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A2 verb #7,000 most common 11 min read

enternecer

Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips enternecer in 30 Seconds

Explanation enternecer in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to express feelings. While 'enternecer' is a bit advanced for a total beginner, you can understand it as a way to say 'to make someone feel very good and sweet inside'. Think of when you see a puppy or a small baby. That feeling of 'aww' is what 'enternecer' describes. You might not use it in every sentence yet, but you will see it in simple stories or children's books. It is important to know that it is a verb about feelings. If you like something very much because it is cute, you can say it 'enternece' you. It is like the word 'gostar' (to like) but much deeper and more emotional. At this level, focus on recognizing the word and connecting it to the idea of 'tenderness' or 'sweetness'. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet, just remember: enternecer = sweet feelings.

At the A2 level, you are building your vocabulary to describe reactions to the world around you. 'Enternecer' is a great word to add because it helps you describe why you like certain things. Instead of just saying 'O bebê é bonito' (The baby is beautiful), you can say 'O bebê me enternece' (The baby moves me/makes me feel tender). This level is where you start using the verb in the present and simple past. You should learn that it is a regular verb ending in -er, but with a small change in the 'eu' form (enterneço). You will hear this word in songs and see it in social media posts. It's used when something is 'fofo' (cute) or 'doce' (sweet). Using 'enternecer' at A2 shows that you are starting to understand Portuguese culture, which values showing emotion and being 'terno' (tender) with family and friends.

By B1, you should be able to use 'enternecer' more fluently in conversations about movies, books, and personal experiences. This is the level where you distinguish between 'enternecer' and 'comover'. You use 'enternecer' for those gentle, heartwarming moments. You should also start using the reflexive form 'enternecer-se'. For example, 'Eu me enterneci com a história' (I was moved by the story). You can explain your feelings in more detail now. If a friend tells you a story about their grandmother, you can say 'Essa história me enterneceu muito'. You are moving beyond basic descriptions and starting to talk about the impact things have on your heart. You also start to recognize the adjective 'enternecedor' (touching) and can use it to describe events or scenes in a more sophisticated way.

At the B2 level, you are expected to handle more complex emotional nuances. 'Enternecer' becomes a tool for describing psychological states and character development in literature or film. You understand that this verb implies a 'softening'. You can use it in the subjunctive to express desires or possibilities: 'Espero que este presente a enterneça' (I hope this gift moves her). You also start to see how 'enternecer' is used in more formal contexts, like speeches or newspaper articles, to evoke sympathy from the audience. You can discuss the etymology (en + terno + ecer) and how it relates to other words in the family like 'ternura'. Your usage should be precise, choosing 'enternecer' when you want to specifically highlight tenderness as opposed to 'sensibilizar' (to make aware) or 'impressionar' (to impress).

At the C1 level, you use 'enternecer' with the precision of a native speaker. You are aware of its literary weight and its ability to convey a specific type of Lusophone empathy. You can use it in complex sentence structures, including the passive voice and advanced reflexive constructions. You might use it to analyze poetry, explaining how a certain metaphor 'enternece o leitor' (moves the reader). You also understand the social and cultural implications of 'enternecimento' in Portuguese-speaking societies—how being easily moved is often seen as a sign of a 'good heart' (bom coração). You can debate the difference between 'enternecimento' and 'sentimentalismo', and you use the word to add flavor and emotional depth to your writing and speaking, making your Portuguese sound rich and authentic.

At the C2 level, 'enternecer' is part of your mastery of the language's emotional landscape. You can use it in philosophical discussions about the nature of human connection and empathy. You understand its most subtle connotations, including its use in archaic or highly formal texts. You can play with the word, using it ironically or in highly stylized prose. You are comfortable with all its derived forms and can use them to create nuanced arguments about art, ethics, and human nature. For a C2 speaker, 'enternecer' is not just a verb; it is a concept that encapsulates a specific way of experiencing the world—a willingness to let one's heart be softened by beauty and vulnerability. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, reflecting a deep integration of Portuguese linguistic and emotional structures.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

enternecer in 30 Seconds

Enternecer means to move someone to tenderness or sympathy, often involving a 'softening' of the heart in response to something sweet or innocent.
It can be used transitively (to move someone) or reflexively (to be moved), and it is a regular -er verb with a 'ç' in the first person present.
Commonly associated with babies, animals, and acts of kindness, it is a key word for expressing deep, gentle emotions in Portuguese culture.
It differs from 'comover' by being specifically focused on tenderness and warmth, rather than just general emotional impact or sadness.

The Portuguese verb enternecer is a deeply evocative word that describes the process of making someone feel tender, compassionate, or emotionally moved. At its core, it is about 'softening' the heart. Etymologically, it combines the prefix 'en-' (to cause to be) with 'terno' (tender) and the suffix '-ecer' (which often denotes a change of state). When you enternecer someone, you are essentially 'tenderizing' their emotional state, moving them from a position of indifference or hardness to one of warmth and sympathy. This word is frequently used when discussing reactions to innocence, vulnerability, or acts of profound kindness. It is not just about making someone happy; it is about creating a specific kind of soft, sentimental emotion that often brings a gentle smile or even a tear of joy to one's eyes. It is a staple in Portuguese literature and daily conversation when expressing how deeply an event or a person has touched one's soul.

Emotional Resonance: The word carries a weight of sincerity. Unlike 'divertir' (to amuse), enternecer implies a connection that reaches the inner self, often associated with parental love or the sight of something fragile.
Social Context: It is commonly used in social media captions for baby photos, in wedding speeches, or when describing a particularly moving scene in a film or book.
Grammatical Nature: As a transitive verb, it requires an object (to move someone). As a pronominal verb (enternecer-se), it describes the subject becoming moved by something external.

O gesto da criança ao dividir o lanche conseguiu enternecer todos os presentes na sala.

Translation: The child's gesture of sharing their snack managed to move everyone present in the room.

In a broader sense, enternecer is about the vulnerability of the human condition. It is used when a hardened heart melts. For example, a strict teacher might be 'enternecido' by a student's honest effort. It is a word that celebrates the softer side of humanity. It is also important to note that while it is an A2 level word, its nuances are explored well into C2 levels of literature. It represents a bridge between simple feelings and complex emotional intelligence. When you use enternecer, you are communicating that something has breached your emotional defenses in the most positive and gentle way possible.

Ela sentiu o seu coração enternecer-se ao ver o gatinho abandonado encontrar um novo lar.

The word is also used in religious and spiritual contexts, where divine grace or a miracle might enternecer the spirit of a believer. It suggests a purification through emotion. In many ways, it is the opposite of 'endurecer' (to harden). If life's difficulties endurecer us, moments of beauty enternecer us. Using this word correctly shows a high level of empathy and a sophisticated grasp of Portuguese emotional vocabulary. It's not just that you 'liked' something; it's that it made you feel a specific kind of tenderness that is both quiet and powerful. It is the language of the 'saudade' of the heart for goodness.

Using enternecer correctly requires understanding its transitive and reflexive forms. As a transitive verb, it takes a direct object: 'Algo enternece alguém' (Something moves someone). As a reflexive verb, it describes the subject's internal change: 'Alguém se enternece com algo' (Someone is moved by something). This distinction is crucial for natural-sounding Portuguese. The reflexive form is often followed by the preposition 'com' or 'por'. For example, 'Eu me enterneço com música clássica' (I am moved by classical music). The verb follows the regular conjugation for '-ecer' verbs, meaning in the present tense, the 'c' changes to 'ç' in the 'eu' form: 'Eu enterneço'.

Transitive Usage: Subject + Enternecer + Object. Example: 'A história enterneceu o público.' (The story moved the audience.)
Reflexive Usage: Subject + Pronoun + Enternecer + Preposition + Complement. Example: 'Ele se enterneceu com o pedido de desculpas.' (He was moved by the apology.)
Common Subjects: Common subjects that 'enternecem' include memories, children, animals, music, art, and selfless acts.

Não há nada que me enterneça mais do que ver um idoso a sorrir.

When using the verb in different tenses, remember the emotional context. In the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), 'enterneceu' often describes a specific moment of impact. In the imperfect (Pretérito Imperfeito), 'enternecia' might describe a recurring feeling or a state of being. For instance, 'Aquelas canções de ninar sempre me enterneciam' (Those lullabies always used to move me). The future tense and conditional are less common but perfectly valid for hypothetical emotional responses. 'Se você visse o que eu vi, você se enterneceria também' (If you saw what I saw, you would be moved too).

Espero que esta carta possa enternecer o seu coração e trazer o perdão.

Furthermore, enternecer can be used in the passive voice, though it is more formal: 'O juiz foi enternecido pelo depoimento da testemunha' (The judge was moved by the witness's testimony). However, the active or reflexive forms are generally preferred in spoken Portuguese. It's also worth noting the adjective form 'enternecedor' (moving/touching), which is extremely common. 'Foi um espetáculo enternecedor' (It was a touching show). By mastering these patterns, you can express complex emotional reactions with precision, moving beyond the basic 'estou feliz' (I am happy) or 'é bonito' (it is beautiful).

While enternecer might sound sophisticated, it is actually quite pervasive in Portuguese life. You will hear it in various contexts, ranging from the most intimate family settings to formal public discourse. In the domestic sphere, it's the word parents use when looking at their sleeping children or when a child does something unexpectedly sweet. 'Olha que fofura, isso me enternece!' (Look how cute, that moves me!). It's a word of the heart, used to describe the 'melting' feeling one gets. In Brazilian and Portuguese soap operas (telenovelas), this verb is a frequent guest in scripts, used to describe the turning point where a villain begins to reform or a cold character finally shows love.

Telenovelas & Media: Scriptwriters use 'enternecer' to signal deep emotional shifts. It's often used in voice-overs or dramatic dialogues to highlight a character's internal softening.
Literature & Poetry: From Machado de Assis to Fernando Pessoa, the concept of enternecimento is central to describing human empathy and the aesthetic experience of beauty.
Music (Fado & MPB): Lyrics in Fado (Portugal) and MPB (Brazil) often revolve around themes of being moved by love, loss, or the simple beauty of life, frequently using 'enternecer'.

Ao ouvir o Fado, é impossível não se enternecer com a melancolia da voz.

In journalism and social commentary, the word is used to describe public reactions to humanitarian crises or acts of heroism. A news anchor might say, 'As imagens do resgate enterneceram o país' (The images of the rescue moved the country). This elevates the emotion from mere interest to a collective feeling of sympathy. Additionally, in religious sermons, priests or pastors might speak of how the word of God can enternecer even the hardest of hearts. It is a word that bridges the gap between the secular and the sacred, the everyday and the extraordinary.

A dedicação do cão ao seu dono cego costuma enternecer quem passa pela rua.

Finally, you'll encounter it in social media. Instagram posts featuring 'wholesome' content often use the hashtag #enternecer or #enternecedor. It serves as a label for content meant to evoke positive, gentle emotions. Whether it's a video of a soldier returning home or a kitten befriending a chick, the sentiment is the same: a momentary softening of the soul in a world that can often feel harsh. Understanding this word allows you to tap into the emotional frequency of the Lusophone world, which values these moments of 'ternura' (tenderness) deeply.

While enternecer is a beautiful word, learners often stumble over its usage and nuances. The most common mistake is confusing it with 'entristecer' (to make sad). While being moved (enternecido) can involve tears, it is fundamentally a positive or bittersweet feeling of tenderness, whereas 'entristecer' is purely about sadness or grief. If you tell someone their gift 'me entristeceu', they will think you hated it! You should say 'me enterneceu' to show you were touched. Another frequent error is the incorrect conjugation of the 'eu' form in the present tense. Many learners say 'eu enterneco' (with a hard 'c'), but the correct form is 'eu enterneço' (with a 'ç') to preserve the soft sound of the infinitive.

Enternecer vs. Comover: 'Comover' is more general and can include shock or strong agitation. 'Enternecer' is specifically about tenderness and 'softening'.
Reflexive Omission: Forgetting the 'se' when you are the one feeling the emotion. 'Eu enterneci com o filme' is less common than 'Eu me enterneci com o filme'.
Preposition Errors: Using 'por' when 'com' is more natural, or vice versa. Usually, we are moved 'com' (with/by) a situation.

Errado: Eu enterneco quando vejo bebês. Correto: Eu enterneço-me quando vejo bebês.

Another nuance is the intensity. Some learners use 'enternecer' for minor things like a good meal. This is an overstatement. 'Enternecer' is reserved for things that touch the heart or soul. For a good meal, 'agradar' or 'gostar' is better. Using 'enternecer' too lightly can make you sound overly dramatic or insincere. Also, be careful with the word 'terno'. While 'enternecer' comes from 'terno' (tender), 'terno' also means 'suit' (clothing) in Portuguese. Don't confuse 'making someone tender' with 'giving someone a suit'!

Cuidado: Não confunda enternecer (to move) com entortar (to bend/twist).

Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the passive voice. While you can say 'Ele foi enternecido', it sounds very literary. In daily life, sticking to the reflexive 'Ele se enterneceu' is much safer and sounds more like a native speaker. Also, remember that 'enternecer' is a verb of change. It implies you weren't feeling that way before the event happened. If you want to describe a constant state of being a tender person, use the adjective 'terno' or 'afetuoso'. Practice these distinctions to avoid sounding like a translation dictionary and start sounding like a Portuguese speaker.

Portuguese is rich in emotional verbs, and while enternecer is specific, there are several alternatives depending on the intensity and context. The most common synonym is comover. While they are often interchangeable, 'comover' is slightly broader and can imply a stronger, more visceral reaction, sometimes even a disturbing one. 'Enternecer' is always gentle. Another close relative is sensibilizar. This is often used in more formal or 'awareness' contexts, such as 'sensibilizar a opinião pública' (to raise public awareness/sensitivity). It is more cerebral than the purely emotional 'enternecer'.

Enternecer vs. Emocionar: 'Emocionar' is the most general term for 'to move emotionally'. It can be used for excitement, sadness, or joy. 'Enternecer' is a specific subset of 'emocionar' focusing on tenderness.
Enternecer vs. Tocar: 'Tocar' (to touch) is used metaphorically just like in English. 'Aquilo me tocou' (That touched me). It is more informal and direct than 'enternecer'.
Enternecer vs. Amolecer: 'Amolecer' literally means 'to soften'. It is often used for physical objects, but when used for hearts ('amolecer o coração'), it is a more colloquial way of saying 'enternecer'.

Enquanto o filme me emocionou pela ação, o final me enterneceu pela doçura.

For more formal writing, you might use apiedar-se (to feel pity/compassion), though this carries a stronger sense of sorrow for another's suffering. If you are looking for an adjective, comovente and enternecedor are your best friends. 'Uma cena enternecedora' is a scene that makes you go 'aww', while 'uma cena comovente' might make you sob. Understanding these gradients of emotion is key to advanced Portuguese. You can also use the phrase 'ficar com o coração na mão' (to have one's heart in one's hand) for a similar but more anxious emotional state.

A caridade dele sensibilizou a comunidade, mas o seu sorriso enterneceu as crianças.

In summary, while 'enternecer' is a specific tool in your vocabulary kit, knowing its 'neighbors' allows you to paint a more accurate picture of your feelings. Portuguese speakers value emotional expressiveness, and being able to distinguish between being 'sensibilizado' (sensitized/aware) and 'enternecido' (moved to tenderness) shows that you don't just speak the language, but you feel it too. This level of nuance is what separates a student from a true communicator in Portuguese.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'terno' is the same as in 'ternura' (tenderness), which is one of the most beautiful words in Portuguese, often associated with parental love.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ẽ.teɾ.ne.ˈseɾ/

US /ẽ.teɾ.ne.ˈseɾ/

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

Rhymes With

amanhecer conhecer esquecer aparecer florescer fortalecer agradecer merecer

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'en' as 'en' like in 'enter' (it should be nasal).
Pronouncing the 'c' as 'k' (it is always soft like 's').
Forgetting the nasalization of the first syllable.
Misplacing the stress on the 'ne' syllable.
Pronouncing the 'r' too harshly like an English 'r'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in context due to the 'terno' root.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the 'ç' in 'enterneço' and reflexive pronouns.

Speaking 4/5

Nasal vowels and soft 'r' can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 3/5

Distinctive sound, usually easy to pick out in emotional speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

terno coração sentir fazer com

Learn Next

comover sensibilizar ternura afeto comovente

Advanced

apiedar-se abrandar comiseração empatia

Grammar to Know

Verbs ending in -ecer change 'c' to 'ç' before 'o' and 'a'.

Eu enterneço (Present Indicative).

Reflexive pronouns must agree with the subject.

Nós nos enternecemos.

The preposition 'com' is typically used with reflexive emotional verbs.

Ela se enterneceu COM o presente.

Placement of clitic pronouns (me, te, se, nos) varies between Portugal and Brazil.

PT: Enterneceu-me. BR: Me enterneceu.

Adjectives formed from verbs often use the -dor suffix for active qualities.

Um filme enternecedor (A movie that moves/is moving).

Examples by Level

O bebê me enternece.

The baby moves me (makes me feel tender).

Direct object 'me' before the verb.

O gatinho enternece o menino.

The kitten moves the boy.

Simple Subject-Verb-Object.

Sua voz me enternece.

Your voice moves me.

Noun 'voz' as the subject.

O presente enterneceu a mãe.

The gift moved the mother.

Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito).

Eles se enternecem com flores.

They are moved by flowers.

Reflexive form 'se enternecem'.

Eu me enterneço com você.

I am moved by you.

Reflexive 'me' with 'eu'.

A música pode enternecer.

Music can move (one).

Infinitive after auxiliary verb 'pode'.

Que cena enternecedora!

What a touching scene!

Using the adjective form.

Aquelas fotos antigas enterneceram o meu pai.

Those old photos moved my father.

Plural subject 'fotos' with plural verb.

Eu sempre me enterneço ao ver crianças brincando.

I always get moved seeing children playing.

Reflexive 'me' and 'ao' + infinitive.

A bondade dele enternece a todos.

His kindness moves everyone.

Subject 'bondade' is abstract.

Você se enterneceu com o filme ontem?

Were you moved by the movie yesterday?

Question in the past tense.

O abraço do filho enterneceu o coração da avó.

The son's hug moved the grandmother's heart.

Metaphorical use of 'coração'.

Nós nos enternecemos com a sua história.

We were moved by your story.

First person plural reflexive 'nos'.

Ela tem um jeito de falar que enternece.

She has a way of speaking that moves (people).

Relative clause 'que enternece'.

O final do livro vai te enternecer.

The end of the book will move you.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

O modo como ele cuida dos animais enternece qualquer um.

The way he cares for animals moves anyone.

Complex subject clause.

Sempre que leio essa poesia, acabo por me enternecer.

Whenever I read this poetry, I end up being moved.

'Acabar por' + infinitive construction.

A dedicação dos voluntários enterneceu a comunidade local.

The dedication of the volunteers moved the local community.

Transitive use with a collective noun.

Não pude deixar de me enternecer com tamanha generosidade.

I couldn't help but be moved by such generosity.

'Não pude deixar de' + infinitive.

As palavras do discurso enterneceram até os mais céticos.

The words of the speech moved even the most skeptical.

Use of 'até' for emphasis.

É um relato tão real que enternece e faz refletir.

It is such a real account that it moves (you) and makes (you) reflect.

Coordinate verbs 'enternece' and 'faz'.

Ela se enternece facilmente com gestos simples.

She is easily moved by simple gestures.

Adverb 'facilmente' modifying the verb.

O reencontro dos irmãos enterneceu todos os passageiros.

The reunion of the brothers moved all the passengers.

Subject 'reencontro' (reunion).

A vulnerabilidade daquela criança enterneceu até o guarda mais rigoroso.

The vulnerability of that child moved even the strictest guard.

Contrast between 'vulnerabilidade' and 'rigoroso'.

Duvido que alguém não se enterneça com esta melodia melancólica.

I doubt that anyone wouldn't be moved by this melancholy melody.

Subjunctive mood after 'duvido que'.

O autor utiliza uma linguagem que visa enternecer o leitor desde a primeira página.

The author uses language that aims to move the reader from the first page.

'Visa' + infinitive (aims to).

Apesar de sua aparência fria, ele se enternece com a arte.

Despite his cold appearance, he is moved by art.

Concession clause with 'Apesar de'.

Foi um momento de enternecimento coletivo que uniu a nação.

It was a moment of collective tenderness that united the nation.

Noun form 'enternecimento'.

Caso ele se enterneça, poderá mudar de opinião sobre o caso.

In case he is moved, he might change his opinion about the case.

Future subjunctive with 'Caso'.

As memórias da infância costumam nos enternecer conforme envelhecemos.

Childhood memories usually move us as we age.

Conjunction 'conforme' (as/while).

O filme não apenas diverte, mas também enternece profundamente.

The film not only entertains but also moves (us) deeply.

Correlative conjunction 'não apenas... mas também'.

A narrativa, imbuída de uma sensibilidade ímpar, enternece até a alma mais endurecida.

The narrative, imbued with unique sensitivity, moves even the most hardened soul.

Appositive phrase with 'imbuída de'.

Não há como não se enternecer perante a pureza de tais intenções.

There is no way not to be moved before the purity of such intentions.

Double negative for emphasis.

O orador soube enternecer a plateia com metáforas sobre a condição humana.

The speaker knew how to move the audience with metaphors about the human condition.

Verb 'saber' in the sense of 'knowing how to'.

Ao se enternecer com a tragédia alheia, ele demonstrou sua verdadeira humanidade.

By being moved by another's tragedy, he demonstrated his true humanity.

Gerundial sense using 'Ao' + infinitive.

A obra literária busca enternecer através de uma estética da simplicidade.

The literary work seeks to move through an aesthetic of simplicity.

Prepositional phrase 'através de'.

Seria necessário um coração de pedra para não se enternecer com esse apelo.

It would take a heart of stone not to be moved by this plea.

Conditional 'seria' with negative infinitive.

O enternecimento que a música provoca é quase palpável no ar.

The tenderness that the music provokes is almost palpable in the air.

Noun form as the subject of a relative clause.

Embora tentasse manter a compostura, acabou por se enternecer visivelmente.

Although he tried to keep his composure, he ended up being visibly moved.

Concessive 'Embora' with imperfect subjunctive.

A fenomenologia do enternecer pressupõe uma abertura ontológica ao Outro.

The phenomenology of moving (to tenderness) presupposes an ontological opening to the Other.

Substantive use of the infinitive 'enternecer'.

Raramente encontramos uma prosa que consiga enternecer sem cair no sentimentalismo barato.

Rarely do we find prose that manages to move without falling into cheap sentimentalism.

Negative adverb 'Raramente' triggering inversion/subjunctive.

O fado, em sua essência, é um convite a se enternecer com a própria finitude.

Fado, in its essence, is an invitation to be moved by one's own finiteness.

Philosophical usage of the reflexive.

Talvez o papel da arte seja justamente este: enternecer o que a vida endureceu.

Perhaps the role of art is precisely this: to move what life has hardened.

Parallelism between 'enternecer' and 'endureceu'.

A capacidade de se enternecer é, paradoxalmente, a maior força de um líder.

The capacity to be moved is, paradoxally, a leader's greatest strength.

Abstract noun phrase as subject.

O texto transborda uma ternura que enternece até o mais erudito dos críticos.

The text overflows with a tenderness that moves even the most erudite of critics.

Intense verb 'transborda'.

Ao enternecer-se, o sujeito abdica de sua couraça racional em prol da alteridade.

By being moved, the subject abdicates their rational armor in favor of alterity.

Highly formal/academic vocabulary.

Não se trata apenas de sentir, mas de se deixar enternecer pela beleza do efêmero.

It is not just about feeling, but about letting oneself be moved by the beauty of the ephemeral.

Causative 'deixar' + reflexive infinitive.

Common Collocations

enternecer o coração

enternecer-se com

gesto que enternece

profundamente enternecido

enternecer a alma

fácil de enternecer

tentar enternecer

olhar que enternece

capaz de enternecer

enternecer o espírito

Common Phrases

Isso me enternece.

— That moves me / That touches my heart.

Ver você feliz? Isso me enternece.

Não se enterneça!

— Don't let your guard down / Don't be moved (often used jokingly).

Ele está apenas fingindo, não se enterneça!

Um olhar enternecedor.

— A touching or melting look.

O gato me deu um olhar enternecedor para ganhar comida.

Ficou enternecido.

— He/She became moved/tender.

O avô ficou enternecido com o desenho da neta.

Enternecer até as pedras.

— To move even the hardest hearts (literally 'even the stones').

O choro da criança enterneceria até as pedras.

Um momento enternecedor.

— A heartwarming moment.

O reencontro foi um momento enternecedor para todos.

Sentir-se enternecido.

— To feel moved/tender.

Sinto-me enternecido com a sua preocupação.

Deixar-se enternecer.

— To let oneself be moved.

Não se deixe enternecer por falsas promessas.

Enternecer a audiência.

— To move the audience.

O pianista conseguiu enternecer a audiência.

Palavras que enternecem.

— Words that touch the heart.

Ela sempre escreve palavras que enternecem.

Often Confused With

enternecer vs entristecer

Entristecer means to make sad; enternecer is about tenderness (which can involve happy tears).

enternecer vs entortar

Entortar means to bend or twist physically; sounds similar but unrelated.

enternecer vs enfurecer

Enfurecer is the opposite—to make furious.

Idioms & Expressions

"ter um coração de manteiga"

— To be very easily moved or to have a soft heart (like butter).

Ele tem um coração de manteiga, sempre se enternece.

informal

"derreter o coração"

— To melt the heart. Very similar to enternecer.

Aquele sorriso derrete o coração de qualquer um.

neutral

"ficar com o coração mole"

— To become 'soft-hearted' or easily moved.

Depois que fui pai, fiquei com o coração mole.

informal

"coração de pedra"

— Someone who cannot be moved (heart of stone).

Ela tem um coração de pedra, nada a enternece.

neutral

"sentir um nó na garganta"

— To feel a lump in the throat (often from being enternecido).

Senti um nó na garganta ao ver o vídeo.

neutral

"cair nas graças de alguém"

— To win someone over (often by enternecer them).

O estagiário caiu nas graças do diretor.

neutral

"fazer olhinhos"

— To make 'puppy dog eyes' to move someone.

Ela fez olhinhos para enternecer o namorado.

informal

"tocar na ferida"

— To touch a sensitive spot (can lead to being enternecido).

O filme tocou na ferida e me enterneceu.

neutral

"abrir o coração"

— To open one's heart (becoming susceptible to enternecer).

Ele finalmente abriu o coração para a família.

neutral

"lágrimas de crocodilo"

— Fake tears used to move (enternecer) someone falsely.

Não se enterneça, são lágrimas de crocodilo.

neutral

Easily Confused

enternecer vs comover

Both mean 'to move' emotionally.

Comover is broader and can be for any strong emotion; enternecer is specifically for 'soft' or 'tender' emotions.

A tragédia o comoveu (sadness). O bebê o enterneceu (tenderness).

enternecer vs sensibilizar

Both involve emotional impact.

Sensibilizar is often about awareness or social issues; enternecer is more personal and visceral.

O documentário sensibilizou o público para a fome.

enternecer vs amolecer

Both imply 'softening'.

Amolecer is more colloquial when used for emotions and literal for physical objects.

O calor amoleceu a manteiga. O choro amoleceu o coração dele.

enternecer vs impressionar

Both describe an impact on someone.

Impressionar is about making an impression (wow factor), not necessarily a tender one.

A mágica impressionou as crianças.

enternecer vs agradar

Both are positive responses.

Agradar is simply 'to please'; enternecer is much deeper.

O jantar me agradou.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] enternece [Object].

O bebê enternece a mãe.

Eu me enterneço com [Something].

Eu me enterneço com flores.

É impossível não se enternecer com [Something].

É impossível não se enternecer com essa música.

Apesar de [Condition], ele se enterneceu.

Apesar de bravo, ele se enterneceu.

O que mais me enternece é o fato de [Clause].

O que mais me enternece é o fato de ele ser tão jovem.

O enternecimento provocado por [Noun] é [Adjective].

O enternecimento provocado pela obra é sublime.

[Something] basta para me enternecer.

Um sorriso basta para me enternecer.

[Subject] ficou enternecido.

O pai ficou enternecido.

Word Family

Nouns

enternecimento (the act of being moved)

ternura (tenderness)

terno (a suit, but also the root for tender)

Verbs

enternecer (to move/soften)

enternecer-se (to be moved)

Adjectives

enternecedor (touching/moving)

enternecido (moved/softened)

terno (tender/affectionate)

ternura

comovente

sensibilidade

afeto

carinho

How to Use It

frequency

Common in emotional, literary, and family contexts; less common in business or technical speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 'enternecer' for sadness. → Use 'entristecer' for sadness.
Enternecer is about tenderness and being moved, not necessarily about being sad.
Saying 'Eu enterneco'. → Eu enterneço.
You need the cedilla (ç) to keep the soft sound before the 'o'.
Forgetting the reflexive pronoun. → Eu me enterneci.
When you are the one feeling the emotion, the reflexive form is usually required.
Using 'enternecer' for physical softening. → Use 'amolecer' for physical things.
Enternecer is almost exclusively for emotions and hearts.
Confusing 'terno' (suit) with 'terno' (tender). → Context is everything.
While they are the same word, 'enternecer' only relates to the 'tender' meaning.

Tips

The Ç Rule

Always remember the 'ç' in 'enterneço'. It's a common trait for verbs ending in -ecer like 'conhecer' (conheço) and 'esquecer' (esqueço).

Adjective Power

Use 'enternecedor' to describe movies or stories. It's a high-level word that makes your descriptions much more vivid than just 'bom' or 'bonito'.

Softness is Key

When you say 'enternecer', try to keep your voice gentle. The word itself sounds soft and flowing, which matches its meaning.

Show, Don't Hide

In Portuguese culture, being 'enternecido' is a sign of humanity. Don't be afraid to use this word to express your genuine feelings.

Reflexive vs Transitive

Decide if the subject is doing the moving or being moved. 'O filme me enterneceu' (Transitive) vs 'Eu me enterneci com o filme' (Reflexive).

Nasal Vowels

Practice hearing the 'en' sound. It's not 'en-ter', it's a nasal 'ẽ'. This will help you distinguish it from similar-sounding words.

Tender Heart

Link 'enternecer' with 'tender'. If you can remember that 'terno' means tender, you'll never forget 'enternecer'.

Literature

You'll see this word a lot in 19th-century Portuguese literature. It was very popular during the Romantic period.

Hashtags

Look up #enternecer on Instagram to see the kind of content Portuguese speakers associate with this word—lots of babies and nature!

Beyond Comover

If you find yourself using 'comover' too much, swap it for 'enternecer' when the situation is specifically sweet or gentle.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'EN-TENDER-CER'. You are 'EN'abling someone to feel 'TENDER'. It's the 'CER'tain way to melt a heart.

Visual Association

Imagine a hard block of ice (a heart) being placed in front of a warm sun (a baby's smile) and starting to melt.

Word Web

ternura coração bebê emoção doçura lágrima bondade carinho

Challenge

Try to find three things today that 'enternecem' you and write them down in Portuguese using 'Eu me enterneci com...'

Word Origin

From the Vulgar Latin 'internecer', derived from 'ternus' (tender). It entered Portuguese through the combination of the prefix 'en-' (in/into) and 'terno' (tender).

Original meaning: To make something tender or soft.

Romance (Latin-based).

Cultural Context

It is a very positive word, but use it sincerely. Overusing it can make one seem overly sentimental (sentimentalista).

In English, we might say 'to be moved' or 'to touch one's heart', but 'enternecer' specifically captures the 'softening' aspect more than the English equivalents.

Used frequently in the lyrics of Fado singer Amália Rodrigues. A common theme in the short stories of Clarice Lispector. Often used in Brazilian 'Literatura de Cordel' to describe moral transformations.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family and Children

O bebê enternece a todos.
Ver meus filhos dormindo me enternece.
Ela se enternece com os netos.
Um gesto de carinho enternecedor.

Movies and Literature

O final do filme me enterneceu.
É um livro que enternece o leitor.
A cena foi muito enternecedora.
Não pude deixar de me enternecer.

Acts of Kindness

A caridade dele enterneceu a cidade.
Sua generosidade me enternece.
Enternecer-se com o sofrimento alheio.
Um discurso para enternecer corações.

Animals

A amizade entre o cão e o gato enternece.
Eu me enterneço com animais abandonados.
O olhar do cachorrinho enterneceu o dono.
Vídeos de animais sempre me enternecem.

Religion and Spirituality

A graça de Deus enternece o pecador.
Sentir o espírito se enternecer.
Palavras de fé que enternecem a alma.
O perdão enternece o coração.

Conversation Starters

"Qual foi a última coisa que realmente te enterneceu?"

"Você se enternece facilmente com filmes românticos?"

"O que mais te enternece em uma criança?"

"Você acha que as pessoas estão perdendo a capacidade de se enternecer?"

"Qual música sempre consegue enternecer o seu coração?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um momento da sua infância que hoje te enternece ao lembrar.

Escreva sobre uma pessoa que tem o dom de enternecer os outros ao seu redor.

Como o ato de se enternecer pode mudar a nossa visão sobre o mundo?

Relate uma cena que você presenciou na rua e que te enterneceu profundamente.

Reflita sobre a diferença entre sentir pena e se enternecer por alguém.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, yes. It describes a 'softening' of the heart, which is usually seen as a positive emotional opening. However, it can be bittersweet, like being moved by a sad but beautiful memory. It is never used for purely negative feelings like anger or disgust.

Only metaphorically. You can say 'A luz do sol enternece a paisagem' (The sunlight softens the landscape) in a poetic sense, but usually, it's about people or their hearts. You wouldn't use it to describe physical softening, like cooking vegetables; for that, use 'amolecer'.

'Enternecido' suggests you feel tender, like you want to give someone a hug. 'Comovido' suggests you are emotionally shaken, perhaps by something significant or tragic. You can be 'comovido' by a disaster, but you are 'enternecido' by a child's innocence.

Yes, it is common in both Brazil and Portugal. Brazilians might use 'se emocionar' or 'ficar com o coração mole' more often in very casual speech, but 'enternecer' is widely understood and used in media, literature, and slightly more formal conversations.

The 'eu' form is 'eu enterneço'. You must change the 'c' to 'ç' to keep the soft 's' sound. If you wrote 'enterneco', it would be pronounced with a 'k' sound, which is incorrect for this verb family.

Yes, as an infinitive noun ('o enternecer') or you can use the formal noun 'o enternecimento'. Both refer to the act or state of being moved to tenderness. 'O enternecimento dela foi visível'.

The most common preposition is 'com'. For example: 'Eu me enterneço COM a sua amizade'. Occasionally, 'por' can be used: 'Sinto um enternecimento POR ele'.

Not exactly. 'Fofo' is 'cute'. 'Enternecedor' is 'touching' or 'heartwarming'. A puppy is 'fofo', but the way a puppy sleeps on its owner's chest is 'enternecedor'.

In Brazil, 'me enternece' is standard. In Portugal, 'enternece-me' is the grammatically correct form for starting a sentence. Both are understood everywhere.

Rarely. It is too emotional for most business contexts unless you are writing a very personal marketing piece or a speech for a retirement party. In business, 'sensibilizar' is a better choice for 'moving' people toward an idea.