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B2 verb Neutral #9,000 most common 2 min read

transplantar

tɾɐ̃ʃplɐ̃ˈtaɾ
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Overview

The Portuguese word 'transplantar' is a verb that directly translates to 'to transplant' in English. It refers to the action of moving something from one place to another, with a particular emphasis in medical contexts on the transfer of tissues, organs, or even cells from one body or part of a body to another.

In a medical sense, 'transplantar' is a crucial term. When a doctor 'transplanta' an organ, they are surgically moving a healthy organ from a donor (either living or deceased) into the body of a recipient whose own organ is failing or diseased. This can apply to various organs such as kidneys, hearts, lungs, livers, and even corneas. The goal of 'transplantar' in this context is to restore the recipient's health and quality of life.

The process of 'transplantar' involves several complex stages. Firstly, there's the identification of a suitable donor and recipient, which often involves meticulous matching of blood types, tissue types, and other immunological factors to minimize the risk of rejection. Secondly, the surgical procedure itself is highly intricate, requiring specialized skills and a coordinated medical team. Post-transplant, the patient often needs to take immunosuppressant medications for the rest of their life to prevent their body from rejecting the new organ, a process also related to the success of 'transplantar'.

Beyond the medical field, 'transplantar' can also be used in a more general sense, though less frequently. For example, one might 'transplantar' a plant from a small pot to a larger garden bed, meaning to move it carefully to a new location to allow for further growth. Similarly, in a metaphorical sense, one could 'transplantar' an idea or a cultural practice from one region to another, implying its introduction and establishment in a new environment.

The conjugation of 'transplantar' follows regular -ar verb patterns in Portuguese. For instance, in the present tense, it would be 'eu transplanto' (I transplant), 'tu transplantas' (you transplant), 'ele/ela transplanta' (he/she transplants), 'nós transplantamos' (we transplant), 'vós transplantais' (you all transplant), and 'eles/elas transplantam' (they transplant).

Understanding 'transplantar' therefore encompasses its core meaning of moving or transferring, its critical role in medical procedures involving organ and tissue replacement, and its broader, though less common, applications in other contexts.

Examples

1

Ela decidiu transplantar algumas flores do seu jardim para vasos menores.

gardening

She decided to transplant some flowers from her garden into smaller pots.

2

Os médicos se preparam para transplantar o coração do doador para o paciente.

medicine

The doctors prepare to transplant the donor's heart into the patient.

3

É preciso transplantar mudas para que cresçam saudáveis.

agriculture

It is necessary to transplant seedlings so that they grow healthy.

4

O paciente aguardava ansiosamente pelo transplante de rim.

medicine

The patient eagerly awaited the kidney transplant.

5

Eles vão transplantar a sede da empresa para outra cidade.

business

They are going to transfer the company's headquarters to another city.

Common Collocations

órgão transplantar
tecido transplantar
células-tronco transplantar
paciente transplantar

Often Confused With

transplantar vs transportar
Transportar means to transport or carry something from one place to another, while transplantar specifically refers to the medical procedure of transferring tissue or an organ. Although both involve moving something, the context and specific nature of the movement differ significantly.

Grammar Patterns

Transplantar um órgão (To transplant an organ) Transplantar uma planta (To transplant a plant) Transplantar células-tronco (To transplant stem cells)

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The verb 'transplantar' in Portuguese is quite straightforward in its primary medical application. It is typically used when referring to the surgical procedure of transferring an organ, tissue, or cells from one part of the body to another, or from one individual to another. For example, 'Os médicos vão transplantar o rim do doador para o paciente' (The doctors will transplant the donor's kidney to the patient). It can also be used in a more general sense to mean 'to transfer' or 'to relocate,' especially in contexts like gardening where plants are moved: 'É preciso transplantar estas mudas para um vaso maior' (These seedlings need to be transplanted to a larger pot). When used metaphorically, it implies moving something fundamental or establishing it in a new context, such as 'transplantar uma cultura' (to transplant a culture). The prepositions often used with 'transplantar' are 'para' (to) when indicating the destination, and sometimes 'de' (from) when specifying the origin, though the latter is less common as the origin is often implied.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake for English speakers learning 'transplantar' is confusing it with similar-sounding English words that have different meanings, such as 'transport'. While both involve moving something, 'transplantar' specifically refers to moving living tissue, organs, or plants to a new location where they will continue to grow or function. Another mistake is incorrect conjugation, especially for irregular verbs in Portuguese. 'Transplantar' is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugations follow standard patterns, but learners might incorrectly apply irregular verb rules they've learned for other verbs. For example, ensuring the correct endings for different tenses and persons (e.g., 'eu transplanto', 'nós transplantamos'). Additionally, sometimes learners might forget the reflexive form 'transplantar-se' when the subject is transplanting themselves, though this is less common in a medical context. Finally, using the word in contexts where 'transferir' (to transfer) or 'mudar' (to move) would be more appropriate for non-biological items can be a mistake.

Tips

💡

Use with caution in medical contexts for 'transplant'

While 'transplantar' generally means 'to transplant,' in specific medical scenarios, 'transplante' (the noun form) or more descriptive phrases might be preferred for clarity, especially when referring to the organ or tissue itself rather than the act of transplanting.
💡

Distinguish from 'transferir'

Although 'transplantar' can mean 'to transfer,' it carries the specific connotation of moving something living or a part of a living system (like an organ or plant). For general transfers of inanimate objects or abstract concepts, 'transferir' is the more appropriate verb.
💡

Common usage in horticulture

'Transplantar' is very commonly used when talking about moving plants from one location to another, especially seedlings or potted plants into the ground. For example, 'transplantar mudas' (to transplant seedlings).

Word Origin

The Portuguese word 'transplantar' originates from the Latin 'transplantare', which itself is a combination of two elements: 'trans-' and 'plantare'. 'Trans-' is a Latin prefix meaning 'across', 'beyond', 'through', or 'on the other side of'. It conveys the idea of movement or change from one place to another. We see this prefix in many English words as well, such as 'transfer', 'transport', 'transition', and 'transform'. In the context of 'transplantar', 'trans-' signifies the act of moving something from one location to another. 'Plantare' is a Latin verb meaning 'to plant', 'to set in the ground', or 'to fix in place'. It is the root of many words related to vegetation and agriculture in Romance languages, including the English word 'plant'. Therefore, the literal meaning of 'transplantare' in Latin was 'to plant across' or 'to plant from one place to another'. This accurately reflects the core concept of moving a plant from one spot to another to continue its growth. Over time, as medical knowledge advanced, the term 'transplantar' and its equivalents in other languages began to be used in a medical context. The metaphorical 'planting' of an organ or tissue from one body to another, or from one part of a body to another, became a recognized procedure. The idea is still one of transferring something living from one environment to another where it can ideally take root and thrive. In Portuguese, 'transplantar' retains both its agricultural and medical meanings. It can refer to the act of moving a plant, such as a seedling, to a new location, or to the surgical procedure of transferring an organ, tissue, or cells from one part of the body to another or from one individual to another. The evolution of the word beautifully illustrates how language adapts to encompass new concepts and technologies while maintaining its historical linguistic roots.

Cultural Context

In Portuguese-speaking countries, the word 'transplantar' holds significant cultural weight, particularly in discussions surrounding medical advancements and ethical considerations. The act of transplantation, whether of organs or tissues, is often seen as a profound medical miracle, offering a second chance at life. Public discourse frequently involves campaigns to encourage organ donation, highlighting the altruistic nature of the act and its potential to save lives. There's also a cultural sensitivity around the process, with families of donors often being lauded for their generosity in times of grief. Beyond the medical realm, 'transplantar' can metaphorically refer to the movement or establishment of ideas, customs, or even people from one place to another, reflecting a broader understanding of transferring something foundational to a new environment. This dual meaning underscores the word's versatility and its resonance within both scientific and societal narratives.

Memory Tip

Visualize a plant being carefully moved from one pot to another, symbolizing 'transplantar'. Think of 'trans' as 'across' and 'plantar' as 'to plant'.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions
'Transplantar' is a Portuguese verb that means to transplant or to transfer tissue or an organ in a medical procedure. It refers to the act of moving living cells, tissues, or organs from one part of the body to another, or from one individual to another, with the goal of replacing damaged or diseased parts and restoring function. This term is primarily used in medical and biological contexts.
'Transplantar' is most commonly used in the medical field, particularly when discussing organ transplantation, such as heart transplants, kidney transplants, or liver transplants. It can also refer to tissue transplantation, like skin grafts or bone marrow transplants. Beyond the medical context, it can occasionally be used metaphorically to mean transferring something from one place to another, though this is less common than its medical application.
While its primary use is medical, 'transplantar' can sometimes be used in a more general sense to mean to transfer or relocate something. For example, one might 'transplantar' a plant from one pot to another in gardening, or even metaphorically 'transplantar' an idea or concept from one culture to another. However, these uses are less frequent, and its core meaning remains strongly associated with biological and medical transfers.
In a medical context, direct synonyms for 'transplantar' include 'enxertar' (to graft) or 'implantar' (to implant), though these often have slightly more specific nuances depending on the type of biological material being moved. In a more general sense of transferring, synonyms could include 'transferir' (to transfer), 'mudar' (to change/move), or 'relocar' (to relocate), but these lack the specific medical connotation.

Test Yourself

fill blank

A equipa médica vai ____ o coração para o paciente.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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É necessário ____ o tecido para a análise.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
fill blank

Eles tiveram que ____ as plantas para um vaso maior.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Score: /3

Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

transplantar Spanish
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