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A2 verb #19,000 most common 10 min read

trovoar

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips trovoar in 30 Seconds

Explanation trovoar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'trovoar' means 'to thunder'. You will usually see it in the context of weather. The most important thing to remember is that you don't use 'I' or 'you' with it when talking about the weather. You just say 'Trovoa' (It is thundering) or 'Vai trovoar' (It is going to thunder). It is a useful word for simple conversations about the day's weather or when you are describing a rainy day. You might hear it in a weather forecast on TV. Just think of it as a special weather word that doesn't need a person to do the action. It's like the word 'rain' in 'It rains', but in Portuguese, we don't even need the 'It'.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'trovoar' in different past and future tenses. For example, 'Ontem trovoou muito' (Yesterday it thundered a lot). You are also learning that it is an 'impersonal verb'. This means it is almost always in the third person singular form. You might also start to see the noun version, 'o trovão' (the thunder). You should be able to understand a weather forecast that uses this word and be able to tell someone that a storm is coming. You are beginning to understand that 'trovoar' and 'trovejar' are the same thing and can be used interchangeably in most situations. This level is about building your confidence in using the word in basic, everyday sentences about the environment.

At the B1 level, you can use 'trovoar' in more complex sentences and narratives. You might describe a trip where the weather was bad: 'Estávamos a caminhar quando começou a trovoar e tivemos de procurar abrigo.' (We were walking when it started thundering and we had to look for shelter). You also start to understand the metaphorical use of the word. For example, if someone is very angry and shouting, you might say their voice 'trovoa'. You are comfortable with using the verb in the subjunctive mood, such as 'Espero que não trovoe durante a festa' (I hope it doesn't thunder during the party). Your vocabulary is expanding to include related words like 'relâmpago' (lightning) and 'trovoada' (thunderstorm).

At the B2 level, you have a firm grasp of the nuances of 'trovoar'. You can use it fluently in both literal and figurative contexts. You might use it in a formal report or a creative story to add atmosphere. You understand that in figurative use, the verb can have a subject: 'O general trovoou ordens para as tropas' (The general thundered orders to the troops). You are also aware of regional preferences, such as the frequent use of 'trovejar' in Portugal versus 'trovoar' in literature or Brazilian Portuguese. You can discuss the weather in detail, including the psychological effects of a storm where it 'trovoa' constantly. Your understanding of the verb's placement in complex grammatical structures is now well-developed.

At the C1 level, you appreciate the stylistic and rhythmic qualities of 'trovoar'. You can identify its use in classical Portuguese literature, where it might be used to symbolize divine wrath or epic scale. You understand the etymological roots and how it relates to other Romance languages. You can use the verb in highly sophisticated ways, such as in the conditional or future subjunctive in complex legal or literary texts. You might use it to describe abstract concepts, like 'trovoar de ideias' (a thundering of ideas), showing a high level of creative flexibility. You are also sensitive to the phonetics of the word and how it contributes to the 'onomatopoeic' feel of a sentence describing a storm.

At the C2 level, you have mastered 'trovoar' to the point of near-native intuition. You can use it in any register, from the most technical meteorological discussion to the most abstract philosophical treatise. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its place in the vast landscape of Lusophone dialects. You can analyze how different authors have used 'trovoar' to achieve specific literary effects. Your usage is flawless, and you can even play with the word's impersonal nature for rhetorical effect. You are fully aware of all its synonyms and can choose 'trovoar' over 'trovejar' or 'estrondar' based on the precise connotation and sound you wish to evoke in your speech or writing.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

trovoar in 30 Seconds

Trovoar is a Portuguese verb meaning 'to thunder', primarily used impersonally to describe the weather phenomenon.
It is a regular -ar verb but is most commonly conjugated in the third person singular (trovoa, trovoou, trovoará).
Metaphorically, it describes loud, booming voices or powerful sounds like cannons or heavy machinery.
It is a synonym of 'trovejar', which is also frequently used in both Portugal and Brazil.

The Portuguese verb trovoar is a fascinating meteorological term that primarily describes the natural phenomenon of thunder. At its most basic level, it refers to the act of the atmosphere producing the loud, rumbling sound that follows a flash of lightning. In the Portuguese language, this verb belongs to a special category known as impersonal verbs, meaning that in its literal weather-related sense, it is almost exclusively used in the third person singular. You wouldn't typically say 'I thunder' unless you were speaking metaphorically or poetically. Understanding trovoar is essential for anyone living in or visiting regions like Portugal or Brazil, where seasonal thunderstorms are a common occurrence. The word captures the raw power of nature and is deeply embedded in the way Lusophones describe the sky's temperament.

Grammatical Classification: It is an intransitive verb, often used impersonally (verbo impessoal), meaning it does not take a direct object and usually lacks a human subject.
Meteorological Context: Used to describe the auditory part of a storm. While 'relampejar' refers to the light, 'trovoar' refers to the sound.
Metaphorical Usage: Can be used to describe a person speaking with a very loud, deep, or threatening voice, or even the sound of heavy machinery or cannons.

Beyond the weather, trovoar carries a weight of authority and intensity. When a speaker's voice 'trovoa' through a room, it suggests a presence that cannot be ignored. This dual nature—one literal and atmospheric, the other figurative and human—makes it a versatile tool for both daily conversation and creative writing. In Portuguese literature, you will often find authors using this verb to set a somber or dramatic mood, linking the internal turmoil of a character to the external chaos of a storm. It is a word that vibrates with energy, much like the sound it represents.

Disseram na rádio que vai trovoar durante toda a noite na região norte.

A voz do juiz começou a trovoar pela sala de audiências, exigindo silêncio imediato.

Ouvimos trovoar ao longe, então decidimos recolher a roupa do estendal.

When you use trovoar, you are evoking a sensory experience. It is not just about the fact of the weather, but the vibration and the resonance of the sound. In common speech, it's often paired with other weather verbs like 'chover' (to rain) or 'ventar' (to blow wind). For example, 'Está a chover e a trovoar' (It is raining and thundering). This verb helps learners build a more descriptive vocabulary, moving beyond simple adjectives to dynamic actions that paint a picture of the environment.

Using trovoar correctly requires an understanding of its impersonal nature. In English, we say 'It is thundering,' where 'it' is a dummy subject. In Portuguese, we simply use the third person singular form of the verb without any subject at all. This is a crucial distinction for English speakers who are used to having a subject in every sentence. Let's look at how this verb behaves across different tenses and contexts.

Present Tense (Impersonal): 'Trovoa lá fora.' (It is thundering outside.) Notice there is no 'ele' or 'isso'. The verb stands alone.
Past Tense (Preterite): 'Trovejou a noite toda.' (It thundered all night long.) This indicates a completed action in the past.
Future Tense: 'A previsão diz que vai trovoar amanhã.' (The forecast says it will thunder tomorrow.) Here, 'vai trovoar' is the periphrastic future.

When used figuratively, the verb can take a subject. This is where learners can get creative. If a person's voice is compared to thunder, they become the subject of the verb. This shifts the verb from being impersonal to personal. For example, 'Ele trovoou ordens para os subordinados' (He thundered orders to his subordinates). In this case, the verb is conjugated to match 'ele' (he).

Sempre que começa a trovoar, o meu cão esconde-se debaixo da cama.

Parece que vai trovoar; o céu está a ficar muito escuro e pesado.

O motor do avião começou a trovoar antes da descolagem.

Another common structure is using the gerund (in Brazil) or the 'a + infinitive' (in Portugal) to describe an ongoing action. In Brazil, you would hear 'Está trovoando,' while in Portugal, you would hear 'Está a trovoar.' Both mean 'It is thundering' right now. Mastering these variations will help you sound more like a native speaker depending on which region you are in.

You will encounter trovoar in several distinct environments. The most common is, of course, the daily weather forecast. Meteorologists on television or radio stations like RTP in Portugal or Globo in Brazil use this verb to warn the public about incoming storms. You'll hear phrases like 'possibilidade de trovoar' (possibility of thundering) or 'períodos de trovoada' (periods of thunderstorm). It is a staple of weather-related vocabulary that every resident needs to know.

In rural areas, trovoar is a word of great significance for farmers. Thunder often signals the arrival of much-needed rain for crops, but it can also warn of destructive hail. Therefore, conversations in small villages often revolve around the sky and whether it 'threatens to thunder' (ameaça trovoar). Here, the word is used with a sense of respect and observation of nature's cycles.

News Media: Reporting on natural disasters or heavy summer storms. 'As nuvens carregadas fizeram trovoar toda a região sul.'
Literature and Poetry: Used to create atmosphere. A dark night where it 'trovoa' sets a mood of tension, fear, or divine anger.
Everyday Conversation: Small talk about the weather. 'Ouviu trovoar ontem à noite?' (Did you hear it thundering last night?)

In more formal or historical contexts, such as an epic poem or a dramatic play, trovoar might be used to describe the roar of cannons in a battle or the booming voice of a king. This elevated usage highlights the verb's ability to convey power and scale. Whether it's the literal sound of the sky or the metaphorical sound of human conflict, trovoar remains a potent and evocative word.

O apresentador do tempo disse que pode trovoar nas zonas montanhosas durante a tarde.

Finally, you might hear this word in children's stories or folklore. Storms are often personified in Portuguese culture, and the act of thundering might be described as a giant moving furniture or God being angry. In these contexts, trovoar is the central action that drives the narrative and explains the mysteries of the natural world to young minds.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers learning Portuguese is trying to force a subject onto the verb trovoar. In English, we must say 'IT is thundering.' Translating this literally as 'Ele está trovoando' or 'Isso está trovoando' is incorrect and sounds very unnatural. Remember that in Portuguese, weather verbs are subjectless. The verb itself carries the full meaning of the action happening in the environment.

Another common point of confusion is the distinction between 'trovoar' (to thunder) and 'relampejar' (to flash lightning). Students often mix these up because they occur together during a storm. However, 'trovoar' is strictly about the sound, while 'relampejar' or 'relamepar' is about the visual light. If you say 'trovoou uma luz forte,' it makes no sense because thunder is a sound, not a light.

The 'It' Trap: Mistake: 'Ele trovoou ontem.' Correct: 'Trovejou ontem.' (It thundered yesterday.) Avoid pronouns with weather verbs.
Noun vs. Verb: Mistake: 'Eu ouvi um trovoar.' Correct: 'Eu ouvi um trovão.' (I heard a thunder.) Use the noun 'trovão' for the sound itself, and 'trovoar' for the action.
Conjugation Errors: Mistake: 'Nós trovoamos.' Correct: 'Trovejou enquanto estávamos lá.' Unless you are a group of giants, humans don't thunder collectively.

Learners also sometimes confuse trovoar with 'trovão' (the noun). While 'trovoar' is the action, 'trovão' is the thing itself. You 'ouvir um trovão' (hear a thunderclap), but you say 'está a trovoar' (it is thundering). Mixing these up is a common A2-level mistake that can be easily fixed with practice. Additionally, ensure you don't confuse it with 'trocar' (to change/exchange), which sounds vaguely similar but has a completely different meaning.

Errado: O céu trovoou um som alto. Correto: Trovejou muito alto.

Finally, be careful with the spelling. It is trovoar with an 'o', not 'truvoar'. This is a common phonetic spelling error because the 'o' can sometimes sound like a 'u' in unstressed syllables in certain Portuguese dialects. Always stick to the standard spelling to be understood clearly by all speakers.

In Portuguese, there are several words related to the sounds and actions of a storm. Understanding the nuances between trovoar and its alternatives will help you express yourself more precisely. The most direct synonym is 'trovejar', which is used almost interchangeably in most contexts. However, there are other verbs that describe specific types of loud sounds that might be heard during a storm or in other situations.

Trovejar: The primary synonym. In many regions of Portugal, 'trovejar' is the standard choice for weather reports. Example: 'Começou a trovejar logo pela manhã.'
Estrondar: To crash or make a booming sound. This is used for a very sharp, sudden noise, like a particularly loud thunderclap or an explosion. Example: 'A explosão estrondou por toda a cidade.'
Rugir: To roar. This is often used metaphorically for the wind or a storm. 'O vento rugia entre as árvores.' It gives a more animalistic, wild quality to the sound.
Retumbar: To resound or echo loudly. This is a very descriptive, somewhat literary word for a sound that vibrates and lingers. Example: 'O som dos tambores retumbava no vale.'

When comparing trovoar to these alternatives, remember that trovoar is specifically tied to the meteorological phenomenon of thunder. While 'estrondar' or 'retumbar' can describe thunder, they are more general and can describe many other loud noises. 'Trovoar' is the 'clinical' or 'direct' term for what the sky does during a storm.

Enquanto trovoava no céu, o mar rugia com ondas gigantescas.

In summary, while there are many ways to describe a loud noise, trovoar remains the most accurate and common verb for thundering in Portuguese. By learning its synonyms and related terms, you gain a richer palette for describing the world around you, especially during those dramatic stormy days.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'trovão' and 'trovoar' share the same root as the English word 'detonate' and 'astonish' (to be struck by thunder).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɾu.vuˈaɾ/

US /tɾo.voˈaʁ/

The stress is on the last syllable: tro-vo-AR.

Rhymes With

voar olhar cantar andar falar pensar chegar estar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'o' too openly in European Portuguese.
Forgetting to tap the 'r' in Portugal.
Adding an extra vowel sound between 't' and 'r'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context.

Writing 3/5

Need to remember it is usually impersonal.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of 'tr' and 'v' requires practice.

Listening 4/5

Can be confused with 'trovejar' or 'trocar' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

céu chuva barulho ouvir tempo

Learn Next

relampejar tempestade granizo furacão nevoeiro

Advanced

estrépito fragor ribombar fulminar

Grammar to Know

Impersonal Verbs

Verbs like 'trovoar', 'chover', and 'nevar' are only used in the 3rd person singular.

Periphrastic Future

Using 'ir' + infinitive (vai trovoar) is more common in speech than the simple future.

Gerund vs. Infinitive

Brazil uses gerund (trovoando); Portugal uses 'a' + infinitive (a trovoar).

Substantivized Infinitives

Using 'o trovoar' as a noun meaning 'the thundering'.

Subjunctive Mood for Uncertainty

Using 'talvez trovoe' to express a possibility.

Examples by Level

Hoje vai trovoar.

Today it is going to thunder.

Future periphrastic using 'ir' + infinitive.

Trovoa muito aqui.

It thunders a lot here.

Present tense, impersonal usage.

Eu não gosto quando trovoa.

I don't like it when it thunders.

Subordinate clause with 'quando'.

Está a trovoar agora.

It is thundering now.

Present continuous (European Portuguese style).

Pode trovoar mais tarde.

It might thunder later.

Modal verb 'poder' + infinitive.

Ouviste trovoar?

Did you hear it thundering?

Preterite of 'ouvir' + infinitive.

Não trovoa no verão.

It doesn't thunder in the summer.

Negative sentence, present tense.

Sempre trovoa de noite.

It always thunders at night.

Adverb of frequency 'sempre'.

Ontem trovoou durante duas horas.

Yesterday it thundered for two hours.

Preterite tense, indicating a completed duration.

Começou a trovoar de repente.

It started thundering suddenly.

Inceptive construction 'começar a'.

Se trovoar, vamos para casa.

If it thunders, we are going home.

Conditional sentence with 'se'.

Parou de trovoar finalmente.

It finally stopped thundering.

Cessative construction 'parar de'.

Disseram que ia trovoar à tarde.

They said it was going to thunder in the afternoon.

Reported speech with imperfect of 'ir'.

Trovejou muito ontem à noite.

It thundered a lot last night.

Preterite tense with adverb 'muito'.

O céu está escuro, vai trovoar.

The sky is dark, it's going to thunder.

Predictive future.

Não costuma trovoar nesta região.

It doesn't usually thunder in this region.

Verb 'costumar' + infinitive.

Espero que não trovoe durante o casamento.

I hope it doesn't thunder during the wedding.

Present subjunctive after 'esperar que'.

Enquanto trovoava, ficámos a ler livros.

While it was thundering, we stayed reading books.

Imperfect tense for ongoing background action.

A voz do professor começou a trovoar pela sala.

The teacher's voice began to thunder through the room.

Metaphorical usage with a subject.

Duvido que trovoe hoje, o céu está limpo.

I doubt it will thunder today, the sky is clear.

Present subjunctive after 'duvidar que'.

Sempre que trovoa, o gato fica assustado.

Whenever it thunders, the cat gets scared.

Relative clause with 'sempre que'.

Tinha trovoado toda a manhã antes de sairmos.

It had thundered all morning before we left.

Pluperfect tense.

Parece que vai trovoar, melhor levar o guarda-chuva.

It looks like it's going to thunder, better take the umbrella.

Impersonal 'parece que' + future.

Embora trovoasse, eles continuaram a trabalhar.

Although it was thundering, they continued working.

Imperfect subjunctive after 'embora'.

O público ouviu trovoar os aplausos no teatro.

The audience heard the applause thundering in the theater.

Figurative use of the infinitive.

Caso trovoe, a festa será transferida para o interior.

In case it thunders, the party will be moved indoors.

Future subjunctive with 'caso'.

Os canhões começaram a trovoar ao amanhecer.

The cannons began to thunder at dawn.

Historical/metaphorical usage.

Não obstante trovoar, decidimos manter o plano original.

Despite the thundering, we decided to keep the original plan.

Concessive connector 'não obstante'.

A notícia fez trovoar críticas por todo o país.

The news caused a thundering of criticism across the country.

Metaphorical usage for public reaction.

Se tivesse trovoado, não teríamos ido à praia.

If it had thundered, we wouldn't have gone to the beach.

Third conditional (past unreal).

Ouve-se trovoar ao longe, a tempestade aproxima-se.

Thundering is heard in the distance; the storm is approaching.

Passive 'se' construction.

Ele trovoou a sua desaprovação perante o conselho.

He thundered his disapproval before the council.

Transitive figurative use.

A fúria dos deuses fazia trovoar os céus da Grécia.

The fury of the gods made the skies of Greece thunder.

Causative 'fazer' + infinitive.

Por mais que trovoasse, a sua determinação não abalava.

No matter how much it thundered, his determination did not waver.

Concessive 'por mais que' + subjunctive.

O trovoar das máquinas impedia qualquer conversa.

The thundering of the machines prevented any conversation.

Substantivized infinitive (using 'trovoar' as a noun).

Oxalá não trovoe durante a colheita, ou perderemos tudo.

Hopefully it doesn't thunder during the harvest, or we'll lose everything.

Optative 'oxalá' + subjunctive.

Viu-se o relâmpago e, instantes depois, ouviu-se trovoar.

The lightning was seen and, moments later, thundering was heard.

Sequential narrative in the passive voice.

A sua risada trovoava pelo corredor, contagiando a todos.

His laughter thundered through the hallway, infecting everyone.

Metaphorical imperfect for habitual action.

Quando trovoar, saberás que a justiça chegou.

When it thunders, you will know that justice has arrived.

Future subjunctive in a temporal clause.

O silêncio que precede o trovoar é sempre o mais inquietante.

The silence that precedes the thundering is always the most unsettling.

Relative clause with substantivized infinitive.

No âmago da tempestade, o trovoar era um rugido contínuo.

In the heart of the storm, the thundering was a continuous roar.

Literary description using substantivized infinitive.

Posto que trovoasse com violência, o capitão não recuou.

Even though it thundered violently, the captain did not retreat.

Formal concessive 'posto que' + subjunctive.

O trovoar das águas na cascata era ensurdecedor.

The thundering of the waters in the waterfall was deafening.

Metaphorical use for natural sounds.

Ainda que o destino trovoe contra nós, persistiremos.

Even if fate thunders against us, we will persist.

Personification of 'destino' as the subject.

Era como se o próprio universo estivesse a trovoar em agonia.

It was as if the universe itself were thundering in agony.

Hypothetical comparison with 'como se' + imperfect subjunctive.

O trovoar iminente trazia consigo o cheiro a terra húmida.

The imminent thundering brought with it the smell of damp earth.

Adjective 'iminente' modifying the substantivized infinitive.

Sempre que a injustiça se manifesta, a consciência deve trovoar.

Whenever injustice manifests, conscience must thunder.

Philosophical/metaphorical moral imperative.

O eco do trovoar perdurou nas montanhas por longos segundos.

The echo of the thundering lingered in the mountains for long seconds.

Focus on the acoustic properties in a literary sense.

Synonyms

trovejar estrondar retumbar rugir ressoar ribombar vociferar troar

Antonyms

silenciar sussurrar acalmar murmurar

Common Collocations

começar a trovoar

ouvir trovoar

parar de trovoar

trovoar forte

ameaçar trovoar

trovoar ao longe

fazer trovoar

continuar a trovoar

trovoar ordens

trovoar de raiva

Common Phrases

Está a trovoar.

— It is thundering right now.

Fecha a janela, está a trovoar.

Vai trovoar.

— It's going to thunder.

Leva o casaco, parece que vai trovoar.

Trovoou muito.

— It thundered a lot.

Trovoou muito ontem, não consegui dormir.

Ouves trovoar?

— Do you hear thundering?

Ouves trovoar? Acho que vem aí chuva.

Parou de trovoar.

— It stopped thundering.

Finalmente parou de trovoar, podemos sair.

Deixa trovoar.

— Let it thunder (often used dismissively).

Deixa trovoar, estamos seguros aqui dentro.

Sempre que trovoa...

— Whenever it thunders...

Sempre que trovoa, a luz vai abaixo.

Ainda trovoa?

— Is it still thundering?

Ainda trovoa lá fora ou já passou?

Parece que trovoa.

— It sounds like it's thundering.

Parece que trovoa, mas talvez sejam as obras.

Não para de trovoar.

— It won't stop thundering.

Não para de trovoar há horas.

Often Confused With

trovoar vs trocar

Sounds slightly similar but means 'to exchange' or 'to change'.

trovoar vs trovão

This is the noun (the thunder), while 'trovoar' is the verb (to thunder).

trovoar vs travar

Means 'to brake' or 'to lock', often confused by beginners due to the 'tr' start.

Idioms & Expressions

"Voz de trovoar"

— A very loud and booming voice that commands attention.

O avô tinha uma voz de trovoar que se ouvia na rua.

informal

"Trovoar antes de chover"

— To make a lot of noise or threats before taking action.

Ele trovoa muito antes de chover, não tenhas medo.

colloquial

"Fazer trovoar o mundo"

— To cause a huge commotion or a big scandal.

A revelação fez trovoar o mundo da política.

journalistic

"Rir de trovoar"

— To laugh very loudly and heartily.

Eles deram uma risada de trovoar com a piada.

informal

"Trovoar sobre a cabeça"

— To be in a situation of imminent danger or great pressure.

Com as dívidas, os problemas trovoam sobre a sua cabeça.

figurative

"Não trovoa sem relampejar"

— Every effect has a cause; there is no smoke without fire.

Dizem que ele se vai despedir; não trovoa sem relampejar.

proverbial

"Trovoar em céu limpo"

— Something shocking or unexpected happening without warning.

A notícia da sua morte foi como trovoar em céu limpo.

literary

"Mandar trovoar"

— To express great anger or authority aggressively.

O patrão mandou trovoar quando viu o erro.

informal

"Depois de trovoar, chove"

— After the tension or the argument, the consequences will follow.

Eles discutiram muito; agora, depois de trovoar, chove.

folk wisdom

"Trovoar de aplausos"

— To receive overwhelming and loud applause.

O estádio trovoou de aplausos com o golo.

sporting

Easily Confused

trovoar vs trovejar

It is an exact synonym.

Trovejar is slightly more common in European Portuguese speech, while trovoar is more common in literature and Brazil.

Tanto podes dizer que está a trovoar como está a trovejar.

trovoar vs relampejar

Both happen during storms.

Relampejar is the light (lightning); trovoar is the sound (thunder).

Primeiro relampeja, depois trovoa.

trovoar vs estoirar

Both involve loud noises.

Estoirar is to pop or burst; trovoar is a rolling, deep atmospheric sound.

O balão estoirou, mas o céu trovoou.

trovoar vs rugir

Both are loud sounds.

Rugir is a roar (animal or wind); trovoar is specific to thunder.

O leão ruge, mas o céu trovoa.

trovoar vs ressoar

Both involve sound waves.

Ressoar is to echo or vibrate; trovoar is the specific action of thundering.

A música ressoa, o trovão trovoa.

Sentence Patterns

Está a [verb].

Está a trovoar.

Ontem [verb-past].

Ontem trovoou.

Espero que não [verb-subjunctive].

Espero que não trovoe.

Se [verb-subjunctive], [future].

Se trovoar, não saímos.

O [verb-noun] de...

O trovoar dos canhões.

Fazer [verb-infinitive].

Fazer trovoar os céus.

Posto que [verb-subjunctive]...

Posto que trovoasse...

Como se [verb-subjunctive]...

Como se o mundo trovoasse.

Word Family

Nouns

trovão (thunder)

trovoada (thunderstorm)

trovador (troubadour - related by sound/poetry)

trovoamento (act of thundering)

Verbs

trovejar (to thunder)

destrovoar (to clear up after a storm - rare)

Adjectives

trovoador (thundering)

trovoado (thundered/stormy)

relâmpago

tempestade

chuva

nuvem

raio

How to Use It

frequency

Common during storm seasons (autumn/winter in Portugal, summer in Brazil).

Common Mistakes

Ele trovoa. → Trovoa.
In Portuguese, weather verbs don't use personal pronouns.
Eu vi o trovoar. → Eu ouvi o trovoar / trovão.
Thunder is a sound, so you hear it; you don't see it.
Está a trovoar luz. → Está a relampejar.
Trovoar is for sound only, not for the light of lightning.
Nós trovoamos. → Trovejou enquanto estávamos lá.
Unless used metaphorically, humans cannot be the subject of this verb.
Truvoar. → Trovoar.
The spelling is with an 'o', even if the pronunciation sounds like 'u'.

Tips

Impersonal Usage

Always remember: No 'it' in Portuguese weather. Just say 'Trovoa' for 'It thunders'.

Synonym Choice

If you forget 'trovoar', 'trovejar' is a perfect backup. Most natives won't even notice the difference.

The 'TR' Sound

Make sure your tongue touches your teeth for the 'T' and then rolls slightly for the 'R'.

Storm Safety

In Portugal, people often say 'está a trovoar' as a warning to unplug electronic devices.

Poetic Effect

Use 'o trovoar' as a noun (substantivized infinitive) to describe the continuous sound of something loud.

Weather Reports

Listen for 'possibilidade de trovoada'—this is the most common way you'll hear the root word on TV.

Angry Bosses

You can describe an angry person as 'trovoando' to emphasize how loud and scary they are.

Double 'O'

The past tense is 'trovoou' (two 'o's). Don't let the double vowel trip you up!

Sound First

If you hear it, it's 'trovoar'. If you see it, it's 'relampejar'.

Daily Check

Every time it rains, ask yourself: 'Será que vai trovoar?' to keep the word fresh.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'TRO' as in 'TROuble' and 'VOAR' as in 'to fly'. Thunder is like trouble flying through the sky.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant drum (trovão) being played in the clouds, making the sound 'TRO-VO-AR'.

Word Web

céu tempestade barulho medo chuva relâmpago nuvens inverno

Challenge

Try to use 'trovoar' in a sentence that describes a person's voice instead of the weather.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'tonare', which means to thunder. The 'v' was inserted over time through phonetic evolution in Old Portuguese.

Original meaning: To make a loud noise in the sky; to thunder.

Romance (Indo-European)

Cultural Context

None. It is a neutral meteorological term.

English speakers often say 'it's thundering', but Portuguese speakers just say 'trovoa'. The cultural 'fear' of thunder is similar across both.

The poem 'O Mostrengo' by Fernando Pessoa mentions the sounds of the sea and storm. Brazilian songs by Jorge Ben Jor often reference Xangô and thunder. The play 'Frei Luís de Sousa' uses storm imagery to foreshadow tragedy.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather Forecast

Possibilidade de trovoar
Céu com trovoada
Risco de trovoar
Trovoar isolado

At Home

Está a trovoar, desliga a TV
Fecha as janelas
O cão tem medo de trovoar
Vai trovoar logo

Literature

O trovoar dos deuses
Trovoar de fúria
A noite trovoava
Voz de trovoar

History/War

O trovoar dos canhões
Trovoar de cavalaria
A batalha trovoava
Trovoar de armas

Public Speaking

A sua voz trovoou
Trovoar aplausos
Trovoar críticas
Trovoar exigências

Conversation Starters

"Achas que vai trovoar hoje à tarde?"

"Tens medo quando começa a trovoar muito forte?"

"Já ouviste trovoar com o céu completamente azul?"

"O que costumas fazer quando está a trovoar e a chover?"

"Consegues dormir bem se estiver a trovoar lá fora?"

Journal Prompts

Descreve a última vez que viste uma tempestade e ouviu trovoar.

Como te sentes quando o céu começa a trovoar? Tens medo ou gostas?

Escreve uma história curta sobre um gigante que tem uma voz de trovoar.

Se o som de trovoar fosse uma música, que tipo de música seria?

Imagina que podes controlar o tempo. Quando farias trovoar?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Only metaphorically. If you are describing the weather, you never use 'eu' because humans don't thunder. You would only say 'Eu trovoo' if you were acting as a god in a play or using it very figuratively to mean you are shouting.

They are synonyms. 'Trovejar' is more common in daily spoken European Portuguese, whereas 'trovoar' is often preferred in Brazil and in more formal or literary writing. Both are 100% correct.

Yes, it follows the regular conjugation for -ar verbs (trovoar, trovoas, trovoa, trovoamos, trovoais, trovoam). However, because it is an impersonal verb, you will rarely see it outside of the 3rd person singular.

The noun for thunderstorm is 'trovoada'. For example: 'Vem aí uma trovoada' (A thunderstorm is coming).

No. It can be used metaphorically for any loud, booming sound, like a deep voice, a cannon, or heavy machinery.

It is the Pretérito Perfeito (Simple Past), meaning 'it thundered'.

No. For lightning, use 'relampejar' or 'relamepar'. 'Trovoar' is only for the sound.

It is a standard labiodental 'v' sound, like in the English word 'victory'.

It is 'trovoar'. While the 'o' can sound like a 'u' in some dialects, the spelling always uses 'o'.

Yes, it is very common in Brazil, both in speech and writing, along with 'trovejar'.