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A1 verb #2,000 most common 12 min read

partir

Top 2,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips partir in 30 Seconds

Explanation partir in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'partir' is primarily learned as a verb for travel. You will see it on signs at the airport or train station under 'Partidas' (Departures). It is important to know how to use it in the present tense to say when you or a vehicle is leaving. For example, 'Eu parto amanhã' (I leave tomorrow). At this stage, you should also recognize it in simple phrases like 'partir o bolo' (to cut the cake) or 'partir um copo' (to break a glass). The focus is on physical, concrete actions: leaving a place or breaking an object into pieces. You should learn the basic conjugation: eu parto, ele parte, nós partimos, eles partem. It is one of the essential verbs for basic survival Portuguese, especially for navigating transportation and describing simple accidents in the home.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'partir' with more specific prepositions. You learn the difference between 'partir de' (to leave from) and 'partir para' (to leave for). You also start to use the reflexive form 'partir-se' to describe things breaking on their own. For example, 'O vaso partiu-se' (The vase broke). You might also encounter the phrase 'a partir de' to talk about time, such as 'a partir das duas horas' (from two o'clock onwards). Your vocabulary expands to include common collocations like 'partir uma perna' (to break a leg). You are expected to use 'partir' in the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) to describe completed actions, like 'O comboio partiu às oito' (The train left at eight).

At the B1 level, 'partir' becomes a tool for more complex logical structures. The phrase 'a partir de' is used not just for time, but for logical starting points: 'A partir deste exemplo...' (Based on this example...). You also learn more idiomatic expressions, such as 'partir do princípio' (to assume/start from the principle). You start to distinguish between 'partir' and its synonyms like 'sair' or 'quebrar' with more precision. You might use 'partir' in the Imperfect tense to describe habitual departures or the background of a story. You also begin to see 'partir' used in more emotional contexts, such as 'partir o coração' (to break someone's heart) or as a euphemism for death in literature or formal news.

At the B2 level, you master the nuances of 'partir' in various registers. You can use it in the subjunctive mood to express doubts or wishes about departures: 'Espero que o avião não parta com atraso' (I hope the plane doesn't depart late). You understand its use in more sophisticated idioms like 'partir a loiça toda' (to make a big impact/cause a scene). You are comfortable using 'partir' in professional contexts to discuss project start dates or the breakdown of data ('partir os dados'). Your understanding of the verb's etymology (from Latin 'partire' - to divide) helps you connect it to words like 'partilha' (sharing) and 'parcela' (portion). You can discuss the differences between European and Brazilian usage of 'partir' vs 'quebrar' fluently.

At the C1 level, 'partir' is used with stylistic flair. You might use it in formal writing to mean 'to derive from' or 'to originate'. For example, 'Esta teoria parte de uma premissa errada' (This theory stems from a wrong premise). You are aware of its poetic uses in classical Portuguese literature, where 'partir' often symbolizes the ultimate departure or a deep existential break. You can use the verb in complex grammatical structures, including the personal infinitive or the future subjunctive, without hesitation. You also recognize technical uses in fields like law or science, where 'partir' might describe the division of assets or the splitting of atoms. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker's, including the subtle choice of 'partir' over 'sair' for dramatic effect.

At the C2 level, you have a complete command of 'partir' and all its archaic, regional, and highly specialized meanings. You can appreciate the word's role in the history of the Portuguese language and its presence in the works of authors like Camões or Pessoa. You use 'partir' to construct intricate philosophical arguments, moving effortlessly between its literal meaning of division and its metaphorical meaning of beginning. You can play with the word in puns or high-level rhetoric. You understand the most obscure idioms and can use 'partir' to convey subtle shades of meaning that even some native speakers might struggle to articulate. The verb is no longer just a word to you; it is a versatile tool for expressing the very nature of change, separation, and origin.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

partir in 30 Seconds

Partir means to leave or depart, especially for a journey.
It also means to break, shatter, or divide physical objects.
The phrase 'a partir de' means 'starting from' in time or logic.
It is a regular -ir verb but has many idiomatic uses.

The Portuguese verb partir is a multifaceted word that primarily translates to 'to leave' or 'to depart' in an English context, but its semantic range extends significantly further into the realms of physical destruction and logical starting points. At its core, 'partir' suggests a movement away from a fixed point, whether that point is a physical location, a state of being, or a whole object that becomes divided. For a beginner (A1), the most crucial takeaway is its use in travel and daily departures. When you are at a train station (estação) or an airport (aeroporto), you will constantly see the word 'Partidas' (Departures). This is the noun form derived from the verb, indicating the scheduled times when vehicles leave. However, unlike the verb 'sair' (to go out/leave), 'partir' often carries a sense of a more significant or official journey. If you 'sai' from a room, you just walk out; if you 'parte' for Brazil, you are embarking on a journey.

Primary Meaning: To leave a place, usually to start a journey or move towards a destination.

O navio vai partir do porto ao amanhecer.

Beyond departure, 'partir' is the standard verb for 'to break' or 'to shatter' something fragile or solid. If you drop a glass (copo) and it breaks into pieces, you have 'partido' the glass. This duality between 'leaving' and 'breaking' might seem confusing, but it shares a root concept of 'division' or 'separation'. When you leave, you separate yourself from a place; when you break something, you separate it into parts. In fact, the word 'parte' (part) is directly related. You can also use it to mean 'to slice' or 'to cut', such as 'partir o bolo' (to cut the cake). This versatility makes it one of the most high-frequency verbs in the Portuguese language, appearing in everything from cooking recipes to romantic poetry about broken hearts.

Secondary Meaning: To break, shatter, or divide something into smaller pieces or sections.

Cuidado para não partir o espelho!

Furthermore, 'partir' is used abstractly to indicate a starting point in time or logic. The phrase 'a partir de' is an essential connector meaning 'starting from' or 'as of'. For example, 'a partir de amanhã' (starting from tomorrow). This usage is ubiquitous in business, news, and daily planning. It sets a boundary in time from which a new state or action begins. Understanding 'partir' requires recognizing these three pillars: Departure, Division, and Derivation. Whether you are leaving for Lisbon, breaking a plate, or starting a new diet on Monday, 'partir' is the verb that bridges these experiences. It is a verb of transition, marking the end of one state and the beginning of another, whether that transition is physical movement or a change in the integrity of an object.

A aula começa a partir de segunda-feira.

Abstract Meaning: To originate from or to use something as a basis/starting point for an argument or action.

Vamos partir do princípio que todos concordam.

Ela sentiu o seu coração partir com a notícia.

Using partir correctly involves mastering its conjugation as a regular '-ir' verb and understanding the prepositions that typically follow it. In the present tense, it follows the standard pattern: eu parto, tu partes, ele/ela parte, nós partimos, vós partis, eles/elas partem. While the conjugation is straightforward, the nuance lies in the prepositions. When you are leaving *for* a place, you use 'para'. For example, 'Eu parto para Londres amanhã' (I leave for London tomorrow). If you are leaving *from* a place, you use 'de'. For example, 'O voo parte de Lisboa' (The flight departs from Lisbon). This distinction is vital for clear communication in travel contexts.

Grammar: Prepositions: Use 'para' for destination and 'de' for origin. Use 'a partir de' for time or logical starting points.

Nós vamos partir para as montanhas no sábado.

When using 'partir' to mean 'to break', it can be transitive (direct object) or reflexive. If you break an object, you say 'Eu parti o copo'. However, if an object breaks on its own or the focus is on the object's state, you often use the reflexive form 'partir-se'. For instance, 'O copo partiu-se' (The glass broke/shattered). This is a common pattern in Portuguese where the reflexive voice indicates an event that happened to the subject. In cooking, 'partir' is the go-to verb for cracking eggs ('partir ovos') or cutting bread into chunks. It implies a less precise action than 'cortar' (to cut/slice with a knife), often suggesting a division by force or along natural lines.

Transitive vs. Intransitive: 'Partir algo' (to break something) vs. 'O comboio parte' (The train departs - no object needed).

Tens de partir dois ovos para a receita.

In more advanced usage, 'partir' appears in fixed expressions like 'partir do zero' (to start from scratch) or 'partir a loiça toda' (literally 'to break all the dishes', idiomatically 'to cause a stir' or 'to perform exceptionally well/wildly'). When you want to say 'to start from', the phrase is 'partir de'. This is used for logic: 'Partindo do pressuposto que...' (Starting from the assumption that...). It is also used for physical starting lines in a race. Mastering these variations allows you to move from simple A1 sentences to complex C1 arguments. Always remember that 'partir' is more 'final' than 'sair'. If you 'partir', there is a sense of distance and time involved in the departure.

Eles decidiram partir do zero e reconstruir a casa.

Idiomatic Usage: 'Partir o coração' (to break the heart) is a universal metaphor used in Portuguese exactly like in English.

Ver aquela cena partiu-me o coração.

A que horas partimos amanhã?

You will encounter partir in a variety of everyday and formal settings. One of the most common places is at transit hubs. In any 'estação de comboios' (train station) or 'rodoviária' (bus station) in Portugal, the digital boards will be divided into 'Chegadas' (Arrivals) and 'Partidas' (Departures). Announcements will frequently use the verb: 'O comboio com destino a Faro está prestes a partir' (The train bound for Faro is about to depart). In these contexts, 'partir' is the standard, formal term for departure, whereas 'sair' might be used more casually by passengers ('A que horas sai o meu comboio?').

Travel Context: Airports, train stations, and bus terminals use 'partir' for scheduled departures.

Atenção passageiros, o voo parte da porta 4.

In a domestic setting, you'll hear 'partir' in the kitchen or during chores. A parent might warn a child, 'Cuidado, vais partir isso!' (Careful, you're going to break that!). In recipes, you'll see instructions like 'parta os ovos e bata-os' (crack the eggs and beat them). It's also heard in the context of sharing food, like 'partir o pão' (breaking bread), which carries a communal and sometimes religious connotation. In news and business, 'a partir de' is a constant presence. Reporters say 'A partir de hoje, os preços vão subir' (Starting today, prices will rise). It provides a clear temporal marker for changes in law, economy, or social trends.

Media & News: Used to define the start of new regulations or events ('a partir de agora').

O museu está aberto a partir das nove horas.

Finally, 'partir' is heard in emotional or dramatic contexts. In movies or literature, a character might say 'Não partas!' (Don't leave!). It sounds more poetic and heavy than 'Não te vás embora!'. In the sad event of a funeral, people might speak of 'o nosso ente querido que partiu' (our loved one who departed/passed away). This euphemistic use is very common and respectful. Whether it's the literal breaking of an object, the start of a journey, or the metaphorical departure of a soul, 'partir' is a verb that resonates through all levels of Portuguese life and culture.

Ele partiu em paz, rodeado pela família.

Social Context: Used euphemistically for death or poetically for long-term separation.

Prometo não partir sem dizer adeus.

O jogador partiu a perna durante o jogo.

One of the most frequent errors for learners is confusing partir with sair. While both can be translated as 'to leave', they are not interchangeable. 'Sair' is generally used for 'going out' of a room, a building, or for social outings (e.g., 'Sair com amigos'). 'Partir' is reserved for more significant departures, like leaving for another city or country, or when a vehicle (train, ship, plane) begins its journey. If you say 'Eu parto do quarto', it sounds like you are embarking on a grand expedition from your bedroom, which sounds unnatural. Use 'Saio do quarto' instead.

Partir vs. Sair: 'Sair' is for short distances or 'going out'. 'Partir' is for departures, journeys, or vehicles.

Errado: Eu parto para o cinema. (Use 'vou' or 'saio')

Another common mistake involves the meaning 'to break'. Learners often use 'quebrar' exclusively because it sounds like 'break' or is more common in Brazilian Portuguese. However, in Portugal, 'partir' is the standard for breaking things like glass, bones, or hearts. If you use 'quebrar' in Lisbon for a glass, people will understand, but it won't sound native. Conversely, 'partir' is rarely used for machines or electronic devices breaking down; for that, use 'avariar' or 'estragar'. If your phone stops working, you don't 'partiu' the phone (unless you physically smashed it into pieces), you 'avariou' the phone.

Partir vs. Avariar: Use 'partir' for physical shattering. Use 'avariar' for mechanical/electronic failure.

O meu telemóvel avariou, não partiu.

Preposition errors are also rampant. Learners often forget the 'a' in 'a partir de'. They might say 'Partir de amanhã' when they mean 'Starting from tomorrow'. While 'partir de' can mean 'to depart from' (a place), the fixed expression for 'starting from' (a time) always requires the 'a'. Additionally, when talking about leaving for a destination, don't forget the 'para'. 'Eu parto Lisboa' is incorrect; it must be 'Eu parto para Lisboa' or 'Eu parto de Lisboa' depending on whether Lisbon is the destination or the origin.

Correto: A partir de agora, tudo muda.

Common Preposition Mistake: Omitting the 'a' in 'a partir de' or using 'em' instead of 'para/de'.

Vou partir para o Porto às oito.

O vidro partiu-se em mil pedaços.

To truly understand partir, one must compare it with its synonyms and related verbs. The most immediate comparison is with sair. As discussed, 'sair' is 'to exit' or 'to go out'. If you are leaving a party, you 'sai'. If you are leaving the country, you 'parte'. Another close relative is ir-se embora, which is a very common way to say 'to go away' or 'to leave'. 'Ir-se embora' is more personal and informal than 'partir'. You might say to a friend 'Tenho de me ir embora' (I have to go away), whereas 'Tenho de partir' sounds like you are a character in a 19th-century novel.

Partir vs. Sair vs. Ir-se embora: Partir: Formal/Journey. Sair: General exit. Ir-se embora: Casual/Personal leaving.

Ele foi-se embora sem dizer nada.

In the sense of 'breaking', 'partir' competes with quebrar and romper. 'Quebrar' is the primary verb for 'to break' in Brazil, but in Portugal, it's often used for more abstract things like 'quebrar o silêncio' (to break the silence) or 'quebrar uma promessa' (to break a promise). 'Romper' is more about tearing or breaking a connection, like 'romper um contrato' (to break a contract) or 'romper com alguém' (to break up with someone). 'Partir' remains the most physical: it's about the shattering of hard materials. If you 'parte' a relationship, it's very poetic; if you 'rompe' a relationship, it's more standard.

Partir vs. Quebrar vs. Romper: Partir: Shatter/Divide. Quebrar: Break (general/abstract). Romper: Tear/Sever connections.

O silêncio foi quebrado pelo som da chuva.

Lastly, consider dividir and separar. While 'partir' can mean to cut a cake, 'dividir' is more mathematical or about sharing ('dividir a conta' - to split the bill). 'Separar' is about putting things in different places ('separar o lixo' - to sort the trash). 'Partir' implies a more forceful or physical division. If you 'parte' a piece of bread to give to someone, it's a physical act of breaking it. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the word that conveys the exact 'flavor' of the action you are describing.

Vamos dividir a pizza em oito fatias.

Partir vs. Dividir: Partir: Physical breaking/cutting. Dividir: Mathematical or conceptual splitting.

Ela teve de separar as brigas dos filhos.

O vidro da janela partiu com o vento.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Regular -ir verb conjugation

Use of prepositions 'de' and 'para'

Reflexive verbs for accidental actions

Future with 'ir' + infinitive

Gerund formation (-indo)

Examples by Level

O comboio vai partir agora.

The train is going to leave now.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

Eu parto o pão.

I break the bread.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

Ela parte para Lisboa.

She leaves for Lisbon.

Use of 'para' for destination.

Não partas o copo!

Don't break the glass!

Negative imperative.

Onde estão as partidas?

Where are the departures?

Noun form 'partida' in plural.

Nós partimos às nove.

We leave at nine.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

O gato partiu o vaso.

The cat broke the vase.

Pretérito Perfeito (Past tense).

Quero partir o bolo.

I want to cut the cake.

Infinitive after 'querer'.

O voo parte de que porta?

The flight departs from which gate?

Use of 'de' for origin.

O espelho partiu-se ontem.

The mirror broke yesterday.

Reflexive 'se' indicating an event.

A partir de amanhã, não como doces.

Starting from tomorrow, I won't eat sweets.

Fixed phrase 'a partir de' for time.

Ele partiu a perna a jogar futebol.

He broke his leg playing football.

Common collocation 'partir a perna'.

Vocês partem hoje ou amanhã?

Are you (plural) leaving today or tomorrow?

Present tense, 2nd person plural (vocês).

A que horas é a partida?

What time is the departure?

Noun use 'a partida'.

Parti o meu telemóvel no chão.

I broke my phone on the floor.

Pretérito Perfeito, 1st person singular.

Eles partem para o Brasil no sábado.

They leave for Brazil on Saturday.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

A partir de agora, as regras mudam.

From now on, the rules change.

Temporal marker 'a partir de agora'.

Vamos partir do princípio que tens razão.

Let's start from the principle that you are right.

Idiomatic expression 'partir do princípio'.

A notícia partiu-lhe o coração.

The news broke her heart.

Metaphorical use with indirect object pronoun 'lhe'.

O navio já tinha partido quando cheguei.

The ship had already left when I arrived.

Past Perfect (Pretérito Mais-que-Perfeito Composto).

É preciso partir a lenha para a lareira.

It's necessary to chop the wood for the fireplace.

Physical division/chopping.

A partir de que valor pagamos impostos?

From what value do we pay taxes?

Logical/Numerical starting point.

Ela partiu sem deixar rasto.

She left without leaving a trace.

Literary/Dramatic usage.

O atleta partiu na frente da corrida.

The athlete started at the front of the race.

Sporting context (start).

Duvido que eles partam a tempo.

I doubt they will leave on time.

Present Subjunctive after 'duvidar'.

O governo vai partir para a ofensiva.

The government is going to go on the offensive.

Figurative 'partir para' (to take action).

A empresa partiu os lucros pelos sócios.

The company divided the profits among the partners.

Synonym for 'dividir' in formal context.

Se partires o contrato, terás de pagar.

If you break the contract, you will have to pay.

Future Subjunctive (hypothetical).

A festa foi tão boa que partiram a loiça toda.

The party was so good they 'broke all the dishes' (had a wild time).

Idiom 'partir a loiça toda'.

Partindo da análise feita, concluímos que...

Starting from the analysis made, we conclude that...

Gerund used for logical derivation.

O vidro temperado não parte facilmente.

Tempered glass does not break easily.

General characteristic/property.

Ela partiu o silêncio com um grito.

She broke the silence with a scream.

Abstract physical action.

A sua argumentação parte de premissas falsas.

Your argument stems from false premises.

Formal logical derivation.

O falecido partiu deixando um grande legado.

The deceased departed leaving a great legacy.

Euphemism for death.

Não convém partir para conclusões precipitadas.

It is not advisable to jump to hasty conclusions.

Fixed expression 'partir para conclusões'.

A luz parte-se ao atravessar o prisma.

The light refracts (breaks) when passing through the prism.

Scientific usage (refraction/division).

Ele partiu o noivado nas vésperas do casamento.

He broke off the engagement on the eve of the wedding.

Ending a formal relationship.

A partir de uma certa idade, a saúde exige mais cuidados.

Beyond a certain age, health requires more care.

Generalization using 'a partir de'.

O exército partiu o cerco inimigo.

The army broke the enemy siege.

Military context (breaking through).

A obra parte de uma estética surrealista.

The work originates from a surrealist aesthetic.

Artistic/Academic analysis.

Partir é morrer um pouco, como diz o poeta.

To depart is to die a little, as the poet says.

Philosophical/Literary infinitive as subject.

A decisão de partir foi tomada sob coação.

The decision to leave was made under duress.

Formal legal register.

O átomo foi partido, libertando uma energia imensa.

The atom was split, releasing immense energy.

Passive voice in scientific context.

A alma parece partir-se perante tamanha injustiça.

The soul seems to shatter before such injustice.

High literary style.

Partamos, pois, para a análise do texto.

Let us proceed, then, to the analysis of the text.

Hortatory subjunctive (1st person plural).

A fronteira entre o real e o imaginário parte-se aqui.

The border between the real and the imaginary breaks here.

Metaphorical boundary.

Ele partiu a loiça toda no debate televisivo.

He completely dominated/shook up the televised debate.

Advanced idiomatic usage in politics.

A partir do nada, ele construiu um império.

From nothing, he built an empire.

Existential starting point.

Common Collocations

partir o coração

partir a perna

partir do princípio

partir para a ação

partir o vidro

partir um ovo

partir o pão

partir a loiça

partir do zero

partir em viagem

Common Phrases

A partir de agora

A que horas parte?

Partir para outra

Partir o gelo

Partir do nada

Partir a cabeça

Partir o pescoço

Partir-se a rir

Partir a meio

Partir em dois

Often Confused With

partir vs sair

partir vs quebrar

partir vs repartir

Idioms & Expressions

"Partir a loiça toda"

"Partir o coração"

"Partir o gelo"

"Partir para outra"

"Partir do zero"

"Partir a cabeça a alguém"

"Partir pedra"

"Partir o coco a rir"

"Partir-se todo"

"Partir o fio à meada"

Easily Confused

partir vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

preposition nuance

'Partir de' is origin; 'Partir para' is destination.

regional differences

Portugal uses 'partir' for breaking; Brazil uses 'quebrar'.

Common Mistakes

Using 'partir' for 'leaving a room' (use 'sair').
Saying 'partir de amanhã' without the 'a' (use 'a partir de').
Using 'partir' for mechanical failure (use 'avariar').
Confusing 'partir' with 'parir' (to give birth).
Forgetting the preposition 'para' for destinations.

Tips

Preposition Power

Always remember: Partir DE (from) and Partir PARA (to). This is the most common mistake for beginners.

Breaking vs. Leaving

If you are in Portugal, use 'partir' for everything that shatters. If you are in Brazil, use 'quebrar' for objects.

Brazilian 'Partiu'

Use 'Partiu!' when a friend suggests going to the beach or a party. It shows you are fluent in modern slang.

The Final R

In Portugal, the final 'r' in 'partir' is very subtle. Focus on the stressed 'ti' sound.

Fado Themes

When listening to Fado, 'partir' often refers to sailors leaving for years. It's a very emotional word.

A partir de

This is a great connector for essays. Use it to show when a new trend or law begins.

Egg Cracking

In a recipe, 'partir os ovos' is the standard instruction. Don't use 'quebrar' in a Portuguese kitchen!

Breaking Bread

'Partir o pão' is a beautiful way to talk about sharing a meal with friends.

Don't Partir the Car

If your car stops working, don't say 'partiu'. Say 'avariou'. 'Partiu' would mean it literally broke in half!

Loiça Toda

Use 'partir a loiça toda' to describe someone who did an amazing job or caused a huge stir.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Latin 'partire'

Cultural Context

Common for departures, but 'quebrar' is preferred for breaking objects. 'Partiu' is common slang.

Preferred word for breaking objects and official departures.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"A que horas queres partir amanhã?"

"Já alguma vez partiste um osso?"

"A partir de que horas estás livre?"

"Para onde gostarias de partir nas próximas férias?"

"O que te parte o coração?"

Journal Prompts

Escreve sobre uma viagem que queres fazer (Para onde vais partir?).

Descreve um objeto que partiste por acidente.

O que vais mudar na tua vida a partir de hoje?

Como te sentes quando tens de partir de um lugar que gostas?

Relata uma vez que alguém 'partiu a loiça toda' numa situação.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for a car or machine, use 'avariar' or 'estragar'. 'Partir' implies physical shattering into pieces.

Yes, in the context of leaving, 'partir' is more formal and usually implies a longer journey or a scheduled departure.

It's a slang term that means 'Let's go!' or 'I'm down for that!'. It's very common among young people.

Usually, you say 'quebrar uma promessa' or 'incumprir uma promessa', rather than 'partir'.

Not if it means 'to break' (transitive). 'Eu parti o copo'. But for 'leaving', it usually needs 'de' or 'para'.

Yes, it is a common euphemism, similar to 'to pass away' or 'to depart' in English.

'Partir' is more physical (breaking/cutting), while 'dividir' is more conceptual or mathematical (sharing/splitting).

Yes, it follows the regular conjugation for verbs ending in -ir.

You say 'a partir de segunda-feira'. Don't forget the 'a'.

Yes, 'partir o coração' is the standard way to say 'to break someone's heart'.