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encarregar-se

A2 verb 11 min read

encarregar-se

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

Explanation encarregar-se in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to describe basic actions. While 'encarregar-se' might seem a bit advanced because it is reflexive and requires a preposition, you can learn it as a set phrase for volunteering. Think of it as a way to say 'I'll do it' in a slightly more organized way. At this stage, focus on the first person: 'Eu me encarrego' (I take charge). You can use it for simple things like 'Eu me encarrego do café' (I'll take charge of the coffee) or 'Eu me encarrego da música' (I'll take charge of the music). The most important thing for an A1 learner is to remember the 'me' and the 'do/da'. Do not worry too much about complex conjugations yet. Just think of it as a helpful tool for when you want to help out in a group. It makes you sound very proactive and polite, even if your vocabulary is still small. Practice saying it as a single block of sound: 'Eu-me-encarrego-de...'. This will help you get used to the rhythm of reflexive verbs in Portuguese, which are very common. By learning this word early, you are setting a great foundation for more formal Portuguese later on. Remember, it is always 'encarregar-se DE'. If you forget the 'de', people will still understand you, but adding it makes you sound much more like a native speaker. Try using it next time you are with Portuguese-speaking friends and you want to help with a simple task like bringing snacks or cleaning up.

At the A2 level, you are expanding your ability to talk about responsibilities and daily routines. 'Encarregar-se' is a perfect verb for this stage because it allows you to describe how tasks are divided among people. You should now be able to conjugate it in the present tense for different people: 'Ele se encarrega' (He takes charge), 'Nós nos encarregamos' (We take charge). You can use it to talk about work tasks or household chores. For example, 'Minha irmã se encarrega de lavar a louça' (My sister takes charge of washing the dishes). You are also starting to use the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), so you can say 'Quem se encarregou disso?' (Who took charge of this?). This level is about moving beyond just 'I' and starting to describe the actions of others. You should notice how the word 'de' changes based on what follows it (do, da, dos, das). Practice making sentences about your job or your studies. If you are a student, you might say 'Eu me encarrego de estudar para o exame' (I take charge of studying for the exam). It is a step up from the simple verb 'fazer' (to do). While 'Eu faço o trabalho' is correct, 'Eu me encarrego do trabalho' sounds more responsible and mature. This is also a good time to start noticing the difference between the Brazilian 'se encarrega' and the European 'encarrega-se'. You don't have to master both, but being able to recognize both will help your listening skills tremendously. Focus on using it in sentences that involve planning or organizing, as that is where this verb shines most.

As a B1 learner, you are becoming more independent in your communication. You can now use 'encarregar-se' in more complex sentence structures, such as with the future tense or the conditional. For example, 'Eu me encarregaria disso, mas não tenho tempo' (I would take charge of that, but I don't have time). You should also be comfortable using it in the subjunctive mood, which is used for desires or uncertain situations: 'Espero que ele se encarregue da logística' (I hope he takes charge of the logistics). At this level, you can use the verb to discuss more abstract responsibilities, not just physical tasks. You might talk about taking charge of a project's success or a team's morale. You should also start using the noun form 'encarregado' (the person in charge). This helps you describe hierarchies in a workplace. For instance, 'Fale com o encarregado' (Speak with the person in charge). Your understanding of the preposition 'de' should be solid now, and you should be able to follow it with infinitive verbs effortlessly: 'Ela se encarregou de organizar toda a documentação' (She took charge of organizing all the documentation). B1 is about nuance, so start comparing 'encarregar-se' with synonyms like 'tratar de' or 'cuidar de'. Notice that 'encarregar-se' is slightly more formal and carries a stronger sense of duty. This is the level where you start using the verb to sound more professional in emails or during presentations. You are no longer just 'doing' things; you are 'taking charge' of them.

At the B2 level, you should have a high degree of fluency with 'encarregar-se'. You can use it in all tenses, including the more literary ones if necessary. You understand the subtle differences in pronoun placement between dialects and can switch between them if needed. You can use the verb in complex professional discussions, such as during a negotiation or a high-level meeting. For example, 'Nossa empresa se encarregará de garantir que todos os padrões de segurança sejam cumpridos' (Our company will take charge of ensuring that all safety standards are met). You are also capable of using the verb in more idiomatic or metaphorical ways. You might say someone 'se encarregou de arruinar a surpresa' (took it upon themselves to ruin the surprise), using the verb with a touch of irony. At this level, you should also be aware of the passive-like constructions, such as 'O serviço está encarregado a uma empresa externa' (The service is entrusted to an external company). You can discuss the etymology of the word, linking it to 'carga' (burden), and use this to explain why the verb feels 'heavier' than 'fazer'. Your writing should reflect this sophistication. Instead of using basic verbs, you use 'encarregar-se' to show a command of formal Portuguese. You are also able to correct others' mistakes with this verb, such as pointing out a missing 'se' or 'de'. This is the stage where the verb becomes a natural part of your professional and academic vocabulary, allowing you to express complex ideas about delegation and leadership with ease.

At the C1 level, your use of 'encarregar-se' is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You use it with absolute precision, choosing it over synonyms to convey exactly the right level of formality and commitment. You are comfortable with advanced grammatical structures like mesoclisis in European Portuguese: 'Encarregar-me-ei de que nada falte' (I shall take charge so that nothing is missing). You can use the verb in legal, academic, and highly technical contexts. For example, in a legal contract, you might read: 'A parte contratada encarregar-se-á de todos os ônus trabalhistas' (The contracted party shall assume responsibility for all labor costs). You understand the cultural weight of the word—how it relates to the Portuguese and Brazilian sense of duty and 'compromisso'. You can use it to express subtle shades of meaning, such as the difference between being 'encarregado de' (assigned to) and 'encarregar-se de' (voluntarily taking charge). You also recognize the word in classical literature and can interpret its meaning in various historical contexts. Your ability to use the verb in the 'pretérito mais-que-perfeito' or in complex conditional sentences is flawless. You can also use the verb to describe psychological states, such as someone who 'se encarrega de carregar o mundo nas costas' (takes charge of carrying the world on their back). At C1, this verb is not just a vocabulary item; it is a tool for expressing leadership, burden, and the social contracts we make with others in everyday life.

At the C2 level, you have mastered the full semantic range of 'encarregar-se'. You can use it in the most formal oratory or the most nuanced literary writing. You are aware of the rarest forms of the verb and can use them for stylistic effect. Your understanding of the verb includes its historical evolution from Latin roots and how its usage has shifted over centuries in different Lusophone countries. You can use it in philosophical discussions about responsibility and agency. For instance, you might analyze how an individual 'se encarrega da própria existência' (takes charge of their own existence) in an existentialist context. You are also a master of the verb's register. You know exactly when 'encarregar-se' is too formal and when it is the only appropriate choice to maintain professional distance. You can use it with irony, sarcasm, or deep sincerity. In a high-stakes corporate or diplomatic environment, you use this verb to define clear lines of accountability that leave no room for ambiguity. You can also manipulate the word's noun and adjective forms ('encarregado', 'encarregamento') to create complex, dense sentences that are grammatically perfect and stylistically sophisticated. At this level, you don't just know the word; you possess it. You can play with its sounds and its associations to evoke specific emotions or to emphasize the gravity of a situation. It is a fundamental part of your linguistic toolkit for navigating the highest levels of Portuguese-speaking society.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

encarregar-se in 30 Seconds

Encarregar-se means taking charge or assuming responsibility for a task, often in a professional or organized setting.
It is a reflexive verb (me, te, se, nos, vos, se) and always requires the preposition 'de'.
Commonly used in offices, project planning, and social volunteering to show competence and reliability.
Synonyms include 'cuidar de' (informal) and 'responsabilizar-se' (formal), but 'encarregar-se' is the most versatile for tasks.

The Portuguese verb encarregar-se is a sophisticated and essential pronominal verb that translates primarily to 'to take charge of,' 'to assume responsibility for,' or 'to handle.' At its core, it describes the act of accepting a duty or a burden, often voluntarily or as part of a formal delegation. While an English speaker might simply say 'I will do it,' using encarregar-se implies a deeper level of commitment and accountability. It is not just about performing an action; it is about owning the outcome. This verb is ubiquitous in both professional settings and organized social environments across the Lusophone world.

Professional Accountability: In a business context, this verb is used when a specific individual is designated to oversee a project. For example, a manager might say, 'Quem se encarrega deste relatório?' (Who is taking charge of this report?). It signals a formal transfer of responsibility.

Não se preocupe com os detalhes técnicos; eu encarregar-me-ei de tudo o que for necessário para a conferência.

Historically, the word derives from 'carga' (load or charge), which evokes the image of putting a physical weight onto one's shoulders. When you use this verb, you are metaphorically picking up the 'load' of a task. In everyday life, you might hear this when planning a dinner party ('Eu me encarrego das bebidas') or when resolving a problem ('A empresa se encarregou de devolver o dinheiro'). It carries a tone of reliability and competence. In Brazilian Portuguese, the reflexive pronoun 'se' often precedes the verb in speech ('ele se encarrega'), whereas in European Portuguese, it often follows it ('ele encarrega-se'). Understanding this distinction is key for learners aiming for natural fluency.

Social Etiquette: Using this verb in social situations shows a high degree of politeness and willingness to help. It is more formal than 'tomar conta' or 'tratar de,' making it ideal for situations where you want to impress someone with your organizational skills or sense of duty.

O diretor encarregou-se pessoalmente de receber os convidados estrangeiros.

Furthermore, the verb can be used in the passive sense or to describe a job title. An 'encarregado' is a supervisor or a person in charge. This noun form is very common in construction sites or factories. When you 'se encarrega,' you are essentially acting as the 'encarregado' for that specific moment. It is a powerful word that bridges the gap between simple action and leadership. Whether you are dealing with a small household chore or a multimillion-dollar project, this verb provides the linguistic structure to claim ownership of the process. It is a mark of maturity and professional standing in Portuguese culture to be someone who can 'se encarregar' of things efficiently.

Mastering encarregar-se requires attention to two main things: the reflexive pronoun and the preposition 'de.' Because it is a reflexive verb, the pronoun must change to match the subject (me, te, se, nos, vos, se). Following the verb, the preposition 'de' (or its contractions like do, da, dos, das) is mandatory before the object of responsibility. Let's look at the structure: [Subject] + [Reflexive Pronoun] + [Verb Conjugation] + [de] + [Noun/Infinitive].

The Preposition 'De': This is the most common pitfall for English speakers. In English, you 'take charge of' or 'handle' something. In Portuguese, the 'de' is the bridge. Example: 'Eu me encarrego da limpeza' (I take charge of the cleaning).

Nós nos encarregamos de organizar a festa de despedida do João.

In the present tense, the verb follows the regular -ar conjugation pattern. However, the placement of the pronoun depends on whether you are in Brazil or Portugal. In Brazil, you will mostly hear 'Eu me encarrego.' In Portugal, especially in writing and formal speech, you will hear 'Encarrego-me.' This distinction is vital for learners to sound authentic to their target region. When using the verb with another verb, the 'de' remains: 'Ele se encarregou de comprar as passagens' (He took charge of buying the tickets).

When using the imperative (giving orders), the verb is often used to delegate: 'Encarregue-se disso!' (Take charge of that!). In negative sentences, the pronoun usually moves before the verb in both dialects: 'Não se encarregue de nada hoje' (Don't take charge of anything today). This verb also appears frequently in the perfect tense (Pretérito Perfeito) to describe a completed act of taking responsibility: 'Ontem, ela se encarregou de toda a papelada' (Yesterday, she handled all the paperwork). The flexibility of this verb allows it to be used for physical tasks, intellectual responsibilities, and even emotional management within a group.

Common Objects: Common things people 'se encarregam' of include: tarefas (tasks), custos (costs), logística (logistics), crianças (children), and problemas (problems).

Vocês podem se encarregar de avisar os outros alunos sobre a mudança de sala?

You will encounter encarregar-se in a variety of environments, ranging from the highly formal to the everyday practical. In a professional office environment, it is the standard way to discuss task allocation. During a meeting, you might hear a project leader say, 'A equipe de marketing vai se encarregar da campanha nas redes sociais.' This usage establishes clear boundaries of duty. It is also very common in legal and administrative documents, where it defines who is responsible for certain costs or legal obligations.

The Workplace: Listen for this word during project kick-off meetings or when a supervisor is assigning roles. It is a sign of a structured and professional environment.

O departamento jurídico encarregar-se-á de analisar todas as cláusulas do contrato.

In more domestic or social settings, the word is used when organizing events. If you are planning a barbecue with friends in Brazil or Portugal, someone will inevitably say, 'Eu me encarrego da carne!' or 'Quem se encarrega das bebidas?'. It is a way of volunteering and showing initiative. You will also hear it in news reports, specifically when discussing government responsibilities or emergency services: 'O exército se encarregou de distribuir os mantimentos às vítimas das cheias.' Here, it conveys a sense of authoritative action and public service.

Literature and cinema also utilize this verb to show character traits. A protagonist who 'se encarrega' of a difficult mission is often seen as heroic or stoic. In formal speeches, such as at a wedding or a graduation, speakers use it to acknowledge the hard work of those who 'se encarregaram' of the organization. It is a word that carries gravitas. Even in customer service emails, you will see phrases like 'Nossa equipe se encarregará de processar seu pedido,' which sounds much more professional and reliable than simply saying 'we will do it.'

Customer Service: In emails or formal chats, 'encarregar-se' is the gold standard for promising that a task will be handled with care and attention.

A gerência encarregou-se de todas as despesas de viagem dos funcionários.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with encarregar-se is treating it as a non-reflexive verb. Many English speakers try to say 'Eu encarrego o trabalho,' which is grammatically incorrect in this context. You must include the reflexive pronoun: 'Eu me encarrego do trabalho.' Without the pronoun, the verb 'encarregar' means to give a task to someone else (to charge someone with a task), rather than taking it upon yourself. Understanding this distinction is crucial for clear communication.

The Missing Pronoun: Mistake: 'Ele encarregou de tudo.' Correct: 'Ele se encarregou de tudo.' The 'se' indicates that the subject is taking the responsibility upon themselves.

Não diga 'Eu vou encarregar das chaves.' Diga 'Eu vou me encarregar das chaves.'

Another common error is omitting the preposition 'de.' Because 'take charge' or 'handle' in English doesn't always require a specific preposition (or uses 'of'), learners often forget the 'de' in Portuguese. You cannot say 'Eu me encarrego a logística.' You must say 'Eu me encarrego da (de + a) logística.' This preposition is a non-negotiable part of the verb's construction. Additionally, some learners confuse 'encarregar' with 'carregar.' While they share a root, 'carregar' means to physically carry something or to charge a battery. If you say 'Eu me carrego do projeto,' it makes no sense to a native speaker.

Pronoun placement is also a source of confusion. While both 'me encarrego' and 'encarrego-me' are technically correct, using the 'wrong' one for the region (e.g., using 'encarrego-me' in a casual Brazilian conversation) might make you sound overly stiff or academic. Conversely, using 'me encarrego' at the very beginning of a sentence in a formal Portuguese exam might be marked as an error. Finally, ensure you are conjugating the verb correctly in the past tense. It is a regular -ar verb, but the reflexive pronoun must still match the subject: 'Nós nos encarregamos' (We took charge), not 'Nós se encarregamos.'

Confusion with 'Carregar': Remember: 'Carregar' = to carry/charge (phone). 'Encarregar-se' = to take responsibility. They are not interchangeable!

Muitos alunos confundem encarregar-se de com tomar conta de. Enquanto são parecidos, o primeiro é mais formal.

While encarregar-se is a powerful verb, there are several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific context. The most common informal alternative is ficar com. In a casual setting, instead of saying 'Eu me encarrego da conta,' you might say 'Eu fico com a conta' (I'll take the bill). This is very natural in Brazil. Another common synonym is cuidar de, which translates to 'to take care of.' While 'cuidar de' is more general, it can often replace 'encarregar-se' in domestic contexts: 'Eu cuido do jantar' (I'll take care of dinner).

Encarregar-se vs. Responsabilizar-se: Encarregar-se is about the action of handling a task. Responsabilizar-se is more about legal or moral accountability. You 'encarregar-se' of a project, but you 'responsabilizar-se' for an error.

Para situações formais, use encarregar-se. Para o dia a dia, dar um jeito em ou tratar de são comuns.

Another useful verb is assumir. This is often used with 'a responsabilidade' or 'o controle.' For example, 'Ele assumiu a responsabilidade pelo projeto.' This is very close in meaning to 'encarregar-se,' but 'assumir' is more about the moment of taking over, whereas 'encarregar-se' often implies the ongoing process of managing the task. In Portugal, tratar de is an extremely popular alternative. If you ask someone to do something, they might reply, 'Eu trato disso' (I'll handle that/I'll take care of that). It is slightly less formal than 'encarregar-se' but very versatile.

In a professional setting, you might also use gerenciar (to manage) or coordenar (to coordinate). These verbs specify the type of 'charge' you are taking. If you are 'coordenando' a team, you are 'se encarregando' of the coordination. Lastly, the expression dar um jeito em is a very Brazilian way to say you will handle or fix a situation, usually implying some level of improvisation or 'jeitinho.' While 'encarregar-se' is structured and formal, 'dar um jeito' is colloquial and problem-oriented. Choosing the right synonym depends entirely on your audience and the 'vibe' of the conversation.

Summary of Alternatives: Formal: Encarregar-se, Responsabilizar-se, Assumir. Neutral: Tratar de, Cuidar de. Informal: Ficar com, Dar um jeito em.

Ao escrever um e-mail de trabalho, prefira sempre encarregar-se para transmitir profissionalismo.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word is a direct cousin of the English word 'charge'. Just as you 'charge' a battery or 'take charge' of a project, the Portuguese 'encarregar' comes from the idea of adding a 'weight' or 'load' to someone.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ẽ.ka.ʁe.ˈɡaɾ.si/

US /ẽ.ka.xe.ˈɡaɾ.si/

The primary stress is on the last syllable of the verb root: 'gar'.

Rhymes With

entregar-se ocupar-se lembrar-se sentar-se levantar-se afastar-se aproximar-se dedicar-se

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'rr' like an English 'r' (it should be guttural or like an 'h').
Forgetting the nasal sound in the first syllable 'en'.
Pronouncing the 'se' as a separate word 'see' with a strong 's' (it should be a soft 'si' sound).
Stressing the 'en' instead of the 'gar'.
Skipping the 'r' at the end of 'encarregar' before the 'se'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize because of the root 'carga', but the reflexive structure can be tricky.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct pronoun placement and the use of the preposition 'de'.

Speaking 4/5

The 'rr' sound and the nasal 'en' can be challenging for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Clear sound, but the pronoun might be spoken very quickly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

carregar de responsabilidade trabalho fazer

Learn Next

responsabilizar-se comprometer-se desempenhar gerir fiscalizar

Advanced

ônus stewardship mandato tutela incumbência

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Pronoun Agreement

Eu **me** encarrego, nós **nos** encarregamos.

Preposition 'De' Requirement

Encarregar-se **de** algo (never 'encarregar-se algo').

Clitic Placement (Brazil vs Portugal)

Eu **me encarrego** (BR) vs. **Encarrego-me** (EU).

Contraction with Articles

De + o = **do**, De + a = **da**.

Subjunctive Mood for Uncertainty

Espero que ele **se encarregue**.

Examples by Level

Eu me encarrego do café.

I take charge of the coffee.

A1 focus: 'Eu me' + verb + 'do' (de + o).

Você se encarrega da música?

Do you take charge of the music?

Question form using 'você se'.

Ela se encarrega das chaves.

She takes charge of the keys.

Use of 'das' (de + as) for plural feminine.

Nós nos encarregamos do bolo.

We take charge of the cake.

Reflexive 'nos' matches the subject 'nós'.

Ele se encarrega de limpar a mesa.

He takes charge of cleaning the table.

Verb + 'de' + infinitive verb.

Eu me encarrego de comprar o pão.

I take charge of buying the bread.

Simple future intention in the present tense.

Quem se encarrega da água?

Who takes charge of the water?

'Quem' acts as the third person singular subject.

Eles se encarregam das malas.

They take charge of the suitcases.

Third person plural conjugation.

Ontem, eu me encarreguei de organizar os documentos.

Yesterday, I took charge of organizing the documents.

Pretérito Perfeito (Past Tense) first person singular.

O meu pai se encarrega sempre do jardim.

My father always takes charge of the garden.

Present tense for habitual actions.

Nós nos encarregamos de avisar os convidados.

We took charge of notifying the guests.

Pretérito Perfeito 'nos encarregamos' (same as present).

Você pode se encarregar da reserva do restaurante?

Can you take charge of the restaurant reservation?

Modal verb 'pode' + reflexive infinitive.

Ela se encarregou de trazer as bebidas para a festa.

She took charge of bringing the drinks for the party.

Past tense 'encarregou-se' (BR style).

Eles se encarregam de levar as crianças à escola.

They take charge of taking the children to school.

Present tense for a recurring responsibility.

Quem se encarrega de lavar a louça hoje?

Who takes charge of washing the dishes today?

Everyday household context.

Eu vou me encarregar de resolver esse problema.

I am going to take charge of solving this problem.

Immediate future with 'vou' + reflexive infinitive.

Espero que você se encarregue da coordenação do projeto.

I hope you take charge of the project coordination.

Present Subjunctive after 'Espero que'.

Se eu tivesse tempo, me encarregaria de tudo.

If I had time, I would take charge of everything.

Conditional tense 'encarregaria'.

O gerente pediu que ela se encarregasse das vendas.

The manager asked that she take charge of sales.

Imperfect Subjunctive 'encarregasse'.

Nós tínhamos nos encarregado de verificar os preços.

We had taken charge of checking the prices.

Past Perfect (Pretérito Mais-Que-Perfeito Composto).

É importante que alguém se encarregue da segurança.

It is important that someone takes charge of security.

Subjunctive used with impersonal expressions.

Ela sempre se encarregou de manter a paz na família.

She has always taken charge of keeping the peace in the family.

Use of 'sempre' with Pretérito Perfeito for a long-term state.

Vocês se encarregaram de confirmar a nossa presença?

Did you take charge of confirming our presence?

Question in the past tense for a group.

Eu me encarregarei de que o relatório esteja pronto amanhã.

I will take charge so that the report is ready tomorrow.

Future tense 'encarregarei'.

O governo deve encarregar-se de proteger os cidadãos mais vulneráveis.

The government must take charge of protecting the most vulnerable citizens.

Formal infinitive use in a political context.

A empresa encarregou-se de todas as despesas de transporte.

The company assumed responsibility for all transport expenses.

European Portuguese pronoun placement (enclisis).

Não me parece que ele se encarregue da tarefa com seriedade.

It doesn't seem to me that he takes charge of the task with seriousness.

Subjunctive after negative 'Não me parece que'.

Encarregar-se de um evento deste tamanho exige muita experiência.

Taking charge of an event of this size requires a lot of experience.

Infinitive as the subject of the sentence.

Ela se encarregou voluntariamente de mediar o conflito.

She voluntarily took charge of mediating the conflict.

Adverbial modification of the verb.

Se vocês se encarregarem da logística, eu cuido do conteúdo.

If you take charge of the logistics, I'll take care of the content.

Future Subjunctive 'encarregarem'.

O arquiteto encarregou-se pessoalmente da supervisão da obra.

The architect personally took charge of supervising the construction.

Formal usage in a professional setting.

Eles não se encarregaram de verificar se as portas estavam trancadas.

They didn't take charge of checking if the doors were locked.

Negative past tense with 'de' + infinitive.

A instituição encarregar-se-á de zelar pelo património cultural da cidade.

The institution shall take charge of safeguarding the city's cultural heritage.

Mesoclisis (Future tense) common in formal European Portuguese.

Tendo-se encarregado da gestão, ele implementou mudanças drásticas.

Having taken charge of the management, he implemented drastic changes.

Compound Gerund with reflexive pronoun.

É imperativo que a administração se encarregue de mitigar os riscos.

It is imperative that the administration takes charge of mitigating the risks.

High-level vocabulary and subjunctive mood.

O autor encarregou-se de desmistificar várias teorias científicas.

The author took it upon himself to demystify several scientific theories.

Intellectual/Academic context.

Caso se encarreguem da auditoria, deverão apresentar o relatório em breve.

Should they take charge of the audit, they must present the report soon.

Hypothetical 'Caso' + Future Subjunctive.

Encarregar-se-iam da defesa se houvesse garantias de imparcialidade.

They would take charge of the defense if there were guarantees of impartiality.

Mesoclisis in the Conditional tense.

A natureza encarrega-se de restaurar o equilíbrio após a tempestade.

Nature takes charge of restoring the balance after the storm.

Personification of nature using the verb.

O destino encarregou-se de os reunir muitos anos depois.

Fate took it upon itself to reunite them many years later.

Literary/Metaphorical use.

O Estado, ao encarregar-se da tutela dos menores, assume um dever ético.

The State, by taking charge of the guardianship of minors, assumes an ethical duty.

Legal/Philosophical register.

Encarregamo-nos de que a transição ocorra sem sobressaltos.

We take charge of ensuring that the transition occurs without upheavals.

Formal 'Nós' with 'de que' clause.

Oxalá o conselho se encarregue de retificar esta injustiça histórica.

I hope the council takes charge of rectifying this historical injustice.

Use of 'Oxalá' with Subjunctive for a strong wish.

A história encarregar-se-á de julgar as decisões tomadas hoje.

History will take charge of judging the decisions made today.

Abstract subject in a formal future construction.

Ele encarregou-se de orquestrar uma campanha de difamação sem precedentes.

He took it upon himself to orchestrate an unprecedented smear campaign.

Negative connotation in a complex sentence.

Pudesse eu encarregar-me de todos os males do mundo, e fá-lo-ia.

Could I take charge of all the world's evils, and I would do it.

Inverted Subjunctive and mesoclisis.

A providência divina encarregar-se-ia de lhes dar o merecido castigo.

Divine providence would take charge of giving them their deserved punishment.

Archaic/Religious register with mesoclisis.

O comissário encarregou-se de que nenhum pormenor fosse negligenciado.

The commissioner ensured that no detail was neglected.

Formal administrative oversight.

Common Collocations

Encarregar-se da logística

Encarregar-se das despesas

Encarregar-se de tudo

Encarregar-se da limpeza

Encarregar-se da organização

Encarregar-se da segurança

Encarregar-se do projeto

Encarregar-se da educação

Encarregar-se da manutenção

Encarregar-se de verificar

Common Phrases

Eu me encarrego.

— I'll take care of it / I'm on it. A quick way to volunteer.

Precisa de alguém para levar o lixo? Eu me encarrego.

Deixa que eu me encarrego.

— Let me handle it. Used to stop someone else from worrying.

A conta é alta? Deixa que eu me encarrego.

Quem se encarrega?

— Who is taking charge? Used to ask for a volunteer.

Quem se encarrega de buscar as crianças na escola?

Encarregar-se do assunto.

— To handle a specific matter or issue.

O advogado vai se encarregar do assunto jurídico.

Encarregar-se pessoalmente.

— To take charge of something personally, without delegating.

O diretor encarregou-se pessoalmente de falar com o cliente.

Seja quem for que se encarregue...

— Whoever takes charge... Used when the person is unknown.

Seja quem for que se encarregue da obra, deve ser rápido.

Encarregar-se de uma tarefa.

— To take on a specific job or task.

Cada aluno deve se encarregar de uma tarefa diferente.

Encarregar-se da recepção.

— To handle the welcoming of guests or clients.

A Maria vai se encarregar da recepção dos convidados.

Encarregar-se dos custos.

— To be responsible for the payments or expenses.

A seguradora se encarregou de todos os custos médicos.

Pode se encarregar disso?

— Can you take charge of this? A polite request.

Você pode se encarregar de enviar os convites?

Often Confused With

encarregar-se vs Carregar

Means to physically carry or to charge a battery. 'Encarregar-se' is for responsibility.

encarregar-se vs Encarregar alguém

Without 'se', it means you are giving the task to another person. 'Eu o encarreguei da tarefa'.

encarregar-se vs Tratar de

Very similar, but 'tratar de' is slightly more informal and common in Portugal.

Idioms & Expressions

"Encarregar-se de carregar o mundo nas costas"

— To take too much responsibility, feeling like you have to do everything for everyone.

Ela está exausta porque se encarrega de carregar o mundo nas costas.

Informal/Metaphorical

"O destino se encarregou de..."

— Used when something happened by chance or fate, as if fate 'took charge' of the situation.

O destino se encarregou de nos colocar no mesmo voo.

Literary

"A vida se encarrega"

— Life will take care of it, often used to mean that justice will be served eventually.

Não se vingue; a vida se encarrega de dar o troco.

Philosophical

"Encarregar-se da própria sorte"

— To take control of one's own destiny or future.

Ele decidiu sair do emprego e se encarregar da própria sorte.

Inspirational

"Encarregar-se de fechar as portas"

— To be the last one to leave or to end a process completely.

Como último sócio, ele se encarregou de fechar as portas da empresa.

Neutral

"Encarregar-se de dar as más notícias"

— To take on the unpleasant task of informing someone about something bad.

Ninguém queria falar, então o médico se encarregou de dar as más notícias.

Neutral

"Encarregar-se de pôr ordem na casa"

— To take charge of fixing a chaotic situation (literal or figurative).

O novo interventor se encarregou de pôr ordem na casa após a crise.

Colloquial

"Encarregar-se de lavar a roupa suja"

— To take charge of resolving personal conflicts (often publicly).

A imprensa se encarregou de lavar a roupa suja daquela família.

Informal

"Encarregar-se de abrir caminho"

— To take the lead in a new or difficult situation, making it easier for others.

Os batedores se encarregaram de abrir caminho na floresta.

Neutral

"Encarregar-se de manter a chama acesa"

— To take charge of keeping a tradition or feeling alive.

Os netos se encarregam de manter a chama acesa da cultura do avô.

Poetic

Easily Confused

encarregar-se vs Carregar

They share the same root and sound similar.

Carregar is physical (carry/charge); Encarregar-se is mental/social (responsibility).

Eu carrego a mochila (physical). Eu me encarrego do projeto (responsibility).

encarregar-se vs Responsabilizar

Both deal with responsibility.

Responsabilizar is often about blame or legal duty; Encarregar-se is about the action of managing a task.

Vou responsabilizá-lo pelo erro. Vou me encarregar de consertar o erro.

encarregar-se vs Assumir

Both mean taking something on.

Assumir is the moment of taking over; Encarregar-se is the state of being in charge of the process.

Ele assumiu o cargo. Ele se encarrega das operações diárias.

encarregar-se vs Cuidar

Both involve looking after something.

Cuidar is more nurturing or generic; Encarregar-se is more structured and professional.

Ela cuida dos gatos. Ela se encarrega do orçamento da clínica.

encarregar-se vs Ocupar-se

Both imply being busy with a task.

Ocupar-se just means being busy; Encarregar-se means being responsible for the outcome.

Ele se ocupa com hobbies. Ele se encarrega da gerência.

Sentence Patterns

Eu me encarrego de [Noun].

Eu me encarrego do pão.

Você pode se encarregar de [Infinitive]?

Você pode se encarregar de ligar para ele?

Eu me encarregarei de que [Subjunctive].

Eu me encarregarei de que tudo esteja pronto.

O [Subject] encarregou-se pessoalmente de [Noun].

O diretor encarregou-se pessoalmente da recepção.

Tendo-se encarregado de [Noun], [Clause].

Tendo-se encarregado da obra, ele trabalhou muito.

Encarregar-se-á a [Entity] o dever de [Infinitive].

Encarregar-se-á a esta empresa o dever de fiscalizar.

General

Quem se encarrega de [Noun/Infinitive]?

Quem se encarrega de pagar a conta?

General

Não se encarregue de [Noun].

Não se encarregue de problemas alheios.

Word Family

Nouns

encarregado (supervisor/person in charge)

encargo (burden/task/charge)

carregamento (cargo/shipment)

carga (load/weight)

Verbs

carregar (to carry/to charge)

recarregar (to recharge)

descarregar (to unload/to discharge)

sobrecarregar (to overload)

Adjectives

encarregado (charged/responsible)

carregado (loaded/heavy)

sobrecarregado (overloaded/overworked)

cargo (position/job)

carro (car/cart)

carreira (career)

carruagem (carriage)

carregador (charger/porter)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in professional, organizational, and formal social contexts.

Common Mistakes

Eu encarrego do trabalho. → Eu me encarrego do trabalho.
You forgot the reflexive pronoun 'me'. In Portuguese, you must indicate that you are taking the responsibility upon yourself.
Eu me encarrego o projeto. → Eu me encarrego do projeto.
You forgot the preposition 'de'. The verb 'encarregar-se' always requires 'de' before the object.
Nós se encarregamos de tudo. → Nós nos encarregamos de tudo.
The reflexive pronoun must match the subject. For 'nós', the pronoun is 'nos', not 'se'.
Eu me carrego da limpeza. → Eu me encarrego da limpeza.
You used the verb 'carregar' (to carry/charge) instead of 'encarregar-se' (to take charge). They are different verbs.
Ele se encarregou a organizar a festa. → Ele se encarregou de organizar a festa.
You used the preposition 'a' instead of 'de'. Even with verbs, 'encarregar-se' requires 'de'.

Tips

Don't forget the 'se'!

Always remember that this is a reflexive verb. If you leave out the 'me', 'te', or 'se', you are changing the meaning to 'giving a task to someone else' instead of taking it yourself.

The Guttural 'RR'

The double 'rr' in 'encarregar' should be pronounced from the back of the throat. Practice making a sound like you are clearing your throat gently.

Use it at work

This is a great word to use in a job interview or a meeting. It makes you sound like a leader who is willing to take on responsibilities.

Formal Writing

In formal letters or emails, use the future tense 'encarregar-se-á' to show a firm commitment to a future task.

Regional Differences

If you are in Brazil, put the pronoun before the verb ('se encarrega'). If you are in Portugal, put it after ('encarrega-se').

The 'Cargo' Connection

Associate the word with 'cargo' (like a cargo ship). You are the ship taking on the cargo of the task.

Preposition 'De'

Always follow the verb with 'de'. It's the glue that connects the verb to the responsibility.

Volunteering

Use 'Eu me encarrego' when you want to volunteer for something in a group. It sounds much more helpful than just saying 'I'll do it'.

Listen for 'do/da'

Native speakers often blend 'de' with the article. Listen for 'do', 'da', 'dos', or 'das' right after the verb.

Synonym Choice

Use 'ficar com' for small things (like the bill) and 'encarregar-se' for big things (like a project).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'EN-CAR-REGAR' as 'putting a CARgo on yourself'. You are the CARrier of the task.

Visual Association

Imagine someone placing a heavy box (labeled 'Project') onto their own shoulders. They are 'encarregando-se' of that box.

Word Web

Responsibility Duty Load Carga Task Management Delegation Ownership

Challenge

Try to find three things today that you can 'se encarregar de'. Say them out loud: 'Eu me encarrego de lavar a louça', 'Eu me encarrego de enviar este e-mail', etc.

Word Origin

From the Vulgar Latin '*incarricare', which comes from the Latin 'carrus' (wagon/cart).

Original meaning: To put a load onto a wagon or cart.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound too bossy. Saying 'Você se encarrega disso' can sound like a command. It is better to ask 'Você pode se encarregar disso?' to be polite.

English speakers might find it more formal than 'to take care of'. In English, we often use 'handle' or 'deal with', but 'encarregar-se' sounds more like 'assuming stewardship'.

The 'Encarregado de Negócios' is a formal diplomatic rank (Chargé d'affaires). Many Portuguese classic novels use this verb when a character takes on a quest. In the Brazilian song 'Carga Pesada', the life of those who 'carregam' (carry) loads is celebrated.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Office/Work

Encarregar-se do projeto
Encarregar-se da equipe
Encarregar-se do relatório
Quem se encarrega?

Social Gatherings

Eu me encarrego das bebidas
Quem se encarrega da comida?
Encarregar-se da música
Encarregar-se do convite

Household Chores

Encarregar-se da louça
Encarregar-se do lixo
Encarregar-se das compras
Encarregar-se do jardim

Legal/Official

Encarregar-se dos custos
Encarregar-se da defesa
Encarregar-se da guarda
Encarregar-se do processo

Education

Encarregar-se da pesquisa
Encarregar-se da apresentação
Encarregar-se do grupo
Encarregar-se de estudar

Conversation Starters

"Quem se encarrega de organizar a nossa próxima viagem de grupo?"

"Você prefere se encarregar da parte técnica ou da parte criativa?"

"Eu me encarrego do jantar hoje, o que você gostaria de comer?"

"Quem na sua família se encarrega de pagar as contas mensais?"

"Você se encarregaria de um projeto se o seu chefe pedisse agora?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma situação em que você se encarregou de algo muito importante no trabalho.

Quais são as responsabilidades das quais você se encarrega diariamente em sua casa?

Você se considera uma pessoa que se encarrega facilmente de novos desafios?

Se você pudesse se encarregar de resolver um problema no mundo, qual seria?

Como você se sente quando alguém se encarrega de algo que você queria fazer?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in the sense of taking charge of something, the preposition 'de' is mandatory. For example, 'Eu me encarrego de você' or 'Eu me encarrego da tarefa'. Without 'de', the sentence is incomplete and grammatically incorrect.

'Encarregar' (without 'se') means to assign a task to someone else. 'Eu encarreguei o João de limpar a sala' (I assigned João to clean the room). 'Encarregar-se' means you are taking the task yourself. 'Eu me encarreguei de limpar a sala' (I took charge of cleaning the room).

Both are correct. 'Eu me encarrego' is the standard in Brazilian Portuguese and informal speech. 'Encarrego-me' is more common in European Portuguese and very formal writing. Both mean 'I take charge'.

Yes, you can 'encarregar-se de alguém', meaning you are taking responsibility for that person's well-being or actions. For example, 'Eu me encarrego do novo estagiário' (I'll take charge of the new intern).

Yes, it is a regular -ar verb. It follows the same conjugation pattern as 'falar' or 'cantar', but you must always remember to include the reflexive pronouns.

Use the Pretérito Perfeito: 'Eu me encarreguei', 'Você se encarregou', 'Nós nos encarregamos'. For example: 'Ontem, nós nos encarregamos da decoração'.

No, that is incorrect. You must use 'de': 'Eu me encarrego **do** trabalho'. The preposition 'de' combines with the article 'o' to become 'do'.

Not typically. It is a neutral to formal word. In slang, people usually say 'Deixa comigo' (Leave it to me) or 'Eu resolvo' (I'll solve it).

An 'encarregado' is a person in charge, like a supervisor, foreman, or manager. It is very common in construction or factory work.

Use 'encarregar-se' when you want to sound more professional, official, or when the task is a specific duty rather than just general 'care'.