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A2 verb #7,000 most common 12 min read

mobilar

Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips mobilar in 30 Seconds

Explanation mobilar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic meaning of 'mobilar': to put furniture in a house. You don't need to worry about complex conjugations yet. Just understand that if you have an empty room and you buy a bed and a chair, you are 'mobilar'-ing that room. You will mostly see this word in the context of 'casa' (house) and 'móveis' (furniture). Think of it as a simple action: Empty House + Furniture = Mobilar. You might use it in simple sentences like 'Eu quero mobilar a minha casa' (I want to furnish my house). It's a very practical word for beginners who are moving to a new place or describing their dream home. At this stage, just associate the sound of the word with the image of a truck delivering a sofa to a house. It's one of those essential 'life' verbs that helps you talk about your immediate surroundings.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'mobilar' in different tenses. You should be able to say what you did in the past ('Eu mobilei a sala ontem') or what you are going to do in the future ('Nós vamos mobilar o quarto'). You also start to learn related words like 'mobilado' (furnished). This is very important for A2 learners because you might be looking for a place to stay. Knowing the difference between an 'apartamento mobilado' and an 'apartamento não mobilado' can save you a lot of trouble! You should also be able to list some items you use to 'mobilar' a space, such as 'mesa' (table), 'cadeira' (chair), and 'cama' (bed). You are moving from just knowing the word to being able to use it in a conversation about your home or your plans for the weekend. It's about building a functional vocabulary for domestic life.

At the B1 level, you can use 'mobilar' to express more complex ideas, such as opinions or conditions. For example, 'Se eu tivesse dinheiro, mobilava a casa com móveis de luxo' (If I had money, I would furnish the house with luxury furniture). You understand the difference between 'mobilar' and synonyms like 'decorar' or 'equipar'. You might discuss the challenges of furnishing a house on a budget or the best places to buy furniture in Portugal or Brazil. You are also more aware of regional differences, like the use of 'mobiliar' in Brazil versus 'mobilar' in Portugal. Your sentences become longer and more descriptive, incorporating adverbs like 'completamente' or 'parcialmente'. At this level, 'mobilar' is not just a verb; it's part of a wider conversation about lifestyle, finance, and personal taste. You can describe the process and the feelings associated with it.

At the B2 level, you use 'mobilar' with ease in both formal and informal contexts. you might hear it in a professional setting, such as an interior designer explaining a project to a client. You understand the nuances of register—when to use 'mobilar' and when a more formal term like 'guarnecer' might be appropriate in writing. You can participate in debates about urban living, such as whether it's better to rent a furnished apartment or to furnish one yourself as an investment. You are comfortable with the passive voice ('A casa foi mobilada com muito gosto') and other advanced grammatical structures. You can also use the word metaphorically in some contexts, though it remains primarily a physical verb. Your understanding of the word is deep enough that you can spot mistakes made by others and explain the cultural significance of certain furnishing styles in Lusophone countries.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated command of 'mobilar' and its place within the Portuguese language. You can discuss the etymology of the word, linking it to the concept of 'móveis' (moveable goods) as opposed to 'imóveis' (real estate). You use the verb in complex literary or academic contexts, perhaps discussing the history of domestic spaces or the sociology of the home. You are aware of rare or archaic uses of the word and can appreciate wordplay involving it in literature or advertising. Your vocabulary is rich enough that you can choose 'mobilar' or one of its many synonyms to achieve a very specific rhetorical effect. You can write detailed reports or articles about interior design trends, using 'mobilar' as a starting point for a broader discussion on culture, economy, and aesthetics. You are essentially at a native-like level of comprehension and usage.

At the C2 level, 'mobilar' is a tool you use with total precision and creative flair. You understand all the subtle cultural connotations the word carries in different Portuguese-speaking regions. You can use it in high-level creative writing, perhaps using the act of furnishing a house as a metaphor for building a life or a relationship. You are familiar with the legal and technical jargon surrounding 'mobiliário' and 'mobilar' in contracts and property law. You can engage in deep philosophical discussions about the meaning of 'home' and how the act of 'mobilar' reflects human identity. For you, the word is part of a vast, interconnected web of meaning that spans history, culture, and linguistics. You can move effortlessly between the most casual slang and the most formal academic prose, always choosing the perfect form of the word for the occasion.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

mobilar in 30 Seconds

Mobilar is a regular Portuguese verb meaning 'to furnish'. It is primarily used when talking about putting furniture into a house or room.
The word is standard in European Portuguese, while 'mobiliar' is more common in Brazil. Both versions refer to the same action of furnishing.
It is a transitive verb, typically followed by the room or building being furnished, often using 'com' to specify the types of furniture used.
The past participle 'mobilado' is a key term in real estate, indicating that a rental property already includes furniture for the tenant's use.

The Portuguese verb mobilar is a foundational term for anyone looking to establish a life in a Lusophone country. At its core, it translates to "to furnish" in English. However, the cultural weight of the word extends beyond merely placing objects in a room; it signifies the transition from a cold, empty structure (a house) to a lived-in, personalized environment (a home). When you mobilar a space, you are selecting the essential items—beds, tables, sofas, and wardrobes—that facilitate daily existence. It is important to distinguish this from decorar (to decorate), which focuses on aesthetics and embellishments like paintings or rugs, whereas mobilar is about the functional infrastructure of the living space.

Contextual Usage: This verb is most frequently heard in the context of real estate and domestic planning. If you are renting an apartment, you will often see listings described as 'mobilado' (furnished) or 'não mobilado' (unfurnished). Using the verb form, a tenant might say, 'Preciso de mobilar o meu novo apartamento' (I need to furnish my new apartment).

Depois de comprar a casa, a Maria começou logo a mobilar a sala com móveis modernos.

In European Portuguese, mobilar is the standard form, whereas in Brazil, you are more likely to encounter the variation mobiliar. Both are correct and understood across the Portuguese-speaking world, but the phonetic flow of mobilar is particularly characteristic of Portugal. The act of furnishing is often seen as a significant financial investment and a rite of passage for young adults moving out for the first time. Consequently, discussions around this verb often involve budgeting, visiting stores like IKEA, or browsing local antique shops (antiquários).

Social Nuance: In social circles, asking someone 'Já acabaste de mobilar a tua casa?' (Have you finished furnishing your house?) is a common way to show interest in their personal life and progress in a new move. It implies a sense of settling down and stability.

É muito caro mobilar um quarto inteiro do zero.

Furthermore, the verb is transitive, meaning it usually takes a direct object—the thing being furnished. You can mobilar a room (quarto), a kitchen (cozinha), or the entire building (prédio). It is rarely used figuratively; its application remains firmly rooted in the physical world of interior design and domesticity. Understanding this word helps you navigate furniture stores, talk to landlords, and describe your living situation with precision and cultural accuracy.

Etymological Connection: The word comes from 'móvel' (moveable), emphasizing that furniture consists of the things you can move from one house to another, unlike the walls or the roof.

Eles decidiram mobilar o escritório com móveis em segunda mão.

Using mobilar correctly requires an understanding of its conjugation and the common structures it appears in. As a regular verb ending in -ar, it follows the standard pattern for first-conjugation verbs in Portuguese. This makes it highly accessible for learners at the A2 level. Whether you are speaking in the present, past, or future, the root mobil- remains consistent, allowing you to focus on the endings.

Standard Structure: The most common pattern is [Subject] + [Conjugated Verb] + [Direct Object (The Room/House)]. For example: 'Eu mobilo o meu quarto' (I furnish my room). If you want to specify the style or the items used, you add 'com' (with): 'Eu mobilo o quarto com uma cama e uma mesa'.

Nós vamos mobilar a casa de campo no próximo verão.

When discussing the state of a property, the past participle mobilado is essential. It functions as an adjective. A 'casa mobilada' is a furnished house. This is a key term in rental agreements. You might ask a real estate agent, 'O apartamento já vem mobilado?' (Does the apartment already come furnished?). If the answer is no, you are then faced with the task to mobilar it yourself. In more formal or professional contexts, such as interior design, the verb can be used to describe the layout of a space: 'O arquiteto sugeriu mobilar a sala de forma a maximizar a luz natural'.

Negative and Interrogative: To negate, simply place 'não' before the verb: 'Não quero mobilar a casa agora'. To ask a question, use rising intonation: 'Tu vais mobilar o escritório?'.

Eles não conseguiram mobilar a casa porque os móveis não chegaram a tempo.

In terms of register, mobilar is neutral. It is appropriate for everyday conversation with friends, as well as for formal documents like leases or business proposals for office fit-outs. One interesting usage is the reflexive-adjacent sense when talking about 'se mobilar' (to provide oneself with furniture), though this is much less common than the direct transitive use. Most speakers will stick to the active voice: 'Estou a mobilar a minha vida nova' (metaphorically, I am furnishing my new life, though this is rare and poetic).

Phrasal Patterns: Commonly paired with adverbs like 'completamente' (completely) or 'parcialmente' (partially). Example: 'Mobilar completamente a habitação'.

Como pretendes mobilar o teu novo estúdio?

If you find yourself in a Portuguese-speaking country, the word mobilar will likely enter your vocabulary through very specific, practical avenues. The most obvious place is at a furniture store (loja de móveis). From the massive IKEA warehouses in Alfragide or Loures to the high-end boutiques in Lisbon's Chiado district, signs and staff will use this verb constantly. You might see advertising slogans like 'Ajudamos-te a mobilar o teu sonho' (We help you furnish your dream).

Real Estate and Housing: When searching for housing on websites like Idealista or OLX, the verb and its past participle (mobilado) are ubiquitous. You will hear real estate agents say, 'Este apartamento é excelente, mas terá de o mobilar' (This apartment is excellent, but you will have to furnish it). It is a key part of the 'moving house' narrative in Portugal.

O senhorio disse que não ia mobilar a cozinha, por isso temos de comprar um frigorífico.

Another common setting is within family discussions. Portuguese culture places a high value on the home and hospitality. When a young couple buys their first 'casa própria', the process of how they will mobilar the space becomes a topic of conversation at Sunday lunches. Parents might offer to help mobilar the guest room, or siblings might debate the best way to mobilar a small balcony. In these contexts, the word is associated with excitement, planning, and sometimes the stress of financial costs.

Media and Lifestyle: Lifestyle magazines and TV shows focused on home renovation (like 'Querido, Mudei a Casa!') use the verb 'mobilar' frequently. They often focus on how to furnish small spaces efficiently or how to furnish a home on a budget.

Vi um programa na televisão sobre como mobilar um T1 com apenas mil euros.

In business contexts, companies moving into new offices will talk about 'mobilar as novas instalações'. This involves procurement processes and interior design consultations. Even in the digital world, you might see the term used in simulation games like The Sims (when played in Portuguese), where the main gameplay loop involves choosing items to mobilar the characters' houses. Whether in a legal contract, a casual chat, or a commercial advertisement, mobilar is the go-to verb for the act of filling a space with the necessities of life.

Everyday Interactions: 'Ainda estás a mobilar a casa?' (Are you still furnishing the house?) is a polite way to ask a friend why their place might still look a bit empty or why they are busy on weekends.

É preciso paciência para mobilar tudo com calma.

For English speakers, the verb mobilar presents a few linguistic traps that can lead to confusion or unnatural phrasing. The first and most common mistake is confusing the verb mobilar with the noun mobília (furniture). Students often try to say 'Eu vou mobília a casa', which is grammatically incorrect. You must use the verb: 'Eu vou mobilar a casa'. Remember: mobília is the stuff, mobilar is the action.

The 'Mobilar' vs 'Mobiliar' Confusion: As mentioned, 'mobiliar' (with an 'i') is the standard in Brazil, while 'mobilar' is standard in Portugal. While both are technically correct, using the 'wrong' one for your region can make you sound slightly 'off' or like you've learned from the wrong textbook. In Portugal, 'mobiliar' can sometimes be seen as an unnecessary complication of the simpler 'mobilar'.

Errado: Eu vou móvel a minha sala.
Correto: Eu vou mobilar a minha sala.

Another frequent error is the over-extension of the verb to include appliances or electronics. In English, we might say "I'm furnishing my kitchen" and include the fridge and microwave in that thought. In Portuguese, mobilar refers specifically to furniture (tables, chairs, cabinets). For appliances, the correct verb is equipar (to equip). So, you mobilar the living room with a sofa, but you equipar the kitchen with a stove. Mixing these up won't prevent understanding, but it will mark you as a learner.

Preposition Usage: Learners often forget to use 'com' when describing the items. They might say 'Mobilar a casa móveis caros'. The correct way is 'Mobilar a casa COM móveis caros'. The 'with' is essential for the sentence to flow correctly.

Não confundas: mobilar (furnish) com mobilizar (mobilize/call to action).

Lastly, be careful with the past participle 'mobilado'. Because it looks like 'mobile' in English, some students mistakenly use it to mean 'movable' or 'portable'. In Portuguese, 'mobilado' strictly means 'furnished'. If you want to say something is portable, use 'portátil' or 'móvel'. For example, a phone is 'telemóvel' (Portugal) or 'celular' (Brazil), never 'telemobilado'. Keeping these distinctions clear will help you navigate conversations about your home or office with confidence and precision.

False Cognate Alert: While 'mobilar' looks like 'mobile', it doesn't mean moving. It specifically means putting furniture in a place.

Ele quer mobilar o apartamento, não o quer mover para outro lugar!

While mobilar is the most direct way to say "to furnish," Portuguese offers several synonyms and related terms that can add nuance to your descriptions. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to describe different aspects of preparing a home. The most common related terms are decorar, equipar, and guarnecer, each carrying a slightly different shade of meaning.

Mobilar vs. Decorar: As discussed, mobilar is about the furniture (beds, chairs). Decorar is about the aesthetics (colors, paintings, cushions). You 'mobila' a room so you can sleep in it; you 'decora' a room so it looks beautiful. Native speakers often use them together: 'Primeiro vou mobilar a sala e depois vou decorá-la'.

Ela tem um talento especial para decorar espaços pequenos depois de os mobilar.

Another important distinction is equipar. This verb is used for appliances, machinery, or tools. If you are talking about putting a stove, a dishwasher, and a microwave in your kitchen, you should say 'equipar a cozinha'. If you are talking about the cabinets and the kitchen table, you say mobilar. In a commercial context, you might 'equipar um ginásio' (equip a gym) with treadmills, but mobilar the reception area with a desk and chairs.

Aparelhar and Prover: 'Aparelhar' is often used for workshops or technical spaces (to fit out). 'Prover' is more general, meaning 'to provide' or 'to supply'. While you wouldn't usually use these for a house, they are part of the same semantic family of 'filling a space with what it needs'.

O escritório foi todo equipado com computadores novos, mas ainda falta mobilar a zona de lazer.

Finally, consider the verb remodelar (to remodel/renovate). This is a broader term that often includes painting, structural changes, and sometimes mobilar. If someone says 'Vou remodelar a minha casa', they are doing much more than just buying new furniture. They might be changing the floors or the layout. Knowing these distinctions allows you to be more specific. Instead of just saying you are 'preparing' a house, you can specify if you are furnishing it, decorating it, equipping it, or completely remodeling it.

Comparison Table: Mobilar = Furniture (beds, tables). Decorar = Style (colors, art). Equipar = Technology/Appliances (fridge, PC). Remodelar = Structural/Total change.

É mais fácil mobilar um quarto do que remodelar uma casa inteira.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the Middle Ages, furniture was often literally 'móvel' because nobility would carry their beds and chests with them as they moved between different estates!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mu.bi.ˈlaɾ/

US /moʊ.bi.ˈlaɹ/

The stress is on the last syllable: mo-bi-LAR.

Rhymes With

falar andar cantar olhar pensar chegar ficar amar

Common Errors

Stressing the first syllable (MÓ-bi-lar) like the English 'mobile'.
Pronouncing the 'o' too openly like 'hot'. In Portuguese, it is closed.
Adding an extra 'i' (mobiliar) when trying to speak European Portuguese.
Forgetting the tapped 'r' at the end.
Confusing the 'b' with a 'v' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to 'mobile' and 'furniture' roots.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the regular -ar endings and the 'o' to 'u' sound shifts in some accents.

Speaking 2/5

Simple pronunciation, though the 'r' at the end needs to be clear.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'mobilizar' if spoken quickly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

casa móvel quarto sala comprar

Learn Next

decorar equipar remodelar alugar vender

Advanced

guarnecer aparelhar espólio ornamentação estética

Grammar to Know

Regular -ar Verb Conjugation

Eu mobilo, Tu mobilas, Ele mobila...

Past Participle as Adjective

A casa está mobilada (The house is furnished).

Transitive Verbs and Direct Objects

Mobilar [o quê?] -> Mobilar a sala.

Use of 'com' for instruments/means

Mobilar com [móveis].

Future with 'ir' + Infinitive

Vou mobilar a casa amanhã.

Examples by Level

Eu quero mobilar o meu quarto.

I want to furnish my room.

Simple present with 'querer' + infinitive.

Ela vai mobilar a sala.

She is going to furnish the living room.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

É preciso mobilar a casa.

It is necessary to furnish the house.

Impersonal expression 'é preciso'.

Nós mobilamos a cozinha hoje.

We are furnishing the kitchen today.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Eles não querem mobilar o sótão.

They don't want to furnish the attic.

Negative sentence.

Como vais mobilar a casa?

How are you going to furnish the house?

Interrogative with 'como'.

Tu mobilas bem o teu espaço.

You furnish your space well.

Present tense, 2nd person singular.

Vou mobilar o escritório amanhã.

I will furnish the office tomorrow.

Future intention.

Eu já mobilei o meu apartamento novo.

I have already furnished my new apartment.

Pretérito Perfeito (Past tense).

O apartamento está mobilado.

The apartment is furnished.

Use of the past participle as an adjective.

Quanto custa mobilar uma casa inteira?

How much does it cost to furnish a whole house?

Infinitive used as a noun/subject.

Eles mobilavam a casa quando eu cheguei.

They were furnishing the house when I arrived.

Pretérito Imperfeito (Past continuous action).

Podes ajudar-me a mobilar a sala?

Can you help me furnish the living room?

Modal verb 'poder' + infinitive.

Nós decidimos mobilar o quarto com móveis de madeira.

We decided to furnish the bedroom with wooden furniture.

Verb 'decidir' + infinitive.

Ela gosta de mobilar espaços pequenos.

She likes to furnish small spaces.

Verb 'gostar de' + infinitive.

Vocês mobilam a casa sozinhos?

Are you (plural) furnishing the house by yourselves?

Present tense, 2nd person plural.

Se eu comprar esta casa, terei de a mobilar rapidamente.

If I buy this house, I will have to furnish it quickly.

Conditional structure (Future of the Subjunctive + Future of the Indicative).

É importante mobilar a casa com conforto em mente.

It is important to furnish the house with comfort in mind.

Impersonal expression + infinitive.

Espero que consigas mobilar o teu escritório este mês.

I hope you can furnish your office this month.

Present Subjunctive after 'esperar que'.

Embora seja caro, mobilar a casa é um bom investimento.

Although it is expensive, furnishing the house is a good investment.

Concessive clause with 'embora'.

Eles sugeriram mobilar a varanda para o verão.

They suggested furnishing the balcony for the summer.

Verb 'sugerir' + infinitive.

Não vale a pena mobilar um apartamento que vais deixar em breve.

It's not worth furnishing an apartment you're going to leave soon.

Expression 'valer a pena'.

Ela prefere mobilar a casa com móveis antigos.

She prefers to furnish the house with antique furniture.

Verb 'preferir' + infinitive.

Temos de pensar em como mobilar a sala de jantar.

We have to think about how to furnish the dining room.

Periphrastic future 'ter de' + infinitive.

O arquiteto propôs mobilar o átrio com peças minimalistas.

The architect proposed furnishing the hall with minimalist pieces.

Pretérito Perfeito with a complex direct object.

Duvido que eles consigam mobilar tudo antes da festa.

I doubt they can furnish everything before the party.

Present Subjunctive after 'duvidar que'.

Para mobilar a casa adequadamente, é preciso medir todos os cantos.

To furnish the house properly, it's necessary to measure every corner.

Finality clause 'Para' + infinitive.

Sempre que mobilamos uma casa, aprendemos algo novo sobre design.

Whenever we furnish a house, we learn something new about design.

Temporal clause with 'sempre que'.

A empresa decidiu mobilar as novas instalações com materiais sustentáveis.

The company decided to furnish the new facilities with sustainable materials.

Complex sentence with specific vocabulary (sustentáveis).

Caso queiras mobilar o sótão, eu posso ajudar-te com o projeto.

In case you want to furnish the attic, I can help you with the project.

Conditional clause with 'Caso' + Subjunctive.

Não é fácil mobilar uma casa mantendo um orçamento rigoroso.

It's not easy to furnish a house while maintaining a strict budget.

Gerund used to express circumstance (mantendo).

Ao mobilar o quarto do bebé, eles escolheram cores suaves.

Upon furnishing the baby's room, they chose soft colors.

Temporal expression 'Ao' + infinitive.

A tarefa de mobilar um palacete requer um conhecimento profundo de história da arte.

The task of furnishing a small palace requires a deep knowledge of art history.

Complex subject with 'mobilar' as an infinitive noun.

Seria aconselhável mobilar o espaço de forma a promover a fluidez de movimentos.

It would be advisable to furnish the space in a way that promotes fluidity of movement.

Conditional mood for advice.

O desafio não reside apenas em mobilar, mas em criar uma identidade para o lar.

The challenge lies not only in furnishing, but in creating an identity for the home.

Correlative structure 'não apenas... mas...'.

Pode-se mobilar uma casa com luxo, mas sem alma ela continua vazia.

One can furnish a house with luxury, but without soul, it remains empty.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

A decisão de mobilar o escritório com tecnologia de ponta foi crucial para o sucesso.

The decision to furnish the office with cutting-edge technology was crucial for success.

Noun phrase with 'mobilar' as a complement.

Raramente se vê alguém mobilar uma casa com tanta atenção ao detalhe.

One rarely sees someone furnish a house with such attention to detail.

Infinitive after verbs of perception (vê alguém mobilar).

Mesmo que tivessem tempo, não saberiam como mobilar aquele espaço industrial.

Even if they had time, they wouldn't know how to furnish that industrial space.

Concessive conditional with 'Mesmo que' + Imperfect Subjunctive.

Mobilar um espaço público exige o cumprimento de normas de segurança rigorosas.

Furnishing a public space requires compliance with strict safety standards.

Subject as an infinitive phrase.

A arte de mobilar transcende a mera disposição de objetos, tornando-se uma coreografia do quotidiano.

The art of furnishing transcends the mere arrangement of objects, becoming a choreography of everyday life.

Highly literary style with participle clause (tornando-se).

Ao mobilar a sua residência, o autor procurou refletir a sua própria fragmentação interior.

In furnishing his residence, the author sought to reflect his own interior fragmentation.

Formal temporal construction 'Ao' + infinitive.

Não basta mobilar; é imperativo que cada peça dialogue com a arquitetura envolvente.

It is not enough to furnish; it is imperative that each piece dialogues with the surrounding architecture.

Subjunctive after 'é imperativo que'.

A exiguidade do espaço obrigou-os a mobilar a casa com uma engenhosidade quase matemática.

The smallness of the space forced them to furnish the house with an almost mathematical ingenuity.

Advanced vocabulary (exiguidade, engenhosidade).

Há quem defenda que mobilar é uma forma de autoconhecimento através da matéria.

There are those who argue that furnishing is a form of self-knowledge through matter.

Complex relative clause structure.

O projeto visava mobilar o centro cultural sem desvirtuar o seu carácter histórico.

The project aimed to furnish the cultural center without detracting from its historical character.

Infinitive after 'visava' with negative prepositional phrase.

A pressa em mobilar a habitação resultou numa estética incoerente e desprovida de harmonia.

The haste in furnishing the home resulted in an incoherent aesthetic devoid of harmony.

Noun phrase with 'mobilar' as a complement.

Pudesse ele mobilar a sua vida com a mesma facilidade com que mobila a sua casa.

If only he could furnish his life with the same ease with which he furnishes his home.

Optative use of the Subjunctive (Pudesse ele).

Common Collocations

mobilar a casa

mobilar o quarto

mobilar com bom gosto

mobilar de novo

mobilar o escritório

mobilar a baixo custo

acabar de mobilar

ajudar a mobilar

mobilar por completo

mandar mobilar

Common Phrases

casa por mobilar

— A house that still needs to be furnished. Often used in real estate.

Temos uma casa inteira por mobilar.

apartamento mobilado

— A furnished apartment. Ready to move in.

Procuro um apartamento mobilado no centro.

mobilar a gosto

— To furnish according to one's own personal preference.

Podes mobilar a casa ao teu gosto.

dar um jeito ao mobilar

— To find a clever way to arrange furniture, especially in tight spaces.

Tivemos de dar um jeito ao mobilar este quarto pequeno.

custos de mobilar

— The expenses associated with buying furniture.

Os custos de mobilar a casa foram mais altos do que o esperado.

mobilar para alugar

— To furnish a property specifically for the rental market.

Ele vai mobilar o T1 apenas para alugar a estudantes.

mobilar com o essencial

— To furnish with only the most necessary items.

Para já, vamos apenas mobilar com o essencial.

estilo de mobilar

— The specific style or manner in which someone furnishes a space.

O estilo de mobilar dele é muito clássico.

tempo para mobilar

— The time required to complete the furnishing of a space.

Não tenho tempo para mobilar a casa antes de me mudar.

mobilar um espaço

— To furnish any given area or room.

É um desafio mobilar um espaço tão grande.

Often Confused With

mobilar vs mobilizar

Means to mobilize or rally people. Sounds similar but unrelated to furniture.

mobilar vs decorar

Means to decorate. Furnishing (mobilar) is the basics; decorating is the extras.

mobilar vs móvel

This is the noun (a piece of furniture) or the adjective (movable). Don't use it as a verb.

Idioms & Expressions

"mobilar a cabeça"

— A rare, figurative expression meaning to educate oneself or fill one's mind with knowledge.

Ele precisa de mobilar a cabeça com bons livros.

informal/literary

"casa mobilada, vida organizada"

— A saying implying that having a settled home leads to a settled life.

Como dizem, casa mobilada, vida organizada; agora sinto-me melhor.

colloquial

"mobilar o vazio"

— To try to fill a lack of meaning or purpose with material things.

Ele tentava mobilar o vazio da sua vida comprando móveis caros.

poetic/philosophical

"não ter móveis na cabeça"

— To be unintelligent or scatterbrained (literally: to have no furniture in the head). Related to 'mobilar'.

Aquele rapaz parece que não tem móveis na cabeça.

informal/slang

"mobilar o ninho"

— Similar to 'nesting' in English; preparing a home for a new family or baby.

Eles estão a mobilar o ninho para a chegada do bebé.

informal

"mobilar a paciência"

— To prepare oneself to be very patient (very rare/creative usage).

Vou ter de mobilar a minha paciência para lidar com este processo.

humorous

"mobilar o futuro"

— To take steps now to ensure a comfortable future.

Poupar dinheiro é uma forma de mobilar o futuro.

figurative

"ficar sem mobília"

— To lose everything or to be left with nothing (figuratively).

Depois do divórcio, ele ficou quase sem mobília.

informal

"mobilar a alma"

— To seek spiritual or emotional enrichment.

Viajar ajuda a mobilar a alma.

poetic

"mobilar a conta bancária"

— To fill up one's bank account with money.

Este novo emprego vai ajudar a mobilar a conta bancária.

humorous/slang

Easily Confused

mobilar vs mobiliar

It's a variant of the same verb.

Mobilar is European Portuguese; Mobiliar is Brazilian Portuguese. Both are correct but regional.

No Brasil, diz-se mobiliar a casa.

mobilar vs equipar

Both involve putting things in a room.

Mobilar is for furniture; Equipar is for machines and appliances.

Vou equipar a cozinha com um micro-ondas.

mobilar vs ornamentar

Both involve filling a space.

Ornamentar is very formal and refers to decorations for events or high-end aesthetics.

Ornamentaram a igreja para o casamento.

mobilar vs remodelar

Often happens at the same time as furnishing.

Remodelar implies structural changes like painting or floors; Mobilar is just furniture.

Tivemos de remodelar a casa antes de a mobilar.

mobilar vs arranjar

Generic verb for 'to fix' or 'to arrange'.

Arranjar can mean to arrange furniture, but Mobilar means the whole process of providing it.

Vou arranjar os móveis de outra forma.

Sentence Patterns

Eu quero mobilar [object].

Eu quero mobilar a cozinha.

O/A [object] está mobilado/a.

O quarto está mobilado.

É difícil mobilar [object] sem [something].

É difícil mobilar a sala sem dinheiro.

Se eu pudesse, mobilava [object] com [style].

Se eu pudesse, mobilava a casa com estilo retro.

A forma como decidimos mobilar [object] reflete [something].

A forma como decidimos mobilar o escritório reflete a nossa cultura.

Subjacente à necessidade de mobilar [object], reside [philosophical concept].

Subjacente à necessidade de mobilar o lar, reside a procura de pertença.

Nós vamos mobilar o/a [object] amanhã.

Nós vamos mobilar o escritório amanhã.

Ele sugeriu mobilar o/a [object] com [object].

Ele sugeriu mobilar a varanda com plantas.

Word Family

Nouns

mobília (furniture)

mobiliário (furniture set/collection)

mobilagem (the act or style of furnishing)

móvel (a piece of furniture)

Verbs

mobilar (to furnish)

remobilar (to refurnish)

desmobilar (to unfurnish)

Adjectives

mobilado (furnished)

imobilado (unfurnished)

mobilável (furnishable)

móvel (movable)

imobiliário (real estate)

imóvel (property/building)

mobilidade (mobility)

mobilização (mobilization)

automóvel (automobile)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in daily life and real estate.

Common Mistakes

Eu vou mobília a casa. → Eu vou mobilar a casa.
You used the noun 'mobília' (furniture) instead of the verb 'mobilar' (to furnish).
O apartamento está mobile. → O apartamento está mobilado.
You used the English-sounding word 'mobile' instead of the Portuguese past participle 'mobilado'.
Vou mobilar a cozinha com um frigorífico. → Vou equipar a cozinha com um frigorífico.
Appliances should be 'equipped' (equipar), while furniture is 'furnished' (mobilar).
Eles mobilizaram a sala ontem. → Eles mobilaram a sala ontem.
You used 'mobilizar' (to mobilize), which is a false friend in this context. Use 'mobilar'.
Mobilar a casa móveis de madeira. → Mobilar a casa COM móveis de madeira.
You forgot the preposition 'com' (with) to link the action to the objects used.

Tips

Furniture Basics

When learning 'mobilar', also learn the names of basic furniture: mesa (table), cadeira (chair), cama (bed), sofá (sofa), and estante (bookshelf).

Regular Endings

Since it's a regular -ar verb, you can apply your knowledge of 'falar' to 'mobilar' immediately. This makes it a great verb to practice your conjugations.

Paços de Ferreira

If you are in Portugal and need to 'mobilar' a house, many people recommend going to Paços de Ferreira, known as the 'Capital of Furniture' for its many factories and shops.

Rental Listings

Always check if an apartment is 'mobilado' before signing a lease. Furnishing a house ('mobilar a casa') can be a significant hidden cost.

Equipar vs Mobilar

Use 'equipar' for things with plugs (fridge, washing machine) and 'mobilar' for things made of wood or metal that you sit or sleep on.

Mobilar a Gosto

Use the phrase 'mobilar a gosto' to say you are furnishing a place according to your own personal style.

Second Hand

To 'mobilar' on a budget, look for 'móveis em segunda mão' (second-hand furniture) on websites like OLX or in 'lojas de velharias'.

Final R

In Portugal, the final 'r' in 'mobilar' is often very soft or almost silent in casual speech, but you should still aim to pronounce it lightly.

Don't say 'Mobilizar'

Be careful not to say 'Vou mobilizar a minha casa'. People will think you are calling your house to go to war! Use 'mobilar'.

Descriptive Writing

When writing, use adverbs like 'elegantemente' or 'simplesmente' to describe how someone is furnishing a room.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'MOBILE' + 'AR'. You are making the room 'MOBILE' (filling it with things you can move) and 'AR' is just the verb ending. Mobilar = Mobile-ar.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant 'M' shaped like a sofa being dropped into an empty room. The 'M' stands for Mobilar.

Word Web

casa quarto sala sofá cama móveis loja apartamento

Challenge

Try to name 5 items you would use to 'mobilar' a living room in Portuguese without looking at a dictionary.

Word Origin

From the Portuguese noun 'móvel' (moveable), which traces back to the Latin 'mobilis' (easy to move, loose, not fixed).

Original meaning: The verb originally referred to the act of providing a space with moveable goods, distinguishing them from the 'imóveis' (immoveable) parts of the structure like walls.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; however, be aware that furnishing can be a sensitive topic regarding socioeconomic status or housing crises in major cities.

English speakers might say 'furnish', but 'mobilar' feels more connected to the physical 'objects' (móveis) in Portuguese.

IKEA (The most common place people 'mobilar' their homes nowadays in Portugal). Querido, Mudei a Casa! (A famous Portuguese TV show about furnishing and decorating). Paços de Ferreira (The 'Capital do Móvel').

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Moving to a new house

Quando vais mobilar a casa?
Ainda estou a mobilar.
É caro mobilar tudo de uma vez.
Preciso de ajuda para mobilar.

Real Estate / Renting

O apartamento está mobilado?
Prefiro mobilar eu próprio.
O senhorio vai mobilar a cozinha.
É um T2 não mobilado.

Furniture Shopping

Quero mobilar a sala com este estilo.
Quanto custa mobilar o quarto?
Eles têm tudo para mobilar a casa.
Vou mobilar com móveis modernos.

Interior Design

Como podemos mobilar melhor este espaço?
Sugiro mobilar com peças leves.
A arte de mobilar espaços pequenos.
Mobilar de forma funcional.

Office Setup

Vamos mobilar o escritório novo.
Precisamos de mobilar a sala de reuniões.
Quem vai mobilar o átrio?
Orçamento para mobilar o espaço de trabalho.

Conversation Starters

"Já acabaste de mobilar o teu novo apartamento ou ainda faltam coisas?"

"Qual é a parte mais difícil de mobilar uma casa na tua opinião?"

"Preferes mobilar a casa com móveis modernos ou peças mais antigas?"

"Se tivesses um orçamento ilimitado, como irias mobilar a tua sala de estar?"

"Conheces alguma loja boa e barata para mobilar um quarto de estudante?"

Journal Prompts

Descreve como gostarias de mobilar a tua casa de sonho. Que cores e materiais usarias?

Escreve sobre a última vez que tiveste de mobilar um espaço. Foi stressante ou divertido?

Quais são os três móveis essenciais para mobilar um escritório produtivo e porquê?

Reflete sobre a diferença entre mobilar uma casa e torná-la um lar.

Se tivesses de mobilar a tua casa apenas com objetos em segunda mão, onde procurarias?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'mobilar' is a regular -ar verb. It follows the same conjugation pattern as 'falar' or 'cantar'. For example: eu mobilo, tu mobilas, ele mobila, nós mobilamos, eles mobilam.

There is no difference in meaning. 'Mobilar' is the preferred form in Portugal, while 'mobiliar' is the standard form in Brazil. You can use either, but it's best to stick to the one used in the region you are in.

Technically, no. 'Mobilar' refers specifically to furniture (tables, chairs, cabinets). For appliances like a fridge or oven, you should use the verb 'equipar' (to equip).

You say 'apartamento mobilado'. If it is not furnished, you say 'apartamento não mobilado' or 'apartamento sem mobília'.

It is rarely used figuratively. Most of the time, it refers to the physical act of furnishing a room. Occasionally, you might hear 'mobilar a cabeça' to mean filling the mind with knowledge, but this is poetic.

Usually, no. 'Mobilar' is about the furniture. If you are talking about painting walls or hanging pictures, the correct verb is 'decorar'.

The general noun for furniture is 'mobília' or 'mobiliário'. A single piece of furniture is called 'um móvel'.

In the Pretérito Perfeito: eu mobilei, tu mobilaste, ele mobilou, nós mobilámos, eles mobilaram.

Yes, it is very common to say 'mobilar um escritório' for putting in desks, chairs, and bookshelves.

Yes, it is a very common and essential word for anyone living in a Portuguese-speaking country, especially when dealing with housing.