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A2 verb 12 min read

sossegar

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips sossegar in 30 Seconds

Explanation sossegar in your Level:

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

sossegar in 30 Seconds

Sossegar: To make calm or quiet; to calm down.
Used for people, animals, or situations becoming peaceful.
Can be active (calming someone else) or reflexive (calming oneself).
Commonly heard in everyday conversation and advice.

Meaning: The Portuguese verb 'sossegar' means to make someone calm or quiet, or to calm down oneself. It's about achieving a state of peace, tranquility, or quietness. It can be used actively, meaning to cause someone or something to become calm, or reflexively, meaning to become calm oneself.
Usage Scenarios: You'll hear 'sossegar' in various everyday situations. For instance, a parent might tell a restless child, 'Sossega!' (Calm down!). It can also be used when trying to calm a nervous pet or even when one needs to find inner peace. In a more general sense, it can refer to things becoming quiet or still. For example, after a storm, the sea might 'sossegar'. It implies a transition from agitation or noise to a state of calm or quiet.

Se o bebé não parar de chorar, não me consigo sossegar.

Tenta sossegar os teus nervos antes da entrevista.

Nuances: The verb can be used transitively (to make someone/something calm) or intransitively (to become calm). The reflexive form 'sossegar-se' is very common. It's also important to note that 'sossegar' implies a cessation of disturbance, whether it's emotional, physical, or auditory. It's a peaceful resolution to a state of unrest.

A música calma ajudou-me a sossegar.

Active Voice (Transitive): When you are the one causing someone or something else to become calm, you use the active voice. This often involves comforting or soothing actions. For example, if a baby is crying, a parent might try to soothe them. The sentence structure typically involves the subject performing the action of calming the object. 'Ele tentou sossegar o cão assustado com um afago.' (He tried to calm the scared dog with a pet.) Here, 'ele' (he) is the subject, and 'o cão assustado' (the scared dog) is the object being calmed. The verb 'sossegar' is conjugated to match the subject and tense. Another example: 'A mãe cantou uma canção de embalar para sossegar o bebé.' (The mother sang a lullaby to calm the baby.) The action of singing is intended to achieve the state of calmness in the baby. The focus is on the agent who is actively inducing tranquility. It's important to use the correct verb conjugation based on the subject and tense. For instance, in the present tense, 'Eu sossego' (I calm), 'Tu sossegas' (You calm), 'Ele/Ela/Você sossega' (He/She/You calm). In the past tense (preterite), 'Eu sosseguei' (I calmed), 'Tu sossegaste' (You calmed), 'Ele/Ela/Você sossegou' (He/She/You calmed). Understanding these conjugations is key to using the verb correctly in transitive sentences.

A música suave ajudou a sossegar a minha mente ansiosa.

Reflexive Voice (Sossegar-se): The reflexive form, 'sossegar-se', is used when the subject is performing the action of calming themselves. This is very common when talking about managing one's own emotions or physical state. The reflexive pronoun ('me', 'te', 'se', 'nos', 'vos', 'se') is attached to the verb or precedes it. For instance, 'Preciso de me sossegar antes de tomar uma decisão.' (I need to calm myself down before making a decision.) Here, 'me' indicates that the action of calming is directed back to the subject 'eu' (I). Another example: 'Ele estava muito agitado, mas conseguiu sossegar-se com a meditação.' (He was very agitated, but he managed to calm himself down with meditation.) The infinitive form 'sossegar-se' is used after modal verbs like 'conseguir' (to manage). The conjugation applies to the main verb, and the reflexive pronoun agrees with the subject. For example, in the present tense, 'Eu me sossego', 'Tu te sossegas', 'Ele/Ela/Você se sossega'. In the past tense, 'Eu me sosseguei', 'Tu te sossegaste', 'Ele/Ela/Você se sossegou'. This form is crucial for expressing personal efforts to achieve peace or quiet. It's about internal regulation of one's state.

Depois da discussão, ela precisou de um tempo para se sossegar.

Intransitive Use (Without Reflexive Pronoun): In some cases, 'sossegar' can be used intransitively without a reflexive pronoun, particularly when referring to a situation or entity becoming quiet or calm on its own, or when the subject is implied. For example, 'O barulho finalmente começou a sossegar.' (The noise finally started to quiet down.) Here, the noise itself is the subject and it becomes quiet. Another instance: 'A tempestade passou e o mar começou a sossegar.' (The storm passed and the sea began to calm down.) The sea is the subject, and it naturally becomes calmer. This usage emphasizes the natural cessation of activity or disturbance. It's less about an agent actively causing the calm and more about the state of becoming calm. The conjugation follows standard intransitive verb patterns. For example, 'O vento sossegou' (The wind calmed down). This form is often used in descriptive contexts where the focus is on the environmental change towards tranquility.

Depois de muita agitação, a cidade parecia sossegar à noite.

Everyday Conversations: You'll frequently hear 'sossegar' in casual chats among Portuguese speakers. Parents use it constantly with children. 'Para de correr e sossega!' (Stop running and calm down!). Friends might advise each other, 'Respira fundo e tenta sossegar os nervos.' (Take a deep breath and try to calm your nerves.). It's a go-to verb for expressing the need for or the achievement of peace and quiet in personal interactions. The reflexive form 'sossegar-se' is particularly common in these contexts, reflecting personal efforts to manage stress or agitation. It's a very practical and relatable verb in daily life, used to navigate moments of mild to moderate stress or excitement.

A professora pediu aos alunos para sossegar o barulho.

Media and Literature: In news reports, especially those describing events after a period of unrest or chaos, you might read or hear about things beginning to 'sossegar'. For instance, 'A situação política começou a sossegar após as eleições.' (The political situation began to calm down after the elections.). In literature, it's used to describe characters finding peace, or environments becoming tranquil. A novel might describe a character who finally finds a way to 'sossegar' their troubled mind after a long journey. The verb adds a layer of descriptive depth, painting a picture of restored calm and order. It's also used in song lyrics, often expressing a desire for peace or a moment of quiet reflection.

O barulho da festa finalmente começou a sossegar.

Advice and Self-Help: In contexts related to mental well-being and stress management, 'sossegar' is very prominent. You'll find advice like 'Para sossegar a sua mente, experimente técnicas de mindfulness.' (To calm your mind, try mindfulness techniques.). Therapists might encourage patients to 'sossegar-se' after a difficult session. The emphasis is on the internal process of finding calm and reducing anxiety. It's a key term in discussions about emotional regulation and finding a sense of inner peace. The verb is used to encourage proactive steps towards tranquility, often in conjunction with other stress-reducing activities.

O treinador pediu aos jogadores para sossegar o ritmo.

Describing Nature and Animals: 'Sossegar' is also used to describe the natural world. After a storm, the wind might 'sossegar', or the waves might 'sossegar'. 'O mar começou a sossegar depois da tempestade.' (The sea began to calm down after the storm.). It can also apply to animals. A herd of wild horses might 'sossegar' after being startled, or a pet might 'sossegar' when it feels safe and comfortable. This usage highlights the transition from a state of agitation or movement to one of stillness and peace, often observed in natural phenomena or animal behavior.

Espera um pouco para sossegar o teu coração.

Confusing with 'acalmar': While 'sossegar' and 'acalmar' are very similar and often interchangeable, there can be subtle differences in nuance or common usage. 'Acalmar' generally means to make calm or to become calm, often implying a reduction in intensity of emotions or physical activity. 'Sossegar' can sometimes imply a deeper sense of peace or stillness, a more complete quieting. For example, you might 'acalmar' a crying baby, but you might 'sossegar' a very agitated mind. However, in most everyday situations, they are synonymous. A common mistake is to overthink the difference or to use one exclusively when the other would also be perfectly acceptable. For instance, saying 'Ele tentou acalmar o cão' is correct, as is 'Ele tentou sossegar o cão'. The key is to recognize their high degree of overlap. A learner might hesitate to use 'sossegar' in a context where 'acalmar' is more common, or vice-versa, leading to unnatural phrasing. The best approach is to learn them together and practice using both in varied sentences. For example, 'A brisa ajudou a sossegar o calor' (The breeze helped to calm the heat) might sound slightly more natural than using 'acalmar' here, though 'acalmar' wouldn't be strictly wrong. Conversely, 'O médico receitou um remédio para acalmar a dor' (The doctor prescribed medicine to calm the pain) is more common than using 'sossegar'.

Mistake: 'Ele quer sossegar a sua raiva.' Correct: 'Ele quer acalmar a sua raiva.' (While 'sossegar' can be used for emotions, 'acalmar' is often preferred for intense emotions like anger.)

Incorrect Reflexive Pronoun Usage: When using the reflexive form 'sossegar-se', learners sometimes omit the reflexive pronoun or use the wrong one. The pronoun must agree with the subject. For example, 'Eu sossegar' is incorrect; it should be 'Eu me sossego' or 'Eu me sossegar' (in infinitive contexts). Similarly, 'Eles se sossegar' is incorrect; it should be 'Eles se sossegam' (present) or 'Eles se sossegaram' (preterite). A common error is to forget the pronoun altogether when it's required. 'Eu quero sossegar' is acceptable if you mean 'I want to be quiet/calm', but if you mean 'I want to calm myself down', then 'Eu quero me sossegar' is more precise. The placement of the pronoun can also be tricky, especially with compound tenses or infinitives. However, for basic conjugations, remembering the subject-pronoun agreement is key. For instance, 'Nós sossegar' should be 'Nós nos sossegamos'. This adherence to pronoun agreement is fundamental for correct reflexive verb usage in Portuguese.

Mistake: 'Ela sossegar o bebé.' Correct: 'Ela vai sossegar o bebé.' (Omitting the auxiliary verb 'vai' when intending future action.)

Overuse or Underuse: Learners might either overuse 'sossegar' in situations where a more specific verb would be better, or conversely, avoid it altogether due to unfamiliarity. For example, instead of saying 'O evento vai sossegar a cidade' (The event will quiet the city), it might be more precise to say 'O evento vai trazer calma à cidade' (The event will bring calm to the city) or 'O evento vai pacificar a cidade' (The event will pacify the city), depending on the exact nuance. On the other hand, if a learner is constantly seeking synonyms for 'calm down', they might overlook 'sossegar' when it's the most natural fit. The key is to build a repertoire of verbs and understand their subtle differences in connotation and typical usage. Overusing it might make sentences sound repetitive, while underusing it means missing out on a versatile and common Portuguese verb.

Mistake: 'O gato sossegou na cama.' Correct: 'O gato dormiu na cama.' (While 'sossegar' implies quiet, 'dormir' is specific to sleeping.)

Acalmar: 'Acalmar' is the most common synonym for 'sossegar'. Both mean to make calm or to become calm. 'Acalmar' often implies reducing agitation, noise, or intensity. It's very versatile and can be used for people, animals, emotions, or even situations. For example, 'Acalma-te!' (Calm down!) is a direct command. 'O chá de camomila ajuda a acalmar os nervos.' (Chamomile tea helps to calm the nerves.) While 'sossegar' can also be used here, 'acalmar' is perhaps slightly more frequent when referring to reducing nervousness or anxiety.

Sossegar vs Acalmar: Both mean to calm. 'Acalmar' is broader and can imply reducing intensity. 'Sossegar' often implies a deeper peace or stillness.

Tranquilizar: 'Tranquilizar' means to make tranquil, to reassure, or to calm someone down, often by alleviating their worries or fears. It carries a stronger sense of providing peace of mind. You might 'tranquilizar' someone who is worried about an exam. 'O médico tentou tranquilizar a família sobre o estado do paciente.' (The doctor tried to reassure the family about the patient's condition.). While 'sossegar' can imply reassurance, 'tranquilizar' specifically focuses on removing anxiety and doubt.

Sossegar vs Tranquilizar: 'Tranquilizar' often involves reassurance and alleviating worry, focusing on mental peace.

Pacificar: 'Pacificar' means to pacify, to bring peace, or to quell unrest. It's often used in more serious contexts, like pacifying a rebellious group or calming a tense political situation. It implies a more forceful or decisive action to end conflict or disturbance. 'O líder tentou pacificar os ânimos exaltados.' (The leader tried to pacify the heated spirits.). While 'sossegar' can be used for less intense situations, 'pacificar' suggests a more significant resolution to conflict or agitation.

Sossegar vs Pacificar: 'Pacificar' implies resolving conflict or unrest, often on a larger scale.

Atenuar: 'Atenuar' means to attenuate, to lessen, or to reduce the intensity of something. While not a direct synonym for 'sossegar', it can be related when referring to reducing agitation or noise. For instance, 'O uso de tampões de ouvido ajudou a atenuar o barulho.' (Using earplugs helped to lessen the noise.). 'Sossegar' implies a more complete quieting or calming, whereas 'atenuar' suggests a reduction in strength or severity.

Sossegar vs Atenuar: 'Atenuar' means to lessen or reduce intensity, not necessarily to bring to a complete calm.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The connection between soft shoes and quietness might seem unusual, but it relates to the idea of moving softly and quietly, like one would when wearing comfortable slippers. This concept of gentle, unhurried movement evolved into the broader sense of being calm and undisturbed.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /su.seˈɡaɾ/

US /su.seˈɡaɾ/

Second-to-last syllable: sos-se-GAR

Rhymes With

chegar largar pegar cantar falar jogar olhar oligar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 's' as 'z'.
Not stressing the final syllable.
Pronouncing the 'e' as 'ay'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The verb 'sossegar' is common and straightforward, typically introduced at the A2 CEFR level. Its meaning is intuitive for learners familiar with concepts of calm and quiet. The main challenge lies in mastering its transitive and reflexive uses, along with common collocations.

Writing 2/5

Speaking 2/5

Listening 2/5

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

calmo quieto paz dormir descansar precisar querer ajudar

Learn Next

acalmar tranquilizar sereno repousar agitado

Advanced

aplacar pacificar mitigar dominar (reflexive) conciliar

Grammar to Know

The reflexive pronoun 'se' must agree with the subject when using 'sossegar-se'.

Eu me sossego, tu te sossegas, ele se sossega.

The infinitive form of 'sossegar' is used after prepositions or modal verbs.

Ele precisa de sossegar. Eu quero sossegar.

The past participle 'sossegado' can function as an adjective.

O bebé está sossegado.

The imperative mood is used for direct commands.

Sossega! (You, singular, informal)

Impersonal 'se' can be used with 'sossegar'.

É difícil sossegar quando se está sob pressão.

Examples by Level

Cala-te e sossega!

Be quiet and calm down!

Imperative form for direct command.

O cão sossegou.

The dog calmed down.

Past tense (preterite) of sossegar.

Preciso de sossegar.

I need to calm down.

Infinitive form after 'preciso de'.

Sossega o teu coração.

Calm your heart.

Imperative with possessive pronoun.

O barulho sossegou.

The noise quieted down.

Intransitive use.

Deixa-me sossegar.

Let me rest/calm down.

Infinitive after 'deixa-me'.

O bebé sossegou.

The baby calmed down.

Past tense.

Quero sossegar.

I want to calm down.

Infinitive after 'quero'.

A mãe tentou sossegar o bebé que chorava.

The mother tried to calm the crying baby.

Transitive use, past tense.

Depois da corrida, ele precisava de se sossegar.

After the run, he needed to calm himself down.

Reflexive use, infinitive after 'precisava de'.

A música calma ajuda a sossegar a mente.

Calm music helps to calm the mind.

Transitive use, present tense.

Por favor, sossega um pouco.

Please, calm down a bit.

Imperative, informal.

O mar começou a sossegar depois da tempestade.

The sea began to calm down after the storm.

Intransitive use, past tense.

Ela sentiu-se mais sossegada.

She felt calmer.

Past participle used as adjective after 'sentir-se'.

Tenta te sossegar antes de falar.

Try to calm yourself down before speaking.

Reflexive use, infinitive after 'tenta'.

O professor pediu para os alunos sossegarem.

The teacher asked the students to quiet down.

Infinitive after 'pediu para'.

É difícil sossegar quando se está sob tanta pressão.

It's difficult to calm down when one is under so much pressure.

Impersonal 'se' construction with infinitive.

A meditação é uma ótima forma de sossegar a alma.

Meditation is a great way to calm the soul.

Transitive use with abstract noun.

Ele lutou para se sossegar após a má notícia.

He struggled to calm himself down after the bad news.

Reflexive use, infinitive after 'lutou para'.

A paisagem tranquila ajudou-me a sossegar os pensamentos.

The tranquil landscape helped me to calm my thoughts.

Transitive use with abstract noun.

O governo tomou medidas para sossegar os protestos.

The government took measures to calm the protests.

Transitive use, implying reduction of unrest.

Ela sempre consegue me sossegar quando estou ansiosa.

She always manages to calm me down when I'm anxious.

Transitive use, present tense.

É importante aprender a se sossegar em momentos de crise.

It's important to learn to calm oneself down in moments of crisis.

Reflexive use, infinitive after 'aprender a'.

A notícia do seu regresso ajudou a sossegar os familiares.

The news of his return helped to calm the family members.

Transitive use, past tense.

Apesar do caos aparente, ele manteve-se sereno, tentando sossegar os outros.

Despite the apparent chaos, he remained serene, trying to calm the others.

Transitive use, present participle of 'sossegar' used adjectivally in translation.

O terapeuta utilizou técnicas de respiração para o ajudar a sossegar o sistema nervoso.

The therapist used breathing techniques to help him calm his nervous system.

Transitive use with a specific physiological system.

A sua presença calma tinha o dom de sossegar qualquer ambiente tenso.

Her calm presence had the gift of calming any tense environment.

Transitive use with an abstract concept ('ambiente tenso').

É fundamental encontrar um refúgio interior para se sossegar nas adversidades.

It is fundamental to find an inner refuge to calm oneself down in adversity.

Reflexive use, infinitive after 'para'.

As autoridades trabalharam para sossegar a população após o incidente.

The authorities worked to calm the population after the incident.

Transitive use, implying restoration of order.

Ele procurou isolar-se do ruído exterior para poder sossegar os seus pensamentos.

He sought to isolate himself from external noise to be able to calm his thoughts.

Transitive use of thoughts, infinitive after 'poder'.

A beleza serena da montanha ajudou-me a sossegar a alma.

The serene beauty of the mountain helped me to calm my soul.

Transitive use with abstract noun 'alma'.

O objetivo era sossegar os ânimos e evitar confrontos maiores.

The objective was to calm spirits and avoid larger confrontations.

Transitive use with 'ânimos' (spirits/moods).

A sua capacidade de manter a compostura servia para sossegar os mais exaltados.

His ability to maintain composure served to calm the most excitable.

Transitive use, infinitive used as gerund in English translation.

Em tempos de incerteza, é imperativo que cada um aprenda a sossegar o seu próprio espírito.

In times of uncertainty, it is imperative that each person learns to calm their own spirit.

Reflexive use, impersonal 'se' implied.

O orador habilmente usou a sua voz para sossegar a plateia ansiosa.

The speaker skillfully used his voice to calm the anxious audience.

Transitive use, emphasizing skillful action.

A quietude da floresta primordial oferecia um bálsamo para sossegar a mente atribulada.

The quietude of the primeval forest offered a balm to soothe the troubled mind.

Transitive use with a metaphorical 'balm'.

As negociações foram longas, mas eventualmente conseguiram sossegar as partes em conflito.

The negotiations were long, but eventually they managed to calm the conflicting parties.

Transitive use, implying resolution of conflict.

O silêncio que se seguiu à sua confissão permitiu-lhe finalmente sossegar.

The silence that followed his confession allowed him to finally calm down.

Intransitive use, implying personal peace.

A sua retórica persuasiva tinha o poder de sossegar até os mais céticos.

His persuasive rhetoric had the power to calm even the most skeptical.

Transitive use, highlighting persuasive power.

É uma arte aprender a sossegar a cacofonia interna que por vezes nos assola.

It is an art to learn to calm the internal cacophony that sometimes assails us.

Transitive use with a strong metaphor for internal turmoil.

O mestre zen, com um simples gesto, conseguiu sossegar a turbulência emocional da assembleia.

The Zen master, with a simple gesture, managed to calm the emotional turbulence of the assembly.

Transitive use, sophisticated vocabulary.

O anseio por sossegar a alma inquieta levou-o a procurar a iluminação.

The yearning to calm the restless soul led him to seek enlightenment.

Transitive use with abstract noun, 'sossegar' as an object of yearning.

A sua oratória não visava apenas informar, mas sobretudo sossegar as consciências e inspirar ação.

His oratory aimed not only to inform, but above all to calm consciences and inspire action.

Transitive use with 'consciências', dual purpose of speech.

Na quietude do crepúsculo, a natureza parecia conspirar para sossegar os corações aflitos.

In the quietude of twilight, nature seemed to conspire to calm afflicted hearts.

Transitive use with metaphorical 'conspire' and abstract 'corações aflitos'.

O seu objetivo último era sossegar o tumulto interior que o atormentava há anos.

His ultimate goal was to calm the inner turmoil that had tormented him for years.

Transitive use with strong metaphor for internal struggle.

A diplomacia procurou sossegar as tensões regionais, evitando assim um conflito aberto.

Diplomacy sought to calm regional tensions, thus avoiding open conflict.

Transitive use in a geopolitical context.

Ele dedicou a sua vida a aprender a sossegar a mente e a alcançar a serenidade perpétua.

He dedicated his life to learning to calm the mind and achieve perpetual serenity.

Transitive use, lifelong dedication.

A arte do silêncio, para alguns, é a ferramenta mais eficaz para sossegar a alma.

The art of silence, for some, is the most effective tool to calm the soul.

Transitive use with metaphorical 'tool'.

Common Collocations

sossegar os nervos

sossegar o coração

sossegar a alma

sossegar o bebé

sossegar os ânimos

sossegar o barulho

sossegar-se

deixar sossegar

sossegar o espírito

sossegar o mar

Common Phrases

Sossega!

— Calm down! Be quiet!

A mãe disse ao filho: 'Sossega! Não corras assim!'

Deixa-me sossegar.

— Let me rest/calm down. Let me be.

Estou muito cansado, deixa-me sossegar um pouco.

Preciso de me sossegar.

— I need to calm myself down.

Tive um dia mau, preciso de me sossegar antes de dormir.

Ele sossegou.

— He calmed down.

Depois de se acalmar, ele sossegou e explicou a situação.

Sossega o teu coração.

— Calm your heart/Don't worry.

Não te preocupes tanto, sossega o teu coração.

Ajudou a sossegar.

— It helped to calm down.

O chá de camomila ajudou a sossegar o meu estômago.

Está sossegado.

— It's quiet/calm.

O bebé está sossegado agora.

Sossegar os ânimos.

— To calm spirits/emotions.

O líder tentou sossegar os ânimos da multidão.

Tentar sossegar.

— To try to calm down.

Ele está muito agitado, vou tentar sossegar.

Nada o sossegava.

— Nothing could calm him/it.

O choro do bebé era tão intenso que nada o sossegava.

Often Confused With

sossegar vs acalmar

'Acalmar' is a very close synonym, often interchangeable. 'Sossegar' can sometimes imply a deeper or more complete stillness than 'acalmar', but in many contexts, they mean the same thing. For example, 'acalmar os nervos' and 'sossegar os nervos' are both common.

sossegar vs descansar

'Descansar' means to rest, to relax, often implying a physical break. 'Sossegar' is more about achieving a state of calm or quiet, which can include resting but isn't limited to it. You can 'sossegar' without necessarily resting, like calming your thoughts.

sossegar vs serenar

'Serenar' implies achieving a state of serenity or deep peace, often more profound than the general calm of 'sossegar'. It's typically used for minds or souls.

Idioms & Expressions

"Sossega o teu burro!"

— Calm down! Stop being so anxious or impatient! (Literally: Calm your donkey!)

Estás a ficar nervoso com o trânsito? Sossega o teu burro!

Informal

"Deixar a poeira sossegar."

— To let things settle down; to wait for a situation to become calm before taking action.

Ainda há muita confusão. É melhor esperar e deixar a poeira sossegar.

Neutral

"Sossegar o espírito."

— To find inner peace; to achieve mental tranquility.

Ele viajou para um lugar isolado para sossegar o espírito.

Neutral to Formal

"Sossega o teu coração."

— Don't worry; be reassured.

Recebi a carta, sossega o teu coração, está tudo bem.

Neutral

"Sossega o latido!"

— Stop complaining or making noise! Be quiet! (Often used playfully or dismissively)

Já chega de reclamar, sossega o latido!

Informal

"Sossegar o osso."

— To rest; to take it easy. (Literally: to quiet the bone)

Depois de tanto trabalho, vou para casa sossegar o osso.

Informal

"Deixar os mortos sossegados."

— To let sleeping dogs lie; to not bring up old issues that could cause trouble.

Não menciones o passado, é melhor deixar os mortos sossegados.

Neutral

"Ficar sossegado."

— To remain calm; to be at peace.

Ele ficou sossegado com a decisão final.

Neutral

"Sossega a cabra!"

— Calm down! Stop being so agitated! (Similar to 'Sossega o teu burro!', but more vulgar)

Calma, sossega a cabra, vamos resolver isto.

Vulgar/Informal

"Sossegar a fome."

— To satisfy hunger; to eat until you're no longer hungry.

Vou preparar um lanche para sossegar a fome.

Neutral

Easily Confused

sossegar vs Acalmar

Both verbs mean to make calm or to become calm.

'Sossegar' often implies a more complete or deeper quietness or stillness, whereas 'acalmar' can simply mean to reduce agitation or intensity. For emotions like anger, 'acalmar' might be more common. For overall peace, 'sossegar' can be stronger.

Ela tentou acalmar o bebé chorando. Ele buscava sossegar a sua alma na natureza.

sossegar vs Repousar

Both relate to a state of quiet or inactivity.

'Repousar' specifically means to rest, to take a break, often physically. 'Sossegar' is about achieving calm and quietness, which can involve rest but also means reducing noise, agitation, or emotional disturbance. One can 'sossegar' their mind without physically resting.

Vou repousar um pouco. Ele precisa de sossegar os pensamentos.

sossegar vs Tranquilizar

Both involve making someone feel calm.

'Tranquilizar' focuses more on reassuring someone, alleviating their worries, and providing peace of mind. It often involves verbal comfort or good news. 'Sossegar' is a more general term for making calm or quiet, which might or might not involve reassurance.

O médico tentou tranquilizar os pais. A música ajudou a sossegar o ambiente.

sossegar vs Pacificar

Both verbs aim to bring about a state of peace.

'Pacificar' is used for larger-scale conflicts, unrest, or intense disturbances that need to be quelled or pacified. 'Sossegar' is generally used for more personal or localized calming, or for general quietness.

O líder tentou pacificar os rebeldes. Eu só preciso de sossegar um pouco.

sossegar vs Acalentar

Both can involve soothing actions.

'Acalentar' means to cherish, to nurture, or to rock a baby gently. It's about tender care. 'Sossegar' is about making calm or quiet. While rocking a baby might help it 'sossegar', the verb 'acalentar' describes the specific action of rocking or cherishing.

Ela acalentou o bebé para o sossegar.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + sossegar + object.

A mãe sossegou o bebé.

Subject + precisar de + se + sossegar.

Eu preciso de me sossegar.

Ajudar a + sossegar + object.

A música ajudou a sossegar os meus nervos.

Imperative: Sossega!

Sossega, por favor!

Subject + ter o dom de + sossegar + object.

A sua calma tinha o dom de sossegar a todos.

Para + se + sossegar.

Ele fechou os olhos para se sossegar.

Servir para + sossegar + object.

A sua presença servia para sossegar os mais ansiosos.

Aprender a + sossegar + object.

É importante aprender a sossegar a mente.

Word Family

Nouns

sossego

Verbs

sossegar

Adjectives

sossegado

acalmar

tranquilo

paz

calma

repousar

descansar

How to Use It

frequency

High

Common Mistakes

Omitting the reflexive pronoun in 'sossegar-se'. → Eu me sossego.
When the subject is calming themselves, the reflexive pronoun ('me', 'te', 'se', etc.) is mandatory and must agree with the subject. Saying 'Eu sossego' when you mean 'I calm myself down' is incorrect.
Using 'sossegar' when 'descansar' is more appropriate. → Preciso de descansar.
'Descansar' specifically means to rest or take a break. While resting can lead to 'sossego' (calmness), 'sossegar' itself isn't about physical rest but about achieving a state of calm or quiet. If you need a nap, say 'Preciso de descansar'.
Confusing transitive and intransitive uses. → Ela sossegou o bebé. O bebé sossegou.
The first sentence uses 'sossegar' transitively (she calmed the baby). The second uses it intransitively (the baby calmed down). Learners sometimes mix these up, or use a reflexive pronoun incorrectly.
Using 'sossegar' for intense emotions where 'acalmar' or 'dominar' might be better. → Ele lutou para acalmar a sua raiva.
While 'sossegar' can be used for emotions, for very strong emotions like intense anger, 'acalmar' (to calm) or 'dominar' (to control) might be more fitting. 'Sossegar' often implies a quieter, more peaceful state.
Incorrect conjugation of the verb. → Eu sosseguei (preterite).
Like any verb, 'sossegar' needs to be conjugated correctly according to tense and subject. A common error is using the infinitive or an incorrect past tense form.

Tips

Stress the final syllable!

Remember that in 'sossegar', the stress falls on the last syllable: sos-se-GAR. Practicing this will make your pronunciation sound much more natural to native speakers.

Embrace the reflexive 'sossegar-se'

The reflexive form 'sossegar-se' (to calm oneself down) is incredibly useful. Make a conscious effort to use it when you are talking about your own efforts to manage stress or find peace.

Connect with 'Sossego'

Learn the noun 'sossego' (peace, quiet, calm) alongside the verb. This will help you understand the core concept and use related vocabulary more effectively. For instance, 'Quero sossego' means 'I want peace/quiet'.

Transitive vs. Reflexive

Distinguish between 'sossegar' (transitive, to calm someone/something) and 'sossegar-se' (reflexive, to calm oneself). Pay attention to the direct object and the reflexive pronoun to use it correctly.

Listen for it in everyday speech

Pay attention to how Portuguese speakers use 'sossegar' in movies, music, and conversations. You'll hear it frequently in contexts of parenting, managing emotions, and describing peaceful environments.

Use the 'SOS' mnemonic

Think of 'SOS' as a distress signal that requires immediate quiet and calm. Combine it with 'segura' (hold on) to remember 'sossegar' – stopping the chaos to become calm.

Role-play calming scenarios

Practice dialogues where you need to calm down a child, a pet, or a friend. This hands-on practice will solidify your understanding and usage of 'sossegar'.

Understand the value of peace

In Portuguese culture, finding moments of 'sossego' is valued. Understanding this cultural appreciation for peace will give you a deeper insight into why this verb is so commonly used.

Explore 'acalmar' and 'tranquilizar'

While 'sossegar' is common, know its close relatives like 'acalmar' and 'tranquilizar'. Understanding their subtle differences will enrich your vocabulary and allow for more precise expression.

Describe your own moments of peace

Write or talk about times when you felt peaceful or managed to calm yourself down. Use 'sossegar' to describe these experiences, making the word personal and memorable.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a very noisy party ('sos'). Suddenly, someone shouts 'Segura!' (Hold on!). Everyone stops, and the party becomes quiet. 'Sossegar' means to stop the noise and become quiet. SOS + SEGURA = SOSSEGAR.

Visual Association

Picture a calm, still lake reflecting the sky. The word 'sossegar' is like the surface of that lake – smooth, peaceful, and undisturbed. Think of a sleeping cat, completely relaxed and quiet.

Word Web

Calm Quiet Peaceful Still Relax Settle Soothe Tranquil Rest Serene

Challenge

Try to use 'sossegar' in at least three different sentences today: one where you are calming someone else, one where you are calming yourself, and one describing a situation becoming quiet.

Word Origin

The verb 'sossegar' originates from the Latin word 'soccus', which referred to a type of soft shoe or slipper. Over time, 'soccus' evolved into 'sossus' in Vulgar Latin, meaning 'quiet' or 'at rest'. This linguistic shift led to the Portuguese verb 'sossegar', carrying the meaning of becoming quiet or calm.

Original meaning: To be quiet, at rest.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Portuguese

Cultural Context

The verb is generally positive and universally understood. Using it to calm someone down is a caring act. However, telling someone to 'sossegar' too abruptly or without empathy could be perceived as dismissive, similar to telling someone to 'calm down' in English when they feel their emotions are justified.

In English, we have 'calm down', 'quiet down', 'settle down', 'rest', and 'relax'. 'Sossegar' encompasses many of these, often with a slightly deeper sense of peace than just 'calm down'.

The phrase 'Sossega, leão!' (Calm down, lion!) is a common, often humorous, way to tell someone to relax, especially if they are being overly intense or agitated. In Fado music, themes of longing and peace are common, and the desire to 'sossegar' the soul or heart is often implied. Portuguese proverbs sometimes use 'sossego' (noun form) to represent a desirable state of peace and quiet, contrasting it with the hustle and bustle of life.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Parenting a child

Sossega, meu amor.
O bebé precisa de sossegar.
Não consigo sossegar o meu filho.

Managing stress or anxiety

Tenho de me sossegar.
Preciso de sossegar os nervos.
A meditação ajuda a sossegar.

Describing a situation becoming calm

O barulho sossegou.
O mar sossegou.
A situação vai sossegar.

Giving advice

Tenta sossegar um pouco.
É melhor sossegar antes de decidir.
Devemos sossegar os ânimos.

Describing peace and quiet

Gosto de sossegar em casa.
Encontrei um lugar para sossegar.
Ele sossegou depois da viagem.

Conversation Starters

"How do you usually sossegar after a long day?"

"What helps you the most to sossegar when you're feeling stressed?"

"Have you ever had to sossegar a very agitated person or animal?"

"In what situations do you find it most important to sossegar?"

"What's the best way to sossegar a crying baby, in your opinion?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you really needed to sossegar yourself. What did you do, and how did it feel?

Write about a situation where you helped someone else to sossegar. What was your approach?

Reflect on the difference between 'sossegar' and just 'being quiet'. When is one more appropriate than the other?

Imagine a perfect place where you can truly sossegar. Describe it in detail.

How can practicing 'sossegar' regularly improve your overall well-being and daily life?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While 'sossegar' and 'acalmar' are very similar and often interchangeable, 'sossegar' can sometimes imply a deeper or more complete sense of stillness and peace. 'Acalmar' might focus more on reducing intensity or agitation. For example, you might 'acalmar' a crying baby, but you might 'sossegar' a troubled mind. However, in most everyday contexts, they are synonyms. For instance, 'Ele tentou sossegar o cão' and 'Ele tentou acalmar o cão' are both correct and understandable.

You use 'sossegar-se' when the subject is performing the action of calming themselves. It means 'to calm oneself down'. For example, 'Preciso de me sossegar' means 'I need to calm myself down'. The reflexive pronoun ('me', 'te', 'se', etc.) must agree with the subject of the verb.

Yes, 'sossegar' can be used intransitively to describe inanimate objects or situations becoming calm or quiet. For example, 'O mar começou a sossegar após a tempestade' (The sea began to calm down after the storm), or 'O barulho finalmente sossegou' (The noise finally quieted down).

Some very common phrases include 'sossegar os nervos' (to calm one's nerves), 'sossegar o coração' (to calm one's heart, i.e., stop worrying), and the imperative 'Sossega!' (Calm down!). The reflexive form 'sossegar-se' is also extremely common.

'Sossegar' is a versatile verb used in both formal and informal contexts. While the imperative 'Sossega!' can be informal, its use in sentences like 'As autoridades procuraram sossegar os ânimos' is perfectly appropriate in formal settings. Its commonality makes it suitable for most registers.

The noun form is 'sossego', which means peace, quiet, calm, or tranquility. For example, 'Eu gosto do sossego da manhã' (I like the quietness of the morning).

You can say 'sossegar' (often reflexively, 'sossegar-se'), 'acalmar' (often reflexively, 'acalmar-se'), or 'tranquilizar-se'. The choice often depends on the specific nuance you want to convey and the context.

'Sossega o teu burro!' is an informal Portuguese idiom that means 'Calm down!' or 'Stop being so anxious/impatient!' It's a colorful way to tell someone to relax.

Interestingly, yes, indirectly. 'Sossegar' comes from the Latin word 'soccus', which meant a type of soft shoe or slipper. The idea was that wearing soft shoes allowed one to move quietly and at rest, leading to the meaning of 'to be quiet' or 'to calm down'. 'Soccer' also derives from 'soccus' through the term 'assocceration' (a nickname for association football).

Yes, 'sossegar' is commonly used for animals. You can 'sossegar' a frightened pet or describe how an animal has calmed down. For example, 'A voz calma do dono ajudou a sossegar o cão' (The owner's calm voice helped to calm the dog).