repartir in 30 Seconds
- Repartir means to share or distribute, dividing something into parts for others.
- Used for food, resources, tasks, and even abstract concepts.
- Often implies division into portions for multiple recipients.
- Key verb for sharing and distribution in Portuguese.
- Core Meaning
- The fundamental concept behind 'repartir' is division and distribution. It's about taking something that exists as a whole and breaking it down into smaller portions to be given to others, or to be placed in different locations. Think of it as the opposite of gathering everything into one place.
- Sharing Food
- One of the most common scenarios is sharing food. If you have a cake or a pizza, you 'repartir' it among your friends. This implies an equal or fair division, depending on the context. For example, 'Vamos repartir o bolo em fatias iguais.' (Let's share the cake into equal slices.)
- Distributing Resources
- Beyond food, 'repartir' applies to distributing any kind of resource, be it money, gifts, or even responsibilities. In a family setting, parents might 'repartir' chores among their children. In a business, profits might be 'repartidos' (distributed) among shareholders. 'O professor vai repartir os trabalhos entre os alunos.' (The teacher will distribute the assignments among the students.)
- Geographical Distribution
- The verb can also refer to the physical distribution of items across different places. For instance, a company might 'repartir' its products to various stores. 'A empresa decidiu repartir as suas mercadorias por todo o país.' (The company decided to distribute its goods throughout the country.)
- Abstract Concepts
- Less commonly, 'repartir' can be used for more abstract concepts, like distributing knowledge or information. 'É importante repartir o conhecimento dentro da equipa.' (It is important to share knowledge within the team.) This usage is closer to 'compartilhar' but implies a more active distribution.
Nós vamos repartir as tarefas de casa.
Ele decidiu repartir o seu tempo entre o trabalho e a família.
- Contexts of Use
- You'll hear 'repartir' in various everyday situations: family gatherings where food is shared, discussions about dividing responsibilities, financial planning where assets are distributed, and even in logistical contexts where goods are sent to different locations. It's a versatile verb that emphasizes the act of giving out or dividing something amongst others.
- Basic Structure
- The most common structure is Subject + repartir + Object + (prepositional phrase indicating recipients or location). The preposition 'entre' (among/between) is frequently used when specifying who or what receives the distributed item.
- Sharing Food
- When sharing food, you can say: 'Eu vou repartir o pão entre todos.' (I will share the bread among everyone.) Or, more specifically about portions: 'Precisamos de repartir a torta em oito fatias.' (We need to divide the pie into eight slices.)
- Distributing Items
- For distributing other items: 'O voluntário vai repartir os cobertores pelas famílias necessitadas.' (The volunteer will distribute the blankets to the needy families.)
- Sharing Responsibilities/Tasks
- When dividing tasks: 'Nós decidimos repartir o trabalho de equipa de forma justa.' (We decided to share the teamwork fairly.) 'O chefe repartiu as novas responsabilidades entre os membros da equipa.' (The boss distributed the new responsibilities among the team members.)
- Figurative Use
- In a more abstract sense: 'Ele gosta de repartir a sua alegria com os outros.' (He likes to share his joy with others.)
- With Direct and Indirect Objects
- You can also use direct and indirect objects to specify what is being distributed and to whom. For example: 'Repartiu-se o bolo (direct object) pelos convidados (indirect object).' (The cake was distributed among the guests.)
A mãe repartiu o lanche entre os seus filhos.
- At the Dinner Table
- In Portuguese-speaking cultures, sharing food is a significant aspect of social interaction. You'll frequently hear 'repartir' when a meal is served, especially if it's a dish meant for sharing like a large stew, a roast, or a dessert. For example, someone might say, 'Quem vai repartir o bacalhau?' (Who will serve the codfish?) or 'Vamos repartir o arroz.' (Let's serve the rice.) This often happens in family meals, gatherings with friends, and even in casual restaurant settings.
- In Family and Community Discussions
- Beyond food, 'repartir' is used when discussing the division of responsibilities or resources within a family or community. Parents might discuss how to 'repartir' chores among their children: 'Temos de repartir as tarefas de casa de forma justa.' (We have to share the household chores fairly.) In a neighborhood context, people might talk about how to 'repartir' resources during a local event or initiative. Even in inheritance discussions, the concept of 'repartir' assets is central.
- In Business and Workplace Settings
- In a professional environment, 'repartir' is used for distributing tasks, workloads, or even profits. A manager might say, 'Vou repartir os novos projetos entre as equipas.' (I will distribute the new projects among the teams.) In financial contexts, it can refer to how dividends are 'repartidos' (distributed) to shareholders. This highlights the practical application of the word in organizational settings.
- In Logistics and Distribution Chains
- For companies that move goods, 'repartir' is a key term. It describes the process of sending products from a central warehouse to various retail outlets or customers. You might hear discussions like, 'A empresa precisa de repartir os seus produtos para novas regiões.' (The company needs to distribute its products to new regions.) This usage emphasizes the geographical spread of items.
- In Educational Contexts
- In schools or universities, teachers and professors might use 'repartir' when handing out materials or assigning tasks. 'O professor repartiu os testes no início da aula.' (The teacher distributed the tests at the beginning of the class.) Or when dividing students into groups for projects: 'Vamos repartir os alunos em grupos de quatro.' (Let's divide the students into groups of four.)
'Vamos repartir a conta em partes iguais', disse ele.
- Confusing with 'Compartilhar'
- While both 'repartir' and 'compartilhar' can mean to share, 'repartir' often implies a more active division and distribution of a whole into parts. 'Compartilhar' is more about having something in common or using something together, like sharing an idea or a feeling. For example, you 'repartir' a cake, but you 'compartilhar' an opinion. Using 'repartir' for abstract concepts like ideas can sound a bit unusual, though not entirely incorrect in all contexts.
- Overuse in Abstract Contexts
- While 'repartir' can be used for abstract concepts like knowledge or joy, it's less common and can sound slightly formal or even a bit literal compared to 'compartilhar'. Learners might mistakenly use 'repartir' in every situation where 'share' is used in English, which can lead to awkward phrasing. Stick to 'compartilhar' for sharing opinions, feelings, or information unless you specifically want to emphasize the act of dividing and giving out.
- Incorrect Preposition Usage
- The preposition 'entre' (among/between) is very common with 'repartir'. Forgetting to use it or using the wrong preposition can lead to errors. For example, saying 'Repartir o bolo os amigos' instead of 'Repartir o bolo entre os amigos' is incorrect. Ensure you use 'entre' when specifying the recipients of the distributed item.
- Verb Conjugation Errors
- Like any verb, 'repartir' needs to be conjugated correctly according to tense, mood, and person. Common mistakes include using the infinitive form when a conjugated form is needed, or using the wrong ending for a particular tense. For instance, saying 'Eu repartir o bolo' instead of 'Eu reparti o bolo' (I shared the cake) or 'Eu vou repartir' (I am going to share).
- Confusing with 'Distribuir' (in some contexts)
- While 'distribuir' is a very close synonym, especially in the sense of handing out items, 'repartir' often carries a stronger connotation of division into portions, especially when sharing among people. 'Distribuir' can be more general, like distributing flyers or mail. However, in many cases, they are interchangeable. Be aware that 'repartir' implies a sense of apportionment.
Errado: 'Nós repartimos o bolo nossos amigos.' Certo: 'Nós repartimos o bolo entre os nossos amigos.'
- Distribuir
- Meaning: To distribute, hand out, circulate.
Comparison: 'Distribuir' is a very close synonym and often interchangeable with 'repartir', especially when referring to the physical handing out of items or the circulation of information. However, 'repartir' often carries a stronger sense of dividing a whole into portions among people, implying a more personal or equitable division. 'Distribuir' can be more general, like distributing flyers or mail.
Example: 'O carteiro vai distribuir as cartas.' (The postman will distribute the letters.) vs. 'Vamos repartir a pizza entre nós.' (Let's share the pizza among us.) - Compartilhar
- Meaning: To share, to have in common.
Comparison: 'Compartilhar' is used for sharing more abstract things like ideas, feelings, experiences, or information. It can also mean to share a resource, but it doesn't necessarily imply dividing a whole into parts. 'Repartir' is more about the physical act of dividing and giving out.
Example: 'Eu gosto de compartilhar as minhas ideias com os colegas.' (I like to share my ideas with colleagues.) vs. 'Vamos repartir o bolo de aniversário.' (Let's share the birthday cake.) - Dividir
- Meaning: To divide, to split.
Comparison: 'Dividir' is a more general term for splitting something into parts, whether for distribution or simply for separation. 'Repartir' specifically emphasizes the distribution of these parts to others. You can 'dividir' a number by another, or 'dividir' a room, but you 'repartir' something among people.
Example: 'O professor vai dividir a classe em dois grupos.' (The teacher will divide the class into two groups.) This could be for different activities, not necessarily for sharing something. If the intention is to share, 'repartir' is often preferred. - Ratear
- Meaning: To share equally, to apportion equally, to split the cost.
Comparison: 'Ratear' specifically implies an equal division, often used for splitting costs or equally distributing resources. 'Repartir' can be used for both equal and unequal divisions, although an equal division is often implied in social contexts.
Example: 'Vamos ratear o custo da viagem.' (Let's split the cost of the trip equally.) This is more specific than 'repartir a conta'.
Repartir o bolo vs. Compartilhar a ideia.
How Formal Is It?
"O conselho administrativo decidiu repartir os dividendos anuais entre os acionistas."
"Vamos repartir a pizza em quatro pedaços."
"Anda lá, repartimos isto rápido!"
"Vamos repartir os brinquedos para todos brincarem!"
Fun Fact
The Latin 'partire' is related to the English word 'part', highlighting the fundamental concept of division inherent in both languages. The prefix 're-' suggests a process that happens repeatedly or a redistribution.
Pronunciation Guide
- Incorrectly pronouncing the initial 'r' as a hard 'h' sound.
- Not rolling or flapping the 'r' sounds, especially the middle one.
- Misplacing the stress on a different syllable.
Difficulty Rating
At CEFR B1, understanding 'repartir' in reading is generally straightforward, especially in contexts like sharing food or tasks. More complex or abstract uses might require a higher level of comprehension, but the core meaning is usually clear. The presence of synonyms and nuances can make distinguishing its precise meaning a bit challenging at times.
Using 'repartir' correctly in writing at B1 requires understanding its various contexts and its distinction from synonyms. Learners need to pay attention to prepositions like 'entre' and 'por', and choose the appropriate verb for abstract versus concrete sharing. Conjugation accuracy is also important.
Speaking with 'repartir' at B1 involves recalling the correct conjugation and choosing the right context. It's a useful verb for everyday interactions like sharing food or dividing tasks, making it practical for spontaneous conversation. Hesitation might arise when choosing between 'repartir' and 'compartilhar'.
Understanding 'repartir' in spoken Portuguese at B1 depends on the clarity of the speaker and the context. It's a common verb, so hearing it in everyday conversations about meals, chores, or simple distributions should be manageable. Differentiating it from similar words might require careful listening.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb Conjugation: 'Repartir' is a regular -ir verb in the present tense, but its past tense (pretérito perfeito) follows the pattern of verbs like 'partir'.
Eu reparti, tu repartiste, ele repartiu, nós repartimos, vós repartistes, eles repartiram.
Prepositions: 'Entre' is commonly used with 'repartir' to indicate the recipients or the items among which something is divided.
Repartir o bolo entre os convidados.
Use of Gerunds: The gerund form 'repartindo' can be used to describe an ongoing action of distribution.
Ele estava repartindo os folhetos na rua.
Passive Voice: The passive voice is formed with 'ser' + past participle 'repartido'.
O dinheiro foi repartido de forma justa.
Reflexive Verb: 'Repartir-se' means to be divided or to divide oneself, often used for things that break or divide easily.
A rocha repartiu-se com o impacto.
Examples by Level
Eu repartir o doce.
I share the candy.
Simple present tense, subject-verb agreement.
Nós repartir o pão.
We share the bread.
Plural subject with verb.
Repartir os brinquedos.
Share the toys.
Imperative or infinitive form, context dependent.
Ele repartir a fruta.
He shares the fruit.
Third person singular, simple present.
A mãe repartir o leite.
The mother shares the milk.
Subject-verb agreement.
Repartir o bolo.
Share the cake.
Infinitive used as a command or suggestion.
Tu repartir o biscoito.
You share the cookie.
Second person singular, informal.
Eles repartir a água.
They share the water.
Third person plural.
Vamos repartir a pizza entre nós.
Let's share the pizza among us.
Using 'vamos' + infinitive for suggestion, and 'entre' for recipients.
O professor repartiu os livros.
The teacher distributed the books.
Past tense (pretérito perfeito) of repartir.
Eu preciso repartir este trabalho.
I need to share this work.
Using 'precisar de' + infinitive.
Eles repartiram as tarefas de casa.
They shared the household chores.
Past tense, plural subject.
Podemos repartir o custo?
Can we share the cost?
Modal verb 'poder' + infinitive.
A avó repartiu os doces pelos netos.
The grandmother shared the sweets among the grandchildren.
Using 'pelos' (por + os) to indicate recipients.
Ele repartiu o seu tempo entre o estudo e o lazer.
He divided his time between studying and leisure.
Figurative use of 'repartir' with 'entre'.
A companhia vai repartir os lucros.
The company will distribute the profits.
Future tense (ir + infinitive).
Eles decidiram repartir a conta do restaurante em partes iguais.
They decided to split the restaurant bill into equal parts.
Using 'decidir' + infinitive, and specifying equal division.
O voluntário foi encarregado de repartir as doações na comunidade.
The volunteer was tasked with distributing the donations in the community.
Passive voice construction with 'ser' + past participle.
É importante repartir o conhecimento para o crescimento da equipa.
It is important to share knowledge for the team's growth.
Using 'é importante' + infinitive, and abstract concept.
A logística da empresa envolve repartir os produtos por vários centros de distribuição.
The company's logistics involve distributing products to various distribution centers.
Gerund form as part of a noun phrase.
O governo prometeu repartir os recursos de forma mais justa.
The government promised to distribute the resources more fairly.
Using 'prometer' + infinitive.
Nós tivemos que repartir o nosso tempo entre o trabalho e os estudos para o exame.
We had to divide our time between work and studies for the exam.
Past tense, figurative use with 'entre'.
O artista decidiu repartir a sua inspiração em diferentes formas de arte.
The artist decided to distribute his inspiration into different art forms.
Figurative use with abstract concept.
A nova política visa repartir as responsabilidades administrativas entre os departamentos.
The new policy aims to distribute administrative responsibilities among the departments.
Using 'visar' + infinitive.
A distribuição equitativa dos bens é um princípio fundamental que requer a capacidade de repartir.
The equitable distribution of goods is a fundamental principle that requires the ability to share.
Complex sentence structure, abstract noun phrase.
O gestor foi criticado por não conseguir repartir as tarefas de forma eficiente entre os membros da equipa.
The manager was criticized for not managing to distribute tasks efficiently among the team members.
Using 'conseguir' + infinitive, and adverbial phrase.
A pandemia forçou muitas empresas a repensar como repartir os seus recursos físicos e humanos.
The pandemic forced many companies to rethink how to distribute their physical and human resources.
Using 'forçar' + infinitive, and a clause as object.
A tradição de repartir o pão em certas celebrações religiosas simboliza a partilha e a comunidade.
The tradition of sharing bread in certain religious celebrations symbolizes sharing and community.
Using a gerund as a noun modifier.
O debate centrou-se em como repartir os fundos públicos de maneira a beneficiar o maior número de cidadãos.
The debate focused on how to distribute public funds in a way that benefits the greatest number of citizens.
Using 'centrar-se em' + clause.
A arte de negociar muitas vezes implica saber repartir concessões para alcançar um acordo.
The art of negotiation often implies knowing how to share concessions to reach an agreement.
Figurative use, using 'saber' + infinitive.
O novo sistema visa otimizar a forma como a eletricidade é repartida pelas diferentes regiões do país.
The new system aims to optimize how electricity is distributed to the different regions of the country.
Using 'visar' + infinitive, and a clause as object.
Ao repartir a responsabilidade, cada membro da equipa sente-se mais motivado.
By sharing the responsibility, each team member feels more motivated.
Using a gerund phrase as an adverbial clause.
A filosofia estoica enfatiza a importância de repartir a riqueza material e focar-se no desenvolvimento interior.
Stoic philosophy emphasizes the importance of distributing material wealth and focusing on inner development.
Formal register, abstract philosophical concept.
O desafio reside em como repartir o poder de decisão de forma a evitar a centralização excessiva e promover a autonomia.
The challenge lies in how to distribute decision-making power to avoid excessive centralization and promote autonomy.
Using 'residir em' + clause, and abstract concepts.
A literatura pós-colonial frequentemente explora as narrativas fragmentadas resultantes da tentativa de repartir identidades culturais.
Post-colonial literature often explores the fragmented narratives resulting from the attempt to distribute cultural identities.
Literary context, complex abstract concepts.
A partilha de conhecimento científico, ou a sua dificuldade em ser repartido, tem implicações profundas na sociedade.
The sharing of scientific knowledge, or its difficulty in being distributed, has profound implications for society.
Using a passive infinitive construction.
A estratégia de desenvolvimento sustentável passa por repartir os recursos naturais de forma responsável entre as gerações presentes e futuras.
The sustainable development strategy involves distributing natural resources responsibly between present and future generations.
Using 'passar por' + infinitive, and a complex temporal reference.
A arte de governar implica não apenas tomar decisões, mas também saber repartir o fardo e a responsabilidade com os governados.
The art of governing implies not only making decisions but also knowing how to share the burden and responsibility with the governed.
Figurative use, parallel structure with 'não apenas... mas também'.
A arquitetura moderna procura repartir os espaços de forma a maximizar a luz natural e a funcionalidade.
Modern architecture seeks to distribute spaces in a way to maximize natural light and functionality.
Using 'procurar' + infinitive, and a purpose clause.
O discurso sobre a justiça social muitas vezes gira em torno da questão de como repartir o poder e os privilégios de forma mais equitativa.
The discourse on social justice often revolves around the question of how to distribute power and privileges more equitably.
Using 'girar em torno de' + noun phrase.
A hermenêutica jurídica investiga os métodos pelos quais o texto da lei é repartido e interpretado para aplicação em casos concretos.
Legal hermeneutics investigates the methods by which the text of the law is distributed and interpreted for application in concrete cases.
Highly specialized academic context, passive voice.
O conceito de soberania, quando confrontado com a globalização, exige uma reavaliação de como o poder é efetivamente repartido entre estados e entidades supranacionais.
The concept of sovereignty, when confronted with globalization, requires a re-evaluation of how power is effectively distributed among states and supranational entities.
Complex abstract concepts, philosophical/political science context.
A crítica literária pós-estruturalista desconstrui a noção de autoria unificada, propondo que o significado de um texto é repartido entre múltiplos discursos e influências.
Post-structuralist literary criticism deconstructs the notion of unified authorship, proposing that the meaning of a text is distributed among multiple discourses and influences.
Advanced literary theory, complex abstract concepts.
A distribuição de recursos hídricos em regiões de escassez é um problema geopolítico complexo que exige a capacidade de repartir de forma sustentável e equitativa.
The distribution of water resources in scarcity regions is a complex geopolitical problem that requires the ability to share sustainably and equitably.
Focus on geopolitical and environmental issues.
A epistemologia contemporânea debate a natureza do conhecimento e questiona se este é inerentemente individual ou se deve ser repartido e construído coletivamente.
Contemporary epistemology debates the nature of knowledge and questions whether it is inherently individual or should be shared and collectively constructed.
Highly philosophical, abstract concepts.
A arte performática, ao desafiar as convenções do palco, muitas vezes busca repartir a experiência estética entre o performer e o público, abolindo fronteiras tradicionais.
Performance art, by challenging stage conventions, often seeks to distribute the aesthetic experience between the performer and the audience, abolishing traditional boundaries.
Artistic and theoretical context.
O imperativo ético de repartir o acesso à saúde e à educação é um pilar fundamental para a construção de sociedades mais justas e inclusivas.
The ethical imperative to share access to health and education is a fundamental pillar for building more just and inclusive societies.
Ethical and societal focus.
A dinâmica de poder nas relações internacionais é um campo de estudo que analisa como a influência e os recursos são repartidos entre as nações.
The power dynamics in international relations is a field of study that analyzes how influence and resources are distributed among nations.
Political science context, abstract concepts.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Shall we share? / Shall we divide it up?
Comprámos uma pizza grande. Vamos repartir?
— To share bread (often with symbolic meaning of community and sustenance).
Naquela noite, eles repartiram o pão como um gesto de paz.
— To share the burden/load.
Se todos ajudarem, conseguimos repartir a carga de trabalho.
— To share the food.
Quando a comida chegou, ele começou a repartir a comida pelos convidados.
— To share one's luck (often used figuratively or in a philosophical sense).
A vida ensina-nos a repartir a sorte e o azar.
— To share love (figurative).
O seu trabalho era repartir o amor e a compaixão pelos necessitados.
Often Confused With
'Compartilhar' is for sharing abstract things like ideas, feelings, or experiences, or for jointly using something. 'Repartir' is more about dividing a whole into parts and distributing them.
'Distribuir' is very similar and often interchangeable, especially for physical items. However, 'repartir' often implies a more personal division into portions among people.
'Dividir' is a general term for splitting. 'Repartir' specifically focuses on the distribution of those parts to others.
Idioms & Expressions
— To share both good fortune and misfortune; to go through thick and thin together.
Um casamento feliz é aquele em que os cônjuges repartem a sorte e o azar.
Informal/Common— To share one's sustenance or livelihood with someone; to be generous and supportive.
Ele era conhecido por repartir o pão com os mais pobres.
Slightly formal/Traditional— To divide one's time between different activities or commitments.
A vida moderna exige que saibamos repartir o tempo entre o trabalho, a família e o lazer.
Neutral/Figurative— To share responsibility for a task or situation.
É importante repartir a responsabilidade para não sobrecarregar ninguém.
Neutral— To divide one's attention among several things or people.
O professor teve de repartir a sua atenção entre os alunos mais avançados e os que precisavam de mais ajuda.
Neutral— To share joy or happiness with others.
A sua presença era uma forma de repartir a alegria com todos.
Figurative/Positive— To share a burden or difficulty.
Juntos, conseguimos repartir o fardo da mudança.
Neutral/Figurative— To speak out or express one's opinion, often to a group.
Ele decidiu repartir a voz e defender os seus direitos.
Figurative/Less common— To share one's deepest feelings or emotions with someone.
Naquele momento de desespero, ela sentiu a necessidade de repartir o coração com a sua melhor amiga.
Figurative/Emotional— A more poetic way to say sharing life's essentials or experiences.
Na simplicidade da aldeia, eles aprenderam a repartir o pão da vida.
Poetic/FigurativeEasily Confused
Both mean 'to share'.
'Repartir' emphasizes the act of dividing a whole into parts and giving those parts to different people or places. It's about apportionment. 'Compartilhar' is more about having something in common, jointly using something, or sharing abstract concepts like ideas or feelings. You 'repartir' a cake, but you 'compartilhar' an opinion.
Vamos repartir o bolo. (Let's divide the cake.) vs. Vamos compartilhar as ideias. (Let's share the ideas.)
Both mean 'to distribute' or 'to hand out'.
'Repartir' often carries a connotation of dividing something among people, implying a more personal or equitable division of portions. 'Distribuir' can be more general, referring to the handing out of items, circulation of information, or placement in various locations without necessarily emphasizing the division into portions for individuals. For example, a company might 'distribuir' products to stores, but a family might 'repartir' a meal among themselves.
A empresa vai distribuir os produtos nas lojas. (The company will distribute the products to the stores.) A família vai repartir o jantar. (The family will share the dinner.)
Both involve splitting something.
'Dividir' is the general act of splitting something into two or more parts. It doesn't necessarily imply that these parts are then given to others. 'Repartir' specifically means to divide something *and then distribute* those parts. You can 'dividir' a number by another, or 'dividir' a room into two sections, but you 'repartir' a cake among guests.
Precisamos dividir a conta em dois. (We need to split the bill in two.) vs. Vamos repartir a conta entre nós. (Let's split the bill among us.)
Both imply sharing, often equally.
'Ratear' specifically means to share or split something equally, most commonly used for costs or expenses. 'Repartir' can mean to share equally, but it can also be used for unequal distribution or simply for dividing something into portions without specifying equality. 'Ratear' is more focused on the fairness of the division, especially financially.
Vamos repartir o custo da viagem. (Let's share the cost of the trip - could be unequal.) vs. Vamos ratear o custo da viagem. (Let's split the cost of the trip equally.)
Both can involve allocation of resources.
'Apropriar' in this context means to allocate or assign something for a specific purpose or person, often in a more formal or administrative sense. It's about setting aside or designating something. 'Repartir' is about the physical act of dividing and giving out. You might 'apropriar' funds for a project, and then 'repartir' those funds among different tasks.
O tribunal apropriou os fundos para a construção. (The court allocated the funds for the construction.) vs. O gerente repartiu os fundos para as equipas. (The manager distributed the funds to the teams.)
Sentence Patterns
Subject + repartir + Object.
Eu repartir o doce.
Vamos + repartir + Object + entre + Recipients.
Vamos repartir a pizza entre nós.
Subject + repartir + Object + por + Locations/Recipients.
O professor repartiu os livros por ordem alfabética.
Subject + repartir + Abstract Concept.
É bom repartir o conhecimento.
Subject + ter que/precisar de + repartir + Object.
Temos que repartir este trabalho.
Reflexive: Object + repartir-se.
O tempo repartiu-se bem.
Figurative use with complex subjects/objects.
A arte de governar implica saber repartir o fardo.
Passive voice or complex clauses involving 'repartir'.
O debate centrou-se em como o poder é repartido.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Common in everyday spoken and written Portuguese.
-
Using 'repartir' for abstract ideas when 'compartilhar' is more natural.
→
É importante compartilhar ideias.
While 'repartir' can sometimes be used for abstract concepts, 'compartilhar' is the more natural and common choice for sharing ideas, opinions, or feelings. 'Repartir' implies a more active division and distribution.
-
Forgetting the preposition 'entre' when specifying recipients.
→
Eles repartiram o bolo entre os convidados.
When indicating who receives the distributed item, the preposition 'entre' is crucial. Saying 'Eles repartiram o bolo os convidados' is grammatically incorrect.
-
Confusing the past tense conjugation.
→
Eu reparti o pão.
Learners might incorrectly conjugate the past tense. For example, saying 'Eu reparti' instead of 'Eu reparti' or using the wrong ending for other persons.
-
Using 'repartir' when 'dividir' is more appropriate for simple splitting.
→
Precisamos dividir a conta em dois.
If the intention is simply to split something into parts without necessarily distributing those parts to others, 'dividir' is often more suitable. 'Repartir' implies distribution.
-
Not distinguishing 'repartir' from 'distribuir' in specific contexts.
→
A empresa vai distribuir os folhetos. / Vamos repartir a comida.
'Distribuir' is often used for mass distribution of items or information, while 'repartir' can imply a more personal division into portions among people. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.
Tips
Preposition Power
Pay close attention to the prepositions that follow 'repartir'. 'Entre' is used to specify who or what receives the distributed items ('repartir entre os amigos'). 'Por' can indicate destinations or multiple recipients ('repartir por várias cidades').
Mastering the 'R's
The 'r' sounds in 'repartir' are important for clear pronunciation. Ensure you use a rolled or flapped 'r' sound, especially the middle 'r' in 'repartir', which is a flap similar to the 'tt' in American English 'butter'. The initial and final 'r's are typically rolled.
Think 'Re-Part'
A helpful mnemonic is to think of 'repartir' as 're-parting'. You are taking something and 're-parting' it into smaller pieces to give away. This emphasizes the division and distribution aspect.
Mealtime Mastery
When eating with Portuguese speakers, be ready to hear and use 'repartir' for sharing food. Phrases like 'Vamos repartir?' (Shall we share?) or 'Quem vai repartir o prato?' (Who will serve the dish?) are very common.
Beyond 'Share'
While 'share' is a good English translation, 'repartir' is more specific about the act of dividing and distributing. It's not just about having something in common, but actively giving out portions.
Figurative Flourish
Don't limit 'repartir' to physical objects. It can be used for abstract concepts like time, knowledge, or joy, adding a more nuanced expression to your Portuguese. 'Repartir o tempo' or 'repartir a alegria' are good examples.
Conjugation Count
Remember that 'repartir' is a verb and needs to be conjugated correctly according to tense and subject. Practice its past tense conjugations, as they are frequently used.
Cultural Connection
The emphasis on sharing and community in Portuguese-speaking cultures makes 'repartir' a very relevant verb. Understanding its cultural implications can deepen your appreciation for the language.
Active Application
The best way to learn is to use it! Try to incorporate 'repartir' into your writing and speaking practice as much as possible, describing various scenarios of sharing and distribution.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a chef who loves to 're-part' (repartir) his delicious meals. He takes a big pie and 're-parts' it into many slices for his hungry friends. The 're-' reminds you of 'again' or 'doing something over', and 'part' is clear – he's dividing it into parts.
Visual Association
Picture a pie being sliced and handed out to several people. Focus on the action of dividing the pie and the act of giving each person a slice. The image should convey division and distribution.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'repartir' in at least three different sentences today, each time describing a different scenario of sharing or distributing something. For example, share a snack, distribute flyers, or divide a task.
Word Origin
The word 'repartir' comes from the Latin verb 'repartire', which itself is formed from the prefix 're-' (again, back) and 'partire' (to divide, to share). This etymology clearly shows the core meaning of dividing something and giving it back or distributing it.
Original meaning: To divide again, to distribute.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > PortugueseCultural Context
When using 'repartir', consider the context of fairness and equality. While 'repartir' itself doesn't always imply equal distribution, in social contexts, especially with food or financial matters, an expectation of fairness is often present. If the distribution is unequal, it might be necessary to specify or use a more neutral term like 'distribuir'.
In English, 'share' is a very common word with broad applications. 'Distribute' is more formal and often used for goods or information. 'Apportion' is more formal and implies a deliberate division. 'Repartir' encompasses aspects of all these but often carries a stronger sense of dividing a whole into portions specifically for others.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Sharing food with family or friends.
- Vamos repartir o bolo?
- Quem vai repartir o frango?
- Repartimos a sobremesa?
- Repartir o pão
Dividing tasks or responsibilities.
- Repartir as tarefas de casa.
- Repartir o trabalho em equipa.
- Repartir as responsabilidades.
- Repartir o tempo
Splitting costs or finances.
- Repartir a conta.
- Repartir o custo.
- Repartir os lucros.
- Repartir o dinheiro
Distributing items or resources.
- Repartir os presentes.
- Repartir os materiais.
- Repartir os mantimentos.
- Repartir os recursos
Figurative sharing or division.
- Repartir a alegria.
- Repartir o fardo.
- Repartir a atenção.
- Repartir a sorte
Conversation Starters
"What's your favorite food to share with friends?"
"How do you usually divide chores at home?"
"If you won the lottery, how would you share the money?"
"What's the best way to divide your time between work and personal life?"
"Do you think it's important to share knowledge with others?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you had to divide something important with others. How did you feel about it?
Write about a situation where sharing responsibilities made a task easier. What was your role?
Reflect on the meaning of 'sharing' in your culture. What are the most common ways people share things?
Imagine you have to distribute a limited resource among a group. How would you decide who gets what?
Think about a time you felt you had to 'repartir' your emotions or burdens with someone. What was that experience like?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Repartir' focuses on the act of dividing a whole into parts and distributing those parts to others. Think of dividing a cake into slices. 'Compartilhar' is more about having something in common, jointly using something, or sharing abstract concepts like ideas, feelings, or information. You 'repartir' physical items, but you 'compartilhar' opinions or experiences.
Yes, but it's less common and often more formal than 'compartilhar'. When used for abstract concepts like knowledge, time, or joy, it implies a deliberate distribution or apportionment of these intangible elements. For example, 'É importante repartir o conhecimento.' (It is important to share knowledge.)
The most common contexts involve sharing food (like dividing a cake or serving a meal) and distributing tasks or responsibilities. Splitting bills ('repartir a conta') is also very frequent.
Not necessarily. While it often implies a fair division in social contexts, 'repartir' itself means to divide and distribute, and the distribution might not always be equal. If you want to emphasize equal sharing, you might use 'ratear' or say 'repartir igualmente'.
The most common preposition is 'entre' (among/between) when specifying the recipients of the distribution (e.g., 'repartir o bolo entre os amigos'). 'Por' (by/through/to) can also be used to indicate locations or multiple recipients (e.g., 'repartir os mantimentos por várias aldeias').
'Repartir' is a regular -ir verb in the present tense, but its past tense (pretérito perfeito) follows the pattern of verbs like 'partir'. The conjugation is: eu reparti, tu repartiste, ele/ela repartiu, nós repartimos, vós repartistes, eles/elas repartiram.
Yes, the reflexive form 'repartir-se' means 'to be divided' or 'to divide oneself'. It's often used for things that split or break easily. For example, 'A rocha repartiu-se com o impacto.' (The rock split with the impact.)
The main noun form is 'repartição', which can mean 'division', 'distribution', or a 'department' in an office or administrative setting.
Use 'repartir' when you want to emphasize the act of dividing something into portions specifically for people or a group, often in a more personal or social context. 'Distribuir' is more general for handing out items or circulating information widely.
Yes, 'repartir a conta' is a very common and idiomatic phrase in Portuguese, meaning 'to split the bill' in restaurants or when sharing expenses.
Test Yourself 10 questions
/ 10 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Repartir is a versatile Portuguese verb signifying the act of dividing something into portions and distributing those portions among people or to different locations. It's crucial for expressing concepts of sharing food, allocating resources, assigning tasks, and even distributing abstract ideas, always emphasizing the act of apportionment.
- Repartir means to share or distribute, dividing something into parts for others.
- Used for food, resources, tasks, and even abstract concepts.
- Often implies division into portions for multiple recipients.
- Key verb for sharing and distribution in Portuguese.
Context is Key
Always consider the context when choosing between 'repartir', 'compartilhar', and 'distribuir'. If you're dividing a cake, 'repartir' is perfect. If you're sharing an idea, 'compartilhar' is better. If you're sending out flyers, 'distribuir' might be more appropriate.
Preposition Power
Pay close attention to the prepositions that follow 'repartir'. 'Entre' is used to specify who or what receives the distributed items ('repartir entre os amigos'). 'Por' can indicate destinations or multiple recipients ('repartir por várias cidades').
Mastering the 'R's
The 'r' sounds in 'repartir' are important for clear pronunciation. Ensure you use a rolled or flapped 'r' sound, especially the middle 'r' in 'repartir', which is a flap similar to the 'tt' in American English 'butter'. The initial and final 'r's are typically rolled.
Think 'Re-Part'
A helpful mnemonic is to think of 'repartir' as 're-parting'. You are taking something and 're-parting' it into smaller pieces to give away. This emphasizes the division and distribution aspect.
Example
É importante repartir as tarefas de casa entre todos.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More general words
a cerca de
B1About; approximately.
à direita
A2To the right side.
à esquerda
A2To the left side.
a fim de
A2in order to
à frente
A2In front of.
a frente
A2At or toward the front.
À frente de
A2In front of
a tempo
A2on time, punctually
à volta de
A2Around.
abaixo
A1At a lower level or layer than; below.
