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B1 noun 9 min read

em volta de

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips em volta de in 30 Seconds

Explanation em volta de in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe where things are. 'Em volta de' might be a bit advanced, but you can think of it as a way to say 'around' an object. Imagine a table with chairs all around it. In Portuguese, we say the chairs are 'em volta da mesa'. You just need to remember that 'de' changes to 'do' or 'da' depending on the word that comes after it. It's a useful phrase for describing your house or a simple picture of a park.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'em volta de' to describe simple actions and locations. You can use it with verbs like 'caminhar' (to walk) or 'correr' (to run). For example, 'Eu corro em volta do parque' (I run around the park). You should also be careful with the contractions (do, da, dos, das). This phrase helps you give more detail than just saying 'near' (perto de). It shows that something is surrounding something else on all sides.

At the B1 level, 'em volta de' is a key part of your vocabulary. You should be able to use it not just for physical objects, but also for people and simple abstract ideas. You should understand the difference between 'em volta de' (space) and 'por volta de' (time). You can use it to describe complex scenes, like a crowd gathering around a performer or the walls surrounding an ancient city. Your grammar should be consistent with the contractions of 'de' and the following articles.

At the B2 level, you can use 'em volta de' with more nuance. You might use it in more formal writing or to describe abstract themes in a discussion, like 'a polémica em volta da nova lei' (the controversy around the new law). You should be comfortable alternating it with synonyms like 'ao redor de' or 'em torno de' to make your speaking and writing more varied and natural. You also understand how it functions in more literary contexts to create atmosphere.

At the C1 level, you use 'em volta de' effortlessly and can distinguish its subtle stylistic differences from its synonyms. You might use it in academic or professional settings to describe systems, such as 'a infraestrutura em volta do projeto'. You are aware of how the phrase can be used metaphorically to describe psychological states or complex social dynamics. Your use of the phrase is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker, including perfect contraction usage and placement.

At the C2 level, 'em volta de' is just one of many tools in your linguistic arsenal. You can use it to appreciate and produce complex literature where the phrase might be used for symbolic effect. You understand its historical development and how it relates to other Romance languages. You can use it in high-level debates to frame arguments about central issues, and you never confuse it with its temporal or quantitative counterparts unless doing so for a specific stylistic reason.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

em volta de in 30 Seconds

Used to describe something that surrounds or encircles a central point or object.
Functions as a prepositional phrase, similar to the English word 'around'.
Requires mandatory contraction of the preposition 'de' with the following definite article.
Can be used for physical locations, dynamic movement, or abstract central themes.

The Portuguese locution em volta de is a fundamental spatial expression used to describe the position of something that encircles, surrounds, or moves in a circular path relative to a central point. While it literally translates to 'in turn of' if parsed word-for-word, its functional English equivalent is 'around' or 'surrounding'. This phrase is indispensable for describing physical environments, architectural layouts, and even abstract concepts where ideas 'revolve' around a central theme. It is a B1-level staple because it moves the learner beyond simple prepositions like 'em' (in) or 'sobre' (on) into more descriptive, relational spatial awareness.

Spatial Relation: It indicates a 360-degree or near-360-degree presence. If you put a fence em volta de your garden, you are enclosing it entirely.
Dynamic Movement: It often accompanies verbs of motion like 'correr' (to run) or 'girar' (to spin), indicating a trajectory that orbits an object.
Abstract Focus: In discussions, it highlights the core subject. A debate might happen em volta de a specific policy, meaning the policy is the central axis of the conversation.

Havia muitas flores coloridas em volta do lago no parque central.

Translation: There were many colorful flowers around the lake in the central park.

Contextually, native speakers use this phrase in both formal and informal settings. In a domestic setting, you might talk about the family sitting em volta da mesa (around the table) for dinner. In a scientific context, one might describe the electrons moving em volta do núcleo (around the nucleus). It is more common in European Portuguese for physical proximity, whereas Brazilian Portuguese might occasionally favor 'ao redor de', though both are widely understood and used across the Lusophone world. The phrase requires the contraction of the preposition 'de' with the following article (do, da, dos, das), which is a key grammatical hurdle for B1 learners to master.

A Terra gira em volta do Sol uma vez por ano.

Translation: The Earth revolves around the Sun once a year.

Using em volta de correctly involves two main components: the spatial logic and the grammatical contraction. Because it ends with the preposition 'de', it must fuse with the definite article of the noun that follows. For example, 'de + o' becomes 'do', and 'de + a' becomes 'da'. Failing to contract is a common beginner mistake that marks a speaker as non-native. The phrase usually follows a verb of state (like 'estar' or 'haver') or a verb of movement (like 'caminhar' or 'voar').

With Physical Objects: Place the phrase immediately before the object being surrounded. 'O muro em volta da casa é alto' (The wall around the house is high).
With People: Used to describe social gatherings. 'Todos se reuniram em volta da fogueira' (Everyone gathered around the campfire).
With Abstract Themes: Describing the focus of a problem or topic. 'O mistério em volta do desaparecimento continua' (The mystery around the disappearance continues).

Nós caminhamos em volta do castelo para admirar a arquitetura.

Translation: We walked around the castle to admire the architecture.

In more complex sentences, em volta de can be used to indicate 'approximately' when referring to numbers or quantities, though 'cerca de' or 'por volta de' are more frequent for time. For instance, 'Havia em volta de cem pessoas no evento' (There were around a hundred people at the event). However, for a B1 learner, the primary focus should remain on its spatial and relational uses. Note that the word 'volta' can also mean 'return' or 'lap' in other contexts, but in this specific locution, it serves only to build the 'around' meaning.

Coloque um cachecol em volta do pescoço porque está frio.

Translation: Put a scarf around your neck because it is cold.

You will encounter em volta de in a variety of daily scenarios. In a Portuguese home, a mother might tell her children to stop running em volta da mesa while she is setting it. In the news, a reporter might describe the security perimeter em volta do tribunal (around the courthouse) during a high-profile trial. It is a word of physical reality, making it very common in descriptive literature and travel guides. When visiting a Portuguese city like Lisbon, you might hear a tour guide say, 'Vejam as muralhas em volta da cidade antiga' (See the walls around the old city).

In Nature Documentaries: 'Os lobos circulam em volta da presa' (The wolves circle around the prey). It describes the predatory or protective behavior of animals.
In Construction and DIY: 'Aplique o selante em volta da janela' (Apply the sealant around the window). Essential for technical instructions.
In Social Commentary: 'Toda a polémica em volta do novo imposto...' (All the controversy around the new tax...). Used to describe the atmosphere of public debate.

As crianças brincavam em volta da árvore de Natal.

Translation: The children were playing around the Christmas tree.

In literature, particularly in the works of authors like José Saramago or Machado de Assis, you'll see it used to create a sense of atmosphere. A character might feel the 'silêncio em volta de si' (the silence around them), emphasizing isolation. In urban environments, you'll see it on signs or in directions: 'O trânsito em volta da praça está condicionado' (Traffic around the square is restricted). It is a versatile phrase that bridges the gap between simple spatial prepositioning and more advanced descriptive Portuguese.

Ele sentiu uma energia estranha em volta de si mesmo.

Translation: He felt a strange energy around himself.

The most frequent pitfall for learners is confusing em volta de with por volta de. While they look similar, their meanings are distinct and rarely interchangeable. Em volta de refers to physical space or surrounding a topic. Por volta de refers to approximate time or quantity. If you say 'Chego em volta das duas horas', a native speaker will understand you, but it sounds unnatural; 'Chego por volta das duas horas' is the correct way to say 'I'll arrive around two o'clock'.

The 'De' Omission: Learners often forget the 'de'. Saying 'em volta o parque' is incorrect. It must be 'em volta do parque'.
Confusion with 'A Volta': 'A volta' means 'the return' or 'the lap'. 'Em volta de' is the prepositional phrase. Don't confuse 'Fiz uma volta' (I did a lap) with 'Estou em volta' (I am around).
Preposition Overload: Some learners try to say 'em volta a', but the fixed preposition for this locution is always 'de'.

Errado: O cão corre em volta o jardim.
Correto: O cão corre em volta do jardim.

Note: The contraction 'do' (de + o) is mandatory.

Another subtle mistake involves the use of personal pronouns. When saying 'around me' or 'around him', you must use the prepositional form of the pronoun after 'de'. For example: 'em volta de mim', 'em volta dele' (de + ele), 'em volta dela'. English speakers often try to translate 'me' directly without considering the contraction or the specific pronoun rules in Portuguese. Mastering these small details is what elevates a learner from A2 to B1 and beyond.

Errado: Estarei lá em volta das cinco horas.
Correto: Estarei lá por volta das cinco horas.

Explanation: Use 'por volta de' for time approximations.

Portuguese offers several ways to express the concept of 'around', each with slightly different nuances. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more precise and vary your vocabulary. The most direct synonym is ao redor de, which is very common in Brazil and slightly more formal in Portugal. Another frequent option is em torno de, which is often used for abstract concepts or mathematical approximations.

Ao redor de: Virtually identical to 'em volta de'. Use it to avoid repetition in long texts. 'A cerca ao redor do campo' vs 'A cerca em volta do campo'.
Em torno de: Often used for 'about' or 'concerning'. 'A discussão girou em torno de dinheiro' (The discussion revolved around money).
Cerca de: Strictly for numbers and quantities. 'Havia cerca de mil pessoas' (There were about a thousand people).
Rodeado por / de: A passive construction meaning 'surrounded by'. 'A casa está rodeada de árvores'.

A discussão girou em torno do orçamento anual.

Example of 'em torno de' used for an abstract focus.

When choosing between these, consider the level of formality. 'Em volta de' is the workhorse—reliable, common, and neutral. 'Ao redor de' adds a touch of descriptive flair. 'Em torno de' is perfect for intellectual or mathematical contexts. For a B1 learner, mastering 'em volta de' first is the most efficient path, as it covers the widest range of daily physical descriptions. As you progress to B2 and C1, you can begin to pepper in the others to show a more sophisticated command of Portuguese synonyms.

Eles moram ao redor da praça principal.

Alternative: Using 'ao redor de' for physical location.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"A vegetação endémica em volta da bacia hidrográfica é protegida por lei."

Neutral

"Coloque uma cerca em volta do jardim para proteger as flores."

Informal

"Ficámos todos em volta da fogueira a contar histórias."

Child friendly

"O coelhinho saltita em volta da cenoura grande."

Slang

"Para de andar em volta de mim, pá!"

Fun Fact

The root 'volvere' is the same ancestor for English words like 'revolve', 'evolution', and 'volume' (which originally referred to a rolled-up scroll).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ẽɪ̃ ˈvɔɫ.tɐ dɨ/

US /ẽɪ̃ ˈvɔw.tɐ dʒi/

The primary stress is on the first syllable of 'volta' (VÕL-ta).

Rhymes With

solta escolta revolta acolta desmolda folga tolha colha

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'em' like the English 'em' in 'them' without the nasal quality.
Closing the 'o' in 'volta' (it should be open, like 'ball', not closed like 'bowl').
Over-emphasizing the 'de' at the end; it should be quick and linked to the next word.
Forgetting the nasalization of the 'm' in 'em'.
Pronouncing the 'l' in 'volta' too strongly like an English 'l' (it should be velarized or vocalized).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text once the concept of contractions is understood.

Writing 4/5

Requires careful attention to gender and number for the mandatory 'de' contractions.

Speaking 3/5

Nasalization of 'em' and the open 'o' in 'volta' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'por volta de' or 'à volta de' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

em de volta perto longe

Learn Next

ao redor de em torno de por volta de cerca de

Advanced

circundar envolver periferia âmago

Grammar to Know

Contraction of 'de' with definite articles

de + o = do; de + a = da; de + os = dos; de + as = das

Use of prepositional pronouns after 'de'

em volta de mim, em volta de ti, em volta dele

Spatial vs. Temporal prepositions

em volta de (space) vs por volta de (time)

Agreement of the noun following the locution

em volta dos parques (plural)

Verbs of motion requiring spatial complements

O satélite orbita em volta da Terra.

Examples by Level

As cadeiras estão em volta da mesa.

The chairs are around the table.

da = de + a (table is feminine)

Há um jardim em volta da casa.

There is a garden around the house.

da = de + a

O gato corre em volta do sofá.

The cat runs around the sofa.

do = de + o (sofa is masculine)

Nós sentamos em volta da fogueira.

We sit around the campfire.

da = de + a

As crianças brincam em volta da árvore.

The children play around the tree.

da = de + a

A fita está em volta do presente.

The ribbon is around the gift.

do = de + o

O cão anda em volta do dono.

The dog walks around the owner.

do = de + o

Há luzes em volta da porta.

There are lights around the door.

da = de + a

Eles caminham em volta do lago todas as manhãs.

They walk around the lake every morning.

Present tense verb + prepositional locution.

Coloque a moldura em volta da foto.

Put the frame around the photo.

Imperative mood usage.

O avião voou em volta da cidade.

The plane flew around the city.

Past tense 'voou'.

Vimos muitos pássaros em volta da fonte.

We saw many birds around the fountain.

Plural noun 'pássaros'.

O muro em volta da escola é azul.

The wall around the school is blue.

Noun + prepositional locution as a modifier.

Por favor, não corra em volta da piscina.

Please, don't run around the swimming pool.

Negative imperative.

O colar em volta do pescoço dela é de ouro.

The necklace around her neck is made of gold.

Possessive 'dela'.

Há uma cerca em volta do campo de futebol.

There is a fence around the football field.

Compound noun 'campo de futebol'.

A discussão em volta do projeto foi muito produtiva.

The discussion around the project was very productive.

Abstract use of 'em volta de'.

Os planetas giram em volta do Sol em órbitas elípticas.

The planets revolve around the Sun in elliptical orbits.

Scientific context.

Havia um mistério em volta daquela casa abandonada.

There was a mystery around that abandoned house.

Imperfect tense 'havia'.

Ele enrolou o cachecol em volta do pescoço antes de sair.

He wrapped the scarf around his neck before going out.

Reflexive-like action with 'enrolar'.

O público apertou-se em volta do palco para ver o cantor.

The audience crowded around the stage to see the singer.

Pronominal verb 'apertar-se'.

A vegetação em volta do rio é muito densa.

The vegetation around the river is very dense.

Descriptive noun phrase.

Tudo o que ele faz gera polémica em volta de si.

Everything he does generates controversy around him.

Use with prepositional pronoun 'si'.

Construíram um fosso em volta do castelo medieval.

They built a moat around the medieval castle.

Third person plural 'construíram'.

A aura de segredo em volta do governo preocupa os cidadãos.

The aura of secrecy around the government worries the citizens.

Complex abstract noun phrase.

O autor criou um mundo fantástico em volta de mitos antigos.

The author created a fantastic world around ancient myths.

Creative/Literary context.

As negociações em volta do cessar-fogo duraram a noite toda.

The negotiations around the ceasefire lasted all night.

Political terminology.

O arquiteto planeou um pátio interior em volta do qual a casa se organiza.

The architect planned an interior courtyard around which the house is organized.

Relative pronoun 'o qual' after the locution.

Sempre houve muita especulação em volta da sua fortuna pessoal.

There has always been much speculation around his personal fortune.

Compound past 'sempre houve'.

A fumaça em volta do vulcão impedia a visibilidade dos pilotos.

The smoke around the volcano hindered the pilots' visibility.

Scientific/Environmental context.

O debate em volta das alterações climáticas é urgente.

The debate around climate change is urgent.

Plural contraction 'das'.

Ele sentia que o mundo desabava em volta dele.

He felt that the world was collapsing around him.

Contraction 'dele' (de + ele).

A complexidade em volta da legislação tributária exige especialistas.

The complexity around tax legislation requires specialists.

Formal/Professional register.

O escândalo em volta da empresa resultou em várias demissões.

The scandal around the company resulted in several resignations.

Causal relationship.

A narrativa constrói-se em volta de um narrador pouco confiável.

The narrative is built around an unreliable narrator.

Literary analysis term.

Existe um consenso em volta da necessidade de reformas estruturais.

There is a consensus around the need for structural reforms.

Political/Economic jargon.

A malha urbana desenvolveu-se em volta do antigo porto romano.

The urban fabric developed around the ancient Roman port.

Urban planning terminology.

A simbologia em volta da coroa é rica e multifacetada.

The symbolism around the crown is rich and multifaceted.

Academic/Historical context.

O silêncio em volta da sua partida foi ensurdecedor.

The silence around his departure was deafening.

Metaphorical/Oxymoron usage.

As restrições em volta do uso de dados pessoais são rigorosas.

The restrictions around the use of personal data are strict.

Legal/Tech context.

A tessitura social em volta das comunidades rurais está a desintegrar-se.

The social fabric around rural communities is disintegrating.

Socio-economic analysis.

O hermetismo em volta dos rituais iniciáticos desperta curiosidade.

The hermeticism around the initiation rituals sparks curiosity.

High-level vocabulary (hermetismo).

A polifonia de vozes em volta do tema enriquece a obra.

The polyphony of voices around the theme enriches the work.

Literary/Music theory term applied to discourse.

O vácuo de poder em volta do líder deposto gerou caos.

The power vacuum around the deposed leader generated chaos.

Political science metaphor.

A exegese em volta dos textos sagrados é uma tarefa milenar.

The exegesis around the sacred texts is a millenary task.

Theological/Academic term (exegese).

A fluidez das fronteiras em volta da identidade nacional é debatida.

The fluidity of borders around national identity is debated.

Sociological abstract concept.

O misticismo em volta da figura do eremita atraía peregrinos.

The mysticism around the figure of the hermit attracted pilgrims.

Historical/Religious context.

A entropia em volta do sistema termodinâmico foi calculada com precisão.

The entropy around the thermodynamic system was calculated precisely.

Advanced scientific terminology.

Common Collocations

sentar em volta da mesa

correr em volta do parque

em volta do pescoço

muro em volta de

girar em volta de

polémica em volta de

em volta da fogueira

segurança em volta do

mistério em volta de

vegetação em volta de

Common Phrases

Dar a volta por cima

— To overcome a difficult situation or make a comeback. Not literal spatial use.

Depois do fracasso, ele deu a volta por cima.

Estar em volta com

— To be busy or occupied with something. Slightly idiomatic.

Estou em volta com as limpezas da casa.

Andar em volta de

— To be hanging around something or someone, sometimes with suspicious intent.

Havia um estranho a andar em volta da casa.

Fazer uma volta

— To go for a short walk or a drive.

Vou fazer uma volta pelo quarteirão.

Em volta de si

— Around oneself. Used for personal awareness or space.

Ele olhou em volta de si para ver se estava sozinho.

De volta a

— Back to. Used for returning to a place.

Estou de volta a casa finalmente.

Dar voltas à cabeça

— To think intensely about something, often causing worry.

Isso está a dar-me voltas à cabeça.

À volta de

— The European Portuguese variant of 'em volta de'.

Eles moram à volta de Lisboa.

Por volta de

— Approximately, used for time and numbers.

Chego por volta das oito.

Na volta

— Maybe, or 'on the way back'.

Na volta, ele ainda vem connosco.

Often Confused With

em volta de vs por volta de

Used for approximate time or quantity, not physical space.

em volta de vs de volta

Means 'back' or 'returned', e.g., 'Estou de volta'.

em volta de vs à volta

Often used in Portugal as a synonym, but can also mean 'nearby' without a complement.

Idioms & Expressions

"Dar voltas ao miolo"

— To rack one's brains; to think very hard about a problem.

Tive de dar voltas ao miolo para resolver o enigma.

Informal

"Andar às voltas"

— To go in circles, either literally or when trying to solve something unsuccessfully.

Estamos a andar às voltas e não chegamos a lado nenhum.

Neutral

"Trocar as voltas"

— To confuse someone or mess up their plans.

A chuva trocou-nos as voltas para o piquenique.

Informal

"Estar de volta"

— To be back or returned.

O verão está de volta!

Neutral

"Dar uma volta de 180 graus"

— To make a complete change in direction or opinion.

A vida dele deu uma volta de 180 graus.

Neutral

"Andar em volta de alguém"

— To flatter someone or try to get their attention constantly.

Ele anda sempre em volta do chefe.

Informal

"Uma volta no parafuso"

— To increase pressure or complexity in a situation.

O governo deu mais uma volta no parafuso dos impostos.

Journalistic

"Às voltas com"

— Struggling with or deeply involved in a task.

Estou às voltas com este relatório há horas.

Informal

"Dar a volta ao mundo"

— To travel around the world.

O meu sonho é dar a volta ao mundo.

Neutral

"Na volta do correio"

— By return of post; immediately.

Respondeu-me na volta do correio.

Formal/Old-fashioned

Easily Confused

em volta de vs por volta de

Similar appearance and both translate to 'around'.

Em volta de is spatial (surrounding an object). Por volta de is temporal (approximate time).

Em volta da casa (around the house) vs Por volta das duas (around two o'clock).

em volta de vs ao redor de

Exact synonym.

Ao redor de is more common in Brazil and slightly more formal. Em volta de is the standard in Portugal.

Ambos significam 'around'.

em volta de vs em torno de

Similar meaning.

Em torno de is often used for abstract focus or mathematical 'about'.

A discussão foi em torno do dinheiro.

em volta de vs cerca de

Translates to 'about/around'.

Cerca de is only for quantities and numbers, never for physical surrounding.

Havia cerca de dez pessoas.

em volta de vs perto de

Spatial proximity.

Perto de means 'near'. Em volta de means 'surrounding' or 'around'.

Estou perto da mesa (near) vs Estou em volta da mesa (surrounding).

Sentence Patterns

O/A [Object] está em volta de [Noun].

A cadeira está em volta da mesa.

Eu [Verb] em volta de [Noun].

Eu corro em volta do estádio.

Há um/uma [Noun] em volta de [Noun].

Há um muro em volta da escola.

[Verb] o [Object] em volta de [Noun].

Enrole o cachecol em volta do pescoço.

A discussão/polémica em volta de [Noun]...

A polémica em volta do filme cresceu.

A estrutura organiza-se em volta de [Noun].

O sistema organiza-se em volta do servidor central.

Em volta de [Pronoun], tudo parecia...

Em volta de si, tudo parecia calmo.

O hermetismo/misticismo em volta de [Noun]...

O misticismo em volta da lenda é fascinante.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

Em volta o parque. → Em volta do parque.
You must contract the preposition 'de' with the article 'o'.
Chego em volta das cinco. → Chego por volta das cinco.
Use 'por volta de' for time approximations.
Em volta de o meu amigo. → Em volta do meu amigo.
Possessive adjectives also usually trigger the contraction.
A fita em volta a caixa. → A fita em volta da caixa.
The fixed preposition for this locution is 'de', not 'a'.
Eles sentaram em volta mesa. → Eles sentaram em volta da mesa.
The definite article 'da' is required for specific objects.

Tips

Master the Contractions

Always remember that 'de' must merge with the next article. Practice saying 'do, da, dos, das' until it becomes automatic.

Space vs Time

Keep a mental clear line: 'Em' for space (Em volta de), 'Por' for time (Por volta de). This prevents the most common learner mistake.

Nasal 'Em'

The 'em' in 'em volta de' is nasal. Don't pronounce the 'm' with your lips; let the sound go through your nose.

Synonym Variety

If you've used 'em volta de' once in a paragraph, try 'ao redor de' the next time to show off your vocabulary.

The Table Rule

Whenever you see a group of people eating, they are 'em volta da mesa'. Use this phrase to describe social scenes.

Listen for the 'V'

In fast speech, the 'em' might be short, but the 'V' in 'volta' is usually clear. It helps you identify the phrase.

Nature Descriptions

Use it to describe trees, lakes, and mountains. It adds a professional descriptive layer to your Portuguese.

Topic Focus

Use it to describe the 'buzz' or 'talk' around a topic: 'A conversa em volta do clima'.

Avoid 'Em Volta O'

Never leave the 'de' out or fail to contract it. It is the number one marker of a non-native speaker.

Daily Routine

Describe your commute. Do you go 'em volta de' a specific square or monument? Say it out loud.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a **VOLT**age meter's needle moving **AROUND** a dial. 'Em **VOLTA** de' is the movement **AROUND**.

Visual Association

Imagine a **V**-shaped valley with a river running **AROUND** a central mountain. The 'V' in 'volta' reminds you of the curvature.

Word Web

Círculo Rodear Centro Perímetro Mesa Sol Terra Abraço

Challenge

Try to describe five things in your room using 'em volta de'. For example: 'A moldura em volta do espelho' or 'O tapete em volta da cama'.

Word Origin

From the Portuguese word 'volta', which comes from the Vulgar Latin '*volta', a feminine form of 'voltus', the past participle of 'volvere' (to roll or turn).

Original meaning: A turn, a rotation, or the act of returning.

Romance (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but be aware that in very formal Brazilian legal documents, 'em torno de' is often preferred over 'em volta de'.

English speakers often use 'around' for both space and time. In Portuguese, you must split these into 'em volta de' (space) and 'por volta de' (time).

The Portuguese National Anthem mentions 'Às armas, às armas! Sobre a terra, sobre o mar...', implying a defense of everything *around* the nation. The scientific work of Bartolomeu de Gusmão regarding early aviation and 'moving around' the air. Popular songs like 'A Volta' by Roberto Carlos, which deals with the emotional 'return' rather than spatial surrounding.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Home and Garden

em volta da mesa
em volta da casa
em volta do jardim
em volta da piscina

Science and Nature

em volta do sol
em volta do núcleo
em volta da terra
em volta do eixo

Social Gatherings

em volta da fogueira
em volta do bolo
em volta do palco
em volta dos amigos

Clothing

em volta do pescoço
em volta da cintura
em volta do braço
em volta da cabeça

Abstract Discussions

em volta do tema
em volta da ideia
em volta do problema
em volta da questão

Conversation Starters

"O que é que costumas ter em volta da tua mesa de trabalho?"

"Gostas de caminhar em volta do parque ou preferes o ginásio?"

"Há algum mistério em volta da história da tua cidade?"

"O que é que as pessoas costumam fazer em volta de uma fogueira no teu país?"

"Como é a paisagem em volta da tua casa de infância?"

Journal Prompts

Descreve o que vês em volta de ti neste exato momento.

Escreve sobre uma memória de infância que aconteceu em volta de uma mesa de jantar.

Se pudesses construir um muro em volta de algo para o proteger, o que seria?

Reflete sobre como a vida social em volta do café é importante na cultura portuguesa.

Imagina que és um planeta. Descreve o que vês enquanto giras em volta do sol.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use 'por volta de' for time. 'Em volta de' is strictly for spatial surrounding or abstract focus. For example, 'por volta das 5h' (around 5pm) is correct.

In European Portuguese, they are virtually identical and interchangeable. 'À volta de' is very common in speech in Portugal. In Brazil, 'em volta de' or 'ao redor de' are preferred.

Yes, if the noun that follows requires a definite article (which most do in Portuguese). You must contract 'de' + 'o' to 'do' and 'de' + 'a' to 'da'. For example: 'em volta do jardim'.

Yes, that is the correct way to say 'around me'. You use the prepositional personal pronoun after the 'de'.

There is no difference in meaning. 'Ao redor de' is slightly more formal and more frequent in Brazilian Portuguese, while 'em volta de' is standard and neutral everywhere.

You use the plural contractions: 'dos' (masculine) or 'das' (feminine). Example: 'em volta das árvores' (around the trees).

Yes, it can, but 'cerca de' or 'em torno de' are much more common for numbers. Example: 'Havia em volta de vinte pessoas' is possible but less frequent.

It is technically a 'locução prepositiva' (prepositional locution), which is a group of words that functions as a single preposition.

Yes, it is often used with verbs like 'correr' (run), 'girar' (spin), or 'caminhar' (walk) to show a circular path.

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in formal writing, though authors might use 'ao redor de' or 'em torno de' for stylistic variety.