu como uma criança no carrossel.

Divertir-se horrores.

— Brazilian slang for having an enormous amount of fun.

A gente se divertiu horrores no Carnaval.

O que você faz para se divertir?

— A common conversation starter about hobbies.

Além de ler, o que você faz para se divertir?

Divertir-se sozinho.

— To enjoy one's own company or activity.

Eu me divirto sozinho tocando violão.

Para se divertir um pouco.

— To do something for a bit of leisure.

Vamos sair para se divertir um pouco.

Saber se divertir.

— To have the skill of enjoying life.

Ela realmente sabe se divertir.

Often Confused With

divertir vs distrair

Distrair is to lose focus; divertir is to have fun. However, 'distrair-se' can mean having fun to forget worries.

divertir vs entreter

Entreter is more about keeping busy; divertir is about amusement.

divertir vs gozar

In Portugal, it means to enjoy; in Brazil, it is usually sexual.

Idioms & Expressions

"rir para não chorar"

— To find humor in a bad situation as a way to cope.

A situação é difícil, só nos resta rir para não chorar.

Informal

"tirar sarro"

— To make fun of someone (Brazilian).

Eles vivem tirando sarro do meu sotaque.

Slang

"fazer a festa"

— To have a great time or take advantage of a situation.

As crianças fizeram a festa quando o bolo chegou.

Informal

"lavar a alma"

— To have an experience that is deeply refreshing and fun.

Aquele mergulho no mar lavou a minha alma.

Informal

"dar o que falar"

— To be something that people talk about a lot (often fun events).

Aquela festa ainda vai dar o que falar.

Informal

"encher a cara"

— To get drunk while partying (informal).

Eles saíram para encher a cara e se divertir.

Slang

"quebrar o gelo"

— To break the ice to start the fun.

Ele contou uma piada para quebrar o gelo.

Neutral

"estar com a corda toda"

— To be full of energy and ready for fun.

Hoje as crianças estão com a corda toda.

Informal

"soltar a franga"

— To let loose and have fun without inhibitions (Brazilian).

Na pista de dança, ela soltou a franga.

Slang

"fazer farra"

— To go out partying and having fun.

Eles adoram fazer farra nos fins de semana.

Informal

Easily Confused

divertir vs divertido

Learners use the verb when they need the adjective.

Divertir is the action (to have fun); divertido is the description (fun).

O filme é divertido (The movie is fun).

divertir vs diversão

Learners use the verb instead of the noun.

Diversão is the noun (fun/entertainment).

A diversão foi garantida.

divertir vs aproveitar

Both translate to 'enjoy' in English.

Aproveitar is about making use of an opportunity; divertir is about amusement.

Vou aproveitar o sol.

divertir vs brincar

English 'play' can overlap with 'fun'.

Brincar is for games/toys or jokes; divertir is for general amusement.

As crianças brincam com bonecas.

divertir vs interessante

Things that are fun are often interesting.

Interessante means interesting; divertido means fun/funny.

O documentário é interessante, mas não é divertido.

Sentence Patterns

Eu me divirto + [preposition] + [noun].

Eu me divirto com o jogo.

Ontem, eu me diverti + [adverb].

Ontem, eu me diverti muito.

Espero que você se divirta + [preposition] + [noun].

Espero que você se divirta na festa.

É fundamental se divertir para [verb].

É fundamental se divertir para reduzir o estresse.

[Subject] diverte-se a [infinitive].

Ele diverte-se a ler poesia clássica.

Divertir-se-iam se [imperfect subjunctive].

Divertir-se-iam se soubessem a verdade.

Mixed

O [noun] diverte o [noun].

O livro diverte o leitor.

Mixed

Nós nos divertimos + [gerund].

Nós nos divertimos dançando.

Word Family

Nouns

diversão

divertimento

Verbs

divertir

divertir-se

Adjectives

divertido

divertida

diversidade

divergente

diversificar

divertículo

diverso

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life and social contexts.

Common Mistakes

Eu diverti muito. → Eu me diverti muito.
In Portuguese, you must use a reflexive pronoun to say 'I had fun'.
Eu diverto na festa. → Eu me divirto na festa.
The present tense has a stem change from 'e' to 'i' in the first person singular.
Nós divertimos na viagem. → Nós nos divertimos na viagem.
Even if it sounds repetitive, 'nós nos' is required for reflexive verbs.
O jogo foi muito divertido-se. → O jogo foi muito divertido.
Don't add reflexive endings to adjectives. Use 'divertido' alone.
Espero que você se diverte. → Espero que você se divirta.
After 'Espero que', you must use the subjunctive mood.

Tips

Reflexive Pronouns

Always pair the verb with me, te, se, nos, or vos when you are the one having fun. This is the biggest mistake for English speakers.

Divertido vs Engraçado

'Divertido' means fun. 'Engraçado' means funny. A movie can be divertido without being engraçado (like an adventure film).

Have Fun Everywhere

In Lusophone cultures, having fun is highly valued. Don't be afraid to use this verb to show your appreciation for an event.

The 'D' Sound

In Brazil, 'di' often sounds like 'ji'. Practice saying 'ji-vir-tchi' for a more authentic Brazilian accent.

PT-BR vs PT-PT

In Brazil, 'Me diverti'. In Portugal, 'Diverti-me'. Both are understood, but picking one helps you sound consistent.

Party Talk

When leaving a party, always tell the host: 'Eu me diverti muito, obrigado!'. It's a standard polite gesture.

Curtir

If you want to sound younger in Brazil, use 'curtir' alongside 'divertir'. 'Curti muito a sua festa!'.

Subjunctive Use

Use the subjunctive 'divirta' when someone else is wishing you fun. 'Minha mãe quer que eu me divirta'.

The Divert Trick

Remember that you 'divert' your energy from stress to fun. Divert -> Divertir.

Transitive vs Reflexive

Reflexive = You are the one having fun. Transitive = You are making someone else have fun. Choose wisely!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Diverting' your attention from work to a 'Party'. If you 'Divert' your mind, you 'Divertir' yourself.

Visual Association

Imagine a road sign pointing away from a factory toward a colorful circus. The sign says 'Divertir'.

Word Web

Festa Riso Alegria Jogo Cinema Amigos Viagem Música

Challenge

Try to use 'divertir' in three different tenses (present, past, and imperative) before the end of the day.

Word Origin

From the Latin verb 'divertere', which is composed of 'di-' (aside/apart) and 'vertere' (to turn).

Original meaning: To turn away, to go in different directions, or to deflect.

Romance (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

Be careful with 'gozar' as a synonym in Brazil; stick to 'divertir' to avoid sexual double meanings.

English speakers often say 'I had fun', but Portuguese speakers say 'I amused myself'. This reflexive mindset is key.

The song 'A Gente se Diverte' by various Brazilian artists. The common phrase 'O que vale é se divertir' (What matters is having fun). Amusement parks in Brazil like 'Beto Carrero World' are called 'parques de diversão'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Parties

Divirta-se na festa!
Eu me diverti muito dançando.
A festa está divertida.
Vamos nos divertir!

Travel

Boa viagem e divirta-se!
Nós nos divertimos na praia.
É bom se divertir nas férias.
Onde podemos nos divertir aqui?

Hobbies

Eu me divirto jogando bola.
Ler me diverte muito.
O que você faz para se divertir?
Ela se diverte pintando.

Work/School

Podemos trabalhar e nos divertir.
A aula foi divertida hoje.
Não se esqueça de se divertir.
O professor diverte os alunos.

Movies/TV

O filme me divertiu.
É um programa muito divertido.
Eles se divertem assistindo TV.
O comediante é muito divertido.

Conversation Starters

"O que você mais gosta de fazer para se divertir nos fins de semana?"

"Você se divertiu na última festa que você foi?"

"Qual foi a viagem em que você mais se divertiu?"

"Você acha fácil se divertir sozinho ou prefere estar com amigos?"

"Que tipo de filme mais diverte você: comédia ou ação?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um dia em que você se divertiu muito. O que aconteceu e com quem você estava?

Por que você acha que é importante para os adultos continuarem a se divertir como crianças?

Escreva sobre um hobby que te diverte e explique por que você gosta tanto dele.

Como a maneira de se divertir mudou na sua vida desde que você era pequeno?

Se você tivesse um dia inteiro apenas para se divertir, sem preocupações, o que você faria?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. It is reflexive (divertir-se) when you are having fun yourself. It is transitive (divertir) when you are entertaining someone else, like a clown entertaining kids.

To one person, say 'Divirta-se!'. To a group, say 'Divirtam-se!'. In informal Brazil, you might also hear 'Se divirta!'.

'Divertir' is the standard verb. 'Curtir' is more informal and common in Brazil, meaning to enjoy or like an experience.

Because 'divertir' is an irregular -ir verb that changes the 'e' to 'i' in the first person singular of the present tense.

You would use the adjective 'divertido'. 'Ele é muito divertido' means 'He is very fun/funny'.

Yes, in formal or technical Portuguese, it can mean to redirect or deflect, just like in English.

Yes, it is used throughout the Portuguese-speaking world, though the pronoun placement (Diverti-me) differs from Brazil (Me diverti).

Usually 'com' (with) for things/people or 'em' (in/at) for places. Example: 'Me divirto com você na praia'.

Rarely. It is almost always associated with lightheartedness and joy.

No, for instruments use 'tocar'. For sports, use 'jogar'. Use 'divertir-se' for the fun you have while doing those things.