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A2 verb 10 min read

empenhar-se

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips empenhar-se in 30 Seconds

Explanation empenhar-se in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn about verbs that describe actions. 'Empenhar-se' might seem a bit complex because it is reflexive, meaning the action comes back to the person doing it. However, you can think of it simply as 'to try very hard.' At this stage, you should focus on the present tense for yourself: 'Eu me empenho.' For example, if you want to tell your teacher you are trying hard to learn Portuguese, you can say: 'Eu me empenho em falar português.' It's a great way to show you are a serious student. Remember the little word 'me' before the verb – it's like saying 'I commit *myself*.' Even though it's a big word, using it correctly will make you sound very advanced for a beginner! Just focus on the basic structure: Subject + me/se + empenha + em + activity. It's a useful word for school, hobbies, and simple goals.

At the A2 level, you are building your ability to talk about your routine and your personal goals. 'Empenhar-se' is perfect for this. You can use it to describe your dedication to your job, your family, or your health. At this level, you should start using different subjects: 'Nós nos empenhamos' (We strive) or 'Eles se empenham' (They strive). You will also start to notice that 'empenhar-se' is usually followed by the preposition 'em.' For example: 'Ela se empenha no trabalho' (She strives in her work). Notice how 'em' plus 'o' becomes 'no.' This is a key A2 grammar point. You can also use it in the past tense to talk about things you did: 'Eu me empenhei muito ontem' (I worked very hard yesterday). It helps you move beyond the very basic verb 'fazer' (to do) and express the *quality* of your actions.

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more professional and social situations. 'Empenhar-se' becomes a vital part of your vocabulary for job interviews, workplace discussions, and describing life experiences. You should be comfortable using it in various tenses, including the Imperfeito (Eu me empenhava) and the Futuro do Presente (Eu vou me empenhar). At this level, you understand the nuance that 'empenhar-se' implies a higher level of commitment than 'tentar.' You might use it to discuss social issues or community projects. For instance: 'A comunidade se empenha em manter o parque limpo.' You should also be able to use the noun form 'empenho' (commitment/effort). For example: 'Agradecemos o seu empenho no projeto.' This shows you can navigate different word classes and express complex ideas about dedication and productivity.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'empenhar-se' with precision and in more complex grammatical structures, such as the subjunctive mood. For example: 'É importante que todos se empenhem na preservação da água.' Using the subjunctive 'empenhem' shows a high command of Portuguese grammar. You can also use the verb to discuss abstract concepts, like political engagement or scientific research. At this level, you should distinguish 'empenhar-se' from its synonyms like 'esforçar-se' or 'dedicar-se' depending on the formality of the context. You might also encounter the word in more formal writing, where the reflexive pronoun might be placed after the verb (ênclise): 'Empenhar-se-ão os funcionários na nova tarefa.' While you might not speak like this, being able to read and understand these formal placements is a key B2 skill. It's about showing a deep, committed 'empenho' to the language itself.

At the C1 level, you use 'empenhar-se' as a nuanced tool to express sophisticated intent and analyze the efforts of others. You can use it in idiomatic expressions or combine it with advanced adverbs to refine the meaning: 'Ele se empenhou arduamente' or 'Ela se empenhou incansavelmente.' You understand the etymological roots (the concept of 'penhor' or pledge) and can use this to add depth to your speeches or writing. At this level, you can also use the verb in legal or highly formal contexts, such as 'empenhar a palavra' (to give one's word/pledge). You are comfortable with all reflexive pronoun placements and can use the verb in complex conditional sentences: 'Se tivéssemos nos empenhado mais, o resultado teria sido diferente.' Your usage is natural, fluid, and contextually perfect, reflecting the high-level commitment the verb itself describes.

At the C2 level, 'empenhar-se' is a word you master in all its stylistic and historical dimensions. You can use it to discuss philosophical dedication, historical movements, or the intricate workings of government and law. You might use it in literary analysis to describe a character's motivations or in a keynote speech to inspire a large audience. At this level, the distinction between 'empenhar-se' and other verbs of effort is second nature, and you can play with the word's connotations to achieve specific rhetorical effects. You are also aware of regional variations in usage across the entire Lusophone world, from Lisbon to Luanda to Rio de Janeiro. You can use the verb to express the most profound levels of human striving, reflecting a complete and total mastery of the Portuguese language's expressive power.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

empenhar-se in 30 Seconds

Empenhar-se is a reflexive verb meaning to strive or commit oneself deeply to a task, going beyond a simple attempt.
It requires reflexive pronouns (me, se, nos) and is typically followed by the preposition 'em' to indicate the activity.
Commonly used in professional, academic, and sports contexts to signal serious intent, hard work, and high-level dedication.
It is a regular -ar verb but its meaning changes significantly if the reflexive pronoun is omitted (becoming 'to pawn').

The Portuguese verb empenhar-se is a powerful reflexive verb that goes far beyond the simple English concept of 'trying.' While 'tentar' means to try, 'empenhar-se' implies a deep, personal commitment to a cause, a task, or a goal. It originates from the word 'penhor,' which means a pledge or a security deposit. Therefore, when you 'empenhar-se,' you are metaphorically putting yourself up as collateral for the success of the endeavor. It is the difference between casual effort and total dedication.

Core Concept: The act of devoting one's full energy, resources, and focus toward a specific outcome, often involving a sense of duty or passion.
Emotional Resonance: It carries a connotation of nobility and persistence. It is a word frequently used by teachers to students, managers to employees, and athletes to their fans to signal a promise of high performance.

In everyday life, you will hear this word in contexts where the stakes are high. It is not used for trivial things like trying a new flavor of ice cream; rather, it is used for passing a difficult exam, saving a relationship, or completing a professional project.

Ela prometeu empenhar-se ao máximo para ganhar a competição de natação este ano.

This sentence illustrates that the subject isn't just participating; she is promising her utmost effort. Culturally, Lusophone societies value the concept of 'empenho' as a character trait. Someone who is 'empenhado' is seen as reliable, hardworking, and serious.

Os voluntários empenharam-se na reconstrução da escola após a tempestade.

Here, the word highlights the collective dedication of the group.

Social Context: In a job interview, saying 'Eu me empenho em tudo o que faço' (I commit myself to everything I do) is a strong selling point that suggests you are a high-achiever.

Nós precisamos nos empenhar mais se quisermos atingir a meta de vendas.

This call to action is common in corporate environments.

O governo deve empenhar-se na melhoria do sistema de saúde pública.

Political discourse frequently employs this term to signal intended action and focus. Finally, in personal relationships, 'empenhar-se' denotes the work required to maintain a healthy bond.

Um casamento exige que ambos os parceiros se empenhem diariamente.

This depth of meaning makes it one of the most versatile and essential verbs for expressing serious intent in Portuguese.

To use empenhar-se correctly, you must master its reflexive nature and its pairing with the preposition 'em.' The verb follows the regular first conjugation (-ar) pattern, but the reflexive pronoun must change to match the subject. For example, in the present tense: 'Eu me empenho,' 'Tu te empenhas,' 'Ele se empenha,' 'Nós nos empenhamos,' and 'Eles se empenham.'

Grammatical Structure: [Subject] + [Reflexive Pronoun] + [Conjugated Verb] + [Preposition 'em'] + [Object/Activity].

If the object is a verb, it remains in the infinitive. For instance: 'Eu me empenho em aprender' (I strive to learn). If it is a noun, the preposition 'em' often contracts with articles: 'em + o = no,' 'em + a = na.'

Eles se empenharam no projeto de caridade durante todo o final de semana.

Notice how 'em' combined with 'o projeto' to become 'no projeto.' In the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), it describes a completed act of dedication.

Você se empenhou muito para conseguir essa promoção, parabéns!

This usage celebrates the effort that led to a result. When using modal verbs like 'querer' (to want) or 'dever' (should), the reflexive pronoun can be attached to the infinitive or placed before the modal.

Nós queremos nos empenhar na preservação do meio ambiente local.

This construction is very common in formal speeches.

Negative Sentences: In negative sentences, the pronoun usually moves before the verb: 'Ele não se empenhou o suficiente' (He didn't strive enough).

Se você não se empenhar, não terá bons resultados nos exames finais.

This conditional use is a typical warning from mentors.

O diretor vai se empenhar pessoalmente para resolver o seu problema.

This provides a sense of security and high-level attention.

Imperative Use: When giving advice, you might say: 'Empenhe-se!' (Strive! / Give it your all!). It's a strong motivational command.

Using this verb correctly shows a high level of Portuguese proficiency because it demonstrates an understanding of reflexive structures and nuanced vocabulary.

You will encounter empenhar-se in various professional and academic settings across the Portuguese-speaking world. In a Brazilian or Portuguese office, a manager might use it during a performance review to describe a worker's dedication. It is also a staple of sports journalism. When a team loses despite playing hard, the commentator might say 'Eles se empenharam, mas não foi o suficiente' (They gave their all, but it wasn't enough).

Professional Environment: Used in LinkedIn profiles and CVs to indicate a hardworking nature. 'Sempre me empenho para entregar resultados de alta qualidade.'
Educational Setting: Teachers use it to encourage students. 'Se você se empenhar nos estudos, terá um futuro brilhante.'

In the news, you will see it in headlines regarding government initiatives or social movements. For example, 'A prefeitura se empenha em vacinar toda a população' (The city hall is striving to vaccinate the entire population). It suggests an active, ongoing effort.

O atleta empenhou-se na recuperação da lesão para jogar a final.

This is a common narrative in sports documentaries. In literature and high-level journalism, the word is used to describe historical figures who dedicated their lives to a cause.

Muitos cientistas se empenham na busca por uma cura para o câncer há décadas.

This highlights the long-term nature of the effort.

Public Service Announcements: Campaigns against hunger or for environmental protection often use the imperative 'Empenhe-se nesta causa!' to mobilize the public.

A comunidade empenhou-se para limpar a praia local no último domingo.

This reflects a grassroots community effort.

Os músicos se empenharam em ensaiar a nova peça por meses.

Artistic dedication is another primary domain for this verb. Whether in a formal speech by a president or a heart-to-heart talk between friends, 'empenhar-se' is the go-to word for expressing serious, focused endeavor.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is forgetting the reflexive pronoun. In English, 'strive' or 'commit' aren't reflexive, so learners often say 'Eu empenho' instead of 'Eu me empenho.' Without the pronoun, the verb 'empenhar' can mean 'to pawn' an object (like a watch or jewelry) at a pawn shop, which creates a completely different and often confusing sentence.

Reflexive Omission: Incorrect: 'Ele empenha muito no trabalho.' Correct: 'Ele se empenha muito no trabalho.' The 'se' is vital for the meaning of 'striving.'
Preposition Confusion: Using 'para' or 'de' instead of 'em.' While 'para' can sometimes be used to indicate a goal (empenhar-se para conseguir), the standard preposition for the activity itself is 'em.'

Another mistake is confusing 'empenhar-se' with 'esforçar-se.' While they are synonyms, 'empenhar-se' often implies a more formal or deeper commitment, whereas 'esforçar-se' is more about the physical or mental exertion itself.

Não diga 'Eu me empenho de ler'; o correto é 'Eu me empenho em ler'.

Prepositional errors are the hallmark of intermediate learners. Learners also struggle with the placement of the pronoun. In Brazil, you will almost always hear 'Eu me empenho,' but in a formal exam or in Portugal, 'Empenho-me' might be required depending on the sentence structure.

Errado: 'Nós se empenhamos.' Correto: 'Nós nos empenhamos.'

Matching the pronoun to the subject (nos for nós) is a common hurdle.

Overusing 'Tentar': Beginners often use 'tentar' (to try) for everything. Using 'empenhar-se' makes your Portuguese sound much more sophisticated and precise.

Evite dizer apenas 'Eu tento ser melhor'. Prefira 'Eu me empenho em ser melhor'.

Finally, remember that 'empenhar-se' is a verb of action. It's not just a feeling; it implies that you are doing something tangible to achieve your goal. Avoid using it for passive situations.

Portuguese offers several synonyms for empenhar-se, each with a slightly different flavor. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most common alternative is 'esforçar-se.'

Esforçar-se: This means 'to make an effort.' It focuses more on the energy spent than the personal pledge. It's very common in everyday speech. Example: 'Eu me esforço para acordar cedo.'
Dedicar-se: This means 'to dedicate oneself.' It implies a long-term time commitment and passion. You 'dedicar-se' to a hobby, a career, or a person. Example: 'Ela se dedica à música há anos.'

Another close relative is 'aplicar-se.' This is often used in academic contexts, meaning to apply oneself or study diligently.

O aluno aplicou-se muito nos estudos de matemática este semestre.

If you want to sound more informal and determined, you might use 'dar o sangue' (to give one's blood), which is an idiom for working extremely hard. In a more formal or literary context, you might see 'desdobrar-se' (to unfold oneself), which means to go to great lengths or 'do the impossible' to help or achieve something.

A mãe desdobrou-se para cuidar de todos os filhos sozinha.

Lutar por: Meaning 'to fight for.' This is used when there is significant opposition or difficulty. Example: 'Eles lutam por justiça social.'

Ele se comprometeu a terminar o relatório até amanhã.

'Comprometer-se' is also a strong synonym, meaning 'to commit oneself.' It is often followed by 'a' + infinitive. Finally, 'focar-se' (to focus) is increasingly common in modern Portuguese, especially in business contexts, to describe directing all effort toward a single point. Each of these words enriches your ability to describe human effort and determination.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'empenhar' is still used today in Brazil and Portugal to mean 'to pawn' something at a shop. If you say 'Eu empenhei meu relógio,' you mean you gave your watch for money, not that you worked hard with it!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ẽ.pe.ˈɲaɾ.sɨ/

US /ẽ.pe.ˈɲaʁ.si/

The stress is on the penult syllable of the verb itself: em-pe-NHAR-se.

Rhymes With

entregar-se dedicar-se esforçar-se aplicar-se levantar-se sentar-se lembrar-se olhar-se

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'nh' as a hard 'n' and 'h' separately.
Forgetting the nasal sound on the first 'em'.
Pronouncing the reflexive 'se' as a separate word 'see' with too much emphasis.
In Brazil, forgetting that 'empenhar' ends in a consonant and should not have an extra vowel sound before 'se' (unless using epenthesis).
Stress errors: putting the stress on 'pe' instead of 'nhar'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts, though reflexive pronouns can be tricky.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct pronoun matching and preposition 'em'.

Speaking 3/5

The 'nh' sound and reflexive placement require practice.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, but reflexive pronouns can be swallowed in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

esforço trabalho me/se/nos em tentar

Learn Next

desempenhar comprometer-se dedicação perseverança objetivo

Advanced

afinco obstinação abnegação zelo diligência

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Pronoun Placement

Em frases negativas, o pronome vem antes: 'Não me empenho'.

Prepositional Contraction

Empenhar-se em + o = Empenhar-se no.

First Conjugation Regular Verbs

Eu me empenho, você se empenha (like 'falar').

Subjunctive Mood for Desires

Quero que você se empenhe.

Infinitive Personal

Para nos empenharmos, precisamos de foco.

Examples by Level

Eu me empenho na escola.

I strive in school.

Simple present tense with 'me'.

Você se empenha no curso?

Do you strive in the course?

Question form using 'se' for 'você'.

Nós nos empenhamos hoje.

We strove today.

Pretérito perfeito (past) with 'nos'.

Eles se empenham muito.

They strive a lot.

Third person plural present.

Eu quero me empenhar.

I want to strive.

Infinitive with modal 'querer'.

Ela se empenha em ler.

She strives to read.

Verb + em + infinitive.

O menino se empenha no jogo.

The boy strives in the game.

Subject 'o menino' uses 'se'.

Sempre me empenho.

I always strive.

Adverb 'sempre' often pulls the pronoun before the verb.

Eu me empenho em aprender português todos os dias.

I strive to learn Portuguese every day.

Reflexive verb with daily routine.

Ela se empenhou muito para passar na prova.

She strove a lot to pass the exam.

Past tense 'empenhou-se' indicating completed effort.

Nós nos empenhamos na limpeza da casa.

We strove in cleaning the house.

Preposition 'na' (em + a).

Vocês precisam se empenhar mais nos treinos.

You (plural) need to strive more in the practices.

Plural 'vocês' with reflexive 'se'.

O meu pai se empenha no jardim aos domingos.

My father strives in the garden on Sundays.

Reflexive use for personal hobbies.

Eu não me empenhei o suficiente na tarefa.

I didn't strive enough on the task.

Negative sentence with 'não'.

Ela vai se empenhar para ser uma boa médica.

She is going to strive to be a good doctor.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

Eles se empenham em ajudar os vizinhos.

They strive to help the neighbors.

Social context of the verb.

Se você se empenhar, conseguirá a promoção que deseja.

If you strive, you will get the promotion you want.

Conditional 'if' clause with future result.

O diretor se empenhou em resolver o conflito entre os funcionários.

The director strove to resolve the conflict between the employees.

Professional context, past tense.

Nós nos empenhamos na criação de um novo produto.

We strove in the creation of a new product.

Business context with noun 'criação'.

É necessário se empenhar para manter um relacionamento saudável.

It is necessary to strive to maintain a healthy relationship.

Impersonal 'é necessário' followed by infinitive.

Os cientistas se empenham na busca por novas fontes de energia.

Scientists strive in the search for new energy sources.

Academic/Scientific context.

Sempre me empenhei para dar o melhor aos meus filhos.

I have always strove to give the best to my children.

Adverb 'sempre' with past tense.

Eles não se empenharam na organização do evento.

They didn't strive in the organization of the event.

Negative past tense.

Você deve se empenhar mais se quiser vencer a corrida.

You must strive more if you want to win the race.

Modal 'deve' (must/should).

Espero que todos se empenhem na realização desta conferência.

I hope that everyone strives in the realization of this conference.

Present subjunctive 'empenhem'.

O governo empenhou-se em reduzir a taxa de desemprego.

The government strove to reduce the unemployment rate.

Formal pronoun placement (ênclise).

Apesar das dificuldades, ela se empenhou em concluir o mestrado.

Despite the difficulties, she strove to finish her master's degree.

Concessive 'apesar de' clause.

Nós nos empenhamos em garantir que todos fossem ouvidos.

We strove to ensure that everyone was heard.

Past tense followed by past subjunctive.

O artista se empenha na perfeição de cada detalhe da sua obra.

The artist strives for the perfection of every detail of his work.

Abstract noun 'perfeição'.

Se tivessem se empenhado, teriam alcançado a meta anual.

If they had strove, they would have reached the annual goal.

Past conditional (Compound Pluperfect Subjunctive).

É fundamental que a empresa se empenhe na sustentabilidade.

It is fundamental that the company strives for sustainability.

Impersonal expression with subjunctive.

Eles se empenharam arduamente para reconstruir a vila.

They strove arduously to rebuild the village.

Use of the adverb 'arduamente'.

A instituição empenha-se em promover a igualdade de oportunidades.

The institution strives to promote equality of opportunities.

Formal ênclise in a corporate mission statement.

Empenhar-me-ei pessoalmente na resolução deste impasse diplomático.

I will personally strive to resolve this diplomatic impasse.

Mesoclise (future with internal pronoun) - very formal.

Ao empenhar-se na causa, ele acabou negligenciando a própria saúde.

By striving for the cause, he ended up neglecting his own health.

Infinitive personal 'ao empenhar-se'.

Não basta querer; é preciso que o indivíduo se empenhe de corpo e alma.

Wanting is not enough; the individual must strive with body and soul.

Idiomatic expression 'de corpo e alma'.

A equipa empenhou-se na preservação do património histórico da cidade.

The team strove to preserve the city's historical heritage.

European Portuguese spelling (equipa, património).

Caso se empenhem, os resultados serão visíveis em poucos meses.

Should they strive, the results will be visible in a few months.

Conditional 'caso' with subjunctive.

Ele sempre se empenhou em manter a integridade moral da família.

He always strove to maintain the family's moral integrity.

Abstract ethical context.

A escritora empenhou-se na criação de uma narrativa densa e complexa.

The writer strove to create a dense and complex narrative.

Literary creation context.

A nação deve empenhar-se na erradicação da pobreza estrutural.

The nation must strive for the eradication of structural poverty.

High-level socio-political vocabulary.

O filósofo empenhou-se na desconstrução dos mitos contemporâneos.

The philosopher strove to deconstruct contemporary myths.

Abstract philosophical application.

Empenhar-se na busca da verdade é o dever supremo do cientista.

Striving in the search for truth is the supreme duty of the scientist.

Infinitive as a noun/subject.

Oxalá todos se empenhem na construção de um mundo mais justo.

May everyone strive for the construction of a fairer world.

Use of 'Oxalá' (I hope/May God grant) with subjunctive.

A despeito das críticas, o autor empenhou-se na defesa da sua tese.

Despite the criticism, the author strove to defend his thesis.

Advanced transition 'A despeito de'.

É imperativo que a diplomacia se empenhe na manutenção da paz global.

It is imperative that diplomacy strives for the maintenance of global peace.

Formal imperative expression.

O empenhar-se contínuo é o que distingue o mestre do aprendiz.

Continuous striving is what distinguishes the master from the apprentice.

Substantivized infinitive.

Empenhando-se na arte, ele encontrou o sentido da sua existência.

By striving in art, he found the meaning of his existence.

Gerund 'empenhando-se' indicating means.

Common Collocations

empenhar-se ao máximo

empenhar-se a fundo

empenhar-se seriamente

empenhar-se na causa

empenhar-se no trabalho

empenhar-se nos estudos

empenhar-se em ajudar

empenhar-se em aprender

empenhar-se na busca

empenhar-se na solução

Common Phrases

Vale a pena empenhar-se.

— It is worth it to strive or put in the effort. Used as encouragement.

Estudar é difícil, mas vale a pena empenhar-se.

Vou me empenhar.

— I will give it my all. A standard promise of dedication.

Pode deixar, chefe, vou me empenhar neste relatório.

Ele se empenha demais.

— He strives too much. Can be a compliment or a warning about burnout.

Cuidado, ele se empenha demais e esquece de descansar.

Empenhe-se mais!

— Strive more! / Work harder! A common command from a superior.

Seus resultados estão baixos. Empenhe-se mais!

É preciso empenhar-se.

— It is necessary to strive. Used to state a general requirement for success.

Para vencer na vida, é preciso empenhar-se.

Sempre se empenhou.

— Always strove. Used to describe someone's consistent character.

Ela sempre se empenhou pela felicidade da família.

Empenharam-se em vão.

— They strove in vain. Used when effort did not lead to the desired result.

Infelizmente, eles se empenharam em vão na negociação.

Não se empenhou nada.

— Did not strive at all. A criticism of lack of effort.

Ele não se empenhou nada para ajudar na mudança.

Empenham-se por um ideal.

— They strive for an ideal. Used in political or philosophical contexts.

Muitos jovens se empenham por um ideal de justiça.

Empenhar-se de verdade.

— To strive for real. Implies authentic, non-superficial effort.

Desta vez eu vou me empenhar de verdade nos treinos.

Often Confused With

empenhar-se vs empenhar

Without 'se', it means 'to pawn' an object for money.

empenhar-se vs empenado

An adjective meaning 'warped' (usually wood), related but different.

empenhar-se vs desempenhar

Means 'to perform a role' or 'carry out a task', not just the effort itself.

Idioms & Expressions

"empenhar a palavra"

— To give one's word or promise something solemnly. It implies that your honor is at stake.

O político empenhou a sua palavra de que baixaria os impostos.

Formal

"empenhar-se de corpo e alma"

— To commit oneself with both body and soul; total dedication.

Ela se empenhou de corpo e alma na coreografia.

Informal/Neutral

"empenhar-se até ao pescoço"

— To be involved in something up to one's neck; very deep commitment or involvement.

Ele se empenhou até ao pescoço naquela dívida.

Informal

"empenhar o coração"

— To put one's heart into something. Very emotional dedication.

O cantor empenhou o coração naquela última música.

Literary

"empenhar cada fibra"

— To strive with every fiber of one's being.

O atleta empenhou cada fibra para cruzar a linha de chegada.

Formal/Literary

"empenhar esforços"

— To 'pledge efforts' or combine resources to achieve a goal.

As nações empenharam esforços para combater o vírus.

Formal

"empenhar o nome"

— To put one's reputation on the line for something.

O arquiteto empenhou o seu nome naquele projeto ousado.

Formal

"empenhar-se a fundo"

— To commit oneself deeply or thoroughly.

O detetive empenhou-se a fundo no caso criminal.

Neutral

"empenhar a vida"

— To dedicate one's life to a cause.

O missionário empenhou a vida na ajuda aos pobres.

Literary

"empenhar-se em demasia"

— To strive excessively, potentially to a fault.

Ela empenhou-se em demasia e acabou ficando doente.

Formal

Easily Confused

empenhar-se vs empenhar

Looks the same but lacks the reflexive pronoun.

Empenhar is 'to pawn'; empenhar-se is 'to strive'.

Eu empenhei meu anel (pawned). Eu me empenhei no curso (strove).

empenhar-se vs esforçar-se

Very similar meaning.

Esforçar-se is more about the energy; empenhar-se is more about the commitment.

Me esforço para correr. Me empenho no meu futuro.

empenhar-se vs dedicar-se

Both imply hard work.

Dedicar-se focuses on time and passion; empenhar-se focuses on effort and goal-reaching.

Dedico-me à música. Empenho-me em terminar o livro.

empenhar-se vs aplicar-se

Used in study contexts.

Aplicar-se is more specific to learning/tasks; empenhar-se is broader.

Aplique-se na lição. Empenhe-se na vida.

empenhar-se vs comprometer-se

Both involve commitment.

Comprometer-se is more about the agreement/promise; empenhar-se is about the following action.

Comprometo-me a ir. Empenho-me em fazer bem.

Sentence Patterns

Eu me empenho em [infinitive].

Eu me empenho em estudar.

Ela se empenhou no [noun].

Ela se empenhou no trabalho.

Se você se empenhar, [future].

Se você se empenhar, vai passar.

É importante que se empenhem em [noun].

É importante que se empenhem na tarefa.

[Gerund]-se, ele conseguiu [verb].

Empenhando-se, ele conseguiu o cargo.

O empenhar-se é [adjective].

O empenhar-se é fundamental.

Eles não se empenharam o suficiente.

Eles não se empenharam o suficiente para vencer.

Nós nos empenhamos muito hoje.

Nós nos empenhamos muito hoje na limpeza.

Word Family

Nouns

empenho (commitment, effort)

empenhamento (the act of committing)

penhor (pledge, collateral)

Verbs

empenhar (to pawn, to pledge)

desempenhar (to perform, to carry out a role)

penhorar (to seize for debt, to pledge)

Adjectives

empenhado (committed, dedicated)

empenhativo (that shows commitment - rare)

desempenhado (performed, unburdened)

desempenho (performance)

empenha (part of a shoe)

penhorista (pawnbroker)

empenhadora (one who pawns)

desempenhar-se (to fulfill a duty)

How to Use It

frequency

High in professional and educational contexts.

Common Mistakes

Eu empenho muito. → Eu me empenho muito.
Missing the reflexive pronoun changes the meaning to 'I pawn much.'
Nós se empenhamos. → Nós nos empenhamos.
The pronoun 'se' does not match the subject 'nós'.
Eu me empenho de aprender. → Eu me empenho em aprender.
The verb 'empenhar-se' requires the preposition 'em', not 'de'.
Eu empenhei o trabalho. → Eu me empenhei no trabalho.
Without 'me' and 'no', it sounds like you took your work to a pawn shop.
Eles se empenham para o projeto. → Eles se empenham no projeto.
While 'para' can work for goals, 'no' (em+o) is the standard for the activity itself.

Tips

Pronoun Match

Always ensure your reflexive pronoun matches your subject. 'Eu me', 'Você se', 'Nós nos', 'Eles se'. This is the most common error.

Upgrade from Tentar

Whenever you want to say 'I'm trying hard,' use 'empenhar-se' instead of 'tentar muito' to sound more like a native speaker.

The Nasal 'EM'

The first syllable 'em' is nasal. Don't pronounce the 'm' fully; instead, let the sound go through your nose.

Professional Use

Use this verb in your professional emails to show dedication. 'Vou me empenhar para entregar o projeto' sounds very reliable.

Nouns vs Verbs

Using the noun 'empenho' is also very common. 'Com muito empenho' (with much effort) is a great phrase to add to your writing.

Pledge Connection

Remember that 'empenhar' comes from 'penhor' (pledge). You are pledging your effort to a cause.

Preposition 'EM'

Think of 'empenhar-se EM' as 'committing IN' something. This helps you remember the correct preposition.

Hyphen Use

If you are in Portugal, remember the hyphen: 'Empenho-me'. It's essential for correct written grammar there.

Casual Flow

In Brazil, don't worry too much about the hyphen in speech. 'Eu me empenho' is perfectly natural and correct.

Strive vs Try

Use 'tentar' for trying a cake; use 'empenhar-se' for trying to pass the bar exam. Use the right 'weight' of word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'empenhar-se' as 'putting yourself in a PEN' (penhor) until the job is done. You are locked into your commitment!

Visual Association

Imagine a person handing over a golden key (their word/honor) as a deposit before starting a difficult climb up a mountain.

Word Web

Esforço Trabalho Meta Sucesso Vontade Estudo Promessa Dedicação

Challenge

Write down three things you will 'empenhar-se' in doing this week. Use the structure: 'Eu vou me empenhar em...' followed by the activity.

Word Origin

From the Portuguese 'em-' (in) + 'penhar' (from 'penhor', meaning pledge or security). It literally means to put something 'in pledge.'

Original meaning: The original meaning was to give something as security for a loan (pawning). The reflexive sense evolved to mean giving *oneself* or one's word as security for a task.

Romance (Latin root 'pignus' for pledge).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but ensure you use the reflexive pronoun, or you might accidentally talk about pawning your possessions!

English speakers often use 'try hard' or 'give 110%'. 'Empenhar-se' is the closest equivalent but feels slightly more formal and 'heavy' with responsibility.

Found in speeches by Portuguese presidents regarding national recovery. Commonly heard in interviews with Brazilian football stars like Neymar or Pelé when discussing their training. Used in classic literature (e.g., Machado de Assis) to describe characters' social climbing efforts.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Work/Office

Vou me empenhar no projeto.
Ele se empenha muito.
Empenho da equipe.
Empenhar-se nos resultados.

School/University

Empenhe-se nos estudos.
Ela se empenhou na prova.
Nós nos empenhamos na pesquisa.
Empenho acadêmico.

Sports

O time se empenhou.
Empenhar-se no treino.
Falta de empenho.
Empenhar-se até o fim.

Personal Goals

Me empenho em ser melhor.
Empenhar-se na dieta.
Empenhar-se no hobby.
Sempre me empenhei.

Social Causes

Empenhar-se pela paz.
Empenhar-se na caridade.
Eles se empenham na causa.
Empenho comunitário.

Conversation Starters

"Em que você mais se empenha atualmente?"

"Você acha que é preciso se empenhar muito para aprender uma língua?"

"Como você se empenha para manter a saúde mental?"

"Você se empenhou em algum projeto especial este ano?"

"Qual foi a última vez que você se empenhou ao máximo em algo?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre um momento da sua vida em que você se empenhou muito e conseguiu o que queria.

Quais são as três áreas da sua vida onde você quer se empenhar mais no próximo mês?

Reflita sobre a diferença entre 'tentar' e 'empenhar-se' na sua rotina diária.

Como o seu empenho no trabalho ou nos estudos mudou ao longo dos anos?

Descreva uma pessoa que você admira pelo seu empenho e dedicação.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, when it means 'to strive' or 'to commit oneself,' it must be reflexive (me empenho, se empenha, etc.). If it is not reflexive, it means 'to pawn' an item.

The most common preposition is 'em.' For example, 'Eu me empenho *em* estudar.' You can also use 'para' to indicate a goal: 'Eu me empenho *para* vencer.'

Yes, but it sounds more serious than 'tentar' or 'esforçar-se.' It's great when you want to show you are really taking something seriously.

The main difference is pronoun placement. Brazilians usually say 'Eu me empenho,' while the Portuguese often say 'Empenho-me.' The meaning is identical.

It means 'commitment,' 'effort,' or 'dedication.' For example: 'Seu empenho foi fundamental para o sucesso' (Your commitment was fundamental to the success).

Yes, you can say 'Eu me empenho nos treinos' to mean you work very hard during your workouts.

In the Pretérito Perfeito, you say 'Eu me empenhei.' For 'we strove,' it is 'Nós nos empenhamos.'

Yes, it follows the regular -ar conjugation pattern (like 'falar' or 'estudar').

The most direct opposites are 'desleixar-se' (to become careless/lazy) or 'negligenciar' (to neglect).

Yes, 'empenhar-se por' is used when striving *for* a cause or a person. 'Ele se empenha por um mundo melhor.'