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A1 verb #4,000 most common 10 min read

multiplicar

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips multiplicar in 30 Seconds

Explanation multiplicar in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'multiplicar' is primarily learned as a basic mathematical term. You will use it to describe simple arithmetic operations, such as 'dois multiplicado por dois é quatro'. It is essential for basic communication involving numbers, shopping (if you buy multiple items), or simple logic. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex metaphors or reflexive uses; focus on the structure 'X multiplicado por Y'. You will often hear it in the context of 'vezes' (times), which is the more common way to say 'multiplied by' in daily life. For example, instead of the long verb, you might say 'três vezes três'. However, knowing 'multiplicar' allows you to understand formal instructions or school-related conversations. Practice the present tense: 'eu multiplico', 'você multiplica'.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'multiplicar' in slightly more varied contexts beyond the math classroom. You might use it to talk about recipes ('multiplicar os ingredientes por dois') or basic growth ('o número de alunos está se multiplicando'). You will start to notice the reflexive form 'se multiplicar' when talking about things that increase on their own. This level involves understanding that 'multiplicar' is a regular '-ar' verb, making its conjugation predictable in the past ('multipliquei') and future ('multiplicarei'). You should also be able to recognize the noun 'multiplicação' and the adjective 'múltiplo'. You'll start to see it in simple news headlines about population or economy.

By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'multiplicar' metaphorically. You can talk about 'multiplicar esforços' (multiplying efforts) to achieve a goal or 'multiplicar as chances' (multiplying the chances) of success. You will understand how to use it in the conditional ('eu multiplicaria') to discuss hypothetical growth. At this stage, you should also be aware of the difference between 'multiplicar' and its synonyms like 'aumentar' or 'dobrar', choosing the one that best fits the intensity of the growth you are describing. You'll encounter this word in business meetings, specifically when discussing scaling a project or increasing revenue. Your ability to use the reflexive correctly ('as tarefas se multiplicaram') should be more consistent.

At the B2 level, 'multiplicar' is used with nuance and precision. You can discuss complex social or scientific phenomena, such as 'a multiplicação celular' or the 'multiplicação de conflitos'. You will understand the passive voice usage ('o capital foi multiplicado') and how it emphasizes the result rather than the agent. You should also be familiar with common idioms and fixed expressions involving the word. In writing, you can use 'multiplicar' to create more sophisticated descriptions of expansion. You will recognize it in more formal texts, such as academic papers or financial reports, where it might be used to describe compounding effects. Your grasp of the subjunctive mood with this verb ('é importante que multipliquemos') should be solid.

At the C1 level, 'multiplicar' is used to convey abstract concepts of exponential growth and systemic expansion. You will use it in literary or high-level professional contexts to describe the 'multiplicação de perspectivas' (multiplication of perspectives) or the 'efeito multiplicador' (multiplier effect) in economics. You are expected to understand the subtle connotations the word carries—such as its biblical echoes or its usage in philosophical debates about reproduction and abundance. You can fluently switch between 'multiplicar' and more specialized verbs like 'proliferar', 'pulular', or 'alavancar' depending on the desired register. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker's, incorporating the verb into complex sentence structures with ease.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'multiplicar'. You can use it to craft intricate metaphors or to analyze the word's role in Portuguese rhetoric and literature. You might explore how the concept of 'multiplicação' is used in the works of authors like Saramago or Pessoa to describe the fragmentation of identity or the overwhelming nature of modern life. You understand the historical evolution of the word from Latin and can use its most obscure derivatives. In professional settings, you can lead discussions on the 'efeito multiplicador de investimentos' with a deep understanding of the technical and social implications. You can play with the word's sounds and rhythms in creative writing or poetry, fully utilizing its three-syllable structure and strong final stress.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

multiplicar in 30 Seconds

Multiplicar is the Portuguese verb for 'to multiply', used in math and to describe rapid growth.
It is a regular -ar verb, making it easy to conjugate in all tenses for learners.
The reflexive form 'multiplicar-se' is vital for describing things that increase on their own, like cells.
Commonly paired with the preposition 'por' when performing mathematical calculations (e.g., multiplicar por dez).

The Portuguese verb multiplicar is a fundamental pillar of both mathematical discourse and everyday descriptive language. At its core, it translates to the English verb 'to multiply'. Derived from the Latin multiplicare, it carries the literal meaning of increasing a quantity by a specific factor. However, its application in Portuguese culture and language extends far beyond the confines of a classroom blackboard or a calculator screen. When you use multiplicar, you are often describing a process of rapid growth, expansion, or the reproduction of living organisms. It is a word that evokes a sense of abundance and escalation.

Mathematical Context: In arithmetic, it is the action of finding the product of two numbers. For example, 'multiplicar três por quatro' (multiplying three by four). It is one of the four basic operations (as quatro operações básicas) that every Portuguese student learns early in their education.

Para calcular a área, você deve multiplicar a largura pela altura.

Translation: To calculate the area, you must multiply the width by the height.

Beyond math, multiplicar is used metaphorically to describe the intensification of efforts or the spread of ideas. In a business setting, a manager might talk about 'multiplicar os lucros' (multiplying profits) or 'multiplicar a produtividade' (multiplying productivity). This usage suggests not just a simple addition, but a significant, exponential increase. It is also frequently used in biological contexts to describe cells or bacteria that 'se multiplicam' (multiply themselves), highlighting the reflexive nature of natural reproduction.

Biological Context: Refers to the reproduction of species or the division of cells. 'As bactérias se multiplicam rapidamente em ambientes quentes' (Bacteria multiply rapidly in warm environments).

Os problemas parecem se multiplicar quando não temos um plano.

Translation: Problems seem to multiply when we don't have a plan.

In religious or literary contexts, the word carries a weight of divine intervention or miraculous growth, such as in the biblical story of the 'multiplicação dos pães e peixes' (multiplication of the loaves and fishes). This cultural nuance makes the word feel powerful and positive in many scenarios, representing the creation of something greater from something smaller. Whether you are discussing finances, science, or personal growth, multiplicar is the go-to verb for describing rapid, significant expansion.

Social Context: Used to describe the spread of rumors, trends, or social movements. 'As notícias falsas se multiplicam nas redes sociais' (Fake news multiplies on social networks).

Precisamos multiplicar nossos esforços para terminar o projeto a tempo.

Using multiplicar correctly involves understanding its conjugation as a regular '-ar' verb and knowing which prepositions to pair it with. In its most literal sense, the structure is usually '[Subject] + multiplicar + [Object] + por + [Factor]'. For example, 'Eu multiplico dez por cinco' (I multiply ten by five). This pattern is consistent across most formal and educational contexts. However, the verb is versatile and can be used transitively (with an object) or reflexively (referring back to the subject).

Direct Transitive Usage: When you are the agent performing the action on something else. 'O investidor quer multiplicar seu capital' (The investor wants to multiply his capital).

Se você multiplicar o fermento, o pão crescerá demais.

Translation: If you multiply the yeast, the bread will rise too much.

The reflexive form, multiplicar-se, is used when something increases in number by itself. This is very common when talking about biological growth, the spread of ideas, or even the feeling of being overwhelmed. For instance, 'As tarefas se multiplicam na minha mesa' (Tasks multiply on my desk). In this case, the 'se' indicates that the tasks are the ones doing the multiplying. Note that in Brazilian Portuguese, the 'se' often comes before the verb in casual speech ('se multiplicam'), while in European Portuguese, it often follows it ('multiplicam-se').

Reflexive Usage: Used when things grow in number autonomously. 'As oportunidades se multiplicam para quem estuda' (Opportunities multiply for those who study).

Durante a primavera, as flores parecem se multiplicar no jardim.

Another common construction is using the past participle multiplicado. This is often seen in passive voice or as an adjective. 'O valor foi multiplicado por dez' (The value was multiplied by ten). In business reports, you might see 'resultados multiplicados' (multiplied results), signifying a massive success. Understanding these variations allows you to transition from simple math to complex descriptions of growth and abundance in any Portuguese-speaking environment.

Passive Voice: 'O impacto da campanha foi multiplicado pelas redes sociais' (The campaign's impact was multiplied by social networks).

Nós queremos multiplicar o número de usuários ativos este mês.

The word multiplicar resonates through various spheres of Portuguese life. Perhaps the most universal place you'll hear it is in the school system. From the age of seven or eight, Portuguese-speaking children are introduced to the 'tabuada de multiplicar' (multiplication table). Teachers will constantly use the verb when explaining logic and arithmetic. If you ever find yourself helping a Portuguese child with their homework, 'Vamos multiplicar esses números' will be a core phrase in your vocabulary.

In the Classroom: Teachers use it to explain operations. 'Se multiplicarmos a base pela altura, teremos o resultado'. Students are often tested on their 'fatos de multiplicar'.

A professora ensinou como multiplicar frações hoje.

Translation: The teacher taught how to multiply fractions today.

In the financial world, particularly in Brazil and Portugal's growing tech hubs, multiplicar is a buzzword. You'll hear it in investment seminars, 'finfluencer' (financial influencer) videos, and corporate boardrooms. Phrases like 'multiplicar seu patrimônio' (multiply your wealth) or 'estratégias para multiplicar vendas' (strategies to multiply sales) are common. It carries a connotation of smart, aggressive growth that is highly valued in modern Portuguese business culture.

In Business and Finance: Used to describe ROI and scaling. 'O objetivo é multiplicar o investimento inicial em três anos'.

Ele conseguiu multiplicar seus lucros investindo em tecnologia.

Finally, the word is deeply embedded in the religious and social fabric. Portugal and Brazil have strong Christian traditions where the 'Milagre da Multiplicação' is a well-known story. Even for non-religious people, this cultural touchstone makes the word feel slightly more 'miraculous' than its English counterpart. You might hear a grandmother say, 'Deus vai multiplicar sua saúde' (God will multiply your health), using it as a blessing. It is also used in social activism to talk about 'multiplicar o conhecimento' (multiplying knowledge) within a community.

In Daily Social Life: Used as a metaphor for sharing or spreading things. 'Vamos multiplicar essa ideia para que todos saibam'.

A alegria se multiplica quando é compartilhada com amigos.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using multiplicar is choosing the wrong preposition. In English, we say 'multiply X by Y'. In Portuguese, the direct translation of 'by' is often 'por', which fortunately works here too: 'multiplicar X por Y'. However, learners sometimes get confused with 'com' (with) or 'vezes' (times). While 'vezes' is used in the phrase 'três vezes quatro', you cannot say 'multiplicar três vezes quatro' to mean the operation itself; you must use 'por' or use 'vezes' as a standalone noun/preposition.

Preposition Confusion: Wrong: Multiplicar cinco com dois. Correct: Multiplicar cinco por dois. Remember: 'Multiplicar por', but 'Cinco vezes dois'.

Não diga 'multiplicar com', diga sempre 'multiplicar por'.

Another common mistake is forgetting the reflexive 'se' when the subject is the thing increasing. English often uses 'multiply' as an intransitive verb (e.g., 'The cells multiply'). In Portuguese, you almost always need the reflexive pronoun: 'As células se multiplicam'. Leaving out the 'se' can make the sentence sound incomplete or like the cells are multiplying something else. This is a subtle but important distinction for sounding like a native speaker.

Missing Reflexive Pronoun: Wrong: Os coelhos multiplicam rápido. Correct: Os coelhos se multiplicam rápido. (The rabbits multiply fast).

Note que o pronome se é essencial para processos naturais.

Finally, avoid overusing multiplicar when a simpler word like 'aumentar' (to increase) or 'dobrar' (to double) would be more natural. While 'multiplicar por dois' is correct, saying 'dobrar' is much more common in casual conversation. Use multiplicar when you want to emphasize a significant, multi-step, or mathematical increase. For example, don't say 'Eu multipliquei meu café' if you just got a larger cup; say 'Eu aumentei o tamanho do meu café'.

Overuse vs. Specificity: Use 'dobrar' for x2, 'triplicar' for x3. Use 'multiplicar' for general growth or specific math. 'Dobrar a receita' is more common than 'multiplicar a receita por dois'.

Em vez de 'multiplicar por dois', tente usar o verbo dobrar.

While multiplicar is the standard term for exponential growth and mathematical multiplication, Portuguese offers a variety of synonyms and alternatives that can add nuance to your speech. Depending on the context—whether it's financial, biological, or casual—you might choose a different verb to express the idea of things getting larger or more numerous.

Aumentar: The most general term for 'to increase'. While multiplicar implies a specific type of growth, aumentar can mean anything from adding a little bit to a lot. 'Vou aumentar o volume' (I'll increase the volume).
Proliferar: A more formal or biological term meaning 'to proliferate'. It's used for things that spread quickly and often uncontrollably. 'As algas proliferam no lago' (Algae proliferate in the lake).

O uso de smartphones proliferou na última década.

Translation: The use of smartphones proliferated in the last decade.

If you are talking about specific factors of increase, Portuguese has dedicated verbs for doubling, tripling, and so on. These are often more natural than saying 'multiplicar por...'. For example, dobrar (to double), triplicar (to triple), quadruplicar (to quadruple), and quintuplicar (to quintuple). These verbs are powerful and concise.

Dobrar vs. Multiplicar: 'Dobrar' is used for twofold increases. 'Multiplicar' is used for more complex or general increases. 'Ele dobrou a aposta' (He doubled the bet) sounds better than 'Ele multiplicou a aposta por dois'.

A empresa espera triplicar sua produção até o fim do ano.

Finally, when discussing the spread of information or people, propagar (to propagate) or difundir (to diffuse/spread) are excellent alternatives. While multiplicar emphasizes the quantity, propagar emphasizes the movement and reach. 'A notícia se propagou' (The news spread) implies it reached many places, whereas 'A notícia se multiplicou' might imply it appeared in many different versions or outlets.

Propagar: Used for waves, news, and plants. 'As ondas de rádio se propagam pelo espaço'.

Devemos difundir boas práticas no trabalho.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"O banco central pretende multiplicar os incentivos fiscais."

Neutral

"Você deve multiplicar esses dois valores."

Informal

"Os problemas estão se multiplicando aqui em casa!"

Child friendly

"Vamos multiplicar os doces para todos os amigos?"

Slang

"Cara, o lucro multiplicou legal!"

Fun Fact

The root 'plex' in the Latin 'multiplicare' is the same root found in 'complex' and 'duplex', originally referring to folding layers.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mul.ti.pli.ˈkaɾ/

US /muw.tʃi.pli.ˈkaʁ/

The stress is on the final syllable: 'car'.

Rhymes With

Falar Andar Cantar Olhar Pensar Lugar Mar Achar

Common Errors

Stressing the second-to-last syllable (mul-ti-PLI-car) instead of the last.
Pronouncing the 'l' like a clear English 'l' instead of the vocalized 'w' in Brazil.
Forgetting to nasalize or soften the 'r' depending on the regional accent.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy as it resembles the English 'multiply'.

Writing 2/5

Regular conjugation, but remember the reflexive 'se'.

Speaking 2/5

Requires practice with the 'pli' and final 'ar' stress.

Listening 1/5

Clear pronunciation in most dialects.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Dois Número Mais Vezes Aumentar

Learn Next

Dividir Somar Subtrair Resultado Porcentagem

Advanced

Exponencial Logaritmo Derivada Proliferação Fatoração

Grammar to Know

Regular -ar Verb Conjugation

Eu multiplico, tu multiplicas, ele multiplica.

Reflexive Pronoun Placement

As células se multiplicam (Brazil) vs Multiplicam-se (Portugal).

Preposition 'Por' with Math Operations

Cinco multiplicado por cinco.

Subjunctive Mood for Desires

Eu quero que você multiplique isso.

Passive Voice with Ser + Participle

O valor foi multiplicado.

Examples by Level

Eu preciso multiplicar dois por cinco.

I need to multiply two by five.

Simple present tense with the preposition 'por'.

Quanto é dez multiplicado por três?

How much is ten multiplied by three?

Using the past participle 'multiplicado' as an adjective.

Você sabe multiplicar números grandes?

Do you know how to multiply large numbers?

Infinitive form after the verb 'saber'.

Nós multiplicamos os pães na cozinha.

We multiply the breads in the kitchen.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Ela multiplica as flores no jardim.

She multiplies the flowers in the garden.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Multiplicar é fácil para mim.

Multiplying is easy for me.

Infinitive used as a subject noun.

Eles multiplicam as cadeiras para a festa.

They multiply the chairs for the party.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

Você multiplica o açúcar na receita?

Do you multiply the sugar in the recipe?

Interrogative sentence in the present tense.

Os coelhos se multiplicam muito rápido.

Rabbits multiply very fast.

Reflexive form 'se multiplicam'.

Ontem, eu multipliquei a receita de bolo.

Yesterday, I multiplied the cake recipe.

Preterite (past) tense, 1st person singular.

As vendas vão se multiplicar no Natal.

Sales will multiply at Christmas.

Future with 'ir' + reflexive infinitive.

Nós multiplicamos o tempo de estudo hoje.

We multiplied the study time today.

Preterite tense, 1st person plural.

A professora explicou como multiplicar por zero.

The teacher explained how to multiply by zero.

Infinitive after 'como'.

Se você multiplicar por dez, o preço sobe.

If you multiply by ten, the price goes up.

Conditional 'if' clause with present tense.

As formigas se multiplicam no quintal.

Ants are multiplying in the backyard.

Reflexive present tense.

Eu quero multiplicar minhas economias.

I want to multiply my savings.

Infinitive after 'querer'.

Precisamos multiplicar nossos esforços para vencer.

We need to multiply our efforts to win.

Metaphorical use of 'multiplicar'.

A internet ajuda a multiplicar as informações.

The internet helps to multiply information.

Infinitive after 'ajuda a'.

Se eu investisse mais, multiplicaria meu lucro.

If I invested more, I would multiply my profit.

Conditional tense 'multiplicaria'.

Os problemas se multiplicaram após a chuva.

The problems multiplied after the rain.

Reflexive preterite tense.

Ela espera que a alegria se multiplique.

She hopes that the joy multiplies.

Present subjunctive 'multiplique' after 'espera que'.

Multiplicar o capital é o sonho de muitos.

Multiplying capital is the dream of many.

Infinitive used as the subject of the sentence.

As dúvidas se multiplicam na minha cabeça.

Doubts are multiplying in my head.

Reflexive present tense used metaphorically.

Nós multiplicamos as chances de ganhar o prêmio.

We multiplied the chances of winning the prize.

Preterite tense, emphasizing increased probability.

O impacto da notícia foi multiplicado pela mídia.

The impact of the news was multiplied by the media.

Passive voice with 'foi multiplicado'.

As células cancerígenas se multiplicam sem controle.

Cancer cells multiply without control.

Scientific context with reflexive verb.

É vital que multipliquemos o acesso à educação.

It is vital that we multiply access to education.

Present subjunctive 'multipliquemos' after 'é vital que'.

A crise fez com que as dificuldades se multiplicassem.

The crisis caused difficulties to multiply.

Imperfect subjunctive 'multiplicassem' after 'fez com que'.

O artista tenta multiplicar as cores na tela.

The artist tries to multiply the colors on the canvas.

Abstract usage in an artistic context.

Ao multiplicar a base pelo expoente, obtemos o valor.

By multiplying the base by the exponent, we get the value.

Gerund-like use of 'ao' + infinitive.

Os boatos se multiplicaram em questão de horas.

Rumors multiplied in a matter of hours.

Reflexive preterite, emphasizing speed.

Eles multiplicaram o orçamento para o novo filme.

They multiplied the budget for the new movie.

Transitive preterite tense.

A globalização tende a multiplicar as trocas culturais.

Globalization tends to multiply cultural exchanges.

C1 level vocabulary like 'tende a' and 'trocas culturais'.

O efeito multiplicador da economia é fascinante.

The multiplier effect of the economy is fascinating.

Using 'multiplicador' as a technical adjective.

Não podemos deixar que os erros se multipliquem ad infinitum.

We cannot let errors multiply ad infinitum.

Subjunctive mood with a Latin expression.

A literatura serve para multiplicar nossas vidas.

Literature serves to multiply our lives.

Philosophical/Literary usage.

O governo deve multiplicar as frentes de combate à fome.

The government must multiply the fronts in the fight against hunger.

Formal political context.

As variantes do vírus se multiplicaram rapidamente.

The virus variants multiplied rapidly.

Medical/Scientific reflexive usage.

A complexidade do projeto se multiplicou com o tempo.

The project's complexity multiplied over time.

Abstract reflexive usage.

Multiplicando as variáveis, chegamos a uma conclusão.

By multiplying the variables, we reach a conclusion.

Present participle (gerund) 'multiplicando'.

A alma do poeta se multiplica em cada verso escrito.

The poet's soul multiplies in every written verse.

Poetic/Metaphorical reflexive usage.

O investimento em P&D visa multiplicar a soberania nacional.

Investment in R&D aims to multiply national sovereignty.

High-level political and economic jargon.

As nuances do discurso se multiplicam sob análise crítica.

The nuances of the speech multiply under critical analysis.

Academic/Analytical context.

Seria imprudente multiplicar as tensões diplomáticas agora.

It would be imprudent to multiply diplomatic tensions now.

Formal/Diplomatic register.

A tecnologia permite multiplicar a voz dos marginalizados.

Technology allows the voice of the marginalized to be multiplied.

Social justice context.

A herança cultural se multiplica através das gerações.

Cultural heritage multiplies through generations.

Sociological usage.

O autor utiliza a metáfora para multiplicar os sentidos do texto.

The author uses metaphor to multiply the meanings of the text.

Literary theory context.

Multiplicar-se-ão os desafios na medida em que avançamos.

Challenges will multiply as we advance.

Mesoclisis (formal future placement of the pronoun).

Common Collocations

Multiplicar por

Multiplicar esforços

Multiplicar lucros

Se multiplicar rapidamente

Multiplicar as chances

Multiplicar o capital

Multiplicar conhecimentos

Multiplicar o pão

Multiplicar por dez

Multiplicar a produtividade

Common Phrases

Multiplicar por zero

— To multiply something by zero, often used to show that something becomes nothing.

Seus esforços foram multiplicados por zero.

Multiplicar-se em dois

— To be so busy that you feel you need to be in two places at once.

Eu tive que me multiplicar em dois para dar conta de tudo.

Multiplicar a receita

— To double or increase the portions of a cooking recipe.

Vou multiplicar a receita para o jantar.

Multiplicar sementes

— To plant and grow more of a specific plant; also used metaphorically for ideas.

O projeto visa multiplicar sementes de girassol.

Multiplicar talentos

— To develop and increase one's skills or the skills of a team.

A empresa foca em multiplicar talentos internos.

Multiplicar visualizações

— To increase the number of views on digital content.

O vídeo multiplicou as visualizações em um dia.

Multiplicar o impacto

— To increase the influence or effect of an action.

A doação vai multiplicar o impacto da ONG.

Multiplicar as vendas

— To significantly increase the volume of products sold.

A promoção ajudou a multiplicar as vendas.

Multiplicar o tempo

— A figurative expression for managing time so efficiently it feels like more.

Com organização, você consegue multiplicar o tempo.

Multiplicar a alegria

— To share happiness so that more people feel it.

Compartilhar é multiplicar a alegria.

Often Confused With

multiplicar vs Somar

Somar is to add (2+2), while multiplicar is to multiply (2x2).

multiplicar vs Vezes

Vezes is 'times' (the word), while multiplicar is the action (to multiply).

multiplicar vs Aumentar

Aumentar is general increase; multiplicar is specifically by a factor.

Idioms & Expressions

"Multiplicar o pão"

— To make a small amount of resources go a long way, or to perform a minor miracle with money.

Minha mãe multiplicava o pão para sustentar a família.

Informal/Religious

"Multiplicar-se em dez"

— To be extremely busy and managing many tasks simultaneously.

No trabalho, ela se multiplica em dez.

Colloquial

"Crescer e multiplicar"

— A biblical reference often used to describe rapid growth or expansion of a group.

A pequena empresa cresceu e se multiplicou.

Formal/Literary

"Efeito multiplicador"

— An economic term for when an initial injection of spending leads to a bigger increase in national income.

O turismo tem um efeito multiplicador na região.

Formal/Technical

"Multiplicar por nada"

— To waste effort or to have an action result in zero benefit.

Todo o trabalho foi multiplicado por nada no final.

Informal

"Multiplicar as dores"

— To make a bad situation even worse or more painful.

A falta de comunicação só serviu para multiplicar as dores.

Literary

"Multiplicar a voz"

— To give power to an opinion or to spread a message widely.

As redes sociais servem para multiplicar a voz do povo.

Social/Political

"Multiplicar o nada"

— To try to create something from nothing (impossible).

Você não pode multiplicar o nada.

Philosophical

"Multiplicar-se como formigas"

— To increase in number very quickly and appear everywhere.

Os novos prédios se multiplicam como formigas na cidade.

Colloquial

"Multiplicar por mil"

— To exaggerate or to describe a massive increase.

Sua beleza é multiplicada por mil hoje.

Informal/Romantic

Easily Confused

multiplicar vs Múltiplo

Looks similar to the verb.

Múltiplo is a noun or adjective (a multiple), while multiplicar is the verb.

Seis é um múltiplo de três.

multiplicar vs Multiplicação

The noun form.

Multiplicação is the name of the operation; multiplicar is the action.

A multiplicação é difícil.

multiplicar vs Multiplicador

Refers to the person or thing that multiplies.

Multiplicador is an agent or factor; multiplicar is the process.

Ele é um grande multiplicador de talentos.

multiplicar vs Multidão

Starts with the same prefix 'multi-'.

Multidão means 'crowd' (many people); multiplicar is to increase in number.

Havia uma multidão na rua.

multiplicar vs Múltipla

Feminine form of múltiplo.

Used as an adjective for feminine nouns like 'escolha' (choice).

Esta é uma questão de múltipla escolha.

Sentence Patterns

X multiplicado por Y é Z.

Dois multiplicado por dois é quatro.

[Sujeito] se multiplica rápido.

O lixo se multiplica rápido.

Precisamos multiplicar [Substantivo Abstrato].

Precisamos multiplicar nossa coragem.

Se eu [Pretérito Imperfeito Subj.], eu [Condicional].

Se eu pudesse, multiplicaria meu salário.

O efeito de [X] é multiplicado por [Y].

O efeito da lei é multiplicado pela fiscalização.

Multiplicar-se-ão [Sujeito Plural] no futuro.

Multiplicar-se-ão as dúvidas no futuro.

Espero que [Sujeito] se multiplique.

Espero que o amor se multiplique.

Eu multipliquei [Objeto] ontem.

Eu multipliquei o fermento ontem.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in education, finance, and science.

Common Mistakes

Multiplicar com dois → Multiplicar por dois
In Portuguese, the preposition for multiplication is 'por', not 'com'.
Os coelhos multiplicam rápido → Os coelhos se multiplicam rápido
Natural growth requires the reflexive pronoun 'se'.
Eu multipliquei dez vezes cinco → Eu multipliquei dez por cinco
While 'vezes' means 'times', the verb 'multiplicar' takes 'por'.
Pronouncing mul-ti-PLI-car → Pronouncing mul-ti-pli-CAR
Verbs ending in -ar are stressed on the last syllable.
Multiplicar o volume da TV → Aumentar o volume da TV
Multiplicar implies exponential growth, not simple adjustment like volume.

Tips

Use 'por'

Sempre use 'multiplicar por' para operações matemáticas. Nunca use 'com' ou 'em'.

Stress the end

A ênfase está no 'car'. Pratique dizer: mul-ti-pli-CAR.

Vezes vs Multiplicar

Use 'vezes' para falar a conta (3x3) e 'multiplicar' para descrever a ação de fazer a conta.

The 'se' matters

Para seres vivos ou problemas que aumentam sozinhos, use sempre 'se multiplicar'.

Tabuada

Aprender a 'tabuada' em português ajuda a praticar a pronúncia dos números e do verbo.

Scale up

Em reuniões, use 'multiplicar' para falar de crescimento agressivo de lucros ou clientes.

Spelling

Lembre-se do 'c' antes do 'ar'. Na forma 'multiplique', o 'c' vira 'qu'.

Multiply-AR

Pense em 'Multiply' + 'AR'. É um dos cognatos mais fáceis do português.

Cultural miracle

Lembre-se que a palavra tem um tom positivo e abundante devido a influências culturais.

Don't overdo it

Se for apenas um pequeno aumento, use 'aumentar'. Guarde 'multiplicar' para grandes crescimentos.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Multiple' + 'Car'. Imagine a car that suddenly clones itself into multiple cars. That is 'multiplicar'.

Visual Association

Visualize a math 'X' symbol turning into a growing tree with many branches.

Word Web

Matemática Crescimento Dobrar Números Vezes Lucro Células Aumentar

Challenge

Try to say 'Eu multiplico cinco por cinco' five times fast without tripping over the 'pli' sound.

Word Origin

From the Latin verb 'multiplicare'.

Original meaning: To fold many times, to increase.

Romance (Latin-based).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; the word is neutral and technical.

English speakers might find 'vezes' more natural for 'times', but 'multiplicar' is essential for formal and scientific contexts.

The Biblical 'Multiplicação dos Pães'. Economic 'Efeito Multiplicador'. Song 'Multiplicação' by various Brazilian gospel artists.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

School/Math

Tabuada de multiplicar
Multiplicar frações
Multiplicar por dois
Sinal de multiplicar

Business

Multiplicar lucros
Multiplicar o investimento
Multiplicar a base de clientes
Multiplicar a produtividade

Science

Multiplicação celular
As bactérias se multiplicam
Multiplicar a amostra
Fator de multiplicação

Cooking

Multiplicar a receita
Multiplicar os ingredientes
Multiplicar por três
Dobrar ou multiplicar

Social/Daily

Multiplicar a alegria
Os problemas se multiplicam
Multiplicar esforços
Multiplicar conhecimentos

Conversation Starters

"Como você faz para multiplicar seu tempo livre?"

"Você acha fácil multiplicar números de cabeça?"

"Que tipo de boas ações devemos multiplicar no mundo?"

"Você já teve que multiplicar uma receita para muitos convidados?"

"Como as redes sociais ajudam a multiplicar notícias falsas?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre um momento em que você precisou multiplicar seus esforços para alcançar um objetivo difícil.

Se você pudesse multiplicar qualquer coisa na sua vida, o que seria e por quê?

Descreva como a tecnologia multiplicou as formas de nos comunicarmos hoje em dia.

Reflita sobre a frase: 'A felicidade só é real quando multiplicada'.

Como você pretende multiplicar seus conhecimentos de português este ano?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Você pode dizer 'três vezes três' ou 'três multiplicado por três'. A primeira opção é muito mais comum no dia a dia.

'Dobrar' significa especificamente multiplicar por dois. 'Multiplicar' é o termo geral para qualquer fator.

Sim, mas geralmente no sentido de reprodução biológica ('os humanos se multiplicaram') ou metaforicamente ('ele se multiplicou para atender todos').

Sim, é um verbo regular da primeira conjugação (-ar). Ele segue o modelo de 'falar' ou 'cantar'.

Use a preposição 'por'. Exemplo: Multiplicar dez por cinco.

Dizemos 'tabuada' ou 'tabuada de multiplicar'.

É uma expressão idiomática que significa estar muito ocupado, tentando fazer várias coisas ao mesmo tempo.

O particípio passado é 'multiplicado'.

O gerúndio é 'multiplicando'.

Sim, é a forma reflexiva, usada quando algo aumenta de número por conta própria, como células ou coelhos.