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B1 verb #6,000 most common 17 min read

reembolsar

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips reembolsar in 30 Seconds

Explanation reembolsar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to handle basic needs in Portuguese. While 'reembolsar' might seem like a complex word, it is very useful for travelers. Imagine you are at a store and you bought something that is broken. You want your money back. In English, you say 'refund'. In Portuguese, you can use 'reembolsar'. At this level, you should focus on the simple idea: money going back to you. You might hear a cashier say 'Vamos reembolsar você' (We are going to refund you). It's helpful to recognize this word so you know you are getting your money back. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that 'reembolsar' means getting your money back after you spent it. It's a 'money back' word. You can use it with simple words like 'dinheiro' (money) or 'valor' (amount). Even if you can't conjugate it perfectly, knowing the word will help you in shops, restaurants, or when traveling. For an A1 student, seeing this word on a website or a sign usually means there is a policy for returning money. It is a good word to have in your 'survival' vocabulary for visiting a Portuguese-speaking country. Think of it as 're-' (back) + 'bolso' (pocket). Money back in your pocket!

At the A2 level, you can start using 'reembolsar' in simple sentences. You are likely learning about work and travel, where this word is very common. You can use it to talk about expenses. For example, 'A empresa reembolsa o táxi?' (Does the company reimburse the taxi?). Notice how the verb works like 'pagar' but specifically for returning money. You can also use it in the past tense to talk about things that already happened: 'Eles me reembolsaram ontem' (They reimbursed me yesterday). At this stage, you should also learn the noun form 'o reembolso'. You might ask 'Onde está meu reembolso?' (Where is my refund?). You are beginning to understand that this verb is more formal than 'devolver'. While you can say 'devolver o dinheiro', using 'reembolsar' makes you sound more prepared for professional or official situations. You should also be aware of the spelling with two 'e's. It's a common mistake to write only one, but as an A2 student, you can start paying attention to these details. Practice using it with common travel words like 'passagem' (ticket), 'hotel', and 'almoço' (lunch). This will help you navigate business trips or holiday cancellations more effectively.

As a B1 learner, you should be able to use 'reembolsar' with confidence in various contexts. This is the level where you move beyond simple transactions and start dealing with more complex situations like insurance, work policies, and consumer rights. You should be comfortable with the structure 'reembolsar alguém por algo' (reimburse someone for something). For example, 'A seguradora vai me reembolsar pelas despesas médicas' (The insurance company will reimburse me for the medical expenses). You should also be familiar with the passive voice, which is very common in written Portuguese: 'O valor será reembolsado' (The amount will be reimbursed). This is essential for reading terms and conditions or emails from customer service. You are also expected to handle the subjunctive mood at this level. If you are requesting a refund, you might say 'Eu quero que vocês me reembolsem' (I want you to reimburse me). Understanding how the verb changes in the subjunctive is a key B1 skill. You should also start to distinguish between 'reembolsar' and its synonyms like 'estornar' (for credit cards) or 'ressarcir' (more formal). This shows you have a nuanced understanding of financial vocabulary. You can now use this word to advocate for yourself in Portuguese-speaking environments, whether you are asking for a refund for a late train or submitting a report for work expenses.

At the B2 level, your use of 'reembolsar' should be precise and natural. You understand the subtle differences in register and can use the word in formal documents, professional emails, and complex verbal negotiations. You should be able to explain the conditions of a reimbursement policy using advanced structures. For example, 'Caso o evento seja cancelado, os organizadores comprometem-se a reembolsar integralmente o valor dos ingressos' (Should the event be cancelled, the organizers commit to fully refunding the ticket price). You are comfortable with all tenses and moods, including the future subjunctive and the personal infinitive. You also understand the cultural and legal implications of the word in different Lusophone countries. For instance, you know that 'reembolso' is a key part of the 'IRS' (income tax) process in Portugal. You can discuss consumer rights in detail, using 'reembolsar' alongside other legal terms like 'indenização' or 'cláusula contratual'. Your vocabulary is rich enough to avoid repetitive use of the word, substituting it with 'restituir' or 'ressarcir' when the context requires a more elevated tone. At this level, you don't just know what the word means; you know the 'etiquette' of its usage—when it sounds professional and when it might sound too formal for a casual setting. You can also handle the reflexive form 'reembolsar-se' to describe someone recovering their own costs through other means.

At the C1 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'reembolsar'. You can use it in highly specialized contexts, such as financial auditing, corporate law, or complex administrative procedures. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word, which helps you appreciate its formal weight. You can use it in sophisticated rhetorical structures, perhaps in a business presentation or a formal complaint letter that requires precise legalistic language. You are aware of how the word interacts with other high-level financial concepts like 'liquidez', 'amortização', or 'passivo'. For example, you might discuss how a company's policy to 'reembolsar debêntures' affects its cash flow. Your ability to use the word extends to idiomatic and metaphorical uses, should they arise in literature or high-level journalism. You can navigate the most complex bureaucratic forms in any Portuguese-speaking country, understanding exactly what is required to 'obter o reembolso'. You also notice the fine stylistic choices made by authors or speakers who choose 'reembolsar' over 'restituir' to achieve a specific tone. At this stage, the word is a flexible tool in your linguistic arsenal, and you can switch between formal and informal synonyms with ease to suit any audience. You can even discuss the theoretical aspects of 'reembolso' in economic terms, such as the impact of tax refunds on consumer spending during a recession.

At the C2 level, 'reembolsar' is a word you use with total mastery, including its most subtle nuances and rare applications. You can use it with the same ease as a native speaker who is an expert in law or finance. You are capable of drafting complex contracts where the conditions for 'reembolsar' are defined with absolute precision to avoid any legal ambiguity. You understand the historical evolution of the term and its variations across the entire Lusophone world, from the 'reembolsos' of the Angolan banking system to the specifics of Brazilian consumer law. You can engage in high-level debates about public policy involving 'reembolsos' of state subsidies or international loans. Your command of the language allows you to use the word in creative or literary ways, perhaps using the concept of 'reembolso' as a metaphor for moral or emotional restitution. You can analyze the pros and cons of different 'reembolso' strategies in a corporate restructuring with the authority of a professional. For you, 'reembolsar' is not just a vocabulary item; it is a concept that you can manipulate with linguistic elegance and strategic precision. You are perfectly comfortable with all the archaic or highly technical variations of the word family and can use them to add weight and authority to your speech or writing. Whether you are arguing a case in court or managing a multi-million euro project, 'reembolsar' is a word you use with complete confidence and impeccable accuracy.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

reembolsar in 30 Seconds

Reembolsar is the specific Portuguese verb used for returning money spent on expenses or for refunding a purchase in a formal context.
It is a direct transitive verb, meaning you 'reembolsar' a person directly, often followed by 'por' to specify what the money is for.
The word is essential for business, travel, and healthcare contexts where out-of-pocket expenses are later recovered from an employer or insurance.
Commonly confused with 'devolver', which is more general, 'reembolsar' is the preferred term for official financial restitution and professional interactions.

The Portuguese verb reembolsar is a critical term in the realm of finance, commerce, and professional interactions. At its core, it translates to 'to reimburse' or 'to refund' in English. It specifically describes the action of returning money to a person who has already spent their own funds on a specific expense or has lost money due to a failed service or product. Unlike the general verb 'pagar' (to pay), which describes the initial exchange of money for goods or services, reembolsar implies a secondary transaction intended to make the person whole again after an initial outlay. This distinction is vital in professional settings where employees might pay for travel expenses out of pocket and later request that the company reembolsar those costs. In a consumer context, if you purchase a defective product and return it, the store will reembolsar the amount you paid.

Financial Restitution: The act of returning the exact sum of money spent by an individual for a legitimate reason, such as business travel or medical costs covered by insurance.

The word carries a formal and official tone. You will frequently encounter it in contracts, company policies, and legal documents. For instance, an insurance policy will detail the conditions under which the insurer will reembolsar the policyholder for medical treatments. It is not a word typically used for casual lending between friends; if you lend five euros to a friend for coffee, you would more likely use 'devolver o dinheiro' (return the money) or 'pagar de volta' (pay back) rather than the more formal reembolsar. However, in any situation involving a receipt, an invoice, or a formal claim, reembolsar is the standard and most precise term to use.

A empresa prometeu reembolsar todas as despesas de viagem dos funcionários até o final do mês.

Understanding the morphology of the word can also help in remembering its meaning. It is composed of the prefix 're-' (again/back) and 'embolsar' (to put in the pocket, from 'bolso' meaning pocket). Therefore, to reembolsar is literally to put money back into someone's pocket. This visual imagery is quite helpful for English speakers to grasp the concept of reimbursement. In the modern digital economy, this verb is also used for digital transactions, such as when an app store processes a refund for an accidental purchase. Whether it is a physical cash transaction or a digital credit back to a bank account, the action remains a reembolso (the noun form).

Customer Rights: In Brazil, the 'Código de Defesa do Consumidor' often uses this term to define when a customer is entitled to get their money back after a purchase cancellation.

Se o voo for cancelado, a companhia aérea deve reembolsar o passageiro integralmente.

Furthermore, the verb is used in the context of social security and public health in many Portuguese-speaking countries. For example, if a patient buys medication that is subsidized by the state, they might apply for a reembolso. This highlights the word's importance in navigating bureaucratic and administrative systems. It is a word of accountability and financial rectification, ensuring that the financial burden rests on the correct party. Its usage spans from small retail interactions to large-scale international corporate settlements, making it a versatile and essential part of a B1-level Portuguese vocabulary.

O governo decidiu reembolsar os cidadãos pelos impostos pagos indevidamente no ano passado.

Insurance Claims: The process where an insurance company pays back the policyholder for covered losses or expenses incurred during an accident or illness.

Você precisa guardar todos os recibos para que o seguro possa reembolsar o tratamento médico.

O cliente exigiu que a loja o reembolsasse imediatamente após a falha do serviço.

Using reembolsar correctly requires understanding its transitive nature. It is a direct transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object—the person or entity receiving the money. Often, you will also specify the amount or the reason for the reimbursement using prepositions like 'por' or 'em'. For example, 'A empresa me reembolsou' (The company reimbursed me). If you want to specify what was reimbursed, you say 'A empresa me reembolsou as despesas' (The company reimbursed me for the expenses) or 'A empresa me reembolsou pelo jantar' (The company reimbursed me for the dinner). The flexibility of the sentence structure allows for various levels of detail depending on the context of the financial transaction.

Direct Object Usage: The person receiving the refund is the direct object. Example: 'Eu vou reembolsá-lo amanhã' (I will reimburse him tomorrow).

In more formal or legal contexts, the verb is frequently used in the passive voice. This shifts the focus from who is paying to the fact that the money is being returned. For instance, 'O valor será reembolsado em até dez dias úteis' (The amount will be reimbursed within ten business days). This is a very common phrase you will see on e-commerce websites or in bank communications. It is important to note that the past participle 'reembolsado' agrees in gender and number with the subject it refers to. If you are talking about 'as taxas' (the fees), you would say 'as taxas foram reembolsadas'. Proper agreement is a hallmark of an advanced learner moving through the B1 and B2 levels.

Para ser reembolsado, o colaborador deve apresentar a nota fiscal original de cada gasto.

When talking about future intentions or obligations, 'reembolsar' often pairs with auxiliary verbs like 'dever' (must/should), 'poder' (can/may), or 'ir' (going to). For example, 'Nós vamos reembolsar o seu investimento' (We are going to reimburse your investment). This structure is straightforward for English speakers as it mirrors the English 'going to reimburse'. Another common pattern involves the use of the subjunctive mood when expressing a wish, a request, or a conditional situation. 'Eu espero que eles me reembolsem logo' (I hope they reimburse me soon). The shift from 'reembolsar' to 'reembolsem' in the subjunctive is a key grammatical hurdle for B1 students, but it is essential for expressing desires regarding financial returns.

Conditional Usage: Used when the refund depends on a specific action. Example: 'Se você devolver o produto, nós o reembolsaremos'.

É possível que o banco não queira reembolsar o valor sem uma prova de fraude.

Finally, consider the reflexive use of the verb, though it is less common. One might say 'reembolsar-se' meaning to compensate oneself or to get one's money back through some other means. For example, 'Ele se reembolsou vendendo os equipamentos velhos' (He reimbursed himself by selling the old equipment). This usage is more nuanced and often implies a self-initiated action to recover losses. In most daily and professional interactions, however, you will be using the standard transitive form where one entity pays another back. Mastering these patterns—direct object for the person, 'por' for the reason, and the passive voice for official statements—will allow you to handle any financial discussion in Portuguese with confidence and precision.

Solicitei que a gerência me reembolsasse os custos adicionais que tive com o transporte.

Business Context: Commonly found in 'Política de Reembolso' (Refund Policy) documents that define how and when money is returned to clients.

Não podemos reembolsar itens que foram comprados em promoção ou liquidação.

O juiz ordenou que a empresa reembolsasse todos os consumidores lesados pela propaganda enganosa.

The word reembolsar is a staple of everyday life in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in settings involving bureaucracy, retail, and corporate work. If you are living or working in Brazil or Portugal, you will hear this word most frequently in a professional environment. During meetings about budget or travel, HR representatives often explain the process to 'reembolsar as despesas' (reimburse expenses). It is part of the corporate lexicon that any professional must master. You'll hear it in phrases like 'Como faço para ser reembolsado?' (How do I get reimbursed?) or 'A empresa não reembolsa gastos com álcool' (The company does not reimburse expenses with alcohol). This formal setting demands the precision that reembolsar provides, distinguishing it from a simple 'pagamento'.

Customer Service: When calling a helpline about a cancelled flight or a double charge on a credit card, the agent will use this term to describe the corrective action.

Another major arena for this word is the retail sector. When you return a piece of clothing to a store like Zara or Renner, the cashier will ask if you want a store credit (vale-troca) or if you prefer them to reembolsar the value to your credit card. In this context, the word is synonymous with 'estornar' (to reverse a charge), but reembolsar is more general and covers cash returns as well. You might see signs near the checkout counter stating 'Não reembolsamos valores após 30 dias' (We do not refund amounts after 30 days). Hearing this word in a store usually signals a formal procedure is taking place, often requiring the presentation of a 'nota fiscal' (tax receipt).

Ao falar com o SAC, perguntei: 'Quanto tempo vocês levam para reembolsar o valor no meu cartão?'

The healthcare system is another place where reembolsar is frequently heard. In many private health insurance plans (planos de saúde), patients can choose to see a doctor who is not in the insurance network. In these cases, the patient pays the full consultation fee and then submits the receipt to the insurance provider to be reimbursed. You will hear doctors say 'Eu não aceito seu plano, mas você pode pedir o reembolso' (I don't accept your plan, but you can request the reimbursement). This specific financial arrangement makes the word a daily necessity for anyone navigating the medical landscape in Lusophone countries. It represents a promise of financial recovery that is central to the insurance business model.

Travel and Tourism: Airlines and hotels use this term constantly in their terms and conditions, especially regarding cancellations and 'no-show' policies.

A agência de viagens informou que não poderia reembolsar o valor da reserva devido à política de cancelamento tardio.

Finally, you will encounter this word in the digital world. Streaming services, e-book platforms, and online marketplaces like Mercado Livre or OLX have automated systems for 'reembolso'. When a package doesn't arrive, the system might send an automated email saying 'O seu pagamento foi reembolsado' (Your payment has been reimbursed). This ubiquity in the digital space means that even if you don't work in a Portuguese-speaking office, you will see and hear this word whenever you engage in online commerce. It is a word that provides security to the consumer, signifying that their money is protected. Whether through a human voice on a phone or a line of text on a screen, reembolsar is the word that brings financial peace of mind.

O aplicativo de entrega de comida prometeu reembolsar o valor do pedido que veio errado.

Legal Proceedings: Lawyers use this term when discussing damages and the restitution of funds in civil lawsuits involving financial disputes.

O tribunal decidiu que a construtora deve reembolsar os moradores pelos reparos estruturais necessários.

Muitos portugueses utilizam o reembolso do IRS para pagar as férias de verão ou abater dívidas.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using reembolsar is trying to translate the English phrasal verb 'pay back' literally. In English, we often say 'I'll pay you back'. A common error is to say 'Eu vou te pagar de volta'. While this is technically understandable and occasionally used in very informal Brazilian Portuguese, it is much more natural and correct in a professional or formal context to use reembolsar or simply 'devolver o dinheiro'. Using 'pagar de volta' sounds like a direct translation from English (a calque) and lacks the sophistication of the proper Portuguese verb. To sound more like a native, reach for reembolsar when a specific expense is involved.

Spelling Errors: Many learners forget the second 'e'. They write 'rembolsar' instead of 'reembolsar'. Remember: re- (back) + em- (in) + bolsar (pocket).

Another common pitfall is the confusion between reembolsar and devolver. While they both involve returning something, reembolsar is specifically and exclusively for money. You cannot 'reembolsar' a book to the library; you 'devolve' the book. Conversely, if you return the book and the library gives you back your deposit, the library reembolsa you. Learners often use 'devolver' for money as well, which is fine ('devolver o dinheiro'), but they sometimes try to use reembolsar for physical objects, which is incorrect. Precision in choosing between the specific financial term and the general 'return' term is a sign of B1-level mastery.

Incorrect: Eu vou reembolsar o livro para a loja.
Correct: Eu vou devolver o livro e a loja vai me reembolsar.

Grammatically, learners often struggle with the preposition that follows the verb. In English, we 'reimburse someone FOR something'. In Portuguese, the most common preposition is 'por' (or its contractions 'pelo', 'pela'). However, sometimes learners use 'de', which is more common with verbs like 'acusar' or 'lembrar'. Using the wrong preposition can make the sentence sound clunky. For example, 'reembolsar pelas despesas' is correct, while 'reembolsar das despesas' is not. Additionally, some learners forget that 'reembolsar' requires a direct object (the person). You don't 'reembolsar para alguém' in standard Portuguese; you 'reembolsa alguém' (direct object). This subtle difference in verb valency is a common source of errors.

Confusion with 'Ressarcir': 'Ressarcir' is a synonym but even more formal. Beginners often try to use the most complex word they find in the dictionary, but 'reembolsar' is the safer, more common choice for everyday B1/B2 situations.

Incorrect: Eles me reembolsaram de volta o dinheiro.
Correct: Eles me reembolsaram o valor total.

Finally, the pronunciation of the double 'e' can be tricky. Some learners try to pronounce it as a single long vowel or even a diphthong. In Portuguese, each 'e' should be distinct, though in rapid speech they may blend slightly. It is /re-em-bol-sar/. Skipping the first 'e' or the second 'e' sound can make the word unrecognizable to native speakers. Practice saying 're-em' as two separate syllables to ensure clarity. Also, remember the 'l' in 'bolsar' is often pronounced like a 'u' in Brazil (/re-em-bow-sar/), whereas in Portugal it is a velarized 'l' (/re-em-bol-sar/). Not adjusting your 'l' pronunciation to the local dialect is a common minor mistake that affects your accent.

Lembre-se: você reembolsa a pessoa, e não a conta bancária, embora o dinheiro vá para a conta.

The 'Re-' Prefix Overuse: Do not assume every 're-' verb in English works in Portuguese. While 'reimburse' is 'reembolsar', 'refund' is also 'reembolsar', not 'refundo'.

Não use 're-pagar'. Essa palavra não existe em português com o sentido de devolver dinheiro.

Eu gostaria de solicitar o reembolso (noun) porque a empresa não me reembolsou (verb) ainda.

While reembolsar is the most common and versatile term for returning money, Portuguese offers several synonyms and related terms that carry different nuances. Understanding these alternatives will help you choose the right word for the right situation, moving your proficiency from intermediate to advanced. The most formal alternative is ressarcir. This verb is often used in legal and highly formal business contexts. It implies not just returning money, but compensating for a loss or damage. For example, 'A empresa deve ressarcir os danos causados' (The company must compensate for the damages caused). While you can use reembolsar for a simple receipt, ressarcir suggests a more significant restoration of balance.

Ressarcir vs. Reembolsar: 'Ressarcir' is more formal and often involves compensation for damages, whereas 'reembolsar' is the standard for returning expenses or purchase prices.

Another important synonym is restituir. This verb means to restore or give back something to its original owner or state. It is very common in the phrase 'restituição de imposto' (tax refund). While reembolsar is about the act of paying back, restituir emphasizes the restoration of the money to its rightful place. In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but restituir is slightly more formal and is frequently used in administrative and judicial language. If you are dealing with the government or a court, you are more likely to see restituir or the noun form 'restituição'.

O Estado é obrigado a restituir os valores cobrados indevidamente dos contribuintes.

In the world of credit cards and banking, you will often encounter the verb estornar. This is a technical term that specifically means to reverse a transaction. If you see a double charge on your bank statement and you call the bank, they won't just 'reembolsar' you; they will estornar the transaction. This involves a specific banking process where the initial charge is nullified. While the end result is the same (you get your money back), estornar is the precise technical term for the digital reversal of a financial entry. As a consumer, you might ask: 'Vocês podem fazer o estorno no meu cartão?' (Can you do the reversal on my card?).

Indenizar: This means 'to indemnify' or 'to compensate'. It is used when money is paid to cover a loss, injury, or hardship, going beyond a simple refund of expenses.

A seguradora vai indenizar a família pelas perdas sofridas durante o incêndio.

Finally, the verb compensar can sometimes be used as an alternative, though it has a broader meaning. It means to compensate, balance, or make up for something. In a financial context, it might be used when a debt is cancelled out by another credit. For example, 'Podemos compensar esse valor no próximo mês' (We can offset/compensate this amount next month). This is common in B2B (business-to-business) transactions where companies have ongoing accounts. Understanding these nuances—from the legal weight of ressarcir to the technicality of estornar and the simplicity of devolver—will significantly enrich your Portuguese and help you navigate financial situations with the right tone and precision.

O banco realizou o estorno da compra duplicada assim que enviei o comprovante.

Devolver: The most general verb for 'to return'. Can be used for objects, money, or even feelings. It is the least formal of all the options mentioned.

Eu vou te devolver os dez reais que você me emprestou para o lanche.

A loja de departamentos tem uma política clara: eles reembolsam o valor total em dinheiro se houver defeito.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root word 'bolsa' is the same one used for the 'Bolsa de Valores' (Stock Market) and 'bolsa de estudos' (scholarship). So, every time you get a refund, you are literally 're-pocketing' your wealth.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʁe.ẽ.boɫ.ˈsaɾ/

US /ʁe.ẽ.bow.ˈsaʁ/

The stress is on the last syllable: 'sar'.

Rhymes With

alcançar pensar descansar compensar dispensar recompensar avançar dançar

Common Errors

Pronouncing only one 'e' (rembolsar).
Pronouncing the 'l' like an English 'l' in the Brazilian context.
Stress on the wrong syllable (RE-embolsar).
Failing to nasalize the second 'e'.
Confusing the 'r' sounds at the beginning and end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognate 'reimburse'.

Writing 4/5

Requires attention to the double 'e' spelling and correct preposition usage.

Speaking 4/5

Nasal vowels and 'l' vocalization can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Clearly audible in formal and commercial contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

pagar dinheiro bolso devolver custo

Learn Next

ressarcir estornar indenizar restituir faturamento

Advanced

amortização liquidez passivo ativo jurisprudência

Grammar to Know

Nasal Vowels

The 'em' in 'reembolsar' is a nasal vowel, similar to the 'en' in 'entre'.

Direct Object Pronouns

When replacing the person: 'A empresa o reembolsou' (The company reimbursed him).

Future Subjunctive in Conditionals

Se eles reembolsarem o valor, eu ficarei satisfeito.

Passive Voice with 'Ser'

O dinheiro foi reembolsado pela seguradora.

Personal Infinitive

Para eles me reembolsarem, preciso do recibo.

Examples by Level

A loja vai reembolsar o meu dinheiro.

The store is going to refund my money.

Simple future structure using 'ir' + infinitive.

Eles podem reembolsar o valor?

Can they refund the amount?

Direct question using the modal verb 'poder'.

Eu quero o meu reembolso, por favor.

I want my refund, please.

Using the noun 'reembolso' with the verb 'querer'.

O banco me reembolsou ontem.

The bank reimbursed me yesterday.

Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) of 'reembolsar'.

Você precisa reembolsar o seu amigo.

You need to reimburse your friend.

Using the verb 'precisar' followed by the infinitive.

Não podemos reembolsar itens usados.

We cannot refund used items.

Negative sentence with the modal 'poder'.

A empresa reembolsa o táxi.

The company reimburses the taxi.

Present tense showing a regular policy.

Como eu peço um reembolso?

How do I ask for a refund?

Question using the interrogative 'Como' and the verb 'pedir'.

A companhia aérea reembolsou as passagens canceladas.

The airline refunded the cancelled tickets.

Past tense with a plural direct object 'as passagens'.

Vou enviar os recibos para a empresa me reembolsar.

I'm going to send the receipts for the company to reimburse me.

Use of the personal infinitive after the preposition 'para'.

Eles prometeram reembolsar o custo do conserto.

They promised to reimburse the cost of the repair.

Verb 'prometer' followed by the infinitive.

O seguro não vai reembolsar os danos do acidente.

The insurance will not reimburse the damages from the accident.

Future tense with 'vai' and a negative particle.

Você recebeu o reembolso do hotel?

Did you receive the refund from the hotel?

Question in the past tense using 'receber'.

A loja reembolsa o valor total em sete dias.

The store refunds the total amount in seven days.

Present tense expressing a time-bound policy.

Preciso que você me reembolse o dinheiro do almoço.

I need you to reimburse me the lunch money.

Use of the present subjunctive 'reembolse' after 'preciso que'.

O valor foi reembolsado diretamente no cartão.

The amount was refunded directly to the card.

Passive voice using 'foi' + past participle.

Se o produto estiver com defeito, a loja é obrigada a reembolsar o cliente.

If the product is defective, the store is obliged to refund the customer.

Conditional sentence using the future subjunctive 'estiver'.

A empresa costuma reembolsar as despesas de viagem em duas semanas.

The company usually reimburses travel expenses in two weeks.

Use of the verb 'costumar' to indicate a habit.

Espero que eles me reembolsem o valor integral da inscrição.

I hope they refund me the full amount of the registration.

Present subjunctive 'reembolsem' after the verb 'esperar'.

Para ser reembolsado, você deve preencher este formulário online.

To be reimbursed, you must fill out this online form.

Passive infinitive 'ser reembolsado' expressing purpose.

O gerente disse que não poderia reembolsar o valor sem a nota fiscal.

The manager said he could not refund the amount without the receipt.

Indirect speech using the conditional 'poderia'.

A seguradora reembolsou apenas uma parte dos custos médicos.

The insurance company reimbursed only a part of the medical costs.

Adverb 'apenas' modifying the object.

Nós vamos reembolsar todos os participantes pelo transtorno causado.

We are going to reimburse all participants for the inconvenience caused.

Future tense with 'ir' and the preposition 'pelo' (por + o).

Gostaria de saber se vocês reembolsam o frete em caso de devolução.

I would like to know if you refund the shipping in case of a return.

Polite inquiry using 'Gostaria de saber'.

A política da empresa prevê reembolsar gastos com cursos de especialização.

The company policy provides for reimbursing expenses with specialization courses.

Verb 'prever' taking an infinitive clause as an object.

Caso o voo sofra um atraso superior a quatro horas, a companhia deve reembolsar a alimentação.

In case the flight suffers a delay exceeding four hours, the company must reimburse the meals.

Complex conditional with 'caso' and the subjunctive 'sofra'.

O governo anunciou que irá reembolsar os agricultores pelas perdas na safra.

The government announced it will reimburse farmers for crop losses.

Future tense 'irá' used in a formal announcement context.

Não hesitem em solicitar que a gerência os reembolse se houver cobranças indevidas.

Do not hesitate to request that management reimburse you if there are improper charges.

Imperative 'não hesitem' followed by a subjunctive clause.

O valor das taxas consulares não é reembolsado em hipótese alguma.

The value of consular fees is not reimbursed under any circumstances.

Passive voice with the emphatic phrase 'em hipótese alguma'.

O cliente foi reembolsado integralmente após a mediação do órgão de defesa do consumidor.

The customer was fully reimbursed after mediation by the consumer protection agency.

Passive voice with the adverb 'integralmente'.

A plataforma de streaming reembolsou os usuários pela queda do serviço durante a final.

The streaming platform reimbursed users for the service outage during the final.

Past tense with the preposition 'pela' (por + a).

Para que a empresa o reembolse, é fundamental anexar todos os comprovantes originais.

In order for the company to reimburse you, it is essential to attach all original vouchers.

Conjunction 'para que' followed by the subjunctive 'reembolse'.

A jurisprudência atual tende a obrigar as operadoras de saúde a reembolsar tratamentos experimentais.

Current case law tends to force health providers to reimburse experimental treatments.

Formal vocabulary like 'jurisprudência' and 'operadoras de saúde'.

O tribunal determinou que a multinacional reembolsasse os acionistas pelos prejuízos decorrentes da fraude.

The court determined that the multinational should reimburse shareholders for losses resulting from the fraud.

Past subjunctive 'reembolsasse' after a verb of command 'determinou'.

É imperativo que o Estado reembolse os cidadãos que pagaram impostos sobre valores isentos.

It is imperative that the State reimburse citizens who paid taxes on exempt amounts.

Impersonal expression 'É imperativo que' followed by the subjunctive.

A cláusula de rescisão prevê que a parte infratora deve reembolsar todos os custos advocatícios.

The termination clause provides that the infringing party must reimburse all legal costs.

Legal terminology: 'cláusula de rescisão', 'parte infratora'.

A empresa se prontificou a reembolsar quaisquer gastos adicionais que os consultores pudessem vir a ter.

The company offered to reimburse any additional expenses that the consultants might happen to have.

Complex verb phrase 'pudessem vir a ter' in the subjunctive.

O montante a ser reembolsado será calculado com base na variação cambial do período.

The amount to be reimbursed will be calculated based on the exchange rate variation of the period.

Future passive with a gerundive-like structure 'a ser reembolsado'.

Muitas vezes, a burocracia para ser reembolsado desencoraja o consumidor de exercer seus direitos.

Often, the bureaucracy to be reimbursed discourages the consumer from exercising their rights.

Complex subject 'a burocracia para ser reembolsado'.

O auditor sugeriu que a diretoria reembolsasse as verbas de representação de forma mais criteriosa.

The auditor suggested that the board reimburse representation allowances more judiciously.

Subjunctive 'reembolsasse' after a suggestion verb.

A complexidade dos mecanismos de compensação financeira exige que a instituição reembolse os ativos prontamente.

The complexity of financial compensation mechanisms requires that the institution reimburse assets promptly.

Advanced financial vocabulary: 'mecanismos de compensação', 'ativos'.

Subjacente à decisão de reembolsar os credores, reside a necessidade de manter a credibilidade do mercado.

Underlying the decision to reimburse creditors lies the need to maintain market credibility.

Inverted sentence structure for rhetorical effect.

O erário público foi lesado, tornando-se premente a ação judicial para reembolsar os cofres do Estado.

The public treasury was harmed, making legal action to reimburse the State's coffers urgent.

Use of 'erário público' and 'premente' (urgent/pressing).

Não obstante as dificuldades fiscais, o governo comprometeu-se a reembolsar as autarquias pelos gastos extraordinários.

Notwithstanding the fiscal difficulties, the government committed to reimburse the local authorities for extraordinary expenses.

Concessive conjunction 'Não obstante'.

A restituição do indébito visa reembolsar aquele que pagou quantia que não era devida por erro ou coação.

The restitution of undue payment aims to reimburse the one who paid an amount that was not due by error or coercion.

Highly technical legal term 'restituição do indébito'.

A empresa buscou reembolsar-se dos prejuízos operacionais através da alienação de ativos não estratégicos.

The company sought to reimburse itself for operational losses through the sale of non-strategic assets.

Reflexive use 'reembolsar-se' with the preposition 'de'.

O montante passível de ser reembolsado está adstrito às condições expressas no aditivo contratual.

The amount liable to be reimbursed is bound by the conditions expressed in the contract amendment.

Formal terms 'passível', 'adstrito', and 'aditivo contratual'.

Instado a manifestar-se, o provedor de serviços negou-se a reembolsar as perdas indiretas reclamadas pelos usuários.

Urged to speak out, the service provider refused to reimburse the indirect losses claimed by the users.

Participle 'Instado' starting the sentence.

Common Collocations

reembolsar despesas

reembolsar integralmente

reembolsar o valor

reembolsar custos

reembolsar em dinheiro

reembolsar gastos

reembolsar o cliente

reembolsar perdas

reembolsar investimentos

reembolsar taxas

Common Phrases

Política de reembolso

— The set of rules a company has for returning money to customers.

Leia a política de reembolso antes de comprar.

Pedido de reembolso

— The formal request made by a person to get their money back.

Meu pedido de reembolso foi aprovado pela gerência.

Prazo de reembolso

— The time limit within which a refund will be processed.

O prazo de reembolso é de dez dias úteis.

Reembolso postal

— A system where the payment for goods is made to the postal service upon delivery.

Antigamente, o reembolso postal era muito comum no Brasil.

Direito ao reembolso

— The legal entitlement of a person to receive their money back.

Você tem direito ao reembolso se o voo atrasar muito.

Reembolso de IRS

— The tax refund given by the Portuguese government to taxpayers.

O meu reembolso de IRS este ano foi maior que o esperado.

Formulário de reembolso

— The document used to apply for a reimbursement.

Preencha o formulário de reembolso e anexe os recibos.

Sem direito a reembolso

— A condition stating that no money will be returned under any circumstances.

Os ingressos promocionais são vendidos sem direito a reembolso.

Reembolso automático

— A refund that is processed by a system without human intervention.

O sistema gerou um reembolso automático após o erro.

Solicitar reembolso

— The act of formally asking for a reimbursement.

Você deve solicitar reembolso através do site oficial.

Often Confused With

reembolsar vs Devolver

'Devolver' is general (books, objects, money), while 'reembolsar' is specifically for money given back as a refund or for expenses.

reembolsar vs Estornar

'Estornar' is the technical banking term for reversing a transaction, while 'reembolsar' is the general act of paying back.

reembolsar vs Pagar

'Pagar' is to pay for the first time; 'reembolsar' is to pay back money someone else already spent.

Idioms & Expressions

"Pagar com a mesma moeda"

— To treat someone in the same (usually bad) way they treated you. While not using the word 'reembolsar', it relates to the concept of 'paying back'.

Ele foi rude comigo, então eu paguei com a mesma moeda.

Informal

"Acerto de contas"

— The act of settling a debt or a grievance. Often used in a metaphorical sense for revenge.

O encontro de amanhã será um acerto de contas definitivo.

Neutral

"Sair do bolso"

— To pay for something with one's own money (which might later be reimbursed).

O dinheiro do táxi saiu do meu bolso, mas a empresa vai reembolsar.

Informal

"Mão de vaca"

— A stingy person who hates to spend money (and would definitely want to be reimbursed for everything).

Ele é tão mão de vaca que pede reembolso até de um cafezinho.

Informal

"Dinheiro na mão é vendaval"

— Money in hand disappears quickly (emphasizing the need for quick reimbursement).

Preciso do reembolso logo, porque dinheiro na mão é vendaval.

Informal / Proverb

"Dar o troco"

— To get even with someone. Similar to 'pagar com a mesma moeda'.

Ela me ignorou na festa, mas eu vou dar o troco na próxima vez.

Informal

"Custo-benefício"

— Value for money. Often discussed when deciding if something is worth paying for and seeking reimbursement.

Este hotel tem um ótimo custo-benefício para a empresa.

Neutral

"Passar a perna"

— To cheat someone out of money (the opposite of a fair reimbursement).

Eles tentaram me passar a perna e não reembolsar o valor.

Slang

"Estar no azul"

— To be in the black (having a positive balance), often after receiving a reimbursement.

Depois do reembolso do IRS, finalmente estou no azul.

Informal

"Lavar as mãos"

— To refuse to take responsibility (common when a company refuses to reimburse).

A loja lavou as mãos e disse que o problema era do fabricante.

Informal

Easily Confused

reembolsar vs Ressarcir

Both mean to pay back.

Ressarcir is more formal and often implies compensation for damages or losses, not just expenses.

A empresa deve ressarcir os danos morais.

reembolsar vs Restituir

Both involve returning something.

Restituir is often used by the government (tax returns) or in legal contexts for returning property or status.

O juiz mandou restituir o carro ao dono.

reembolsar vs Desembolsar

Sounds similar.

Desembolsar means to spend or pay out money (the opposite of receiving a reimbursement).

Tive que desembolsar mil reais para o conserto.

reembolsar vs Embolsar

Root word.

Embolsar means to pocket money, sometimes with a negative connotation of taking money for oneself.

O político embolsou o dinheiro da obra.

reembolsar vs Indenizar

Involves payment for something lost.

Indenizar is specifically for compensation for injuries, accidents, or losses covered by insurance/law.

A vítima foi indenizada após o acidente.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + vai reembolsar + [Object]

O banco vai reembolsar você.

[Subject] + reembolsou + [Object] + ontem

Eles me reembolsaram ontem.

Para ser reembolsado, [Condition]

Para ser reembolsado, você precisa do recibo.

Espero que [Subject] me reembolse

Espero que a loja me reembolse logo.

O valor será reembolsado em [Time]

O valor será reembolsado em cinco dias.

A política prevê reembolsar [Type of expense]

A política prevê reembolsar gastos com transporte.

[Entity] é obrigada a reembolsar [Object] por [Reason]

A seguradora é obrigada a reembolsar o cliente por danos.

Não obstante [Difficulty], [Subject] reembolsou [Object]

Não obstante a crise, o Estado reembolsou os cidadãos.

Word Family

Nouns

reembolso (refund/reimbursement)

embolso (the act of pocketing money)

bolso (pocket)

bolsa (bag/scholarship/stock market)

Verbs

embolsar (to pocket money)

desembolsar (to shell out/spend money)

bolsar (rarely used, related to pockets)

Adjectives

reembolsável (reimbursable)

não reembolsável (non-refundable)

reembolsado (reimbursed)

pagamento

devolução

estorno

ressarcimento

restituição

How to Use It

frequency

Common in professional, commercial, and administrative contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'pagar de volta' in formal writing. → reembolsar
'Pagar de volta' is a literal translation from English and is too informal for business or legal contexts.
Writing 'rembolsar' with only one 'e'. → reembolsar
The word is formed from 're-' and 'embolsar', so both 'e's must be present.
Using 'reembolsar' for physical objects like books. → devolver
You 'devolve' (return) objects. You 'reembolsa' (refund) money.
Saying 'reembolsar para mim'. → me reembolsar
'Reembolsar' takes a direct object. 'Me' is the direct object pronoun here.
Confusing 'reembolsar' with 'desembolsar'. → reembolsar (to get money back), desembolsar (to pay out)
These are opposites. Using the wrong one can lead to major financial confusion!

Tips

Direct Object Rule

Remember that the person being reimbursed is the direct object. You say 'Eu o reembolsei' (I reimbursed him), not 'Eu lhe reembolsei' in standard Brazilian Portuguese.

The Double E

Always check your spelling. The double 'e' is essential because it represents 're-' (back) + 'em-' (in). Writing 'rembolsar' is a common but obvious mistake.

Professionalism

Using 'reembolsar' instead of 'devolver o dinheiro' in an email to your boss or a company will immediately make you sound more professional and fluent.

Nasalization

The 'em' in 'reembolsar' must be nasalized. If you pronounce it like the English word 'them', it won't sound right to native ears. Practice your nasal 'e'.

Learn the Noun

The noun 'reembolso' is just as common as the verb. Learn them together to double your communication power in financial situations.

Consumer Rights

If you are in Brazil, knowing the word 'reembolsar' is key to exercising your rights under the 'Código de Defesa do Consumidor'. It's a powerful word!

Flight Cancellations

When a flight is cancelled, airlines might offer a 'voucher'. If you want cash instead, firmly ask: 'Eu prefiro ser reembolsado integralmente'.

Reversal vs. Refund

If you see a mistake on your card, ask for an 'estorno'. If you return a product and want money back, ask for a 'reembolso'. Knowing the difference helps the clerk.

Pocket Logic

Always visualize the 'bolso' (pocket). You are 're-em-bolsando'—putting it back into the pocket. This visual will help you remember the meaning forever.

Adverb Pairing

Pair 'reembolsar' with 'integralmente' (fully) or 'prontamente' (promptly) to sound like a sophisticated C1 speaker.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'RE-EM-BOLSO'. RE (again) + EM (in) + BOLSO (pocket). You are putting the money back in your pocket again!

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of pants with a pocket. A hand is taking a dollar bill and putting it back into that pocket. That is a 'reembolso'.

Word Web

Dinheiro Recibo Empresa Cartão de Crédito Loja Seguro Despesas Viagem

Challenge

Write a three-sentence email to a fictional store asking for a refund for a broken toaster using the word 'reembolsar' at least twice.

Word Origin

The word comes from the Portuguese prefix 're-' (meaning back or again) combined with 'embolsar'. 'Embolsar' is formed from 'em-' (in) and 'bolso' (pocket). 'Bolso' itself derives from the Latin 'bursa', meaning a bag or purse made of leather.

Original meaning: To put money back into a pocket or purse.

Romance (Latin roots)

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound too demanding when asking for a reimbursement from an individual; use polite phrases like 'Seria possível me reembolsar?'

The concept is identical to 'reimburse' or 'refund'. The main difference is that 'refund' is used for both the verb and noun in English, while Portuguese uses 'reembolsar' (verb) and 'reembolso' (noun).

Consumer protection TV shows like 'Patrulha do Consumidor' in Brazil often feature people fighting to be 'reembolsados'. Financial advice blogs in Portugal frequently discuss how to maximize your 'reembolso de IRS'. Corporate training modules in Lusophone companies always include a section on 'Política de Reembolso de Despesas'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Work / Corporate

reembolsar despesas de viagem
política de reembolso
anexar recibos para reembolso
aprovar o reembolso

Retail / Shopping

reembolsar o valor total
prazo para reembolsar
reembolsar no cartão de crédito
não reembolsamos produtos em promoção

Insurance / Healthcare

reembolsar custos médicos
solicitar reembolso do plano
tabela de reembolso
limite de reembolso

Government / Taxes

reembolso de IRS
restituição do imposto
reembolsar taxas indevidas
receber o reembolso do governo

Travel / Tourism

reembolsar a passagem
taxa de cancelamento e reembolso
reembolso integral por atraso
voucher ou reembolso

Conversation Starters

"Você sabe se a empresa reembolsa gastos com estacionamento?"

"Quanto tempo a loja levou para te reembolsar pelo produto com defeito?"

"Você já recebeu seu reembolso de IRS este ano ou ainda está esperando?"

"É difícil conseguir que o plano de saúde te reembolse por consultas particulares?"

"Eles te reembolsaram em dinheiro ou deram um crédito na loja?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma situação em que você teve dificuldade para ser reembolsado por algo que comprou.

Escreva sobre a importância de ter uma política de reembolso clara em uma empresa de sucesso.

Como você se sente quando recebe um reembolso inesperado? O que você costuma fazer com esse dinheiro?

Você prefere ser reembolsado em dinheiro ou receber um novo produto em troca? Por quê?

Reflita sobre como o processo de reembolso mudou com a tecnologia digital e os bancos online.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in modern Portuguese, 'reembolsar' is exclusively used for financial restitution. You wouldn't use it for returning a borrowed book or a car. For those, use 'devolver'.

It is neutral to formal. It is the standard word in shops and offices. In a very casual setting with a close friend, you might just say 'devolver o dinheiro'.

You can say 'Eu posso ter um reembolso?' or more naturally, 'Eu gostaria de solicitar o reembolso' or 'Vocês podem me reembolsar?'

'Reembolsar' is the general act of giving money back. 'Estornar' is the technical term used by banks to reverse a specific credit card or bank transaction.

Yes, it is a distinct syllable. In Brazil, it sounds like 'he-', and in Portugal, it sounds like 're-'. It is never silent.

Absolutely. This is the primary use of the word in a professional context. You 'pede reembolso' for your travel, meals, and taxi costs.

Use 'por' to indicate the reason: 'reembolsar pelas despesas'. Use 'em' to indicate the method: 'reembolsar em dinheiro'.

Yes, it follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ar, like 'falar' or 'cantar'. This makes it relatively easy to conjugate.

Yes, 'reembolsos' is the plural noun. For example: 'A empresa processou todos os reembolsos da semana'.

It is a 'cash on delivery' (COD) service where the post office collects payment from the recipient and sends it back to the sender.