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A2 noun #3,500 most common 8 min read

guerra

Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips guerra in 30 Seconds

Explanation guerra in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize 'guerra' as the basic word for 'war'. You will likely see it in simple sentences about history or in the news. Focus on the fact that it is a feminine noun ('a guerra') and that the 'u' is silent. You don't need to know complex idioms yet, just the literal meaning and how to use it with basic verbs like 'é' (is) or 'foi' (was). For example, 'A guerra é má' (War is bad). This level is about building the foundation and identifying the word when you hear it in clear, slow speech. You should also be able to distinguish it from 'paz' (peace), which is its opposite. Learning this word early helps you understand basic historical references in Portuguese-speaking cultures.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'guerra' in more descriptive contexts. You should be able to talk about historical events using phrases like 'A Segunda Guerra Mundial'. You will also start encountering common collocations like 'guerra civil' or 'guerra fria'. At this stage, you should practice using the preposition 'contra' (against) and 'em' (in/at) with 'guerra'. For instance, 'Eles estão em guerra'. You can also use it in everyday metaphorical contexts, like 'guerra de travesseiros' (pillow fight). Your goal at A2 is to move beyond just the literal definition and start incorporating the word into your active vocabulary for describing both history and simple daily conflicts.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'guerra' in a variety of abstract and idiomatic ways. You should understand and use phrases like 'em pé de guerra' (ready for a fight) or 'guerra de nervos' (war of nerves). You can participate in discussions about the consequences of war on society or the environment. At this level, you should also be able to distinguish between 'guerra', 'conflito', and 'luta' based on the context. You might read news articles where 'guerra' is used to describe economic or political tensions, such as 'guerra comercial' (trade war). You should be able to express opinions about these topics using more complex sentence structures and a wider range of adjectives.

At the B2 level, you can use 'guerra' to discuss nuanced political and social issues. You understand the historical weight the word carries in different Lusophone countries, such as the 'Guerra Colonial' in Portugal. You can use the word in formal writing and academic contexts, discussing 'crimes de guerra' or 'direito da guerra' (law of war). Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'beligerante', 'armistício', and 'ofensiva'. You should be able to follow fast-paced debates where 'guerra' is used metaphorically to describe competitive markets or intense legal battles. At this stage, your use of the word should be precise, reflecting an understanding of its various registers and connotations.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 'guerra' is sophisticated and deeply integrated with cultural knowledge. You can analyze literary works where 'guerra' is a central theme, understanding the subtle ways authors use it to represent internal psychological struggles. You are familiar with literary synonyms like 'lide', 'peleja', or 'contenda'. You can use the word in highly formal speeches or complex analytical essays, discussing the 'estratégia de guerra' or the 'sociologia da guerra'. You understand the historical nuances of how the word has been used in propaganda and political rhetoric across different eras in the Portuguese-speaking world. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over the word 'guerra' and all its possible applications. You can use it with absolute precision in any context, from the most technical military discourse to the most poetic and metaphorical literature. You understand the etymological roots of the word and how it has evolved within the Romance languages. You can play with the word in puns, complex idioms, and creative writing. You are capable of interpreting the deepest cultural and historical resonances of the word in every Lusophone region, from Brazil to Angola to Portugal. For you, 'guerra' is not just a vocabulary item, but a versatile tool for expressing the full spectrum of human conflict and effort.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

guerra in 30 Seconds

Guerra is the Portuguese word for war, functioning as a feminine noun (a guerra).
It covers both literal military conflicts and metaphorical struggles like price wars or arguments.
Pronunciation tip: the 'u' is silent, and the 'rr' is a strong guttural sound.
Commonly used in idioms like 'em pé de guerra' to describe being ready for a fight.

The Portuguese word guerra is a feminine noun that primarily translates to 'war' in English. At its core, it describes a state of organized, armed conflict between different nations, states, or social groups. However, its usage in Portuguese extends far beyond the battlefield, permeating daily conversation, politics, sports, and even personal relationships. To understand guerra, one must recognize it as both a historical reality and a powerful metaphor for struggle and intense competition.

Literal Conflict: In a historical or political context, guerra refers to military engagements. Examples include a Segunda Guerra Mundial (World War II) or guerra civil (civil war). It implies mobilization, strategy, and unfortunately, destruction.

Os historiadores estudam as causas da guerra para evitar conflitos futuros.

Metaphorical Struggle: In everyday life, Portuguese speakers use guerra to describe any intense competition or disagreement. A 'price war' between supermarkets is a guerra de preços. A heated argument between siblings might be described as a guerra constante. It captures the intensity of the situation regardless of whether physical weapons are involved.

Existe uma guerra de nervos entre os dois candidatos à presidência.

Social and Cultural Usage: The term is also used in playful contexts, such as guerra de travesseiros (pillow fight) or guerra de comida (food fight). In these instances, the word loses its grim connotation and represents a chaotic, fun activity. Furthermore, 'estar em pé de guerra' is a common idiom meaning to be ready for a fight or very angry with someone.

As crianças fizeram uma guerra de bolas de neve no jardim.

O diretor está em pé de guerra com o departamento financeiro.

Ninguém ganha numa guerra nuclear; todos perdem.

Whether you are reading a history book, watching the news, or describing a messy room (which might look like a 'campo de guerra'), this word is indispensable for achieving fluency in Portuguese. Its versatility allows it to bridge the gap between serious geopolitical discourse and lighthearted casual banter.

Using guerra correctly requires attention to its grammatical gender and the verbs that typically accompany it. As a feminine noun, it dictates the form of articles and adjectives. Beyond basic identification, learners should focus on the prepositions that link guerra to its participants and causes.

Verbs of Initiation: To start a war, Portuguese uses declarar guerra (to declare war) or começar uma guerra. If you want to say a war broke out, you use estalar uma guerra or rebentar uma guerra (more common in Portugal).

O país decidiu declarar guerra após a invasão da fronteira.

Verbs of Experience: To be involved in a war, use estar em guerra. To fight in one is combater na guerra or lutar na guerra. To survive a war is sobreviver à guerra.

O meu avô lutou na guerra colonial durante três anos.

Verbs of Conclusion: To end a war, you can acabar com a guerra, terminar a guerra, or vencer a guerra (win the war). If a treaty is signed, we say pôr fim à guerra.

Finalmente, os dois países assinaram um tratado para terminar a guerra.

A guerra civil deixou marcas profundas na sociedade.

Durante a guerra fria, o mundo viveu sob a ameaça constante de um conflito nuclear.

When describing the location, use 'na guerra' (in the war) or 'durante a guerra' (during the war). If you are referring to the state of being at war, 'em guerra' is the standard phrase. Understanding these patterns allows you to construct complex narratives about history or intense personal experiences.

The word guerra is ubiquitous in Lusophone cultures, appearing in formal news reports, historical documentaries, literature, and casual slang. Its presence in the media is particularly strong, as it is used to describe both international conflicts and internal social struggles.

News and Journalism: Journalists use guerra to report on global events. You will hear phrases like correspondente de guerra (war correspondent) or crimes de guerra (war crimes). It is a staple of 'Telejornais' (news broadcasts) in Portugal and Brazil.

O repórter enviou notícias diretamente da zona de guerra.

History and Education: In schools across the Portuguese-speaking world, students learn about the Guerra do Paraguai (in Brazil) or the Guerra do Ultramar (in Portugal). It is a key term in any history curriculum.

Na aula de história, aprendemos sobre a guerra civil espanhola.

Cinema and Pop Culture: Movie titles often feature the word. For example, 'Star Wars' is translated as Guerra nas Estrelas in Brazil (though often kept as Star Wars in Portugal). War movies, known as filmes de guerra, are a popular genre.

Gostas de ver filmes de guerra ou preferes comédias?

A guerra comercial entre as grandes potências afeta o mercado global.

O trânsito na hora de ponta é uma guerra diária.

By paying attention to these different domains, you will see how guerra serves as a versatile tool for expressing conflict, effort, and intensity in nearly every aspect of Lusophone life.

While guerra is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers and beginners often stumble on its gender, pronunciation, and specific idiomatic usages. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Portuguese sound more natural and precise.

Gender Confusion: The most common mistake is treating guerra as masculine. Many learners assume words ending in 'a' are feminine, which is correct here, but they might forget this when using pronouns or adjectives. It is always a guerra, never o guerra.

Incorreto: O guerra foi longo. Correto: A guerra foi longa.

Pronunciation of 'Gue' and 'RR': The 'u' in guerra is silent. It serves only to keep the 'g' hard (like in 'get'). Beginners often try to pronounce it as 'gw-erra', which is incorrect. Additionally, the double 'rr' is a strong, guttural sound in the throat, not a soft English 'r'.

Pronuncie como 'GE-rra', não 'GUE-rra'.

Preposition Errors: English speakers often say 'war on' (e.g., war on drugs). In Portuguese, the equivalent is guerra contra. Using 'guerra em' would imply the physical location of the drugs, which is not the intended meaning.

O governo intensificou a guerra contra o tráfico.

Eles estão em guerra um com o outro (They are at war with each other).

A guerra de palavras entre os vizinhos incomoda todo o prédio.

Master these nuances, and you will avoid the most frequent errors that mark someone as a beginner. Focus on the hard 'g', the silent 'u', and the feminine gender to speak like a native.

To truly master Portuguese, you need to know when to use guerra and when a synonym might be more appropriate. Portuguese has a rich vocabulary for conflict, ranging from physical battles to abstract disagreements.

Guerra vs. Conflito: Guerra is generally larger in scale and more formal. Conflito is broader and can refer to a simple disagreement between two people or a small-scale military skirmish.

O conflito de interesses impediu a assinatura do contrato.

Guerra vs. Luta: Luta means 'fight' or 'struggle'. It is often used for physical sports (like wrestling or boxing) or social movements (e.g., luta pelos direitos civis). While a guerra is composed of many lutas, luta is more personal and immediate.

A sua luta contra a doença é inspiradora para todos.

Specific Contexts: For a very long, drawn-out conflict, you might use contenda or lide (literary). For a brief physical altercation, briga (informal) or rixa (legal/formal) are better choices.

Houve uma briga no bar ontem à noite.

O combate ao desperdício de água é essencial para o planeta.

A batalha de Aljubarrota é famosa na história de Portugal.

By expanding your vocabulary beyond just guerra, you can describe conflicts with much greater precision, choosing the word that perfectly fits the scale, intensity, and formality of the situation.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The Latin word 'bellum' was dropped because it sounded too much like 'bellus' (beautiful), which created confusing connotations for such a violent concept.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈɡɛ.ʁɐ/

US /ˈɡɛ.χɐ/

The stress is on the first syllable: GUE-rra.

Rhymes With

serra terra encerra ferra berra erra aterra desterra

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'u' (e.g., saying 'gwerra').
Using a soft English 'r' instead of the strong Portuguese 'rr'.
Making the 'e' sound like 'ey' (e.g., 'gay-rra').
Treating the word as masculine.
Confusing it with 'garra' (claw).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognates like 'guerilla'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender and the double 'rr'.

Speaking 3/5

The silent 'u' and guttural 'rr' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Usually clear in context, but can be confused with 'garra' if spoken fast.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

luta paz país soldado exército

Learn Next

armas conflito tratado vitória derrota

Advanced

beligerante armistício estratagema geopolítica insurreição

Grammar to Know

Feminine Nouns ending in -a

A guerra, a terra, a serra.

Silent 'u' after 'g' before 'e' or 'i'

Guerra, guitarra, foguete.

Double 'rr' between vowels

Guerra (strong), Caro (soft).

Preposition 'contra' for opposition

Lutar contra a guerra.

Contractions with 'em'

Na guerra (em + a), numa guerra (em + uma).

Examples by Level

A guerra é muito triste.

War is very sad.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

Eu não gosto de guerra.

I don't like war.

Using the verb 'gostar' with the preposition 'de'.

A guerra acabou em 1945.

The war ended in 1945.

Past tense of 'acabar' (to end).

Onde está a guerra?

Where is the war?

Basic question word 'onde'.

A guerra foi longa.

The war was long.

Feminine adjective 'longa' matching 'guerra'.

Nós queremos paz, não guerra.

We want peace, not war.

Contrast using 'não'.

O livro fala sobre a guerra.

The book talks about the war.

Preposition 'sobre' (about).

Muitas pessoas morrem na guerra.

Many people die in the war.

Contraction 'na' (em + a).

O meu avô foi um soldado na guerra.

My grandfather was a soldier in the war.

Using 'ser' in the past (foi).

Eles estão em guerra há cinco anos.

They have been at war for five years.

Using 'há' to express duration of time.

A guerra civil dividiu o país.

The civil war divided the country.

Compound noun 'guerra civil'.

As crianças brincam de guerra no parque.

The children play at war in the park.

Verb 'brincar de' (to play [a game]).

A guerra de preços começou hoje.

The price war started today.

Metaphorical use of 'guerra'.

Eles declararam guerra ao país vizinho.

They declared war on the neighboring country.

Verb phrase 'declarar guerra a'.

O filme de guerra é muito violento.

The war movie is very violent.

Noun adjunct 'de guerra'.

Ninguém quer uma nova guerra mundial.

No one wants a new world war.

Adjective 'mundial' (world/global).

O diretor está em pé de guerra com a equipa.

The director is on the warpath with the team.

Idiom 'em pé de guerra'.

A guerra fria durou várias décadas.

The cold war lasted several decades.

Specific historical term 'guerra fria'.

Houve uma guerra de palavras entre os políticos.

There was a war of words between the politicians.

Metaphor 'guerra de palavras'.

O país está a recuperar dos danos da guerra.

The country is recovering from the damage of the war.

Present continuous 'está a recuperar'.

A guerra contra a pobreza é uma prioridade.

The war on poverty is a priority.

Abstract usage with 'contra'.

Eles assinaram um tratado para evitar a guerra.

They signed a treaty to avoid the war.

Infinitive 'evitar' following 'para'.

A guerra santa é um conceito complexo.

Holy war is a complex concept.

Adjective 'santa' (holy).

Muitas famílias foram separadas pela guerra.

Many families were separated by the war.

Passive voice 'foram separadas pela'.

As consequências da guerra foram devastadoras.

The consequences of the war were devastating.

Plural noun 'consequências' and adjective 'devastadoras'.

A guerra biológica é uma ameaça global.

Biological warfare is a global threat.

Technical term 'guerra biológica'.

O tribunal julga crimes de guerra internacionais.

The court judges international war crimes.

Noun phrase 'crimes de guerra'.

A guerra de nervos continuou durante as negociações.

The war of nerves continued during the negotiations.

Idiom 'guerra de nervos'.

A economia foi afetada pelo esforço de guerra.

The economy was affected by the war effort.

Term 'esforço de guerra'.

O prisioneiro de guerra foi finalmente libertado.

The prisoner of war was finally released.

Term 'prisioneiro de guerra'.

A guerra de sucessão mudou a dinastia do país.

The war of succession changed the country's dynasty.

Historical term 'guerra de sucessão'.

O país manteve a neutralidade durante a guerra.

The country maintained neutrality during the war.

Abstract noun 'neutralidade'.

A retórica de guerra infiltrou-se no discurso político.

War rhetoric has seeped into political discourse.

Pronominal verb 'infiltrar-se'.

O autor utiliza a guerra como metáfora para a psique humana.

The author uses war as a metaphor for the human psyche.

Complex metaphorical structure.

A guerra de desgaste exauriu os recursos de ambos os lados.

The war of attrition exhausted the resources of both sides.

Technical term 'guerra de desgaste'.

A iminência da guerra causou pânico nos mercados financeiros.

The imminence of war caused panic in the financial markets.

Noun 'iminência' (imminence).

O direito da guerra evoluiu significativamente no século XX.

The law of war evolved significantly in the 20th century.

Legal term 'direito da guerra'.

A guerra química é proibida por convenções internacionais.

Chemical warfare is prohibited by international conventions.

Passive voice 'é proibida'.

A guerra de guerrilha foi crucial para a independência.

Guerrilla warfare was crucial for independence.

Term 'guerra de guerrilha'.

O filósofo discutiu a ética da guerra justa.

The philosopher discussed the ethics of just war.

Philosophical concept 'guerra justa'.

A beligerância persistente sugere uma guerra sem fim à vista.

Persistent belligerence suggests a war with no end in sight.

Advanced noun 'beligerância'.

A guerra híbrida combina táticas convencionais e cibernéticas.

Hybrid warfare combines conventional and cyber tactics.

Modern military term 'guerra híbrida'.

A narrativa histórica é muitas vezes escrita pelos vencedores da guerra.

Historical narrative is often written by the winners of the war.

Complex passive structure with 'muitas vezes'.

A guerra de informação manipula a perceção pública dos factos.

Information warfare manipulates public perception of facts.

Term 'guerra de informação'.

O armistício pôs um termo temporário à guerra fratricida.

The armistice put a temporary end to the fratricidal war.

Advanced adjective 'fratricida'.

A guerra total exige a mobilização de toda a sociedade civil.

Total war requires the mobilization of the entire civil society.

Term 'guerra total'.

A guerra psicológica visa minar o moral do adversário.

Psychological warfare aims to undermine the opponent's morale.

Verb 'visar' (to aim at).

As cicatrizes da guerra perduram na memória coletiva da nação.

The scars of war endure in the nation's collective memory.

Metaphorical use of 'cicatrizes' (scars).

Common Collocations

guerra civil

guerra mundial

guerra fria

declarar guerra

prisioneiro de guerra

zona de guerra

crimes de guerra

esforço de guerra

guerra comercial

guerra psicológica

Common Phrases

em guerra

— To be currently in a state of conflict.

Os dois países estão em guerra.

guerra de travesseiros

— A playful fight using pillows.

As crianças fizeram uma guerra de travesseiros.

guerra de comida

— When people throw food at each other for fun.

A festa acabou numa guerra de comida.

conselho de guerra

— A meeting of military leaders to plan strategy.

O general convocou um conselho de guerra.

guerra aberta

— A conflict that is no longer hidden or subtle.

Agora é guerra aberta entre os dois sócios.

antes da guerra

— Refers to the period preceding a specific conflict.

A vida era mais simples antes da guerra.

depois da guerra

— Refers to the postwar period.

Depois da guerra, houve muita reconstrução.

guerra de gangues

— Violent conflict between criminal groups.

A polícia tenta travar a guerra de gangues na cidade.

guerra biológica

— Use of toxins or infectious agents as weapons.

A guerra biológica é um crime contra a humanidade.

fazer a guerra

— To wage or conduct war.

Eles não sabem como fazer a guerra sem ajuda.

Often Confused With

guerra vs garra

Means 'claw' or 'determination'. 'Ele tem garra' is a compliment; 'Ele tem guerra' makes no sense.

guerra vs jarra

Means 'pitcher' or 'vase'. Phonetically similar but completely different meaning.

guerra vs serra

Means 'saw' or 'mountain range'. Rhymes with 'guerra'.

Idioms & Expressions

"em pé de guerra"

— To be extremely angry or ready for a confrontation.

A minha mãe está em pé de guerra comigo.

informal

"guerra é guerra"

— Used to justify harsh actions during a conflict; business is business.

Eu tive de despedi-lo, guerra é guerra.

neutral

"guerra de nervos"

— A situation designed to wear down someone's psychological resistance.

A entrevista foi uma autêntica guerra de nervos.

neutral

"ganhar uma batalha, mas perder a guerra"

— To have a small success but fail in the overall objective.

Ele venceu o debate, mas perdeu a guerra pela presidência.

neutral

"campo de guerra"

— A place that is extremely messy or disorganized.

O teu quarto parece um campo de guerra!

informal

"guerra de bastidores"

— Conflict or power struggle happening out of public view.

Há uma guerra de bastidores pelo cargo de diretor.

neutral

"quem não tem cão, caça com gato (na guerra)"

— In desperate times (like war), you use whatever resources you have.

Não temos as ferramentas certas, mas quem não tem cão caça com gato.

informal

"guerra de foice"

— A very dirty, brutal, or unprincipled fight.

A política local tornou-se uma guerra de foice.

informal

"viver em guerra"

— To be constantly arguing with someone.

Aquelas duas irmãs vivem em guerra.

neutral

"declarar guerra a algo"

— To decide to fight against a habit or problem.

Declarei guerra ao açúcar na minha dieta.

informal

Easily Confused

guerra vs Batalha

Both refer to fighting.

A battle (batalha) is a single fight that is part of a larger war (guerra).

Eles venceram a batalha de Waterloo, mas a guerra continuou.

guerra vs Luta

Both mean struggle.

Luta is more general and can be personal or athletic; guerra is organized and military.

A luta livre é um desporto popular.

guerra vs Combate

Often used as synonyms.

Combate is often used for the act of fighting a specific problem (crime, disease).

O combate à malária é difícil.

guerra vs Conflito

Both describe disagreement.

Conflito is broader and less intense than guerra.

Houve um conflito de horários.

guerra vs Guerrilha

Phonetically similar.

Guerrilha is a specific type of irregular warfare, usually by small groups.

A guerra de guerrilha foi usada na selva.

Sentence Patterns

A guerra é [adjective].

A guerra é horrível.

Eles estão em guerra contra [noun].

Eles estão em guerra contra o inimigo.

[Subject] está em pé de guerra com [Person].

O vizinho está em pé de guerra com o síndico.

A guerra [Verb] o país.

A guerra devastou o país.

A retórica de guerra [Verb] [Abstract Noun].

A retórica de guerra inflamou a opinião pública.

Sob a égide da guerra, [Clause].

Sob a égide da guerra, as liberdades civis foram suspensas.

Guerra de [Noun].

Guerra de travesseiros.

O fim da guerra trouxe [Noun].

O fim da guerra trouxe esperança.

Word Family

Nouns

guerreiro (warrior)

guerrilha (guerrilla)

guerrilheiro (guerrilla fighter)

beligerante (belligerent)

Verbs

guerrear (to wage war)

guerrilhar (to engage in guerrilla warfare)

Adjectives

guerreiro (warlike/brave)

guerrilheiro (related to guerrilla)

bélico (pertaining to war)

batalha (battle)

conflito (conflict)

armas (weapons)

exército (army)

soldado (soldier)

How to Use It

frequency

High (Top 1000 words in Portuguese).

Common Mistakes

O guerra foi terrível. → A guerra foi terrível.
Guerra is a feminine noun and requires the article 'a'.
Eu li sobre a gwerra. → Eu li sobre a guerra.
The 'u' is silent; do not pronounce it like 'w'.
Guerra em pobreza. → Guerra contra a pobreza.
Use 'contra' for abstract wars against issues like poverty or drugs.
Ele lutou no guerra. → Ele lutou na guerra.
'Na' is the contraction of 'em' + 'a' (feminine).
Guerra de travesseiro. → Guerra de travesseiros.
Usually used in the plural because you use multiple pillows.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always pair 'guerra' with feminine adjectives. If you say 'guerra longo', people will understand but know you're a beginner. It must be 'guerra longa'.

Silent U

Think of the word 'guest' in English. The 'u' is silent. It's the same in 'guerra'. Never say 'gwerra'.

Metaphorical use

Don't be afraid to use 'guerra' for messy rooms or loud arguments. It's a very common way to add emphasis in Portuguese.

Colonial War

If you are in Portugal, 'A Guerra' (The War) often refers specifically to the Colonial War of the 60s and 70s.

Em pé de guerra

This is a great phrase to use when describing a tense atmosphere at work or home. It sounds very natural.

Capitalization

Capitalize 'Guerra' when it's part of a specific historical name, like 'Guerra Civil Espanhola'.

Distinguish from Garra

Listen for the vowel. 'Gu-e-rra' has an 'e' sound, while 'Ga-rra' has an 'a' sound. They sound very different to native ears.

Star Wars

In Brazil, 'Star Wars' was famously translated as 'Guerra nas Estrelas'. Younger people use the English name, but older generations know the Portuguese one.

War on Drugs

The phrase is 'guerra contra as drogas'. Remember to use 'contra' instead of 'em'.

Germanic Root

Knowing it comes from 'werra' (strife) helps you remember it's about conflict, not just military action.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the word 'Guerilla' in English, which starts with 'Guer-'. 'Guerra' is just the first part of that word and means war.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant red 'G' on a battlefield. The 'G' stands for 'Guerra' and its red color represents the intensity of conflict.

Word Web

soldado armas paz batalha vencer perder história conflito

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using 'guerra': one about history, one about a game, and one using the idiom 'em pé de guerra'.

Word Origin

The word 'guerra' comes from the Germanic word 'werra', meaning 'strife' or 'quarrel'.

Original meaning: It originally referred to confusion or discord before evolving into the specific term for armed conflict.

It entered the Romance languages (Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, French) and replaced the Latin word 'bellum'.

Cultural Context

When discussing the Colonial War in Portugal or modern conflicts, be mindful that the word carries heavy emotional weight for veterans and their families.

English speakers might be surprised by how often 'guerra' is used for minor things like messy rooms or arguments, where English might use 'disaster' or 'fight'.

Guerra e Paz (War and Peace by Tolstoy - famous translation title). Guerra nas Estrelas (Star Wars). A Guerra dos Tronos (Game of Thrones).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

History Class

A guerra começou em...
As causas da guerra foram...
O tratado de paz terminou a guerra.
Quem venceu a guerra?

News Report

Zona de guerra
Civis apanhados na guerra
Ajuda humanitária na guerra
Crimes de guerra relatados

At Home (Argument)

Parem com esta guerra!
Não quero mais guerra em casa.
Vocês estão sempre em guerra.
Guerra de travesseiros

Business

Guerra de preços
Guerra comercial
Estratégia de guerra no mercado
Vencer a concorrência na guerra

Sports

Foi uma guerra em campo.
O jogo parecia uma guerra.
Grito de guerra da claque
Eles entraram em pé de guerra.

Conversation Starters

"Qual foi a guerra mais importante da história do teu país?"

"Achas que os filmes de guerra são realistas ou exagerados?"

"Como é que uma guerra de preços afeta os consumidores comuns?"

"Já alguma vez fizeste uma guerra de comida quando eras criança?"

"Achas que é possível o mundo viver sem nenhuma guerra?"

Journal Prompts

Escreve sobre um herói de guerra, real ou fictício, e por que o admiras.

Descreve um momento na tua vida em que te sentiste 'em pé de guerra' com alguém.

Reflete sobre como a tecnologia moderna mudou a forma como as guerras são feitas.

Imagina um mundo sem guerra. Como seria a sociedade e a economia?

Descreve o teu filme de guerra favorito e o que aprendeste com ele.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is always feminine: 'a guerra'. You must use feminine articles and adjectives with it. For example, 'uma guerra terrível'.

It is a strong, guttural sound made in the back of the throat, similar to the French 'r' or the 'h' in 'hat' but stronger. It is never a soft English 'r'.

No, the 'u' is silent. It only exists to keep the 'g' hard. It sounds like 'GE-rra' (rhyming with 'terra').

It's an idiom meaning someone is very angry and ready to argue or fight. For example, 'O meu pai está em pé de guerra por causa das notas'.

Yes, but it's hyperbolic. It implies the argument is very intense or long-lasting. For small things, 'discussão' or 'briga' is better.

A 'guerra' is the entire conflict, while a 'batalha' is one specific fight within that conflict. You can win a 'batalha' but still lose the 'guerra'.

It is 'A Segunda Guerra Mundial'. Note that 'Segunda' and 'Mundial' must agree with the feminine 'Guerra'.

Yes, common terms include 'guerra de preços' (price war) and 'guerra comercial' (trade war).

The most common antonym is 'paz' (peace).

Yes, 'Os Maias' mentions historical conflicts, and many modern authors like António Lobo Antunes write about the 'Guerra Colonial'.