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maravilhar-se

A2 verb 14 min read

maravilhar-se

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips maravilhar-se in 30 Seconds

Explanation maravilhar-se in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn the building blocks of Portuguese. 'Maravilhar-se' might seem a bit complex because it is a reflexive verb (it has that 'se' at the end). For now, you don't need to master all its conjugations. Just think of it as a 'big' way to say you really, really like something and it makes you say 'Wow!'. You might see it in simple travel phrases like 'Maravilhe-se com o Brasil' (Be amazed by Brazil). It's related to the word 'maravilhoso' (wonderful), which you probably already know. At this stage, focus on recognizing the word when you see it in titles or advertisements. Remember that it's a positive word. If you see 'maravilha', think of 'wonder' or 'marvel'. You won't be expected to use it in complex sentences yet, but knowing that the 'se' means the feeling is happening to the person speaking is a great first step into Portuguese grammar. Just imagine yourself looking at a beautiful beach and saying 'Wow'—that is the essence of 'maravilhar-se'.

At the A2 level, you are starting to use reflexive verbs more often, like 'chamar-se' (to be called) or 'levantar-se' (to get up). 'Maravilhar-se' follows the same pattern. It is an '-ar' verb, so it's regular. You should try to use it in the present tense: 'Eu me maravilho com a cidade' (I marvel at the city). Notice the preposition 'com'—this is very important! We almost always marvel 'with' something in Portuguese. This word is perfect for when you are talking about your hobbies, your travels, or things you find beautiful. It makes you sound more expressive than just using 'gostar' (to like). Try to remember the basic pronouns: me, te, se, nos, se. If you are talking about yourself and a friend, you say 'Nós nos maravilhamos'. It’s a great word to add to your 'travel vocabulary' because it helps you describe your experiences with more emotion. Don't worry if you forget the 'se' sometimes, but try to catch yourself—it's what makes the verb reflexive!

As a B1 learner, you should be comfortable with the mechanics of reflexive verbs and start using 'maravilhar-se' in different tenses. You can use the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) to talk about a specific moment: 'Eu me maravilhei com o concerto ontem' (I was amazed by the concert yesterday). You can also use the Imperfeito for habits: 'Eu me maravilhava com as histórias do meu avô' (I used to marvel at my grandfather's stories). At this level, you should also pay attention to word order. When you use 'não' or 'que', the pronoun moves: 'Eu não me maravilho com isso' or 'Acho que ele se maravilha'. This is a key B1 grammar point. You can also start comparing 'maravilhar-se' with other verbs like 'encantar-se' or 'admirar'. Use 'maravilhar-se' when you want to emphasize a sense of awe or discovery. It's a very useful verb for writing short essays about culture, nature, or personal experiences. It shows you have a nuanced vocabulary beyond basic adjectives.

At the B2 level, you should use 'maravilhar-se' with confidence in both formal and informal settings. You understand that it carries a certain 'elegance' and is often found in literature or high-quality journalism. You should be able to use it in the subjunctive mood to express feelings or desires: 'Espero que você se maravilhe com a exposição' (I hope you are amazed by the exhibition). You also know how to use it in the conditional: 'Eu me maravilharia com a vista se não estivesse nublado' (I would marvel at the view if it weren't cloudy). At B2, you should also be aware of the difference between Brazilian and European pronoun placement (clisis). In a formal Portuguese context, you might write 'Maravilhar-me-ei' or 'Maravilhar-se-ia', though these are rare in speech. You can use the verb to discuss abstract concepts, like 'maravilhar-se com a resiliência humana'. Your ability to use this verb reflexively, with the correct preposition and in the correct word order, is a hallmark of upper-intermediate proficiency.

At the C1 level, 'maravilhar-se' is a tool for sophisticated expression. You use it to add texture to your speech and writing. You are aware of its etymological roots and its connection to the 'sublime'. You can use it in complex sentence structures, such as 'O que mais nos faz maravilhar-se é a simplicidade da solução' (What makes us marvel the most is the simplicity of the solution). You understand the subtle differences between 'maravilhar-se', 'deslumbrar-se', and 'pasmar-se', and you choose the right one for the specific tone of your text. You can use the verb in academic or philosophical discussions about the nature of wonder and perception. Your usage is flawless, including tricky pronoun placements with infinitives and in subordinate clauses. You might also use the verb in its nominalized form or within complex idioms. At this level, you don't just know the word; you feel its weight and use it to evoke a specific emotional response in your listener or reader.

For a C2 speaker, 'maravilhar-se' is part of a vast, integrated lexicon. You use it with total spontaneity and precision. You might use it to play with language, perhaps in poetry or creative prose, or to give a powerful, evocative speech. You are comfortable with even the most archaic or formal placements of the pronoun, such as mesoclisis in European Portuguese, and you can switch between Brazilian and European styles effortlessly depending on your audience. You understand how this verb fits into the broader history of the Portuguese language and its Latin heritage. You might use it to critique art, discuss complex scientific phenomena, or explore deep psychological states. To you, 'maravilhar-se' is not just a vocabulary item; it's a concept that you can manipulate to express the highest levels of human thought and feeling. Your command of the verb and its associated structures is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, used with stylistic flair and perfect grammatical accuracy.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

maravilhar-se in 30 Seconds

A reflexive verb meaning 'to be amazed' or 'to marvel'.
Always requires a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos).
Typically used with the preposition 'com' (e.g., maravilhar-se com algo).
Expresses a high degree of positive wonder and awe.

The Portuguese verb maravilhar-se is a reflexive verb that captures the profound human experience of being struck by wonder, awe, or intense admiration. At its core, it is more than just 'liking' something; it describes a transformative moment where the beauty, scale, or genius of something stops you in your tracks. When you use maravilhar-se, you are indicating that your internal state has been altered by an external stimulus—hence the reflexive 'se' which points the action back to the subject. It is the linguistic equivalent of a jaw-dropping moment. In English, we often translate this as 'to be amazed', 'to marvel', or 'to wonder at'.

Emotional Intensity: This verb is reserved for things that are truly special. You wouldn't usually 'maravilhar-se' with a standard cup of coffee, but you would certainly 'maravilhar-se' with a sunset over the Atlantic Ocean or the intricate architecture of the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon.
Reflexive Nature: Because it is a pronominal verb, the subject is both the observer and the one being affected by the wonder. You are 'marvelling yourself' with the object of your attention.

People use this word in various contexts, ranging from everyday appreciation of nature to high-level academic discussions about the mysteries of the universe. It is a staple in travel writing, poetry, and personal journals. When a Portuguese speaker says 'Eu me maravilho com a sua inteligência,' they are expressing a deep, respectful astonishment at someone's intellect. It carries a sense of purity and genuine surprise that words like 'gostar' (to like) or 'admirar' (to admire) sometimes lack.

Ao chegar ao topo da montanha, ele não pôde deixar de maravilhar-se com a imensidão do vale lá embaixo.

In terms of frequency, while it is not as common as 'olhar' (to look), it is a high-frequency word in descriptive and emotional storytelling. It allows the speaker to convey a sense of humility before something greater than themselves. It is often paired with the preposition com (with) or occasionally de (of/at). For instance, 'maravilhar-se com a música' (to marvel at the music).

As crianças costumam maravilhar-se com as coisas mais simples do cotidiano.

Synonym Comparison: While 'surpreender-se' means to be surprised, 'maravilhar-se' adds a layer of positive beauty and enchantment that 'surpreender-se' (which can be negative) does not necessarily have.

Furthermore, the word is deeply rooted in the concept of the 'maravilha' (wonder). Just as the Seven Wonders of the World are 'As Sete Maravilhas do Mundo', the act of experiencing them is 'maravilhar-se'. It is a verb of discovery and appreciation. In the digital age, you might see it in social media captions under a beautiful travel photo, where the user wants to express that the place exceeded their expectations and touched their soul.

Nós nos maravilhamos com a tecnologia moderna todos os dias.

To wrap up, using maravilhar-se correctly elevates your Portuguese from functional to expressive. It shows a command of pronominal structures and a nuanced understanding of emotional vocabulary. Whether you are talking about art, nature, or human achievement, this verb provides the perfect vehicle for expressing that unique human capacity for wonder.

É impossível não maravilhar-se diante da vastidão do cosmos.

Register and Tone: It is a relatively formal or 'elegant' verb. While common, it sounds slightly more sophisticated than simply saying 'ficar espantado' (to be shocked).

Vocês vão maravilhar-se com os detalhes desta pintura renascentista.

Using maravilhar-se correctly requires attention to two main things: the reflexive pronoun and the preposition that connects the verb to the object of wonder. As an '-ar' verb, its endings follow the standard regular pattern, but the pronoun must always accompany it. Let's break down the mechanics of this verb in various tenses and structures to ensure you can use it naturally in conversation and writing.

Basic Conjugation (Present Tense): In the present tense, it looks like this: Eu me maravilho, Tu te maravilhas, Ele/Ela/Você se maravilha, Nós nos maravilhamos, Vós vos maravilhais, Eles/Elas/Vocês se maravilham. Notice how the 'se' changes to 'me', 'te', 'nos', etc.
The Preposition 'Com': In 90% of cases, you will use the preposition 'com'. For example: 'Eu me maravilho com a natureza.' This is the standard way to indicate what is causing the amazement.

When you want to use it in the past tense to describe a completed action, you would use the Pretérito Perfeito. For instance, 'Eu me maravilhei com o filme ontem' (I was amazed by the movie yesterday). If you are describing a continuous state of wonder in the past, you use the Pretérito Imperfeito: 'Quando eu era criança, eu me maravilhava com as estrelas' (When I was a child, I used to marvel at the stars).

Eles se maravilharam com a hospitalidade do povo brasileiro.

One of the most powerful ways to use this verb is in the infinitive after an auxiliary verb. This is very common in Brazilian Portuguese: 'Eu quero me maravilhar' or 'Eu vou me maravilhar'. In European Portuguese, the pronoun often attaches to the end: 'Quero maravilhar-me'. This structure is perfect for expressing desire or future plans involving discovery and awe.

Nós nunca nos maravilhamos tanto quanto naquela viagem.

Using the Gerund: To describe an ongoing process of being amazed, use the gerund: 'Estou me maravilhando com as novas descobertas científicas' (I am marvelling at the new scientific discoveries).

In more formal writing, you might encounter the verb used with the preposition 'de'. While less common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese, it is perfectly correct: 'Maravilhar-se de ver tamanha beleza'. However, for learners, sticking with 'com' is the safest and most natural-sounding path. Another important note is the position of the pronoun in questions. In Brazil, you'd ask 'Você se maravilhou?', whereas in Portugal, it would be 'Maravilhaste-te?' (using the second person singular) or 'Maravilhou-se?'.

Será que você consegue maravilhar-se com as pequenas vitórias?

Finally, let's look at the conditional tense, which is used for hypothetical wonder: 'Eu me maravilharia com a neve se eu pudesse viajar para a Suíça' (I would marvel at the snow if I could travel to Switzerland). This level of sentence construction demonstrates a high proficiency in Portuguese grammar and vocabulary usage. Always remember that the goal of using maravilhar-se is to convey a positive, elevated emotion of surprise and beauty.

Espero que todos vocês se maravilhem com a apresentação de hoje.

Imperative Mood: You can even use it as a command or suggestion: 'Maravilhe-se!' (Marvel yourself! / Be amazed!). It's a common slogan in tourism ads.

Ao ler o livro, maravilhe-se com a criatividade do autor.

If you are wandering through the streets of Lisbon or São Paulo, you might not hear maravilhar-se in every single conversation, but it is a word that appears in very specific, high-value contexts. Understanding where to expect it will help you recognize it and use it with the right social cues. It is a word of appreciation, reflection, and sophisticated storytelling.

Nature Documentaries and Travel Shows: Narrators in Portuguese versions of National Geographic or BBC Earth frequently use 'maravilhar-se' to describe the reaction of viewers to stunning landscapes or animal behaviors. 'O espectador se maravilha com a diversidade da Amazônia.'
Art Galleries and Museums: Curators and audio guides use it to prompt visitors to look closer at a masterpiece. 'Maravilhe-se com as pinceladas de Van Gogh.'

In literature, from the classic works of Machado de Assis to modern novelists like José Saramago, maravilhar-se is the go-to verb for describing a character's internal awakening or spiritual epiphany. It is far more poetic than 'ficar surpreso'. When a character sees the ocean for the first time, they don't just 'see' it; they 'se maravilham' with its vastness.

No documentário, o cientista disse: 'Devemos nos maravilhar com a complexidade da vida'.

You will also find this word in religious or spiritual contexts. Sermons, prayers, and religious texts often use it to describe the human response to the divine or the 'miracles' (milagres) of life. The connection between 'milagre' and 'maravilha' is linguistically strong, as both come from roots related to 'looking' and 'wondering'.

O guia turístico exclamou: 'Maravilhem-se com esta vista panorâmica da cidade!'

Tourism Marketing: Brochures for places like the Iguazu Falls or the Douro Valley often use the imperative form: 'Venha maravilhar-se com as maravilhas de Portugal.' It's a powerful marketing verb because it promises an emotional experience.

In personal blogs and social media, especially among 'travel influencers' or 'foodies', you'll see it used to describe a particularly beautiful meal or a hidden gem of a beach. 'Eu me maravilhei com o sabor desse prato típico.' It adds a touch of class and genuine enthusiasm to their content that simpler verbs might lack.

Na escola, a professora incentivava os alunos a maravilhar-se com o mundo da ciência.

Lastly, in formal speeches, such as graduation ceremonies or political addresses concerning culture and heritage, maravilhar-se is used to evoke a sense of collective pride. 'Devemos nos maravilhar com a resiliência do nosso povo.' It is a verb that unites the speaker and the audience in a shared positive emotion.

Ao ver o pôr do sol, todos no navio se maravilharam em silêncio.

Academic Research: Even in scientific papers, an author might write: 'É de se maravilhar que tais estruturas microscópicas funcionem com tanta precisão.' This shows the word's versatility even in cold, logical fields.

O poeta escreveu: 'Eu me maravilho com o som do silêncio'.

Learning maravilhar-se presents a few hurdles for English speakers, primarily because of its reflexive nature and its specific prepositional requirements. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Portuguese sound much more authentic and grammatically sound. Let's look at the most frequent errors made by learners at the A2 and B1 levels.

Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun: The biggest mistake is saying 'Eu maravilho a vista' (I marvel the view). This is incorrect. You MUST include the 'me': 'Eu me maravilho com a vista'. Without the pronoun, the verb loses its meaning of 'being amazed' and sounds like you are trying to 'make something wonderful' (which would be 'maravilhar' without the 'se', but that is rarely used this way).
Using the Wrong Preposition: English speakers often want to use 'em' (in) or 'por' (for/by) because of direct translation. They might say 'Eu me maravilho por isso'. The correct preposition is com. Think of it as 'I am marvelling with the beauty'.

Another common error involves the position of the pronoun. While Brazilian Portuguese is quite flexible in speech, in writing and in European Portuguese, there are stricter rules. Forgetting to move the pronoun before the verb in the presence of 'não', 'que', or 'quem' is a classic 'estrangeiro' (foreigner) mistake. For example, 'Eu sei que se maravilha' is correct, whereas 'Eu sei que maravilha-se' is generally not used in that context.

Errado: Eu maravilho com o sol.
Correto: Eu me maravilho com o sol.

Confusing 'maravilhar-se' with 'maravilhoso' (wonderful) is another slip-up. Learners sometimes try to use the adjective as a verb. Remember: 'maravilhar-se' is the action of feeling wonder, while 'maravilhoso' is the quality of the thing causing it. You can't say 'Isso maravilha-se'; you say 'Isso é maravilhoso'. The subject of 'maravilhar-se' is almost always a person or a sentient being capable of feeling awe.

Errado: Nós maravilhamos com o show.
Correto: Nós nos maravilhamos com o show.

Spelling Challenges: The 'lh' sound (like the 'll' in 'million') is often misspelled as 'li' or 'l'. Be careful to write 'maravilhar-se' and not 'maravilar-se'. The 'lh' is a single phoneme in Portuguese and is crucial for correct pronunciation and spelling.

Finally, overusing the word can make you sound a bit like a travel brochure. While it's a beautiful word, using it for mundane things like 'I marvelled at the sandwich' (Eu me maravilhei com o sanduíche) can sound sarcastic or overly dramatic. Save it for things that truly deserve 'wonder'. For a sandwich, 'Eu adorei o sanduíche' or 'O sanduíche estava maravilhoso' is more appropriate.

Errado: Você maravilha de tudo?
Correto: Você se maravilha com tudo?

Errado: Não maravilhe-se com mentiras.
Correto: Não se maravilhe com mentiras.

Portuguese is rich with verbs that describe emotional reactions. While maravilhar-se is specifically about wonder and awe, there are several other verbs you might use depending on the intensity and nature of your feeling. Knowing these alternatives will help you fine-tune your expression and avoid repetition.

Admirar: This is the closest cousin. 'Admirar' (to admire) is less intense than 'maravilhar-se'. It implies respect and appreciation but doesn't necessarily carry that 'breathless' quality of wonder. You can admire a person's work, but you marvel at a miracle of nature.
Deslumbrar-se: This verb specifically refers to being 'dazzled'. It often has a visual connotation. If a light is too bright, it 'deslumbra' you. Metaphorically, if a person's beauty or wealth is overwhelming, you 'se deslumbra'. It can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation of being blinded by superficiality.

If you want to express surprise without the 'beauty' aspect, use surpreender-se (to be surprised) or espantar-se (to be shocked/astonished). 'Espantar-se' is much stronger and can be used for both good and bad shocks. For example, 'Eu me espantei com o preço' (I was shocked by the price) is common, but you would never 'maravilhar-se' with a high price!

Ao contrário de apenas admirar, ele preferiu maravilhar-se com cada detalhe da viagem.

Another interesting alternative is encantar-se (to be enchanted/delighted). This is very common in romantic or whimsical contexts. 'Eu me encantei por ela' (I was enchanted by her). While 'maravilhar-se' is about the scale and wonder, 'encantar-se' is about the charm and personal connection. You 'encantar-se' with a quaint little village, but you 'maravilhar-se' with the Grand Canyon.

Ela não apenas gostou da ópera; ela se encantou e se maravilhou.

Comparison Table

Maravilhar-se: Deep wonder/awe (highest intensity).
Admirar: Respectful appreciation (medium intensity).
Encantar-se: Emotional charm/delight (personal/romantic).
Deslumbrar-se: Visual/overwhelming dazzle (can be superficial).
Surpreender-se: Neutral surprise (unexpected event).

For a more literary or archaic feel, you might encounter pasmar-se. This means to be struck dumb with amazement, often used in older texts or very dramatic storytelling. In modern daily life, 'maravilhar-se' remains the most elegant and standard way to describe that specific feeling of being filled with wonder. When you are writing a formal essay or a heartfelt letter, choosing 'maravilhar-se' over 'gostar muito' shows a much higher command of the language's emotional range.

É raro deslumbrar-se com a simplicidade, mas é fácil maravilhar-se com ela.

Em vez de surpreender-se com o erro, tente maravilhar-se com o aprendizado.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'mira-' in Latin means 'to look at'. This is why 'maravilhar-se', 'mirar' (to aim/look), and 'mirror' (espelho) are all distant cousins—they all involve the act of looking!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ma.ɾa.vi.ˈʎaɾ.sɨ/

US /ma.ɾa.vi.ˈʎaɾ.si/

The primary stress is on the last syllable of the verb root: 'lhar'.

Rhymes With

olhar brilhar partilhar trabalhar caminhar sonhar achar lugar

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'lh' as a simple 'l'.
Forgetting to pronounce the reflexive 'se' at the end.
Stressing the 'vi' instead of the 'lhar'.
Pronouncing the 'r' too harshly like an English 'r'.
Mixing up the 'a' sounds; they should be open and clear.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because of the root 'maravilha'.

Writing 4/5

Difficulties with reflexive pronoun placement and the preposition 'com'.

Speaking 3/5

Requires practice with the 'lh' sound and reflexive flow.

Listening 2/5

Usually clear, though the 'se' might be spoken quickly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

maravilha maravilhoso gostar ver com

Learn Next

deslumbrar-se encantar-se surpreender-se reflexive verbs

Advanced

pasmar-se extasiar-se sublimidade estupefação

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Verb Conjugation

Eu me maravilho, Tu te maravilhas.

Prepositional Verbs (Verbos Regenciais)

Maravilhar-se 'com' algo.

Pronoun Placement (Próclise vs Ênclise)

Não me maravilho (Próclise) vs Maravilho-me (Ênclise).

Subjunctive Mood for Emotions

Fico feliz que você se maravilhe.

Infinitive Personal

Para nos maravilharmos, precisamos de tempo.

Examples by Level

Eu me maravilho com as flores.

I marvel at the flowers.

Simple present with 'me' (reflexive).

Você se maravilha com o mar?

Do you marvel at the sea?

Question with 'se' (reflexive).

Nós nos maravilhamos com o sol.

We marvel at the sun.

Plural 'nós nos' structure.

Ela se maravilha com as cores.

She marvels at the colors.

Third person singular 'se'.

Maravilhe-se com a cidade!

Be amazed by the city!

Imperative (command) form.

Eles se maravilham com os animais.

They marvel at the animals.

Third person plural 'se'.

Eu vou me maravilhar na viagem.

I am going to be amazed on the trip.

Future with 'ir' + reflexive.

É bom se maravilhar.

It is good to be amazed.

Infinitive reflexive.

Eu sempre me maravilho com a música dele.

I always marvel at his music.

Adverb 'sempre' + present tense.

Nós nos maravilhamos com a comida brasileira.

We marveled at the Brazilian food.

Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito).

Você se maravilhou com o museu?

Were you amazed by the museum?

Past tense question.

Ela se maravilha com as pequenas coisas.

She marvels at the small things.

Expressing a general habit.

Eles não se maravilham com facilidade.

They aren't easily amazed.

Negative sentence (pronoun moves before verb).

Quero me maravilhar com a natureza.

I want to marvel at nature.

Verb 'querer' + infinitive.

Vocês se maravilharam com o show?

Were you all amazed by the show?

Plural 'vocês' in the past.

Ele se maravilha toda vez que vê a neve.

He marvels every time he sees snow.

Present tense with 'toda vez'.

Eu me maravilhava com as estrelas quando era criança.

I used to marvel at the stars when I was a child.

Pretérito Imperfeito for past habits.

É importante que você se maravilhe com o seu trabalho.

It's important that you marvel at your work.

Present Subjunctive after 'É importante que'.

Nós nos maravilharíamos se víssemos o eclipse.

We would marvel if we saw the eclipse.

Conditional tense + Imperfect Subjunctive.

Ela se maravilhou tanto que ficou sem palavras.

She was so amazed that she was left speechless.

Consecutive clause with 'tanto que'.

Muitas pessoas se maravilham com a tecnologia atual.

Many people marvel at current technology.

General statement in the present.

Eu me maravilhei com a coragem dele.

I marveled at his courage.

Abstract object of wonder.

Eles se maravilhavam com cada nova descoberta.

They used to marvel at every new discovery.

Imperfect tense for repeated actions.

Não se maravilhe com promessas vazias.

Don't be amazed by empty promises.

Negative imperative.

Embora seja difícil, ele se maravilha com as dificuldades.

Although it's difficult, he marvels at the difficulties.

Concessive clause with 'Embora'.

Se eu tivesse ido, teria me maravilhado com a ópera.

If I had gone, I would have marveled at the opera.

Past conditional (Compound).

É preciso saber maravilhar-se com o cotidiano.

It is necessary to know how to marvel at everyday life.

Infinitive with 'saber' (European placement).

Eles se maravilham com o fato de estarem vivos.

They marvel at the fact of being alive.

Object is a noun clause 'o fato de'.

Duvido que eles se maravilhem com esse plano.

I doubt they will be amazed by this plan.

Subjunctive after 'Duvido que'.

Ao maravilhar-se com a arte, ele encontrou a paz.

Upon marvelling at art, he found peace.

Temporal clause with 'Ao' + infinitive.

Nós nos maravilhamos com a rapidez da mudança.

We were amazed by the speed of the change.

Pretérito Perfeito.

Vocês se maravilhariam com o que eu vi.

You all would marvel at what I saw.

Conditional tense.

Quem quer que se maravilhe com a verdade, encontrará o caminho.

Whoever marvels at the truth will find the way.

Relative clause with 'Quem quer que' + Subjunctive.

Maravilhar-se-ia qualquer um que visse tal espetáculo.

Anyone who saw such a spectacle would marvel.

Mesoclisis in the conditional (very formal).

O ato de maravilhar-se é intrínseco à condição humana.

The act of marvelling is intrinsic to the human condition.

Nominalized infinitive.

Raramente nos maravilhamos com o que é óbvio.

We rarely marvel at what is obvious.

Adverbial influence on pronoun position.

Não há quem não se maravilhe diante daquela catedral.

There is no one who does not marvel before that cathedral.

Double negative for emphasis.

Ele se maravilha de que ainda existam pessoas honestas.

He marvels that honest people still exist.

Subjunctive clause after 'maravilhar-se de que'.

Sempre que me maravilho, sinto-me mais vivo.

Whenever I marvel, I feel more alive.

Temporal conjunction 'Sempre que'.

A capacidade de maravilhar-se deve ser cultivada.

The capacity to marvel must be cultivated.

Passive voice with auxiliary + infinitive.

Pudesse eu maravilhar-se eternamente, não pediria mais nada.

Could I marvel eternally, I would ask for nothing more.

Inverted conditional/optative structure.

O filósofo instava seus discípulos a que se maravilhassem com o nada.

The philosopher urged his disciples to marvel at the nothingness.

Past Subjunctive in a subordinate clause.

Nada obsta a que nos maravilhemos com o progresso alheio.

Nothing prevents us from marvelling at others' progress.

Formal construction 'Nada obsta a que'.

Maravilhar-me-ei, porventura, se a sorte me sorrir.

I shall marvel, perhaps, if luck smiles upon me.

Future mesoclisis with 'porventura'.

A despeito de tudo, ela ainda se maravilha com a vida.

Despite everything, she still marvels at life.

Concessive phrase 'A despeito de'.

Tão logo se maravilharam, trataram de registrar o momento.

As soon as they marveled, they sought to record the moment.

Temporal conjunction 'Tão logo'.

Quem nos dera que todos se maravilhassem com a paz.

Would that everyone marveled at peace.

Optative expression 'Quem nos dera que'.

O universo convida-nos a maravilhar-se em sua imensidão.

The universe invites us to marvel in its immensity.

Formal object pronoun + infinitive.

Synonyms

admirar-se encantar-se deslumbrar-se surpreender-se espantar-se pasmar-se extasiar-se impressionar-se

Antonyms

entediar-se indiferençar-se horrorizar-se acostumar-se

Common Collocations

maravilhar-se com a natureza

maravilhar-se com a beleza

maravilhar-se com a inteligência

maravilhar-se com a tecnologia

maravilhar-se com o mundo

maravilhar-se com a arte

maravilhar-se com a vista

maravilhar-se com o talento

maravilhar-se com a simplicidade

maravilhar-se com a vida

Common Phrases

É de se maravilhar.

— It is something to be amazed at. Used when something is truly impressive.

A paciência dele é de se maravilhar.

Parar para maravilhar-se.

— To stop and take in the wonder. Often used as advice to slow down.

Às vezes, precisamos parar para maravilhar-se.

Nunca deixo de me maravilhar.

— I never stop being amazed. Indicates a lasting sense of wonder.

Nunca deixo de me maravilhar com o mar.

Maravilhar-se diante de...

— To marvel in the presence of something. Focuses on the physical standing before a great thing.

Maravilhar-se diante das pirâmides.

Capacidade de se maravilhar.

— The ability to feel wonder. Often discussed in psychology or child development.

Ele nunca perdeu a capacidade de se maravilhar.

Maravilhar-se com pouco.

— To be amazed by little things. Suggests a humble or appreciative personality.

Ela é feliz porque se maravilha com pouco.

Deixar-se maravilhar.

— To let oneself be amazed. To open oneself up to the experience of awe.

Permita-se deixar-se maravilhar pela música.

Voltar a se maravilhar.

— To marvel again. To rediscover wonder after a period of boredom or cynicism.

Depois da crise, ele voltou a se maravilhar com o trabalho.

Maravilhar-se com o progresso.

— To marvel at progress. Often used in historical or technological contexts.

Nós nos maravilhamos com o progresso da medicina.

Impossível não se maravilhar.

— Impossible not to be amazed. A common superlative expression.

É impossível não se maravilhar com este lugar.

Often Confused With

maravilhar-se vs maravilhoso

Maravilhoso is an adjective (wonderful). Maravilhar-se is the verb (to marvel).

maravilhar-se vs maravilhar

Without the 'se', it means to cause wonder in someone else, but it's much less common than the reflexive form.

maravilhar-se vs mirar

Means to aim or look closely at, but doesn't necessarily include the emotion of wonder.

Idioms & Expressions

"Ficar de queixo caído"

— To be jaw-dropped. An informal way to say you are marvelling at something.

Eu fiquei de queixo caído com a mágica.

informal

"Ficar boquiaberto"

— To be open-mouthed. Very similar to 'queixo caído'.

Eles ficaram boquiabertos com a notícia.

neutral

"Perder a fala"

— To lose one's speech. To be so amazed that one cannot talk.

Ao ver a noiva, ele perdeu a fala.

neutral

"Não acreditar nos próprios olhos"

— To not believe one's own eyes. Used for extreme wonder or disbelief.

Não acreditei nos meus olhos quando vi o prêmio.

informal

"Encher os olhos"

— To fill the eyes. When something is so beautiful it's a 'feast for the eyes'.

Aquela paisagem enche os olhos.

neutral

"Cair o carimbo"

— A Brazilian slang for being extremely impressed or shocked.

Quando ele cantou, caiu o carimbo de todo mundo.

slang

"Ficar pasmo"

— To be stunned. Often implies a mix of wonder and shock.

Fiquei pasmo com a revelação.

neutral

"De tirar o fôlego"

— Breathtaking. Used as an adjective for things that cause one to marvel.

Uma vista de tirar o fôlego.

neutral

"Saltar aos olhos"

— To jump to the eyes. When something is remarkably obvious or beautiful.

O talento dela salta aos olhos.

neutral

"Ficar em estado de graça"

— To be in a state of grace. A deep, spiritual sense of marvelling and happiness.

Após o nascimento do filho, ela ficou em estado de graça.

literary

Easily Confused

maravilhar-se vs Admirar

Both involve positive feelings towards something.

Admirar is more about respect and appreciation; maravilhar-se is about intense awe and surprise.

Eu admiro meu pai, mas me maravilho com o universo.

maravilhar-se vs Surpreender-se

Both involve surprise.

Surpreender-se is neutral (can be a bad surprise); maravilhar-se is always positive and involves beauty.

Eu me surpreendi com o acidente, mas me maravilhei com o arco-íris.

maravilhar-se vs Deslumbrar-se

Both involve being overwhelmed by beauty.

Deslumbrar-se is often visual or superficial (dazzled); maravilhar-se is deeper and more emotional.

Ela se deslumbrou com as joias, mas se maravilhou com o pôr do sol.

maravilhar-se vs Encantar-se

Both involve being delighted.

Encantar-se is about charm and attraction; maravilhar-se is about scale and wonder.

Ele se encantou pela moça, mas se maravilhou com a voz dela.

maravilhar-se vs Espantar-se

Both involve astonishment.

Espantar-se is often a stronger, more shocking surprise, sometimes negative.

Eu me espantei com o barulho, mas me maravilhei com a música.

Sentence Patterns

Eu me maravilho com [Noun].

Eu me maravilho com o sol.

Nós nos maravilhamos com [Noun].

Nós nos maravilhamos com a comida.

Eu me maravilhava com [Noun] quando [Past Action].

Eu me maravilhava com as estrelas quando era pequeno.

Não se maravilhe com [Noun].

Não se maravilhe com promessas.

Espero que você se maravilhe com [Noun].

Espero que você se maravilhe com a viagem.

Se eu fosse lá, eu me maravilharia.

Se eu fosse ao espaço, eu me maravilharia.

É de se maravilhar que [Subjunctive Clause].

É de se maravilhar que ele tenha conseguido.

Maravilhar-me-ei se [Future Clause].

Maravilhar-me-ei se a justiça for feita.

Word Family

Nouns

maravilha (wonder)

maravilhamento (the act of wondering)

Verbs

maravilhar (to cause wonder in someone else)

Adjectives

maravilhoso (wonderful)

maravilhado (amazed/wonder-struck)

miragem

miráculo

admirar

mirar

How to Use It

frequency

Medium-High in descriptive and emotional contexts.

Common Mistakes

Eu maravilho com o sol. → Eu me maravilho com o sol.
Forgot the reflexive pronoun 'me'.
Nós maravilhamos com a vista. → Nós nos maravilhamos com a vista.
Forgot the reflexive pronoun 'nos'.
Eu me maravilho em a música. → Eu me maravilho com a música.
Used the wrong preposition ('em' instead of 'com').
Eu não maravilho-me. → Eu não me maravilho.
In negative sentences, the pronoun must come before the verb.
Isso me maravilha. → Isso é maravilhoso / Eu me maravilho com isso.
'Maravilhar-se' is usually what a person does. 'Isso me maravilha' is possible but less common than 'Eu me maravilho com isso'.

Tips

Reflexive Reminder

Always remember the pronoun! Without 'me, te, se, nos', the verb is incomplete in this context.

The 'LH' Sound

Don't say 'L'. Say 'LH' like in the English word 'brilliant'. It makes a huge difference!

Word Family

Learn 'maravilha' and 'maravilhoso' alongside the verb to build a stronger mental map.

Preposition 'Com'

Stick to 'com' for 99% of your sentences. It's the most natural way to connect the verb.

Vary Your Verbs

Use 'maravilhar-se' for big things and 'gostar' for small things to sound more like a native.

Seven Wonders

Think of the 'Sete Maravilhas' to remember the meaning of the word.

Subjunctive

Use it with 'Espero que...' to practice your B2 level grammar.

Identify the 'se'

Train your ear to hear the little 'se' or 'me' before or after the verb.

Be Expressive

This is an emotional word. Don't say it with a flat voice—show the wonder!

Mnemonic

Maravilhar-se = Marvel-Yourself. The 'se' is the 'yourself' part.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'Seven Wonders of the World' (Sete Maravilhas). When you see a wonder, you 'maravilhar-se'. The 'lh' sound is like the 'lli' in 'million'—you feel like a million bucks when you marvel!

Visual Association

Imagine someone standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon with their arms wide open and a huge smile, saying 'Wow!'. That person is in the middle of 'maravilhar-se'.

Word Web

Nature Art Surprise Beauty Reflexive Awe Preposition Com Wonderful

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about things that make you say 'Wow' using 'Eu me maravilho com...'

Word Origin

From the Vulgar Latin *mirabilia, which is the neuter plural of the Latin adjective mirabilis (wonderful, strange, remarkable).

Original meaning: Originally referred to 'things to be wondered at' or 'marvels'.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

This is a purely positive word and is safe to use in all social contexts.

English speakers often use 'I am amazed' or 'I marvel'. 'Maravilhar-se' is slightly more formal than 'I am amazed' but less archaic than 'I marvel'.

As Sete Maravilhas do Mundo (The Seven Wonders of the World). Alice no País das Maravilhas (Alice in Wonderland). The song 'Que Maravilha' by Jorge Ben Jor (celebrating the 'wonder' of a woman).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Travel

Eu me maravilhei com a vista.
Você vai se maravilhar com a praia.
Nós nos maravilhamos com a cultura.
Maravilhe-se com o Rio!

Art & Music

Me maravilho com essa melodia.
Eles se maravilharam com a pintura.
É impossível não se maravilhar com o museu.
Quero me maravilhar com a ópera.

Nature

Maravilhar-se com o pôr do sol.
As crianças se maravilham com os bichos.
Eu me maravilho com as montanhas.
Sempre me maravilho com a chuva.

Science

Maravilhar-se com o universo.
O cientista se maravilha com as células.
A humanidade se maravilha com o espaço.
É de se maravilhar com a descoberta.

Personal Growth

Aprenda a maravilhar-se.
Eu me maravilho com a sua força.
Não perca a chance de se maravilhar.
Maravilho-me com a vida.

Conversation Starters

"Com o que você mais se maravilha no seu país?"

"Você já se maravilhou com alguma obra de arte recentemente?"

"É fácil para você se maravilhar com as pequenas coisas do dia a dia?"

"Qual foi a última viagem em que você realmente se maravilhou?"

"Você acha que os adultos esquecem como se maravilhar?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre um momento em que você se maravilhou com a natureza.

Como a capacidade de se maravilhar pode mudar a sua perspectiva de vida?

Descreva uma pessoa cuja inteligência ou talento faz você se maravilhar.

Você prefere se maravilhar com o futuro ou com o passado? Por quê?

Liste cinco coisas simples com as quais você se maravilha todos os dias.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you must use the reflexive pronoun: 'Eu me maravilho com a vista'. The verb requires the pronoun to mean 'to be amazed'.

Both are correct, but 'com' is much more common in modern speech. 'De' is more formal and literary.

'Maravilhado' is how you feel (amazed). 'Maravilhoso' is how the object is (wonderful). Example: 'Eu estou maravilhado porque o filme é maravilhoso'.

Use the Pretérito Perfeito: 'Eu me maravilhei'.

No, verbs do not have gender in Portuguese. Only the subject or adjectives change.

Yes, but it sounds very enthusiastic or slightly dramatic. 'Eu me maravilhei com esse jantar' is fine for a special meal.

Yes, but Brazilians usually put the 'se' before the verb: 'se maravilhar'.

Yes, it is a regular -ar verb. You just need to add the reflexive pronouns.

The most common noun is 'maravilha' (wonder), but 'maravilhamento' (the state of wondering) is also used.

Poetically, yes. In a literal scientific sense, we usually reserve it for human-like consciousness.