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B1 verb 13 min read

enumerar

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips enumerar in 30 Seconds

Explanation enumerar in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'enumerar' is a bit advanced, but you can think of it as a fancy way to say 'make a list'. Imagine you are in a Portuguese class and the teacher asks you to list the colors you know. You are 'enumerando' colors. At this stage, just remember that it means 'to list'. You might see it in simple instructions like 'Enumere as figuras' (Number/List the figures). It's related to the word 'número' (number), which you already know! Just try to recognize it when you see it in a list of instructions. Don't worry too much about using it in complex sentences yet. Focus on the idea that you are taking things one by one. For example, if you have an apple, a banana, and an orange, and you say their names, you are enumerating them. It's a very organized way to speak.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'enumerar' in basic professional or school contexts. When you are describing your daily routine or the things in your house, you can use this word to sound more organized. Instead of just saying 'Eu tenho muitas coisas', you can say 'Vou enumerar as coisas que tenho'. This shows you are progressing in your vocabulary. You should also notice that it's a regular '-ar' verb, so it conjugates just like 'falar'. Eu enumero, você enumera, nós enumeramos. It's very useful for simple tasks like 'enumerar os ingredientes de uma receita' (listing the ingredients of a recipe). You will also see it more often in textbooks when you are asked to identify parts of a sentence or categories of words. It's a step up from the very basic 'dizer' (to say).

As a B1 learner, you should be able to use 'enumerar' to structure your arguments and descriptions. This word is perfect for when you need to give reasons for something or explain a process. For example, in a job interview, you might say 'Posso enumerar minhas principais qualidades' (I can list my main qualities). It sounds professional and confident. You should also be comfortable using it in different tenses, like the past tense to describe what someone said: 'O médico enumerou os cuidados que devo ter'. At this level, you are moving beyond simple 'listing' to using enumeration as a way to clarify your thoughts. It's particularly useful in writing short essays or emails where you want to present information in a clear, point-by-point format. You should also start to distinguish it from 'contar' (to count) and 'numerar' (to put numbers on pages).

At the B2 level, you should understand the rhetorical power of 'enumerar'. It's not just about making a list; it's about providing evidence and building a case. You will encounter this word in news articles, opinion pieces, and more complex literature. You should be able to use it to summarize long discussions, like 'Após a reunião, o diretor enumerou os pontos de discórdia'. You should also be aware of its synonyms like 'relacionar' or 'especificar' and choose the one that fits best. In B2, your use of 'enumerar' should feel natural in formal contexts. You might use it in the conditional mood to be polite: 'Eu gostaria de enumerar algumas sugestões'. This shows a high level of control over the tone of your conversation. You're also expected to handle the passive voice version: 'Vários motivos foram enumerados pelo autor'.

For C1 learners, 'enumerar' is a tool for precision and stylistic flair. You should be able to use it to handle complex information in academic or high-level professional settings. In a thesis or a formal report, you would use 'enumerar' to systematically present your findings. You should also recognize its use in classical Portuguese literature, where long enumerations (called 'enumeração') are used to create specific atmospheres or to emphasize a point through accumulation. You should be able to discuss the nuances between 'enumerar', 'arrolar' (legal), and 'inventariar' (logistics). Your pronunciation should be perfect, and you should be able to use the verb in complex grammatical structures, such as with the personal infinitive: 'Para enumerarmos todos os problemas, precisaríamos de mais tempo'. You use the word not just to list, but to categorize and validate information.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'enumerar' and its place in the vast landscape of Portuguese vocabulary. You can use it with absolute precision, even in highly specialized fields like law, philosophy, or advanced mathematics. You understand its etymological roots and how it has evolved in the Lusophone world. You might use it in a speech to create a dramatic effect through a 'crescendo' of enumerated facts. You are also aware of how the word might be used slightly differently in Portugal versus Brazil or other Portuguese-speaking countries, although the core meaning remains the same. You can critique a text for its use of enumeration and suggest alternatives that might change the subtle tone of the passage. For you, 'enumerar' is more than a verb; it's a strategic choice in your sophisticated communication repertoire.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

enumerar in 30 Seconds

A versatile verb meaning to list items or facts one by one in an organized manner.
Used in both formal (academic, legal) and everyday contexts to provide specific details.
Follows regular '-ar' verb conjugation patterns, making it easy for learners to master.
Distinguished from 'contar' by focusing on the identity of items rather than their quantity.

The Portuguese verb enumerar is a sophisticated yet essential term that primarily means 'to enumerate' or 'to list items one by one'. While it is frequently found in academic, legal, and formal writing, it is also perfectly common in everyday conversations when someone wants to be precise about a sequence of facts, items, or reasons. In its core essence, enumerar involves the mental or physical act of identifying individual components within a larger set and presenting them in an organized fashion. Unlike the simple verb contar (to count), which focuses on the total number, enumerar focuses on the identity and description of each specific item being mentioned. It is the difference between saying 'I have three problems' and 'I will now list (enumerate) my three problems: time, money, and health'.

Formal Usage: In professional environments, a manager might say, 'Precisamos enumerar as prioridades do trimestre' (We need to list the priorities for the quarter). This implies a structured approach to planning.

O professor começou a enumerar as causas da Revolução Francesa para a turma atenta.

Beyond simple listing, the word carries a rhetorical weight. When a politician or an orator uses enumerar, they are often building an argument by stacking evidence. It suggests a certain level of completeness and authority. If you tell someone 'Posso enumerar as razões pelas quais não quero ir', you are signaling that your decision is well-thought-out and backed by a specific set of points. It is also used in technical fields, such as mathematics or computer science, to refer to the process of assigning a number to each element of a set, though in general Portuguese, the 'listing' aspect is much more prevalent than the 'numbering' aspect.

Legal Context: Lawyers often use this verb when detailing clauses in a contract or evidence in a case, ensuring that every point is distinct and accounted for.

É necessário enumerar todos os bens no inventário para evitar confusões futuras.

In literary contexts, authors use enumeration as a stylistic device to overwhelm the reader with detail or to create a sense of abundance. Whether it's a character listing their grievances or a poet describing the facets of nature, enumerar serves as the bridge between a vague concept and its concrete components. It is a transitive direct verb, meaning it usually takes an object directly without a preposition (enumerar algo). For example, 'Vou enumerar os convidados' (I will list the guests). Understanding this word allows a learner to navigate more complex Portuguese texts where information is categorized and presented sequentially.

Educational Context: In exams, students are often asked to 'enumerar as características' of a certain phenomenon, requiring them to provide a bulleted or numbered list of traits.

Não consigo enumerar quantas vezes já te disse para ter cuidado.

Finally, the word is often used hyperbolically in daily life to express frustration or amazement. When someone says 'Não consigo nem enumerar as mentiras dele', they are emphasizing that the lies are so numerous that a complete list is almost impossible to compile. This versatility—from the rigid structure of a computer algorithm to the emotional weight of a personal argument—makes enumerar a powerful addition to a B1 learner's vocabulary, bridging the gap between basic communication and nuanced expression.

Using enumerar correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature and its specific role as a verb of communication or organization. It follows the regular conjugation pattern for '-ar' verbs, making it relatively straightforward for learners who have mastered verbs like falar or trabalhar. The most common structure is [Subject] + enumerar + [Direct Object]. For instance, 'Ela enumerou as vantagens do novo emprego' (She enumerated the advantages of the new job). Note that there is no preposition between the verb and the object, which distinguishes it from verbs like gostar de or precisar de.

Present Tense: Eu enumero os itens da lista agora mesmo. (I am listing the items on the list right now.)

O guia turístico gosta de enumerar todos os monumentos históricos da praça.

In the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), it is used to describe a completed action of listing. 'O cientista enumerou os riscos do experimento' (The scientist listed the risks of the experiment). This is particularly useful in reporting or summarizing events. In more complex sentences, enumerar can be followed by a 'que' clause if you are listing facts, although it is more common to list nouns. For example, 'Ele enumerou que precisávamos de pão, leite e ovos' is possible, but 'Ele enumerou os itens necessários: pão, leite e ovos' is much more natural and common in Portuguese.

Future Tense: O relatório enumerará todas as falhas encontradas no sistema durante o teste.

Se você enumerar seus motivos, eu poderei entender melhor sua posição.

Another important usage is in the infinitive after auxiliary verbs. 'Você deve enumerar as razões' (You must list the reasons). This is a very common way to express necessity or obligation in a professional context. In passive constructions, which are common in academic writing, you might see 'Os fatores foram enumerados no primeiro capítulo' (The factors were enumerated in the first chapter). This shifts the focus from the person listing to the items being listed, which is a hallmark of formal Portuguese style. It's also worth noting that enumerar can be used reflexively in very specific poetic or philosophical contexts, though this is rare ('A vida se enumera em dias' - Life counts itself in days).

Conditional Mood: Eu enumeraria os benefícios, mas não temos tempo suficiente nesta reunião.

Ao enumerar as tarefas, percebi que o projeto era muito maior do que eu pensava.

In summary, enumerar is a versatile verb that functions as a direct bridge to a list. Whether you are in a boardroom, a classroom, or having a serious talk at home, using this verb correctly demonstrates a high level of linguistic competence and a desire for organizational clarity. Practice it by taking any group of objects around you and saying: 'Eu vou enumerar estas coisas: a mesa, a cadeira e o computador'. This simple exercise will solidify the connection between the action of identifying and the verb itself.

If you are watching the evening news in Brazil or Portugal (like Jornal Nacional or RTP Informação), you will hear enumerar frequently. Journalists use it to present a series of events or government measures. For example, 'O ministro enumerou as novas regras para a previdência'. This usage provides a clear structure to the report, signaling to the viewer that a list of points is coming. In the world of business and corporate presentations, it's the go-to word for slides that contain bullet points. A presenter will often start a slide by saying, 'Neste slide, gostaria de enumerar os principais desafios do mercado'.

Academic Lectures: Professors at universities use it to define parameters or characteristics of a theory. 'Vamos enumerar os elementos químicos raros'.

No tribunal, o advogado de defesa começou a enumerar as provas da inocência do seu cliente.

In literature and high-end journalism, enumerar is used to create a vivid picture. An author might list the smells of a market or the sounds of a city. This 'literary enumeration' is a classic technique to immerse the reader. You will also find it in legal documents, such as contracts or the 'Diário Oficial' (the official government gazette). When laws are passed, they 'enumeram as obrigações dos cidadãos'. In these contexts, the word isn't just descriptive; it's prescriptive, meaning the list itself has legal power.

Political Speeches: Politicians use the verb to show they have a plan. 'Eu poderia enumerar mil motivos para votarem em mim'.

O médico tentou enumerar os sintomas, mas o paciente estava muito confuso para ajudar.

Surprisingly, you might also hear it in social settings when things get heated. In an argument, someone might say, 'Quer que eu enumere todas as vezes que você se atrasou?'. Here, enumerar is used as a threat of providing detailed evidence of someone's failures. It sounds more biting and serious than 'falar'. On the lighter side, a friend might use it when talking about a long list of things they did over the weekend: 'Não dá nem pra enumerar tudo o que eu fiz na viagem!'. This usage highlights the abundance and variety of their experiences.

Self-Help and Podcasts: Many Portuguese-language podcasts on productivity use this word when giving tips. 'Vamos enumerar 5 passos para o sucesso'.

O manual de instruções serve para enumerar as peças contidas na caixa do produto.

In tech circles, specifically in software development, the term 'Enum' (from enumeration) is common, and Brazilian developers will often use the verb enumerar when discussing data types or iterating through a collection of objects. This technical overlap makes it a very useful word for professionals in the STEM fields. Whether in a formal lecture, a dramatic argument, or a technical discussion, enumerar is the word that brings order to a chaotic collection of items or ideas.

The most frequent mistake learners make with enumerar is confusing it with contar. While in English 'to count' and 'to enumerate' can sometimes overlap, in Portuguese, contar is strictly for numerical quantity (1, 2, 3), whereas enumerar is for listing the items themselves. You wouldn't usually 'enumerar' up to ten; you would 'contar' up to ten. However, you would 'enumerar' the ten reasons why you are late. Mistaking these two can make you sound slightly unnatural or overly formal in the wrong context.

Preposition Errors: Learners often try to add a preposition like 'de' or 'sobre' after the verb. Remember: it's 'enumerar os problemas', not 'enumerar de problemas'.

Errado: Eu vou enumerar sobre as causas. Correto: Eu vou enumerar as causas.

Another error involves the spelling and pronunciation of the 'u'. Because of the related English word 'enumerate', English speakers sometimes add an 'i' sound where it doesn't belong, or they might misspell it as 'enumarar'. The root is 'número', so keeping that in mind helps maintain the correct spelling. Also, be careful with the nasal 'n' at the beginning. It should be a clean 'e-nu-me-rar', not 'en-u-me-rar' with a heavily English-accented 'en'.

Overuse in Informal Speech: Using 'enumerar' when you're just chatting with friends about a grocery list can sound a bit stiff. Use 'fazer uma lista' instead for casual talk.

Não é comum dizer: 'Mãe, vou enumerar as frutas que eu quero'. É melhor: 'Vou te falar as frutas'.

One more subtle mistake is using enumerar when you actually mean priorizar (to prioritize). Enumerating just means listing; it doesn't necessarily imply that the first item is more important than the last. If you want to say you are listing things in order of importance, you should say 'enumerar por ordem de importância' or simply 'hierarquizar'. Lastly, some learners confuse it with numerar (to number pages or items). While related, numerar is specifically about putting numbers on things (like numbering the pages of a book), whereas enumerar is about listing the content.

False Friends Trap: Don't confuse 'enumerar' with 'enunciar' (to state/announce). 'Enunciar' is about the delivery of a statement, not the listing of items.

Ele enumerou os fatos (listed them) vs Ele enunciou a sua tese (stated his thesis).

By avoiding these common pitfalls—preposition errors, confusion with 'contar' or 'numerar', and inappropriate register—you will be able to use enumerar with the precision of a native speaker. It's a word that rewards accuracy and adds a layer of intellectual polish to your Portuguese.

While enumerar is a fantastic word, sometimes it's not the best fit for the context. Exploring its synonyms and alternatives will help you fine-tune your expression. The most direct synonym is listar. Listar is slightly more modern and common in digital contexts (like 'listar arquivos'). It's also less formal than enumerar. If you are making a grocery list, you 'lista' the items. If you are a scientist documenting species, you might 'enumera' them.

Listar vs. Enumerar: Listar is more functional and common in tech. Enumerar is more rhetorical and academic. Both are usually interchangeable.

Vou listar os nomes no Excel (Functional) vs Vou enumerar as virtudes dela (Rhetorical).

Another close relative is relacionar. In a business context, 'relacionar' means to make a list or a relation of things. It's very common in phrases like 'relacionar as despesas' (to list expenses). It carries a sense of connecting the items to a specific purpose. Then there is especificar. While 'enumerar' just lists them, 'especificar' implies providing more detail about each item. If you 'enumera' the problems, you just say what they are. If you 'especifica' them, you explain them in detail.

Inventariar: This is a very specific type of enumeration used for physical goods or property, like taking an inventory.

O museu precisa inventariar todas as peças do acervo antes da reforma.

For more formal or legal settings, you might encounter arrolar. This is specifically used in legal 'arrolamento de bens' (listing of assets) or 'arrolar testemunhas' (listing witnesses). It's a very heavy, formal word. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you have mencionar (to mention). If you don't need a full list, but just want to bring up some points, 'mencionar' is your best bet. 'Ele mencionou alguns problemas' is much less formal than 'Ele enumerou os problemas'.

Discriminar: In Portuguese, this can mean 'to list in detail' or 'to itemize' (e.g., in a receipt), not just the social meaning of discrimination.

A fatura deve discriminar cada serviço prestado separadamente.

Finally, consider catalogar if you are listing things to put them in a catalog or category. A librarian 'cataloga' books. By understanding these nuances, you can choose the exact level of formality and the specific type of listing you want to perform. Whether you are 'listando' groceries or 'arrolando' witnesses, you are performing an act of organization that is central to clear communication.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word has remained remarkably stable for over 2,000 years, moving from Latin into Portuguese with almost no change in its core meaning of listing things one by one.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /i.nu.me.ˈɾaɾ/

US /e.nu.me.ˈɾaʁ/

The stress is on the last syllable: e-nu-me-RAR.

Rhymes With

falar cantar lugar mar andar pensar olhar chegar

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'en-u-mer-ate' with an English 'r'.
Missing the 'u' sound and saying 'enemarar'.
Putting the stress on the 'me' instead of the 'rar'.
Making the 'n' too nasal like in French 'en'.
Forgetting the 'e' at the start and saying 'numerar'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate 'enumerate'.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct conjugation and understanding of transitive structure.

Speaking 5/5

Pronouncing the 'u' and 'r' sounds correctly takes practice.

Listening 3/5

Usually clearly enunciated in formal speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

número lista falar coisa um

Learn Next

especificar relacionar hierarquizar priorizar detalhar

Advanced

arrolar inventariar discriminar exaustivo taxativo

Grammar to Know

Regular -ar verb conjugation in the present tense.

Eu enumero, tu enumeras, ele enumera...

Direct transitive verb structure (no preposition).

Enumerar algo (NOT enumerar de algo).

Use of the infinitive after modal verbs.

Você deve enumerar as razões.

Future Subjunctive for hypothetical conditions.

Se ele enumerar os erros, nós aprenderemos.

Imperfect Subjunctive for polite requests.

Eu queria que você enumerasse os itens.

Examples by Level

Eu vou enumerar as cores.

I will list the colors.

Simple future with 'vou' + infinitive.

Enumere os números de 1 a 5.

List the numbers from 1 to 5.

Imperative form 'enumere'.

Ela sabe enumerar os dias da semana.

She knows how to list the days of the week.

Infinitive after 'sabe'.

Você pode enumerar as frutas?

Can you list the fruits?

Question with 'pode'.

O professor pede para enumerar os nomes.

The teacher asks to list the names.

Infinitive after 'pede para'.

Nós enumeramos os objetos da sala.

We list the objects in the room.

Present tense 'nós'.

Enumere três animais.

List three animals.

Imperative 'enumere'.

Eu não quero enumerar agora.

I don't want to list now.

Negative sentence.

Ele enumerou os itens da mala.

He listed the items in the suitcase.

Pretérito Perfeito (Past tense).

Precisamos enumerar as tarefas de hoje.

We need to list today's tasks.

Verb 'precisar' + infinitive.

Ela enumera os convidados para a festa.

She lists the guests for the party.

Present tense 'ela'.

Você consegue enumerar os estados do Brasil?

Can you list the states of Brazil?

Verb 'conseguir' + infinitive.

O livro enumera as regras do jogo.

The book lists the rules of the game.

Third person singular present.

Vou enumerar os motivos da minha viagem.

I'm going to list the reasons for my trip.

Future with 'ir'.

Eles enumeraram os problemas do carro.

They listed the car's problems.

Past tense 'eles'.

Não é fácil enumerar todas as opções.

It's not easy to list all the options.

Infinitive as subject.

O relatório tenta enumerar os riscos do projeto.

The report tries to list the project risks.

Verb 'tentar' + infinitive.

Gostaria que você enumerasse suas competências.

I would like you to list your skills.

Imperfect Subjunctive after 'gostaria que'.

O guia enumerou as atrações principais da cidade.

The guide listed the city's main attractions.

Pretérito Perfeito.

Se eu enumerar as falhas, você as corrige?

If I list the flaws, will you correct them?

Future Subjunctive 'se eu enumerar'.

O artigo enumera as vantagens de uma dieta saudável.

The article lists the advantages of a healthy diet.

Present tense usage in media.

Ele começou a enumerar as razões de sua saída.

He began to list the reasons for his departure.

Verb 'começar a' + infinitive.

É importante enumerar os custos fixos mensalmente.

It is important to list fixed costs monthly.

Impersonal 'é importante' + infinitive.

O palestrante enumerou três pontos fundamentais.

The speaker listed three fundamental points.

Formal past tense.

O autor enumera exaustivamente as causas da guerra.

The author exhaustively lists the causes of the war.

Use of adverb 'exaustivamente'.

Ao enumerar as opções, percebemos a complexidade da situação.

When listing the options, we realized the complexity of the situation.

Gerund-like use of 'Ao' + infinitive.

O governo deve enumerar as medidas de contenção.

The government must list the containment measures.

Modal 'deve' + infinitive.

Não basta apenas enumerar, é preciso agir.

It's not enough just to list; action is needed.

Contrast between listing and acting.

Os cientistas enumeraram diversas espécies novas.

The scientists listed several new species.

Scientific context.

O edital enumera os requisitos para a candidatura.

The public notice lists the requirements for the application.

Bureaucratic vocabulary.

Ela enumerou as queixas de forma muito clara.

She listed the complaints very clearly.

Adverbial phrase 'de forma muito clara'.

Seria impossível enumerar todos os grãos de areia.

It would be impossible to list all the grains of sand.

Conditional mood 'seria'.

O filósofo busca enumerar as facetas da existência humana.

The philosopher seeks to enumerate the facets of human existence.

Abstract usage.

O contrato enumera as cláusulas de rescisão detalhadamente.

The contract lists the termination clauses in detail.

Legal register.

Embora tenha enumerado os fatos, sua conclusão foi errada.

Although he listed the facts, his conclusion was wrong.

Concessive clause 'Embora tenha enumerado'.

O historiador enumera os eventos cronologicamente.

The historian lists the events chronologically.

Chronological context.

Cabe ao relator enumerar as inconsistências do depoimento.

It is up to the rapporteur to list the inconsistencies in the testimony.

Formal expression 'Cabe a'.

A obra enumera as influências do autor na juventude.

The work lists the author's influences in his youth.

Literary analysis.

Não se pode enumerar o imensurável.

One cannot list the immeasurable.

Passive 'se' + abstract concept.

Ele se limitou a enumerar os nomes, sem comentários.

He limited himself to listing the names, without comments.

Reflexive 'se limitou a'.

A retórica clássica utiliza a técnica de enumerar para persuadir.

Classical rhetoric uses the technique of enumerating to persuade.

Academic rhetorical context.

O inventário deve enumerar cada item do espólio com precisão.

The inventory must list every item of the estate with precision.

High-level legal/inheritance context.

Ao enumerar as virtudes, o orador comoveu a plateia.

By listing the virtues, the speaker moved the audience.

Emotional rhetorical effect.

A legislação enumera as prerrogativas do cargo.

The legislation lists the prerogatives of the position.

Constitutional/Administrative law.

Poderíamos enumerar ad infinitum as falhas do sistema.

We could list the system's flaws ad infinitum.

Use of Latin expression 'ad infinitum'.

O texto enumera as nuances semânticas do termo.

The text lists the semantic nuances of the term.

Linguistic analysis.

Enumere-se, por oportuno, a relevância do tema.

Let it be listed, as appropriate, the relevance of the topic.

Passive imperative/formal structure.

O mestre costumava enumerar os perigos da ignorância.

The master used to list the dangers of ignorance.

Philosophical/Sapiential register.

Common Collocations

enumerar os motivos

enumerar as vantagens

enumerar as causas

enumerar os riscos

enumerar exaustivamente

enumerar os itens

enumerar as qualidades

enumerar por ordem

enumerar as dificuldades

enumerar os fatos

Common Phrases

Não dá nem para enumerar.

— Used when there are too many things to list.

Tive tantos problemas que não dá nem para enumerar.

Vou enumerar apenas alguns.

— Used to signal a partial list.

Existem muitas razões, mas vou enumerar apenas algumas.

Enumere de um a dez.

— A common instruction to list or rate things.

Enumere sua dor de um a dez.

Poderia enumerar para mim?

— A polite request for a list of items.

Poderia enumerar as tarefas pendentes para mim?

Basta enumerar os pontos.

— Suggesting that a simple list is sufficient.

Não precisa de texto longo, basta enumerar os pontos.

Enumere as prioridades.

— Common in management and productivity.

Antes de começar, enumere as prioridades.

Enumerar um por um.

— Emphasizing the individual nature of the listing.

Ele fez questão de enumerar os erros um por um.

Comece por enumerar...

— An instruction on how to begin a task.

Comece por enumerar os materiais que já temos.

Sem enumerar detalhes.

— Giving a summary without being specific.

Ele contou a história sem enumerar detalhes.

É fácil enumerar.

— Suggesting that the items are obvious.

É fácil enumerar os defeitos dele.

Often Confused With

enumerar vs contar

Contar is for quantity (1, 2, 3); Enumerar is for identifying the items.

enumerar vs numerar

Numerar is to physically put numbers on things (like page numbers).

enumerar vs enunciar

Enunciar is to state or announce a theory or name, not necessarily to list.

Idioms & Expressions

"Enumerar as estrelas"

— To attempt something impossible or endless.

Tentar entender os impostos é como enumerar as estrelas.

poetic

"Perder-se a enumerar"

— To get confused because there are too many items.

Ela se perdeu a enumerar as mentiras dele.

informal

"Enumerar no papel"

— To make something official or concrete by writing it down.

Precisamos enumerar nossos planos no papel.

neutral

"Enumerar de cor"

— To list things from memory without looking.

Ele sabe enumerar de cor todos os jogadores do time.

neutral

"Enumerar nos dedos"

— To list things while counting them on one's fingers.

Ela enumerou nos dedos os dias que faltavam.

neutral

"Enumerar por alto"

— To list things vaguely or without precision.

Ele enumerou por alto o que precisava ser feito.

informal

"Cansar de enumerar"

— To be exhausted by the sheer number of items to list.

Já cansei de enumerar os motivos para você estudar.

informal

"Enumerar tim-tim por tim-tim"

— To list every single tiny detail.

Ela enumerou tim-tim por tim-tim o que aconteceu na festa.

informal/idiomatic

"Não saber nem enumerar"

— To be completely ignorant of the components of something.

Ele não sabe nem enumerar os próprios direitos.

informal

"Enumerar razões ao vento"

— To list reasons that no one is listening to.

Ficou enumerando razões ao vento, ninguém ligou.

literary

Easily Confused

enumerar vs contar

Both involve numbers.

Contar focuses on the total sum or the act of sequential counting. Enumerar focuses on the specific identity of each item in a list.

Conte até dez vs Enumere as dez capitais.

enumerar vs numerar

They sound very similar.

Numerar means to assign or write a number on something (e.g., page 1, page 2). Enumerar means to list items one by one in speech or writing.

Numere as páginas do livro vs Enumere os personagens do livro.

enumerar vs listar

They are synonyms.

Listar is more common in modern, technical, or casual contexts. Enumerar is slightly more formal and rhetorical.

Listar arquivos no computador vs Enumerar as razões do fracasso.

enumerar vs especificar

Both involve being detailed.

Especificar focuses on the details and characteristics of an item. Enumerar focuses on the act of naming them in a series.

Especifique o modelo do carro vs Enumere os carros que você teve.

enumerar vs relacionar

Both used for lists.

Relacionar often implies a connection between the list and another document or purpose (like a relationship of items).

Relacionar as notas fiscais vs Enumerar os problemas.

Sentence Patterns

Eu vou enumerar [coisas].

Eu vou enumerar as cores.

Ele enumerou [itens] ontem.

Ele enumerou os livros ontem.

É preciso enumerar [motivos] para entender.

É preciso enumerar os motivos para entender.

Gostaria que você enumerasse [pontos].

Gostaria que você enumerasse os pontos.

Ao enumerar [riscos], percebemos o perigo.

Ao enumerar os riscos, percebemos o perigo.

O relatório enumera [falhas] exaustivamente.

O relatório enumera as falhas exaustivamente.

Cabe ao autor enumerar [argumentos].

Cabe ao autor enumerar seus argumentos.

Enumere-se a importância de [tema].

Enumere-se a importância de estudar.

Word Family

Nouns

enumeração (enumeration)

enumerador (enumerator)

Verbs

enumerar (to enumerate)

Adjectives

enumerável (enumerable)

enumerativo (enumerative)

número

numeral

numerar

numerário

numeroso

How to Use It

frequency

Common in professional, academic, and journalistic contexts.

Common Mistakes

Eu vou enumerar de meus problemas. → Eu vou enumerar meus problemas.
You don't need the preposition 'de' after enumerar.
Eu enumerei até dez. → Eu contei até dez.
Use 'contar' for simple numerical counting without naming items.
Preciso enumarar os itens. → Preciso enumerar os itens.
Common spelling error; remember the 'e' after the 'm'.
O professor enumerou sobre a história. → O professor enumerou os fatos da história.
Enumerar needs a direct object (the things being listed), not a general topic with 'sobre'.
Vou enumerar as páginas do livro. → Vou numerar as páginas do livro.
Use 'numerar' for putting physical numbers on things, 'enumerar' for listing content.

Tips

Use for Structure

Use 'enumerar' when you want to show you have a clear, structured plan. It makes you sound more professional in meetings.

No Prepositions

Remember that 'enumerar' connects directly to the object. Don't say 'enumerar de' or 'enumerar para'. Just 'enumerar [objeto]'.

Related Words

Keep 'número' in mind. If you are 'numbering' items in your head as you say them, you are 'enumerando'.

Final Stress

Always stress the last syllable: enu-me-RAR. This is vital for being understood by native speakers.

Formal Emails

In formal emails, use 'Gostaria de enumerar as seguintes questões' to introduce a list of problems or points.

News Context

When you hear 'O ministro enumerou...', get ready to hear a list of government actions or rules.

Exam Tip

If a Portuguese exam asks you to 'Enumere...', it means you should write a list, usually with numbers or bullet points.

Rhetorical Effect

Use enumeration to emphasize a point. Listing many reasons makes your argument feel much stronger.

Not for Simple Counting

Don't use it to count your change or count to ten. Use 'contar' for that. Use 'enumerar' for naming things.

The Scroll Image

Imagine a king reading a long list of items from a scroll. He is 'enumerando' his treasures.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'E-NUMER-AR'. The 'NUMER' part is like 'Number'. To enumerate is to 'number' items in a list.

Visual Association

Imagine a person holding a long scroll and pointing at each item with a finger as they say the name aloud.

Word Web

número lista razões itens fatos ordem sequência detalhes

Challenge

Try to list five things in your room using the sentence: 'Eu vou enumerar estas cinco coisas: ...'

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'enumerare', which is formed by the prefix 'e-' (out/thoroughly) and 'numerare' (to count).

Original meaning: To count out, to reckon, to relate in detail.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but using it in very casual settings might make you sound 'metido' (snobbish) or overly formal.

Similar to 'enumerate' in English, but used slightly more frequently in semi-formal Portuguese than its English counterpart is in semi-formal English.

Used in the Brazilian Constitution to list citizen rights. Common in the lyrics of 'Samba do Avião' by Tom Jobim when describing the sights of Rio. Often used in the works of Machado de Assis to detail character traits.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

In a meeting

Enumerar os pontos
Enumerar as metas
Enumerar os atrasos
Enumerar as soluções

At school

Enumerar as causas
Enumerar os estados
Enumerar as regras
Enumerar as respostas

In a grocery store

Enumerar os itens
Enumerar os preços
Enumerar as faltas
Enumerar os pedidos

At the doctor

Enumerar os sintomas
Enumerar os remédios
Enumerar as dores
Enumerar os exames

In a legal case

Enumerar as provas
Enumerar os crimes
Enumerar as testemunhas
Enumerar os danos

Conversation Starters

"Você poderia enumerar três coisas que você ama no Brasil?"

"Quais são os principais problemas que você consegue enumerar na sua cidade?"

"Se você tivesse que enumerar suas habilidades, quais seriam as mais importantes?"

"Pode enumerar os motivos pelos quais você está aprendendo português?"

"Quais filmes você enumeraria como os seus favoritos de todos os tempos?"

Journal Prompts

Enumere cinco metas que você deseja alcançar nos próximos seis meses e explique por quê.

Tente enumerar todas as coisas pelas quais você é grato hoje.

Enumere os desafios que você enfrentou ao aprender uma nova língua esta semana.

Se você fosse escrever um livro, quais seriam os capítulos? Enumere-os.

Enumere as qualidades que você procura em um amigo verdadeiro.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can, but it sounds a bit formal. In a casual conversation with family, it's more natural to say 'fazer uma lista' or just 'anotar as coisas'. However, if you're being playful or very organized, 'enumerar' works fine.

Yes, 'enumerar' is a perfectly regular '-ar' verb. It follows the same conjugation rules as 'falar', 'amar', and 'estudar'. This makes it very easy to use in all tenses once you know the pattern.

'Listar' is the modern, more common word for making a list, especially in digital contexts like Excel or programming. 'Enumerar' is slightly more formal and is often used when you are speaking or writing to provide evidence or clear points.

Not exactly. While it comes from the word for 'number', it doesn't mean 'to count' in the sense of '1, 2, 3, 4...'. For that, you must use 'contar'. 'Enumerar' means to name the items in a set one by one.

You would say 'enumerar os itens'. For example: 'Por favor, enumere os itens que você trouxe'. The noun form is 'enumeração', so you could also say 'uma enumeração de itens'.

It is just 'enumerar'. It is a direct transitive verb. You 'enumerar algo'. For example: 'Ele enumerou as falhas', not 'Ele enumerou sobre as falhas'.

Yes, it is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries with the same meaning. The pronunciation of the final 'r' will change depending on the region, but the usage is identical.

Yes, you can 'enumerar as pessoas' present in a room or 'enumerar os candidatos' for a job. It just means listing their names one by one.

In literature, an 'enumeração' is a rhetorical device where the author lists many things in a row to create an effect of abundance, chaos, or detail. It's very common in poetry and descriptive prose.

Usually, yes. The word implies a certain logical sequence or organization, even if it's just the order in which you remember the items. It suggests a structured approach to information.