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A2 verb #4,000 most common 17 min read

fascinar

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips fascinar in 30 Seconds

Explanation fascinar in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'fascinar' might be a bit advanced, but you can understand it as a stronger version of 'gostar muito' (to like very much). Think of it as 'to love' or 'to be very interested in' something. At this stage, you don't need to conjugate it in all tenses. Just remember the simple phrase 'Isso me fascina' (That fascinates me). You might use it to talk about your favorite hobbies or a beautiful place you saw. Imagine you are looking at a photo of the beach; you can say 'O mar me fascina'. It's a great way to show you have a 'richer' vocabulary than just using basic words. Focus on the present tense for now: 'Eu fascino' (not common to say about yourself), 'Ele fascina' (it fascinates). Most importantly, understand that it's a positive word. If someone says 'Estou fascinado', they are very happy and interested. You can also recognize the adjective 'fascinante' which means 'fascinating'. It's an easy word because it looks like English! Use it to describe a movie or a book: 'O livro é fascinante'. This helps you express your feelings more clearly even with limited grammar.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'fascinar' to describe your interests and reactions. You are now learning more verbs, and 'fascinar' is a regular '-ar' verb, so it follows the same pattern as 'falar' or 'estudar'. You can use it in the past tense to talk about things that impressed you: 'O filme me fascinou' (The movie fascinated me). You should also learn the difference between the verb 'fascinar' and the adjective 'fascinado'. Remember that when you use 'fascinado' (fascinated), you usually need to say what you are fascinated *by* using 'por'. For example: 'Estou fascinado por Portugal'. This is a very common structure. You can also use it to ask questions: 'O que mais te fascina nesta cidade?' (What fascinates you most in this city?). At this level, you are moving beyond simple 'likes' and 'dislikes' and starting to express more complex emotions. 'Fascinar' is perfect for this because it shows a level of depth in your interests. Try to use it when talking about history, art, or nature, as these are the most common contexts for the word.

By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'fascinar' in various tenses, including the imperfect and the future. You can use the imperfect ('fascinava') to describe things that used to fascinate you when you were younger: 'Quando eu era criança, o espaço me fascinava'. This is excellent for storytelling. You should also start noticing the word in more formal contexts, like news articles or documentaries. At this stage, you can explore the noun form 'fascínio' (fascination/allure). For example: 'Ele tem um grande fascínio pela cultura japonesa'. This allows you to vary your sentence structures. You should also be aware of the placement of pronouns like 'me', 'te', 'nos'. In Brazil, you'll say 'Isso me fascina', but if you're in Portugal, you should practice 'Isso fascina-me'. Understanding these regional differences is key to reaching intermediate fluency. You can also use 'fascinar' in the subjunctive mood to express desires or hypothetical situations: 'Espero que este projeto fascine os investidores' (I hope this project fascinates the investors). This shows a higher level of grammatical control.

At the B2 level, you should use 'fascinar' with nuance and precision. You can distinguish it from synonyms like 'deslumbrar', 'encantar', and 'cativar'. For instance, you might explain that a scientific theory 'fascinates' you because of its complexity, whereas a sunset 'enchants' (encanta) you because of its beauty. You can use 'fascinar' in more abstract discussions about psychology, society, or philosophy. You might discuss what 'fascinates' the modern world or how certain historical figures managed to 'fascinate' the masses. Your use of the passive voice should be fluent: 'O público foi fascinado pela performance da atriz'. You should also be able to use the verb in complex sentence structures, such as 'O que me fascina não é apenas a técnica, mas a emoção por trás dela' (What fascinates me is not just the technique, but the emotion behind it). At this level, your vocabulary should be rich enough to use 'fascinar' as a tool for detailed analysis and sophisticated expression of thought.

At the C1 level, 'fascinar' becomes a versatile tool for high-level discourse. You can use it to discuss the 'poder de fascinação' (power of fascination) of a political movement or a literary style. You should be able to use the word in literary analysis, discussing how an author uses certain themes to 'fascinar' the reader or to create a sense of 'fascínio' and 'estranhamento' (estrangement/uncanniness). You will likely encounter the word in academic papers, where it might describe the 'fascínio' that a particular research topic holds for the scientific community. You can also use it in more idiomatic or metaphorical ways, perhaps discussing how a city 'fascinates and repels' at the same time. Your command of the subjunctive and other complex tenses should be flawless: 'Caso a proposta não fascine a diretoria, teremos que mudar de plano' (If the proposal doesn't fascinate the board, we will have to change plans). You are now using the word not just to express personal feelings, but to analyze and describe the world around you with precision and stylistic flair.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'fascinar' and its entire word family. You can use it with subtle irony, or to evoke a specific historical or literary atmosphere. You understand the deep etymological roots of the word and how they resonate in modern usage. You can effortlessly weave the word into a complex narrative or a formal presentation, using it to highlight the most compelling aspects of your argument. You might use the noun 'fascinação' to discuss the collective psychology of a nation or the 'fascínio' of the unknown in the history of exploration. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can appreciate the use of 'fascinar' in the poetry of Camões or the prose of Saramago, understanding the layers of meaning that have been added to the word over centuries. At this level, 'fascinar' is not just a vocabulary item; it is a part of your expressive toolkit that you use to convey the deepest levels of human experience and intellectual inquiry.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

fascinar in 30 Seconds

Fascinar is a Portuguese verb meaning 'to fascinate' or 'to captivate,' used to express deep interest or wonder.
It is a regular -ar verb, making its conjugation easy to learn for beginners who already know verbs like 'falar'.
Commonly used in contexts of art, science, and nature, it suggests a stronger emotion than simply 'liking' something.
When used as an adjective (fascinado), it typically requires the preposition 'por' to indicate the source of fascination.

The Portuguese verb fascinar is a sophisticated and emotionally resonant word that translates to 'to fascinate,' 'to captivate,' or 'to enthrall.' At its core, it describes a state where someone's attention is completely captured by something beautiful, mysterious, or intellectually stimulating. In Portuguese culture, expressing fascination is common when discussing the arts, history, and personal discoveries. Unlike the simple verb 'gostar' (to like), fascinar implies a magnetic pull—an almost hypnotic attraction that goes beyond mere preference. It suggests that the object of fascination has a power over the observer, holding them in a state of wonder. This verb is widely used in both formal and informal registers, though it carries a slightly more elevated tone than everyday verbs of liking. For example, a student might be fascinated by a specific period of history, or a traveler might be fascinated by the architecture of Lisbon. The word is intrinsically linked to the concept of discovery; you are fascinated when you encounter something that challenges your understanding or exceeds your expectations of beauty. It is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object: something fascinates someone. However, it is also frequently used in the passive voice or as a past participle ('fascinado') to describe the person's state of mind. When you use this word, you are signaling a deep, focused interest that is often accompanied by admiration or curiosity.

Emotional Intensity: Fascinar indicates a high level of engagement. It is not just about finding something 'nice'; it is about being unable to look away or stop thinking about it. It bridges the gap between intellectual curiosity and emotional awe.
Social Context: In social settings, saying 'Isso me fascina' (That fascinates me) is a great way to show active listening and genuine interest in a topic someone is explaining, making it a powerful tool for building rapport.

A complexidade do universo costuma fascinar os cientistas desde a antiguidade.

— The complexity of the universe has fascinated scientists since antiquity.

Historically, the word has roots in the idea of casting a spell. While modern Portuguese speakers don't literally mean 'bewitched,' the underlying sense of being 'under a spell' remains metaphorically relevant. When a melody fascinates you, it's as if the music has a physical hold on your senses. This nuance is crucial for English speakers to grasp: while 'fascinate' in English can sometimes feel a bit academic or dry, in Portuguese, fascinar often carries a warmer, more passionate undertone. It is the language of the 'apaixonado' (the one who is in love or passionate about something). You will hear it in documentaries about the Amazon rainforest, in art galleries in Porto, and in deep late-night conversations about the meaning of life. It is a word that demands attention and respect for the subject being discussed. Furthermore, the word is versatile across different domains. In the world of fashion, a design might fascinate the public; in technology, a new software capability might fascinate developers; in human relations, a person's charisma might fascinate everyone in a room. It is one of those 'bridge' words that works perfectly in a PhD thesis and a romantic poem alike.

As cores do pôr do sol em alto-mar conseguem fascinar até o viajante mais experiente.

— The colors of the sunset on the high seas manage to fascinate even the most experienced traveler.

When using fascinar, pay attention to the subject-verb agreement. Since it is often used to say 'X fascinates me,' the verb must agree with 'X'. For example, 'Os livros me fascinam' (The books fascinate me) uses the plural form 'fascinam' because 'os livros' is the subject. This is a common point of confusion for English speakers who might want to use the singular form out of habit. Additionally, the word can be used reflexively in certain poetic contexts, though 'deixar-se fascinar' (to let oneself be fascinated) is more common. The richness of this verb lies in its ability to elevate a conversation from the mundane to the extraordinary. It invites the listener to share in a moment of appreciation. Whether you are describing the intricate patterns of a traditional Portuguese 'azulejo' tile or the complex plot of a novel by José Saramago, fascinar is your go-to verb for expressing deep, respectful admiration.

Ela sempre se deixou fascinar pelas histórias de mistério da sua avó.

— She always let herself be fascinated by her grandmother's mystery stories.

Comparative Nuance: While 'atrair' is about physical or initial attraction, 'fascinar' is about a sustained state of interest. You can be attracted to a person's appearance, but fascinated by their life story.

Não é difícil fascinar uma criança com um truque de mágica simples.

— It is not difficult to fascinate a child with a simple magic trick.

Mastering the use of fascinar involves understanding its grammatical role as a transitive verb. In its most basic form, the structure is: [Subject] + [Verb] + [Object]. The subject is the thing or person that causes the fascination, and the object is the person who feels it. For example, in 'A música fascina o público' (The music fascinates the audience), 'A música' is the subject and 'o público' is the object. It is very common to use indirect object pronouns when the person fascinated is 'me', 'you', or 'us'. For instance, 'Isso me fascina' (That fascinates me). Note that in Brazilian Portuguese, the pronoun often comes before the verb, whereas in European Portuguese, it usually follows the verb ('Isso fascina-me'). This distinction is vital for learners to recognize to sound natural in their chosen dialect.

Direct Transitivity: The verb does not typically require a preposition between it and the person fascinated. You 'fascinate someone' (fascinar alguém).
Prepositional Use with Adjectives: When using the past participle 'fascinado' as an adjective, it is almost always followed by the preposition 'por' (by/with). Example: 'Estou fascinado por este livro' (I am fascinated by this book).

Sua habilidade de falar cinco línguas costuma fascinar todos os seus colegas.

— Your ability to speak five languages usually fascinates all your colleagues.

The verb follows the regular conjugation for '-ar' verbs, making it relatively straightforward for students at the A2 level. In the present tense, you have: eu fascino, tu fascinas, ele fascina, nós fascinamos, vós fascinais, eles fascinam. In the past tense (pretérito perfeito), it becomes: eu fascinei, você fascinou, nós fascinamos, eles fascinaram. Because the verb describes a state of being moved or impressed, it is frequently used in the imperfect tense (pretérito imperfeito) to describe ongoing feelings in the past: 'Antigamente, o circo fascinava as crianças' (In the past, the circus used to fascinate children). This tense is particularly useful for storytelling or reminiscing about childhood wonders.

Nós nos sentimos fascinados pela arquitetura gótica da catedral.

— We felt fascinated by the gothic architecture of the cathedral.

When constructing sentences, you can also use fascinar in the infinitive form following other auxiliary verbs. Phrases like 'pode fascinar' (can fascinate), 'vai fascinar' (is going to fascinate), or 'costuma fascinar' (tends to fascinate) are very common. This adds nuance to your speech. For example, 'Este filme vai fascinar você' (This movie is going to fascinate you) sounds more predictive and exciting than a simple 'You will like this movie'. It suggests a deeper impact. In formal writing, such as an essay about literature, you might write: 'A obra de Machado de Assis continua a fascinar leitores de todas as gerações' (The work of Machado de Assis continues to fascinate readers of all generations). Here, 'fascinar' provides a level of academic weight that 'interessar' (to interest) might lack.

Aquela ideia de viajar pelo mundo sem rumo parece fascinar muitos jovens hoje em dia.

— That idea of traveling the world aimlessly seems to fascinate many young people nowadays.

Passive Construction: 'Ser fascinado por' is the standard passive form. 'Ele foi fascinado pela beleza da ilha' (He was fascinated by the beauty of the island).
Gerund Use: In Brazil, you might hear 'Estou fascinando meus alunos' (I am fascinating my students), though it's more common for the object to be the one doing the fascinating.

The verb fascinar is omnipresent in Portuguese cultural life, appearing in contexts ranging from high-brow academic discussions to the emotional lyrics of 'Fado' or 'Bossa Nova'. If you visit a museum like the Museu do Azulejo in Lisbon or the MASP in São Paulo, you will likely hear tour guides using the word to describe the effect of a masterpiece on its viewers. It is a staple of cultural commentary. In the media, journalists use fascinar to describe a politician's charismatic hold on the public or a new technological breakthrough that has 'fascinated' the market. In the world of science and nature documentaries—think of the Portuguese versions of National Geographic—the word is used constantly to describe the wonders of the natural world, from the behavior of deep-sea creatures to the vastness of the cosmos. This context reinforces the word's connection to mystery and the unknown.

In Literature: Portuguese literature is rich with 'fascínio'. Authors like Fernando Pessoa often explore the things that fascinate the soul, using the verb to describe the internal pull of dreams or the external pull of the sea.
In Everyday Conversation: While it sounds slightly more formal than 'curtir', it's very common in social gatherings when people discuss their hobbies. 'Eu sou fascinado por astronomia' is a common way to introduce a passion.

O guia explicou como a técnica de pintura costuma fascinar os visitantes do museu.

— The guide explained how the painting technique usually fascinates the museum's visitors.

In educational settings, teachers use fascinar to encourage students. A teacher might say, 'Espero que esta matéria fascine vocês tanto quanto me fascinou na faculdade' (I hope this subject fascinates you as much as it fascinated me in college). It is a word that conveys a positive, infectious energy. You will also encounter it in travel blogs and tourism brochures. Portugal's tourism board often uses slogans that involve the 'fascínio' of the country's landscapes or history. In this marketing context, the word is meant to evoke a sense of magic and irresistible allure, promising the traveler an experience that is more than just a vacation—it's an enchantment. In Brazil, you might hear it in the context of 'novelas' (soap operas), where a character's beauty or mystery 'fascina' a romantic interest, driving the plot forward with intense attraction.

A inteligência artificial é um tema que promete fascinar a humanidade por décadas.

— Artificial intelligence is a topic that promises to fascinate humanity for decades.

Finally, the word appears in psychological and self-help contexts. Experts might talk about what 'fascinates' the human brain or how to find what 'fascinates' you to discover your career path. In these cases, fascinar is synonymous with 'vocation' or 'deep interest'. Even in sports, a commentator might say a player's skill 'fascina os adeptos' (fascinates the fans). It is a word that transcends the boundaries of the arts and enters any field where excellence and mystery provoke wonder. Whether you are reading a high-end magazine like 'Vogue Portugal' or listening to a podcast about history, 'fascinar' will be there, marking the moments where reality feels a bit more magical.

O brilho das estrelas no deserto consegue fascinar quem vive na cidade.

— The brightness of the stars in the desert manages to fascinate those who live in the city.

Cinematic Use: In movie reviews, a 'trama fascinante' (fascinating plot) is one of the highest compliments a critic can give, suggesting the film is impossible to ignore.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using fascinar is confusing it with the English word 'fascist' (fascista) due to the similar phonetic start. While they share a Latin root related to 'bundles' or 'binding,' their modern meanings are entirely unrelated. It is vital not to let the phonetic similarity make you hesitant to use this beautiful verb. Another common mistake involves the prepositional structure. In English, we are fascinated 'by' something. In Portuguese, when using the verb actively, you don't need a preposition: 'A ideia me fascina' (The idea fascinates me), NOT 'A ideia me fascina por'. However, when you use the adjective 'fascinado,' you MUST use 'por': 'Estou fascinado por ela.' Forgetting the 'por' in the adjective form or adding an unnecessary preposition in the verb form are classic learner pitfalls.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Learners often say 'Eu fascina' when they mean 'I am fascinated.' This is incorrect. If you want to say you are the one feeling the fascination, you should say 'Eu fico fascinado' or 'Isso me fascina'.
False Cognate Confusion: While 'fascinate' and 'fascinar' are true cognates, the frequency of use differs. In Portuguese, 'fascinar' is slightly more emotional and less 'clinical' than it can sometimes be in English.

✗ Eu fascino o livro.
✓ O livro me fascina.

— Common error: Reversing the subject and object.

Another nuance involves the difference between fascinar and 'interessar'. While both describe interest, 'fascinar' is much stronger. Using 'fascinar' for something mundane, like a grocery list, would sound sarcastic or extremely exaggerated. Use 'interessar' for general curiosity and 'fascinar' for deep awe. Furthermore, pronunciation can be tricky. The 'sc' in 'fascinar' is pronounced as a soft 's' sound in most dialects (fa-si-nar), similar to the 'sc' in 'science'. Some learners mistakenly try to pronounce the 'c' as a 'k' sound (fas-ki-nar), which is incorrect and can lead to misunderstandings. In European Portuguese, the 'i' is often very short, whereas in Brazil, it is more clearly articulated.

✗ Ela está fascinada com o filme.
✓ Ela está fascinada pelo filme.

— While 'com' is sometimes used, 'por' (pelo/pela) is the more standard and natural preposition with the adjective.

Lastly, be careful with the reflexive form. While in English we might say 'I fascinated myself with...', in Portuguese, we prefer 'Eu me fascinei com...' or more naturally 'Fiquei fascinado com...'. The reflexive 'se fascinar' suggests a process of becoming fascinated. If you use the wrong pronoun or placement (especially in Portugal), the sentence can feel clunky. For instance, 'Me fascina' is perfect in Brazil, but in Portugal, you should aim for 'Fascina-me'. These small regional adjustments will make your use of the word much more effective and authentic. Remember, 'fascinar' is about the *power* of the object over you, so let the object be the subject of your sentence more often than not!

Aquelas luzes distantes fascinam os navegantes solitários.

— Correct plural agreement with 'luzes'.

Intensity Overload: Don't over-use 'fascinar'. If everything is 'fascinating', nothing is. Reserve it for things that truly provide a sense of wonder to maintain its impact.

While fascinar is a powerful word, Portuguese offers a rich palette of synonyms that can provide more specific nuances depending on the situation. If you want to emphasize the beauty of something, encantar is an excellent alternative. 'Encantar' is related to 'encanto' (charm/spell) and is often used for things that are delightful or charming. While 'fascinar' is more about intense interest, 'encantar' is more about sweet admiration. For something that is visually overwhelming or stunning, use deslumbrar. This verb literally means to dazzle or to blind with light, making it perfect for describing a breathtaking view or a spectacular performance. It carries a sense of being momentarily 'stunned' by beauty.

Fascinar vs. Encantar: 'Fascinar' is intellectual and deep; 'Encantar' is more emotional and aesthetic. You are fascinated by a theory, but enchanted by a garden.
Fascinar vs. Maravilhar: 'Maravilhar' is related to 'maravilha' (wonder). It is used when something is so extraordinary that it causes a sense of 'maravilhamento' (wonderment).

A vista do topo da montanha conseguiu deslumbrar todos os alpinistas.

— The view from the top of the mountain managed to dazzle all the climbers.

Another useful word is cativar (to captivate). This verb is often used in the context of personality and social interaction. A person with a great personality 'cativa' others. It implies winning someone over or making them a 'captive' of your charm. In Saint-Exupéry's 'The Little Prince' (O Pequeno Príncipe), the concept of 'cativar' is central, meaning to create ties or bonds. If you are looking for a more scientific or academic tone, interessar or atrair are safer, more neutral choices. 'Atrair' is particularly good for physical forces or general attraction: 'O ímã atrai o ferro' (The magnet attracts iron).

O novo projeto de lei parece interessar apenas uma pequena parte da população.

— The new bill seems to interest only a small part of the population.

Lastly, consider seduzir (to seduce). While it can have a sexual connotation, it is frequently used metaphorically in Portuguese to mean 'to tempt' or 'to attract strongly'. An offer might 'seduzir' a client. However, 'fascinar' remains the most versatile word for that specific blend of curiosity and admiration. When you want to describe a state of being completely 'hooked' by a story or a concept, 'fascinar' is your best bet. By learning these alternatives, you can avoid repeating the same word and express your feelings with much greater precision. For instance, you could say: 'A cidade me fascina pela sua história, me encanta pela sua beleza e me deslumbra pela sua luz'. This sentence uses three different verbs to provide a multi-layered description of your experience.

Ele tem um jeito de falar que consegue cativar qualquer audiência.

— He has a way of speaking that manages to captivate any audience.

Arrebatar: This is a very strong, literary word meaning to 'snatch away' or 'rapture'. It is used for overwhelming emotions that take you out of yourself.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"A proposta apresentada visa fascinar os potenciais investidores externos."

Neutral

"A história daquele país sempre me fascinou muito."

Informal

"Cara, esse jogo me fascina, não consigo parar de jogar!"

Child friendly

"O brilho das estrelas fascina os olhos dos pequenos."

Slang

"Tô fascinadão nessa ideia!"

Fun Fact

In ancient Rome, a 'fascinum' was also a phallic charm used for protection. Over centuries, the word lost its magical and superstitious roots and evolved into the modern psychological sense of deep interest.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /fa.siˈnaɾ/

US /fa.siˈnaʁ/

The stress is on the last syllable: fas-ci-NAR.

Rhymes With

cantar falar amar lugar mar olhar pensar chegar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'c' as a 'k' sound (faskinar).
Stressing the second-to-last syllable (fas-CI-nar).
Forgetting the 's' sound entirely (facinar).
Pronouncing the 'i' like 'ai' as in English 'fascinate'.
Over-emphasizing the 'sc' as two distinct sounds.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because it is a cognate with English 'fascinate'.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct conjugation and understanding of subject-object placement.

Speaking 3/5

The 'sc' sound and the stress on the last syllable need practice.

Listening 2/5

Usually clearly articulated in most media and conversations.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

gostar interessante muito olhar coisa

Learn Next

deslumbrar encantar cativar maravilhar surpreender

Advanced

estranhamento magnetismo hipnotizar arrebatar sublime

Grammar to Know

Regular -ar Verb Conjugation

Eu fascino, Tu fascinas, Ele fascina...

Direct Object Pronoun Placement

Isso me fascina (BR) vs. Isso fascina-me (PT).

Adjective Agreement

Ele está fascinado / Ela está fascinada.

Preposition 'por' with Past Participle

Fascinado por música.

Subjunctive for Emotions

Fico feliz que isso te fascine.

Examples by Level

O mar me fascina muito.

The sea fascinates me a lot.

Basic subject-verb-object structure with 'me'.

Este livro é fascinante.

This book is fascinating.

Using the adjective 'fascinante'.

A música fascina o bebê.

The music fascinates the baby.

Third person singular present tense.

As cores me fascinam.

The colors fascinate me.

Plural subject 'as cores' requires plural verb 'fascinam'.

Eu gosto de coisas que fascinam.

I like things that fascinate.

Relative clause using 'que'.

Lisboa é uma cidade fascinante.

Lisbon is a fascinating city.

Adjective modifying a noun.

Isso fascina você?

Does that fascinate you?

Simple question structure.

O sol fascina as pessoas.

The sun fascinates people.

General statement in the present tense.

Eu fiquei fascinado com a aula.

I was fascinated by the class.

Using 'ficar' + past participle.

A história de Portugal me fascinou.

Portugal's history fascinated me.

Pretérito perfeito (simple past).

Ela sempre se fascina com arte.

She is always fascinated by art.

Reflexive use 'se fascina'.

Nós estamos fascinados pelo projeto.

We are fascinated by the project.

Adjective 'fascinados' with preposition 'pelo'.

O museu vai fascinar as crianças.

The museum will fascinate the children.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

Você já se fascinou por algum lugar?

Have you ever been fascinated by a place?

Present perfect context (using 'já').

As estrelas fascinavam os antigos.

The stars used to fascinate the ancients.

Pretérito imperfeito for past habits/states.

Não é fácil fascinar todo mundo.

It's not easy to fascinate everyone.

Infinitive after an impersonal expression.

Espero que o filme te fascine.

I hope the movie fascinates you.

Present subjunctive after 'espero que'.

O fascínio pela tecnologia é comum.

The fascination with technology is common.

Using the noun 'fascínio'.

Ele falava de um jeito que fascinava.

He spoke in a way that was fascinating.

Imperfect tense used for description.

Se eu visse um disco voador, ficaria fascinado.

If I saw a UFO, I would be fascinated.

Conditional mood.

A natureza nunca deixa de me fascinar.

Nature never ceases to fascinate me.

Verb 'deixar de' + infinitive.

Eles têm fascinado o público com suas danças.

They have been fascinating the audience with their dances.

Compound past (pretérito perfeito composto).

A ideia de viajar no tempo me fascina.

The idea of time travel fascinates me.

Abstract subject.

O guia nos fascinou com as lendas locais.

The guide fascinated us with local legends.

Direct object pronoun 'nos'.

O seu talento para a música é fascinante.

Your talent for music is fascinating.

Adjective phrase.

Fomos fascinados pelas descobertas científicas.

We were fascinated by the scientific discoveries.

Passive voice with 'ser'.

É um tema que continua a fascinar os pesquisadores.

It is a topic that continues to fascinate researchers.

Verb 'continuar a' + infinitive.

Embora o livro seja longo, ele fascina do início ao fim.

Although the book is long, it fascinates from beginning to end.

Concessive clause with 'embora' + subjunctive.

A complexidade da mente humana fascina os psicólogos.

The complexity of the human mind fascinates psychologists.

Formal subject-verb agreement.

Aquele mistério fascinou gerações de detetives.

That mystery fascinated generations of detectives.

Historical past.

Nada me fascina mais do que um bom desafio.

Nothing fascinates me more than a good challenge.

Comparative of superiority.

A sua coragem fascinou a todos na reunião.

Your courage fascinated everyone at the meeting.

Abstract noun as subject.

O poder de fascinação daquela obra é inegável.

The power of fascination of that work is undeniable.

Using the noun 'fascinação'.

Ele exercia um fascínio quase hipnótico sobre os outros.

He exercised an almost hypnotic fascination over others.

Collocation 'exercer um fascínio'.

Fascinar o leitor é o principal objetivo do autor.

Fascinating the reader is the author's main objective.

Infinitive as the subject of the sentence.

A dualidade da sua personalidade fascina e assusta.

The duality of their personality fascinates and frightens.

Contrasting verbs.

Duvido que algo o fascine tanto quanto a política.

I doubt that anything fascinates him as much as politics.

Subjunctive after a verb of doubt.

A arquitetura barroca fascina pelo excesso de detalhes.

Baroque architecture fascinates due to the excess of details.

Using 'pelo' to explain the cause of fascination.

O autor soube fascinar o público com sua prosa poética.

The author knew how to fascinate the public with his poetic prose.

Verb 'saber' + infinitive.

Sempre houve um fascínio mórbido por crimes não resolvidos.

There has always been a morbid fascination with unsolved crimes.

Complex noun phrase with adjective.

A obra de Fernando Pessoa fascina pela sua multiplicidade.

Fernando Pessoa's work fascinates because of its multiplicity.

Literary analysis context.

O fascínio exercido pelas ruínas romanas é eterno.

The fascination exerted by Roman ruins is eternal.

Passive participle 'exercido' modifying 'fascínio'.

É imperativo que a narrativa fascine desde o primeiro parágrafo.

It is imperative that the narrative fascinates from the first paragraph.

Subjunctive after an impersonal expression of necessity.

O abismo entre a realidade e o sonho parece fascinar o poeta.

The abyss between reality and dream seems to fascinate the poet.

Philosophical subject.

Talvez o que nos fascine seja a nossa própria finitude.

Perhaps what fascinates us is our own finiteness.

Complex relative clause with subjunctive.

O cinema de autor busca fascinar através do estranhamento.

Auteur cinema seeks to fascinate through estrangement.

Academic film theory context.

A capacidade de se fascinar com o simples é um dom.

The capacity to be fascinated by the simple is a gift.

Reflexive infinitive 'se fascinar'.

O fascínio pelas estrelas é o que nos torna humanos.

The fascination with the stars is what makes us human.

Existential statement.

Common Collocations

fascinar o público

fascinar os leitores

fascinar a mente

completamente fascinado

fascínio pessoal

deixar-se fascinar

fascinar à primeira vista

profundamente fascinado

exercer um fascínio

objeto de fascínio

Common Phrases

Isso me fascina.

— A simple way to express that something catches your interest deeply. Used in response to a fact or sight.

Você sabia que as baleias cantam? - Nossa, isso me fascina!

Sempre fui fascinado por...

— Used to describe a long-term passion or interest. It sets a personal tone.

Sempre fui fascinado por aviões.

É fascinante ver como...

— Used to introduce an observation about a process or a behavior. Very common in documentaries.

É fascinante ver como as formigas trabalham juntas.

O que mais me fascina é...

— Used to pinpoint the specific aspect of something that you find most interesting.

O que mais me fascina é a sua inteligência.

Fiquei fascinado com...

— Used to describe a reaction to a specific event or discovery. Focuses on the state of mind.

Fiquei fascinado com a sua apresentação.

Um mundo fascinante.

— A general phrase to describe a field of study or a particular environment. Often used as a title.

Bem-vindos ao mundo fascinante dos insetos.

De modo fascinante.

— An adverbial phrase meaning 'in a fascinating way'. Used to describe how an action is performed.

Ela dança de modo fascinante.

Não deixa de fascinar.

— Used to say that something is consistently interesting and never gets old.

O pôr do sol nunca deixa de fascinar.

Poderia me fascinar por horas.

— Hyperbole used to show extreme interest. Suggests the subject is endlessly captivating.

Eu poderia me fascinar por este quadro por horas.

Fascina a todos.

— Used to describe something with universal appeal. Suggests a general consensus of wonder.

A sua coragem fascina a todos.

Often Confused With

fascinar vs fascista

English speakers might confuse the sound, but 'fascista' refers to fascism, while 'fascinar' is about being fascinated.

fascinar vs interessar

Interessar is weaker. Use fascinar for much stronger, deeper interest.

fascinar vs fixar

Fixar means to fix or to stare, which can be part of being fascinated, but it is not the same emotion.

Idioms & Expressions

"Cair no fascínio de alguém"

— To become completely charmed or manipulated by someone's charisma. Often implies a loss of objectivity.

Ele caiu no fascínio do novo líder e não vê seus erros.

informal/neutral

"Fascínio pelo abismo"

— A psychological idiom referring to the strange attraction humans feel toward dangerous or self-destructive things.

Muitos artistas têm um certo fascínio pelo abismo.

literary/academic

"Olhar de fascínio"

— To look at something with visible wonder and total focus. Describes a physical expression.

A criança tinha um olhar de fascínio ao ver a neve.

neutral

"Sob o fascínio de"

— To be under the influence or spell of something. Similar to 'under the spell of'.

Estivemos sob o fascínio daquela música a noite toda.

formal

"Fascínio à primeira vista"

— Immediate and intense attraction upon the first encounter with something or someone.

Foi um fascínio à primeira vista quando conheci a cidade.

neutral

"Quebrar o fascínio"

— To end the state of wonder or attraction, often by revealing a disappointing truth.

A realidade acabou por quebrar o fascínio que ele sentia.

neutral

"Viver num fascínio"

— To live in a constant state of wonder or, sometimes, in an unrealistic dream-like state.

Ela vive num fascínio constante com as redes sociais.

informal

"Fascínio mórbido"

— An attraction to things that are gruesome, disturbing, or related to death.

Ele admitiu ter um fascínio mórbido por cemitérios antigos.

neutral

"Exercer um fascínio fatal"

— To attract someone in a way that leads to their downfall or a dangerous situation.

Aquelas luzes exerciam um fascínio fatal nos insetos.

literary

"Perder o fascínio"

— When something is no longer interesting or captivating. The 'magic' is gone.

Com o tempo, o brinquedo novo perdeu o fascínio.

neutral

Easily Confused

fascinar vs encantar

Both mean to charm or fascinate.

Encantar is more about beauty and delight (sweetness), while fascinar is more about intense curiosity and awe (intellect).

O jardim me encanta; a física me fascina.

fascinar vs deslumbrar

Both describe a strong positive reaction.

Deslumbrar is more visual and temporary (like being blinded by light), while fascinar is more mental and lasting.

O brilho do ouro o deslumbrou.

fascinar vs cativar

Both involve capturing attention.

Cativar is usually about people and their social charm, creating a bond.

Ela cativou a todos com sua bondade.

fascinar vs atrair

Both mean to pull attention.

Atrair is neutral and can be physical (magnets) or general. Fascinar is specifically emotional and deep.

A luz atrai os insetos.

fascinar vs maravilhar

Both involve wonder.

Maravilhar is used for things that are extraordinary or amazing (wonders of the world).

As pirâmides maravilham o mundo.

Sentence Patterns

[Object] me fascina.

O mar me fascina.

Eu estou fascinado por [Noun].

Eu estou fascinado por este livro.

Sempre fui fascinado por [Noun].

Sempre fui fascinado por aviões.

Espero que [Subject] te fascine.

Espero que a viagem te fascine.

O que me fascina em [Noun] é [Noun].

O que me fascina em Lisboa é a luz.

[Noun] exerce um fascínio sobre [Noun].

A lua exerce um fascínio sobre os poetas.

Fascinar [Noun] é o objetivo de [Noun].

Fascinar o público é o objetivo do show.

Deixar-se fascinar por [Noun] é [Adjective].

Deixar-se fascinar pelo desconhecido é essencial.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media, education, and cultural discussions. Less common in very basic daily chores.

Common Mistakes

Eu fascino o livro. → O livro me fascina.
In Portuguese, the thing doing the fascinating is the subject. You are the one receiving the fascination.
Estou fascinado de música. → Estou fascinado por música.
The correct preposition to use with 'fascinado' is 'por', not 'de'.
Eu facino a história. → Eu me fascino pela história.
You missed the 's' in 'fascinar' and used the wrong structure. It should be reflexive or object-based.
As estrelas me fascina. → As estrelas me fascinam.
The verb must agree with the plural subject 'as estrelas'.
É um fascista filme. → É um filme fascinante.
Never confuse 'fascinante' with 'fascista' (fascist). They are completely different words!

Tips

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always remember that the thing that causes the fascination is the subject. 'As histórias (plural) me fascinam (plural)'. Don't let the 'me' confuse you into using the singular.

Use Synonyms

To sound more like a native, try using 'encantar' for beauty and 'fascinar' for interest. This variety makes your Portuguese sound more natural and sophisticated.

The Soft SC

Practice saying 'fascinar' as 'fa-si-nar'. Avoid the English 'sh' sound or a hard 'k'. It's a smooth, soft 's' sound that flows into the 'i'.

The Sea Connection

In Portugal, use 'fascinar' when talking about the ocean. It's a deep cultural theme and people will appreciate your use of the word in that context.

Adjective Placement

The adjective 'fascinante' usually comes after the noun: 'uma história fascinante'. This is the standard rule for most adjectives in Portuguese.

Identify the Tone

When you hear 'fascinar', listen for the speaker's enthusiasm. It's a high-energy word that usually indicates a peak moment in a story or explanation.

Isso me fascina

Memorize the phrase 'Isso me fascina' as a single unit. It's a perfect reaction phrase for when someone tells you an interesting fact.

Brazilian Pronouns

In Brazil, you will almost always hear 'me fascina'. In Portugal, you might hear 'fascina-me'. Both are correct, but use the one that matches your target dialect.

Formal Essays

Use 'exercer um fascínio' (to exercise a fascination) in formal writing. It sounds much more professional than just using the verb alone.

Magic Spell

Remember the Latin root 'fascinare' (to bewitch). This helps you remember that the word is about a powerful, almost magical attraction.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'SC' in 'faSCinar' as 'Super Cool'. If something is fascinante, it's Super Cool and catches your eye.

Visual Association

Imagine a person with large, wide eyes looking at a glowing, magical crystal. The crystal is 'fascinando' the person.

Word Web

Arte Ciência Mistério Olhar Interesse Mágica Atenção Beleza

Challenge

Write three sentences about things that fascinate you using different tenses: one in the present, one in the past, and one using the adjective form.

Word Origin

From the Latin verb 'fascinare', which meant 'to bewitch', 'to enchant', or 'to cast a spell'. It is derived from 'fascinum', which referred to a charm or an amulet used to ward off evil spirits.

Original meaning: Originally, it had a mystical and sometimes negative connotation related to witchcraft and the 'evil eye'.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Portuguese.

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but avoid using it sarcastically in formal settings as it can come across as rude.

English speakers should note that 'fascinar' is used slightly more frequently in daily Portuguese than 'to fascinate' is in English, where we often just say 'really interesting'.

Machado de Assis frequently used the concept of fascination in his psychological novels. The song 'Fascinação' (originally French, but famous in Portuguese by Elis Regina) is a classic about the power of love's fascination. National Geographic Portugal often uses the tagline 'Fascinados pelo mundo'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Art and Museums

A técnica me fascina.
Obra fascinante.
Fascínio estético.
Cores que fascinam.

Science and Education

Teoria fascinante.
Fascinar os alunos.
Descoberta que fascina.
Fascínio pelo espaço.

Travel and Tourism

Cidade fascinante.
Fascinado pela cultura.
Paisagem que fascina.
Fascínio histórico.

Personal Interests

Isso me fascina.
Sempre fui fascinado.
Tenho um fascínio por...
O que me fascina é...

Romance and Attraction

Seu olhar me fascina.
Fascínio à primeira vista.
Estou fascinado por você.
Ela me fascina.

Conversation Starters

"O que mais te fascina na cultura de Portugal?"

"Você já ficou fascinado por um livro logo no primeiro capítulo?"

"Qual é o mistério do universo que mais te fascina?"

"Você acha que a tecnologia fascina ou assusta as pessoas hoje em dia?"

"Existe algum artista cujo trabalho sempre te fascina?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre um lugar que te fascinou durante uma viagem e por quê.

Descreva uma pessoa que você acha fascinante. Quais qualidades ela tem?

Pense em um hobby que te fascina. Como esse interesse começou?

O que te fascina mais: o passado (história) ou o futuro (tecnologia)?

Escreva sobre uma descoberta científica que você considera fascinante.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'fascinar' is a regular -ar verb. It follows the same conjugation pattern as other common verbs like 'falar' (to speak) and 'estudar' (to study). This makes it very easy to use once you know the basic endings.

You can say 'Estou fascinado' (if you are male) or 'Estou fascinada' (if you are female). Usually, you add 'por' after it, like 'Estou fascinado por este filme' (I am fascinated by this movie).

'Gostar' simply means to like. 'Fascinar' is much stronger and suggests that your attention is completely captured. You might 'gostar' of pizza, but you are 'fascinado' by the stars.

Yes, you can say 'Ela me fascina' (She fascinates me). This usually means you find her personality, intelligence, or beauty very compelling and interesting.

Both! You can say 'um livro fascinante' (a fascinating book) or 'uma pessoa fascinante' (a fascinating person). It is a very versatile adjective.

As an active verb, no. You say 'Isso me fascina'. However, as an adjective/past participle, yes. You say 'Estou fascinado POR isso'.

In Portuguese, 'sc' before 'i' or 'e' is pronounced as a single 's' sound. So 'fascinar' sounds like 'fa-si-nar'. You do not pronounce a 'k' sound.

The most common noun is 'fascínio' (fascination/allure). For example: 'O fascínio do mar' (The allure of the sea). Another noun is 'fascinação'.

Rarely in modern usage. It is almost always positive. However, in literature, it can describe a 'fascínio mórbido' (morbid fascination) with something dark.

With the adjective 'fascinado', 'por' is the standard (Estou fascinado por...). Occasionally 'com' is used in casual speech, but 'por' is more correct.