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A1 verb #2,000 most common 14 min read

entregar

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips entregar in 30 Seconds
Explanation entregar in your Level:
At the CEFR A1 level, the verb 'entregar' is introduced as a fundamental action word related to daily routines and basic transactions. For a beginner, the primary focus is on the literal translation: 'to deliver' or 'to hand over'. You will learn to use 'entregar' in highly practical, everyday situations. For example, you might use it to talk about a postman delivering a letter (O carteiro entrega a carta), a delivery person bringing a pizza (O motoboy entrega a pizza), or a student handing in homework to a teacher (O aluno entrega o trabalho). The grammar at this stage is kept simple. You will focus on the present tense indicative conjugation: eu entrego, tu entregas, ele/ela/você entrega, nós entregamos, eles/elas/vocês entregam. It is crucial at this level to understand that 'entregar' is a regular verb ending in '-ar', which makes it relatively easy to conjugate. You will also learn the basic sentence structure required by this verb, which typically involves a subject, the verb, a direct object (the thing being delivered), and an indirect object (the person receiving it). For instance, 'Eu entrego o livro para a Maria' (I hand the book to Maria). The prepositions 'para' or 'a' are essential here to indicate the recipient. At the A1 level, you do not need to worry about complex metaphorical meanings or advanced tenses. The goal is simply to recognize the word when you hear it in the context of deliveries or schoolwork, and to be able to form basic sentences describing the transfer of physical objects from one person to another. Practice involves simple fill-in-the-blank exercises and translating straightforward sentences. By mastering 'entregar' at this foundational level, you build a strong vocabulary base that will support more complex communication as you progress in your Portuguese language journey.
As you progress to the CEFR A2 level, your understanding and usage of the verb 'entregar' will expand significantly to encompass past events and more detailed daily interactions. At this stage, you are expected to talk about completed actions, which means mastering the preterite perfect tense (pretérito perfeito). This introduces a critical spelling rule: the first person singular form is 'eu entreguei', not 'entrege'. You must remember to add the 'u' to maintain the hard 'g' sound. You will practice sentences like 'Ontem, eu entreguei o relatório ao meu chefe' (Yesterday, I handed in the report to my boss) or 'Ela entregou o pacote de manhã' (She delivered the package in the morning). The contexts in which you use 'entregar' will also broaden. Beyond simple pizza deliveries and homework, you will use it in workplace scenarios, post office interactions, and running errands. You will learn to ask questions like 'Você já entregou os documentos?' (Have you already handed over the documents?) and respond to them. Furthermore, at the A2 level, you will begin to encounter direct and indirect object pronouns in conjunction with 'entregar', although the focus remains on clear communication rather than perfect grammatical elegance. For example, understanding 'Eu vou entregá-lo amanhã' (I will deliver it tomorrow). You will also start to differentiate 'entregar' from similar verbs like 'dar' (to give) and 'devolver' (to return), understanding that 'entregar' carries a specific connotation of fulfilling a duty or completing a transfer process. Your practice will involve short reading passages about daily routines, listening exercises featuring customer service interactions, and writing simple emails confirming that an item has been sent or received. This level solidifies 'entregar' as a crucial tool for navigating practical, real-world tasks in a Portuguese-speaking environment.
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Reaching the CEFR B1 level marks a transition from purely literal, physical uses of 'entregar' to exploring its abstract, reflexive, and future-oriented applications. At this intermediate stage, you will become comfortable using 'entregar' in the future tense (eu entregarei) and the conditional tense (eu entregaria) to discuss plans, promises, and hypothetical situations. For example, 'Nós entregaremos o projeto na próxima semana' (We will deliver the project next week). A major conceptual leap at the B1 level is the introduction of the reflexive form, 'entregar-se'. This significantly alters the meaning from 'to deliver something' to 'to surrender oneself' or 'to yield'. You will encounter this in news contexts, such as 'O ladrão entregou-se à polícia' (The thief surrendered to the police), as well as in emotional contexts, like 'Ela entregou-se à paixão' (She surrendered to passion). This reflexive usage requires a solid understanding of reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos) and their placement. Additionally, you will begin to use the passive voice more frequently, which necessitates learning the irregular past participle 'entregue'. You will construct sentences like 'O pacote foi entregue ontem' (The package was delivered yesterday). The B1 level also introduces idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms. You might hear 'entregar o jogo' (to give up or to reveal a secret prematurely). Your listening and reading comprehension exercises will feature more complex narratives, such as news reports or short stories, where 'entregar' is used to drive the plot forward through betrayals, surrenders, or crucial deliveries. Writing tasks will require you to use 'entregar' to explain processes, recount past events with a mix of preterite and imperfect tenses, and express opinions on emotional or legal situations. Mastery at this level means you can fluidly navigate both the physical and metaphorical landscapes of the verb.
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At the CEFR B2 level, your command of the verb 'entregar' must be nuanced, accurate, and adaptable to complex grammatical structures, particularly the subjunctive mood. You are now expected to express doubt, desire, and hypothetical conditions using 'entregar'. This means mastering forms like the present subjunctive (que eu entregue) and the imperfect subjunctive (se eu entregasse). You will construct sophisticated sentences such as 'É fundamental que a empresa entregue os produtos no prazo' (It is essential that the company delivers the products on time) or 'Se ele entregasse o relatório hoje, nós poderíamos revisá-lo' (If he handed in the report today, we could review it). At this upper-intermediate stage, you will also delve deeper into the negative connotations of 'entregar', specifically its meaning of 'to betray' or 'to turn someone in'. You will understand the subtle difference between 'entregar um documento' (to hand over a document) and 'entregar um colega' (to snitch on a colleague). The B2 level demands a high degree of precision in distinguishing 'entregar' from its synonyms (fornecer, providenciar, ceder) based on register and context. You will engage with authentic materials—such as opinion pieces, professional correspondence, and literary excerpts—where 'entregar' is used in varied and sometimes figurative ways. For instance, 'entregar a alma a Deus' (to pass away). Your speaking and writing skills will be tested through debates, formal essays, and detailed presentations where you must use 'entregar' seamlessly alongside complex conjunctions and advanced vocabulary. You will also refine your use of object pronouns, ensuring correct placement (próclise, ênclise, mesóclise) in formal writing, such as 'Entregar-lhe-ei os papéis amanhã' (I will hand the papers to him tomorrow). By the end of B2, 'entregar' is a fully integrated component of your expressive and receptive Portuguese repertoire.
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The CEFR C1 level represents an advanced, near-fluent mastery of the Portuguese language, and your use of 'entregar' should reflect this sophistication. At this stage, you are not just communicating; you are manipulating the language for stylistic effect, persuasion, and deep analysis. You will encounter 'entregar' in highly formal, academic, and literary contexts. The focus shifts towards abstract nouns and complex passive constructions. For example, you will effortlessly understand and produce sentences like 'A soberania do território foi entregue às forças internacionais' (The sovereignty of the territory was handed over to international forces). You will explore the profound philosophical and emotional depths of the reflexive 'entregar-se', analyzing texts where characters surrender to fate, despair, or profound love. The C1 level requires you to recognize and employ regional variations and highly specific idiomatic uses without hesitation. You will understand the irony or subtle critique when a journalist writes that a politician 'entregou o ouro ao bandido' (literally 'handed the gold to the bandit', meaning to make a foolish concession). Your writing will demonstrate a flawless command of the irregular past participle 'entregue' in complex compound tenses and passive voices, such as 'Tendo sido entregue a notificação, o processo avançou' (The notification having been delivered, the process advanced). In spoken Portuguese, you will use 'entregar' fluidly in rapid, spontaneous debates, accurately deploying the subjunctive and conditional moods to hypothesize about complex scenarios. You will also be adept at recognizing when 'entregar' is used to mean 'to reveal' inadvertently, as in 'O seu sotaque o entregou' (His accent gave him away). At C1, 'entregar' is a tool for nuanced expression, allowing you to articulate complex ideas regarding duty, betrayal, surrender, and transfer with absolute precision.
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At the CEFR C2 level, the pinnacle of language proficiency, your understanding and application of 'entregar' are indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You possess a comprehensive grasp of the verb's etymology, its historical usage, and its most obscure literary and idiomatic applications. At this level of mastery, you are capable of deconstructing complex legal documents, classical literature, and dense academic treatises where 'entregar' is employed in archaic or highly specialized ways. You understand the subtle syntactic shifts that occur in classical Portuguese literature, such as the use of 'entregado' in older texts versus the modern standard 'entregue'. You can effortlessly navigate texts that discuss the 'entrega' (delivery/surrender) of cities in historical contexts or the psychological 'entrega' in psychoanalytic literature. Your productive skills—both writing and speaking—demonstrate an elegant, effortless command of the verb in any conceivable grammatical structure, including the personal infinitive (para nós entregarmos) and the future subjunctive (quando eles entregarem) embedded within labyrinthine sentences. You can play with the semantics of 'entregar' for rhetorical effect, using it to craft compelling arguments, poetic metaphors, or sharp satire. For instance, you might critique a corporate merger by stating that a company 'entregou seu legado ao capital estrangeiro' (surrendered its legacy to foreign capital). You are also acutely aware of the sociolinguistic implications of how 'entregar' is used across different Portuguese-speaking countries, recognizing subtle shifts in register and tone between European, Brazilian, and African Portuguese. At the C2 level, 'entregar' is not merely a vocabulary word to be translated; it is a conceptual anchor that you manipulate with total freedom and artistic control to convey the most profound and complex human experiences related to giving, yielding, and revealing.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

entregar in 30 Seconds

  • To deliver physical items like mail or food.
  • To hand in academic work or official documents.
  • To surrender or turn oneself in (reflexive).
  • To betray someone or reveal a secret.
The Portuguese verb 'entregar' is an incredibly versatile and fundamental lexical item that primarily translates to 'to deliver', 'to hand over', or 'to give' something to someone. When you are learning Portuguese at the CEFR A1 level, mastering this verb is absolutely essential because it facilitates a wide array of daily interactions, from receiving a package at your front door to handing in a completed assignment to your teacher at school. Understanding the core semantics of 'entregar' requires us to look at its physical and metaphorical applications in everyday communication. At its most basic, physical level, the verb implies a transfer of possession or control of an object from one individual to another. This transfer can be permanent or temporary, but the action of moving the object is central to the meaning.
Physical Delivery
The act of transporting and handing over a tangible item, such as a letter, a parcel, or a meal, to a designated recipient.
Academic Submission
The process of giving a completed test, essay, or homework assignment to an instructor or professor for grading.
Metaphorical Surrender
In a more abstract sense, particularly when used reflexively as 'entregar-se', it means to surrender oneself to the authorities or to yield to an emotion.
To truly grasp how 'entregar' functions, let us examine several practical instances where the verb takes center stage in a sentence.

O carteiro vai entregar a encomenda amanhã de manhã.

The postman will deliver the package tomorrow morning.

Eu preciso entregar este relatório ao meu chefe hoje.

I need to hand in this report to my boss today.

Eles decidiram entregar os documentos para a polícia.

They decided to hand over the documents to the police.

Você pode entregar as chaves na recepção do hotel.

You can drop off the keys at the hotel reception.

Nós vamos entregar as doações para a instituição de caridade.

We are going to deliver the donations to the charity.
As you can see from these examples, the verb is highly adaptable. It is important to note that 'entregar' is a regular verb ending in '-ar', which means it follows the standard conjugation patterns for the vast majority of its tenses. However, there is a slight spelling change in the first person singular of the preterite perfect tense (eu entreguei) to maintain the hard 'g' sound. Beyond its literal meaning, 'entregar' can also carry the connotation of betrayal or revealing a secret, similar to the English phrasal verb 'to turn someone in' or 'to give someone away'. For instance, if a criminal's accomplice tells the police about their whereabouts, you could say 'ele entregou o amigo' (he turned his friend in). This multifaceted nature makes 'entregar' a rich and rewarding verb to study, providing learners with the linguistic tools necessary to navigate a wide spectrum of social, professional, and personal situations in Portuguese-speaking environments. By practicing its various forms and contexts, you will significantly enhance your communicative competence and fluency.
Understanding how to use the verb 'entregar' correctly involves mastering its syntax, conjugation patterns, and the specific prepositions it demands in various contexts. As a transitive verb, 'entregar' typically requires both a direct object (the thing being delivered) and an indirect object (the person receiving the item). This dual-object structure is a cornerstone of Portuguese grammar and is essential for constructing clear and accurate sentences. The standard formula is 'entregar [algo] a/para [alguém]', which translates to 'to deliver [something] to [someone]'. Let us delve deeper into the mechanics of this verb.
Direct Object
The entity that undergoes the action of being handed over. It answers the question 'what is being delivered?' For example, a letter, a package, or a message.
Indirect Object
The recipient of the action. It answers the question 'to whom is it being delivered?' This is usually preceded by the prepositions 'a' or 'para'.
Reflexive Usage
When used with reflexive pronouns (entregar-se), the subject and the object are the same, meaning 'to surrender oneself' or 'to give oneself over' to something.
To illustrate these grammatical principles, consider the following practical examples that showcase the verb in action across different tenses and structures.

Eu sempre entrego os relatórios no prazo estipulado.

I always deliver the reports within the stipulated deadline.

Ela entregou o convite para a festa de casamento ontem.

She handed over the invitation for the wedding party yesterday.

Nós vamos entregar as chaves do apartamento ao novo inquilino.

We are going to hand over the apartment keys to the new tenant.

O suspeito decidiu entregar-se à polícia pacificamente.

The suspect decided to surrender himself to the police peacefully.

Eles foram acusados de entregar segredos de estado ao inimigo.

They were accused of handing over state secrets to the enemy.
Conjugating 'entregar' is generally straightforward as it follows the regular '-ar' paradigm. In the present indicative, we have: eu entrego, tu entregas, ele/ela/você entrega, nós entregamos, vós entregais, eles/elas/vocês entregam. However, learners must pay close attention to the spelling change in the preterite perfect tense. To preserve the hard 'g' sound before the vowel 'e', the letter 'u' is inserted, resulting in 'eu entreguei'. If this change were not made, the word would be spelled 'entrege' and pronounced with a soft 'g' (like the 's' in 'measure'), which is incorrect. Furthermore, 'entregar' is frequently used in the passive voice, especially in formal or journalistic contexts. For example, 'O pacote foi entregue' (The package was delivered). Notice the use of the irregular past participle 'entregue' here. Mastering these nuances—the dual-object requirement, the spelling change in the preterite, the reflexive applications, and the irregular past participle—will empower you to use 'entregar' with confidence and precision in any Portuguese-speaking environment. Continuous practice through reading, writing, and speaking will solidify these rules in your mind, transforming 'entregar' from a simple vocabulary word into a dynamic tool for effective communication.
The verb 'entregar' permeates almost every facet of daily life in Portuguese-speaking countries, making it a highly ubiquitous and practical word to learn. Because the act of transferring items, information, or responsibilities is so central to human interaction, you will encounter 'entregar' in a vast array of contexts, ranging from casual conversations at home to formal business correspondence. Recognizing the specific environments where this verb is most frequently employed will help you anticipate its use and comprehend its meaning more rapidly. Let us explore some of the most common settings where 'entregar' is an indispensable part of the vocabulary.
Logistics and E-commerce
With the rise of online shopping, 'entregar' is constantly used by delivery services, postal workers, and consumers tracking their packages.
Educational Institutions
In schools and universities, students and teachers use this verb daily to discuss the submission of homework, essays, and exams.
Legal and Police Contexts
In news reports or legal dramas, 'entregar' is frequently used to describe suspects turning themselves in or witnesses handing over evidence.
To provide a clearer picture of how 'entregar' sounds in these real-world scenarios, here are several examples of sentences you might hear while navigating a Portuguese-speaking environment.

O aplicativo diz que o restaurante vai entregar a pizza em trinta minutos.

The app says the restaurant will deliver the pizza in thirty minutes.

A professora avisou que todos devem entregar o trabalho até sexta-feira.

The teacher warned that everyone must hand in the assignment by Friday.

O motoboy acabou de entregar os documentos no escritório de advocacia.

The motorcycle courier just delivered the documents to the law firm.

Depois de horas de negociação, o sequestrador decidiu se entregar.

After hours of negotiation, the kidnapper decided to surrender.

Você precisa entregar o formulário preenchido na secretaria.

You need to hand in the completed form at the secretary's office.
In addition to these literal uses, 'entregar' is also prevalent in sports commentary. For instance, if a soccer player makes a terrible pass that gives the ball directly to the opposing team, the commentator might say 'ele entregou a bola' (he gave the ball away). Similarly, in the context of relationships or emotional discussions, you might hear 'entregar o coração' (to give one's heart) or 'entregar-se à paixão' (to surrender to passion). The sheer frequency of 'entregar' in everyday discourse means that learners will have ample opportunity to practice listening for it. Whether you are watching a Brazilian telenovela, listening to a Portuguese news broadcast, or simply ordering takeout in Lisbon or São Paulo, 'entregar' is a verb that will constantly echo in your ears. By familiarizing yourself with these common contexts, you will not only improve your listening comprehension but also gain the confidence to use the verb naturally and appropriately in your own conversations. The key is to pay attention to the surrounding vocabulary—words like 'pacote', 'trabalho', 'polícia', and 'prazo'—which often signal that 'entregar' is about to be used.
While 'entregar' is a relatively straightforward verb, learners of Portuguese often encounter a few specific stumbling blocks when trying to use it correctly. These mistakes typically stem from direct translation interference from the learner's native language, confusion regarding prepositions, or misunderstandings of irregular verb forms. By identifying and analyzing these common errors, you can proactively avoid them and ensure your Portuguese sounds more natural and grammatically accurate. Let us break down the most frequent pitfalls associated with the verb 'entregar'.
Preposition Omission
Forgetting to use 'a' or 'para' before the indirect object, resulting in a sentence that lacks the necessary directional flow.
Incorrect Past Participle
Using the regular-sounding but incorrect form 'entregado' instead of the standard irregular past participle 'entregue'.
Spelling Errors in the Preterite
Failing to insert the 'u' in the first person singular of the preterite perfect, writing 'entrege' instead of 'entreguei'.
To better understand these common mistakes, let us look at some examples of incorrect usage alongside their corrected counterparts. This comparative approach is highly effective for internalizing grammatical rules.

Mistake: Eu vou entregar ele o livro. / Correct: Eu vou entregar o livro para ele.

You must use a preposition (para/a) before the recipient.

Mistake: O pacote foi entregado ontem. / Correct: O pacote foi entregue ontem.

The past participle of entregar is the irregular form 'entregue'.

Mistake: Ontem eu entrege o relatório. / Correct: Ontem eu entreguei o relatório.

Remember the spelling change (g to gu) in the 'eu' form of the preterite.

Mistake: Ele entregou-se o trabalho. / Correct: Ele entregou o trabalho.

Do not use the reflexive pronoun unless someone is surrendering themselves.

Mistake: Eu preciso entregar de você isso. / Correct: Eu preciso entregar isso a você.

The preposition 'de' (from/of) is incorrect here; use 'a' or 'para' (to).
Another subtle mistake involves the confusion between 'entregar' and 'devolver' (to return an item). English speakers sometimes use 'entregar' when they mean to give something back to its original owner. While 'entregar' can technically be used in this context (e.g., entregar o livro para a biblioteca), 'devolver' is much more precise and natural when the emphasis is on returning an item. By paying close attention to these common mistakes, you can significantly refine your use of 'entregar'. Always double-check your prepositions, memorize the irregular past participle 'entregue', and practice the spelling of 'entreguei' until it becomes second nature. Language learning is a process of continuous refinement, and recognizing these patterns of error is a crucial step toward achieving fluency and confidence in Portuguese.
Expanding your vocabulary involves not only learning new words but also understanding the nuances that distinguish them from their synonyms and related terms. The verb 'entregar' exists within a rich semantic field of words related to giving, transferring, and yielding. While these words may share overlapping meanings, they are not always interchangeable. Choosing the right verb depends heavily on the specific context, the nature of the object being transferred, and the relationship between the speaker and the recipient. Let us examine some of the most common words that are similar to 'entregar' and clarify the distinctions between them.
Dar
The most general verb for 'to give'. It is broader than 'entregar' and can imply giving a gift, giving advice, or simply handing something over casually.
Devolver
Specifically means 'to return' an item to its original owner or location. It implies that the object was borrowed or taken previously.
Fornecer
Translates to 'to provide' or 'to supply'. It is often used in business or formal contexts regarding the provision of materials, information, or services.
To better grasp these subtle differences, let us look at how these similar verbs are used in practical sentences compared to 'entregar'.

Eu vou dar um presente para ela no seu aniversário.

I am going to give her a gift on her birthday. (Focus on the act of gifting, not just delivery).

Você precisa devolver o livro à biblioteca amanhã.

You need to return the book to the library tomorrow. (Focus on giving back).

A empresa vai fornecer os equipamentos necessários para o projeto.

The company will provide the necessary equipment for the project. (Focus on supplying).

O traidor decidiu trair seus companheiros e contar tudo.

The traitor decided to betray his comrades and tell everything. (Similar to the negative connotation of entregar).

O exército inimigo foi forçado a se render após a batalha.

The enemy army was forced to surrender after the battle. (Similar to the reflexive entregar-se).
When deciding between 'dar' and 'entregar', consider the formality and the physical action involved. 'Entregar' often implies a more formal or obligatory transfer, such as handing in a test or delivering a package, whereas 'dar' is an everyday, all-purpose verb. If you hand someone a pen so they can sign a document, you might use 'dar' (Me dá a caneta, por favor). But if you are officially submitting a signed contract, you would use 'entregar' (Vou entregar o contrato assinado). By studying these related words, you build a more robust and nuanced Portuguese vocabulary. Instead of relying solely on 'entregar' for every situation involving the transfer of an object, you can now select the precise verb that conveys your exact meaning, whether you are returning a borrowed item (devolver), supplying materials for a job (fornecer), or simply giving a friend a piece of candy (dar). This level of precision is a hallmark of advanced language proficiency and will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively and naturally in Portuguese.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Regular -ar verb conjugation in the present tense.

Spelling changes in verbs ending in -gar (g to gu in the preterite).

Use of indirect object pronouns (lhe, lhes) with ditransitive verbs.

Formation and use of the passive voice (ser + past participle).

Placement of reflexive pronouns (próclise, ênclise) with 'entregar-se'.

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Examples by Level

1

Eu entrego a carta.

I deliver the letter.

Present tense, first person singular (eu).

2

Você entrega a pizza?

Do you deliver the pizza?

Present tense, third person singular (você).

3

Nós entregamos o trabalho.

We hand in the homework.

Present tense, first person plural (nós).

4

O carteiro entrega o pacote.

The postman delivers the package.

Third person singular, regular -ar verb conjugation.

5

Eles entregam as chaves.

They hand over the keys.

Present tense, third person plural (eles).

6

Eu não entrego o livro.

I do not hand over the book.

Negative sentence structure with 'não' before the verb.

7

Ela entrega o presente.

She delivers the gift.

Direct object 'o presente' follows the verb.

8

Nós vamos entregar amanhã.

We are going to deliver tomorrow.

Future phrase using 'ir' + infinitive 'entregar'.

1

Ontem, eu entreguei o relatório.

Yesterday, I handed in the report.

Preterite tense, first person singular. Note the spelling change: entreguei.

2

Ela entregou a encomenda de manhã.

She delivered the parcel in the morning.

Preterite tense, third person singular (entregou).

3

Você já entregou os documentos?

Have you already handed over the documents?

Use of 'já' (already) with the preterite tense.

4

Nós entregamos as doações ontem.

We delivered the donations yesterday.

Preterite tense, first person plural. Spelled the same as present tense.

5

Eles não entregaram o convite.

They did not deliver the invitation.

Preterite tense, third person plural (entregaram).

6

Eu vou entregar para você.

I will deliver it to you.

Use of preposition 'para' to indicate the recipient.

7

O motoboy entregou a comida rápida.

The courier delivered the food fast.

Common vocabulary 'motoboy' paired with 'entregar'.

8

Quando você vai entregar?

When are you going to deliver?

Question word 'quando' with the future construction.

1

O pacote foi entregue ontem à noite.

The package was delivered last night.

Passive voice using the irregular past participle 'entregue'.

2

O suspeito decidiu entregar-se à polícia.

The suspect decided to surrender to the police.

Reflexive usage 'entregar-se' meaning to surrender.

3

Nós entregaremos o projeto na próxima semana.

We will deliver the project next week.

Future indicative tense (entregaremos).

4

Eu entregaria o dinheiro, mas não tenho.

I would hand over the money, but I don't have it.

Conditional tense (entregaria) expressing a hypothetical situation.

5

Eles prometeram que entregariam a tempo.

They promised that they would deliver on time.

Conditional tense used for a past promise about the future.

6

Ela estava entregando os panfletos na rua.

She was handing out the flyers on the street.

Past continuous tense using 'estar' (imperfect) + gerund (entregando).

7

O professor quer que eu entregue hoje.

The teacher wants me to hand it in today.

Present subjunctive (entregue) triggered by 'quer que'.

8

Ele entregou o amigo para salvar a si mesmo.

He turned his friend in to save himself.

Idiomatic use meaning to betray or turn someone in.

1

É essencial que a empresa entregue os resultados.

It is essential that the company delivers the results.

Present subjunctive used after an impersonal expression of necessity.

2

Se ele entregasse o relatório, nós sairíamos cedo.

If he handed in the report, we would leave early.

Imperfect subjunctive (entregasse) in a conditional 'se' clause.

3

O prêmio será entregue pelo presidente.

The award will be handed over by the president.

Future passive voice using 'será entregue'.

4

Eles acabaram entregando o jogo no segundo tempo.

They ended up giving the game away in the second half.

Idiomatic expression 'entregar o jogo' (to give up/lose easily).

5

A testemunha recusou-se a entregar as provas.

The witness refused to hand over the evidence.

Infinitive usage after the preposition 'a' following 'recusar-se'.

6

Tendo entregue a carta, ele foi embora.

Having delivered the letter, he left.

Compound gerund using 'tendo' + irregular past participle 'entregue'.

7

O seu nervosismo acabou por entregá-lo.

His nervousness ended up giving him away.

Infinitive with attached object pronoun (entregá-lo) meaning to reveal.

8

Ela entregou-se de corpo e alma ao projeto.

She dedicated herself body and soul to the project.

Reflexive usage indicating deep dedication or commitment.

1

A soberania foi entregue às forças internacionais.

Sovereignty was handed over to international forces.

Formal passive construction with abstract nouns.

2

Caso entreguem a petição, o juiz analisará o caso.

In case they submit the petition, the judge will analyze the case.

Present subjunctive (entreguem) triggered by the conjunction 'caso'.

3

O delator entregou todo o esquema de corrupção.

The whistleblower exposed the entire corruption scheme.

Advanced vocabulary context (delator, esquema) with 'entregar' meaning to expose.

4

Entregue à própria sorte, o náufrago sobreviveu.

Left to his own devices, the castaway survived.

Past participle 'entregue' used as an adjective phrase (left to/abandoned to).

5

É imperativo que os fundos sejam entregues imediatamente.

It is imperative that the funds be delivered immediately.

Subjunctive passive voice (sejam entregues) in a formal command.

6

Ele jamais admitiria ter entregado os companheiros.

He would never admit to having betrayed his comrades.

Compound infinitive (ter entregado). Note: 'entregado' is sometimes used in active compound tenses, though 'entregue' is more common.

7

A cidade rendeu-se, entregando as armas ao vencedor.

The city surrendered, handing over its weapons to the victor.

Gerund (entregando) expressing an action simultaneous to the main verb.

8

O autor entrega-nos uma obra-prima da literatura moderna.

The author delivers us a masterpiece of modern literature.

Figurative use meaning to produce or present a work of art.

1

A capitulação culminou na entrega incondicional das tropas.

The capitulation culminated in the unconditional surrender of the troops.

Use of the noun form 'entrega' in a highly formal historical context.

2

Ao entregar-se ao escrutínio público, o político arriscou tudo.

By subjecting himself to public scrutiny, the politician risked everything.

Reflexive infinitive (entregar-se) meaning to expose or subject oneself.

3

A missiva, uma vez entregue ao destinatário, selou o seu destino.

The missive, once delivered to the recipient, sealed his fate.

Literary vocabulary (missiva) with participle phrase acting as a temporal clause.

4

Não obstante as ameaças, ele recusou entregar o ouro ao bandido.

Notwithstanding the threats, he refused to give in to the enemy.

Idiomatic expression 'entregar o ouro ao bandido' used in a complex sentence.

5

A entrega abnegada da enfermeira durante a pandemia foi louvável.

The nurse's selfless dedication during the pandemic was praiseworthy.

Noun 'entrega' used to mean profound dedication or self-sacrifice.

6

Que eles entregassem a fortaleza sem lutar era impensável.

That they would surrender the fortress without a fight was unthinkable.

Imperfect subjunctive (entregassem) acting as the subject of the main clause.

7

O réu foi traído pelo seu próprio nervosismo, que o entregou cabalmente.

The defendant was betrayed by his own nervousness, which gave him away completely.

Advanced adverb (cabalmente) modifying the verb 'entregar' (to reveal/betray).

8

Trata-se de um romance onde a protagonista se entrega ao niilismo.

It is a novel where the protagonist surrenders to nihilism.

Reflexive usage with abstract philosophical concepts (niilismo).

Common Collocations

entregar a encomenda
entregar o relatório
entregar a carta
entregar o trabalho
entregar as chaves
entregar-se à polícia
entregar o jogo
entregar a alma
entregar em domicílio
pronto para entregar

Common Phrases

entregar em mãos
saiu para entrega
prazo de entrega
taxa de entrega
entregar os pontos
entregar o ouro ao bandido
entregar a Deus
entregar de bandeja
entregar o cargo
entregar a rapadura

Often Confused With

entregar vs devolver (to return an item)

entregar vs enviar (to send/ship)

entregar vs dar (to give generally)

Idioms & Expressions

"entregar os pontos"
"entregar o ouro ao bandido"
"entregar a alma a Deus"
"entregar de bandeja"
"entregar o jogo"
"entregar a rapadura"
"dar com a língua nos dentes (similar concept)"
"abrir o bico (similar concept)"
"jogar a toalha (similar concept to entregar os pontos)"
"vender a alma (similar concept to entregar a alma)"

Easily Confused

entregar vs

entregar vs

entregar vs

entregar vs

entregar vs

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

nuances

While it means 'to deliver', it lacks the commercial nuance of 'to ship' (enviar/despachar). It focuses on the final act of handing over.

formality

Appropriate for all levels of formality. The choice of preposition (a vs para) and pronoun placement dictates the formal tone.

regionalisms

In Brazil, 'entregar para' is standard in speech. In Portugal, 'entregar a' is strictly preferred even in casual speech.

Common Mistakes
  • Forgetting the preposition 'a' or 'para' before the recipient (e.g., saying 'entregar ele' instead of 'entregar para ele').
  • Using the incorrect past participle 'entregado' instead of the correct form 'entregue'.
  • Forgetting the spelling change in the preterite and writing 'entrege' instead of 'entreguei'.
  • Confusing 'entregar' (to deliver) with 'devolver' (to return a borrowed item).
  • Using the reflexive 'entregar-se' when simply handing over an object, which changes the meaning to 'surrendering oneself'.

Tips

The Spelling Change

Always remember the 'u' in 'eu entreguei'. If you write 'entrege', it changes the pronunciation completely and is a glaring spelling error.

Delivery Vocabulary

Learn the related noun 'entrega' (delivery). You will see 'taxa de entrega' (delivery fee) on almost every food app in Brazil.

Preposition Choice

When speaking with Brazilians, feel free to use 'para' (or 'pro/pra'). 'Eu entrego pra você' sounds very natural and friendly.

The Past Participle

Erase 'entregado' from your mind. Always use 'entregue' when forming the passive voice or compound tenses. 'Foi entregue', 'tinha entregue'.

Giving Up

If a task is too hard and you want to quit, you can say 'Vou entregar os pontos'. It's a great idiom to sound like a native.

School Context

If you are studying in a Portuguese-speaking country, 'entregar o trabalho' is the standard phrase for handing in your homework or essay.

Tracking Packages

When checking mail status online, look for the word 'Entregue'. It means your package has successfully arrived at its destination.

The Betrayal Meaning

Be careful using 'entregar' with people as the direct object. 'Eu entreguei o João' usually means you snitched on João to the boss or the police.

Surrendering

If you watch police shows in Portuguese, you will constantly hear 'Ele se entregou' (He turned himself in). It's a crucial reflexive use.

Stress the Last Syllable

In the infinitive form 'entregar', the stress is on the final syllable 'GAR'. Make sure to emphasize it: en-tre-GAR.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you ENTER a bar and a GARgoyle DELIVERS you a drink. ENTER-GAR = entregar = to deliver.

Word Origin

Latin

Cultural Context

Similar to Portugal, formal deliveries are handled by postal services, but informal networks of 'entregas' are common in bustling markets like Roque Santeiro.

The term 'motoboy' is synonymous with 'entregador' in urban Brazil. Delivery apps (aplicativos de entrega) are extremely popular.

In Portugal, postal delivery is handled by CTT (Correios de Portugal). The term 'estafeta' is often used for a courier or delivery person.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"Você prefere cozinhar ou pedir para entregar comida em casa?"

"Qual foi a última coisa que você comprou e pediu para entregar?"

"Você sempre entrega seus trabalhos da faculdade no prazo?"

"Você acha que os entregadores de aplicativo deveriam ganhar mais?"

"Você já teve algum problema com uma encomenda que não foi entregue?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva a última vez que você teve que entregar um projeto importante. Como você se sentiu?

Escreva sobre uma vez em que você 'entregou os pontos' (desistiu) de algo.

Imagine que você é um carteiro. Escreva sobre um dia normal de entregas na sua vida.

Você acha que no futuro os drones vão entregar todas as nossas compras? Explique.

Escreva uma história curta sobre um espião que precisa entregar um pen drive secreto.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is mostly a regular verb ending in '-ar'. However, it has a spelling change in the first person singular of the preterite tense (eu entreguei) to maintain the pronunciation. It also has an irregular past participle (entregue).

'Dar' is the general verb for 'to give' and can be used for gifts, advice, or casual handing over. 'Entregar' specifically means 'to deliver' or 'to hand over', often implying a duty, a formal transfer, or a physical delivery process.

Both are grammatically correct when indicating the recipient. 'Entregar a' is more formal and standard in Portugal. 'Entregar para' is extremely common and perfectly acceptable in everyday spoken Brazilian Portuguese.

It is a very common Brazilian idiom that means 'to give up' or 'to throw in the towel'. It originates from sports or games where you concede points to the opponent because you can no longer win.

You say 'O pacote foi entregue'. You must use the irregular past participle 'entregue' with the verb 'ser' to form the passive voice.

Yes. In informal contexts, 'entregar alguém' means to turn someone in to the authorities or to reveal their secret, similar to 'snitching' or 'giving someone away' in English.

'Entregar-se' means to surrender oneself. It is used literally, like a criminal surrendering to the police, or metaphorically, like surrendering to an emotion or dedicating oneself fully to a cause.

In Portuguese, the letter 'g' before 'e' or 'i' makes a soft sound (like the 's' in measure). To keep the hard 'g' sound of the infinitive 'entregar', a 'u' must be inserted, making it 'entreguei'.

Historically, yes, it was the regular past participle. However, in modern standard Portuguese, 'entregue' is the accepted and correct past participle for both active and passive voices. Avoid using 'entregado'.

If you replace the direct object with a pronoun attached to the infinitive, you drop the 'r' and add 'l'. For example, 'entregar o livro' becomes 'entregá-lo' (to deliver it).

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