A large number of. Used with plural nouns you can count.
- How many people are coming?
- I don’t have many friends here yet.
Goes withhow manytoo manyso manymany peoplemany times
Portuguêsmuitos, muitasMany is for things you can count (many books); much is for things you can’t (much time). In positive sentences, a lot of sounds more natural.
Españolmuchos, muchasSpanish uses mucho for both, but English splits it: many cars, much money. In positive sentences, a lot of sounds more natural.
No more than; nothing or no one else.
- It only takes ten minutes.
- She’s the only one who knows.
Goes withonly oneonly a fewthe onlyif onlynot only … but also
Portuguêssó, somente, apenasÉ o único is “It’s the only one.” Unique means special or one of a kind.
Españolsolo, solamente, únicamenteEs el único is “It’s the only one.” Unique means special or one of a kind.
The plural of that: people or things farther away, or already mentioned.
- Can I see those shoes?
- Those were the best years of my life.
Goes withthose whothose daysone of thosein those daysthose people
Portuguêsesses, essas, aqueles, aquelasEsses and aqueles are both usually those. Keep the plural: “those books,” not “that books.”
Españolesos, esas, aquellos, aquellasEsos and aquellos are both usually those. Keep the plural: “those books,” not “that books.”
Give information to someone. Past: told.
- Can you tell me the time?
- She told me the news.
Goes withtell the truthtell a storytell a joketell someone aboutI can’t tell
Portuguêscontar, dizerTell needs a person: “He told me,” not “He said me.” Say has no person: “He said it was late.”
Españoldecir, contarTell needs a person: “She told me,” not “She said me.” Say has no person: “She said it was late.”
To a high degree. Makes adjectives and adverbs stronger.
- It’s very cold today.
- Thank you very much.
Goes withvery muchvery goodvery wellvery importantnot very
PortuguêsmuitoUse very before adjectives: “very good.” With nouns, use a lot of: “a lot of work,” not “very work.”
Españolmuy, muchoMuy is very: “very good.” Mucho is a lot: “I like it a lot,” not “I like it very.”
A person or thing from a group, or a person in general.
- She’s one of my best friends.
- No one called.
Goes withone ofno oneeach onethe one whoone another
Portuguêsum, umaOne of takes a plural noun: “one of my friends,” not “one of my friend.”
Españoluno, unaOne of takes a plural noun and a singular verb: “One of my friends is a doctor.”
Shows that something is surprising, or more than expected.
- Even my kids liked it.
- It’s even colder today.
Goes witheven ifeven thougheven morenot eveneven better
Portuguêsaté, mesmo, aindaAinda melhor is “even better,” not “still better.” Nem mesmo is “not even.”
Españolincluso, hasta, aúnAún mejor is “even better,” not “still better.” Ni siquiera is “not even.”
The object form of she.
- I called her last night.
- Give it to her.
Goes withtell herask herwith herhelp herlove her
Portuguêsela, a, lheAfter a verb or a preposition, use her, not she: “I saw her,” “with her.”
Españolla, le, ellaThe pronoun goes after the verb: “I love her” (La quiero), not “I her love.”
To the place or state you came from; in return.
- I’ll be back in five minutes.
- Can you call me back?
Goes withcome backgo backcall backgive backback home
Portuguêsde voltaVoltar is come back or go back. Devolver is give back: “Give me back my pen.” Don’t say “return back.”
Españolde vuelta, atrásVolver is come back or go back. Devolver is give back: “Give me back my pen.” Don’t say “return back.”
Some, in questions and negatives. Also: it doesn’t matter which.
- Do you have any questions?
- I don’t have any money.
Goes withany timeany ideaany morein any casenot any
Portuguêsalgum, nenhum, qualquerQualquer is any in positive sentences: “Call me any time.” Use one negative: “I don’t have any,” not “I don’t have none.”
Españolalgún, ningún, cualquierUse one negative: “I don’t have any money,” not “I don’t have no money.” Cualquier is any: “Any day is fine.”
Of high quality; pleasant; kind; able to do something well. Better, best.
- That’s a good idea.
- She’s good at math.
Goes withgood morninggood luckgood atgood newsa good time
Portuguêsbom, boaGood describes things; well describes how you do things: “She speaks well,” not “She speaks good.” Bom em is good at.
Españolbueno, buenaGood describes things; well describes actions: “She sings well,” not “She sings good.” Bueno en is good at.
The object form of we.
- Can you help us?
- Join us for dinner.
Goes withlet ustell uswith usjoin usboth of us
Portuguêsnos, nós, a genteVamos is “Let’s go.” Let’s is short for let us.
Españolnos, nosotrosVamos is “Let’s go.” Let’s is short for let us. The pronoun goes after the verb: “She called us.”
In one side and out the other; from the start to the end.
- We drove through the city.
- I read through the report.
Goes withgo throughget throughthrough the windowall throughMonday through Friday
Portuguêsatravés de, porIn American English, Monday through Friday means de segunda a sexta, including Friday.
Española través de, porIn American English, Monday through Friday means de lunes a viernes, including Friday.
An adult female person. Plural: women.
- She’s a very strong woman.
- Two women came in.
Goes witha young womanan older womanwomen’s healthmen and women
PortuguêsmulherMulher can mean wife; in English say “my wife,” not “my woman.” Women sounds like WIH-min.
EspañolmujerMujer can mean wife; in English say “my wife,” not “my woman.” Women sounds like WIH-min.
Being alive; the way someone lives. Plural: lives.
- I love my life here.
- She worked hard all her life.
Goes withdaily lifereal lifesocial lifequality of lifesave a life
PortuguêsvidaIn general, no the: “Life is short,” not “The life is short.” The plural is lives, not lifes.
EspañolvidaIn general, no the: “Life is beautiful,” not “The life is beautiful.” The plural is lives, not lifes.
A young person; a son or daughter. Plural: children.
- They have two children.
- I lived in Recife as a child.
Goes withonly childsmall childchild careas a childhave children
Portuguêscriança, filho, filhaFilhos for sons and daughters together is children or kids: “I have two children,” not “two sons” unless both are boys.
Españolniño, niña, hijo, hijaHijos for sons and daughters together is children or kids: “I have three children,” not “three sons” unless all are boys.
In or to that place.
- I’ll meet you there.
- Your keys are over there.
Goes withover thereout thereget therestay therethere you go
Portuguêslá, ali, aíNo to before there: “I went there,” not “I went to there.”
Españolallí, allá, ahíNo to before there: “We went there last year,” not “We went to there.”
Toward a lower place; also lower or less.
- Please sit down.
- Prices went down this month.
Goes withsit downslow downcalm downwrite downbreak down
Portuguêspara baixoCalm down is calma; write down is anotar; break down can be quebrar (for a car).
EspañolabajoCalm down is cálmate; write down is anotar; break down can be averiarse (for a car).
Do a job; function correctly.
- I work at a hospital.
- My phone doesn’t work.
Goes withwork hardwork from homework onwork outwork together
Portuguêstrabalhar, funcionarFuncionar is work: “The printer doesn’t work,” not “doesn’t function.” Um trabalho (a job) is a job: “I found a job,” not “a work.”
Españoltrabajar, funcionarFuncionar is work: “It doesn’t work,” not “It doesn’t function.” Un trabajo (a job) is a job: “I found a job,” not “a work.”
Later than; following.
- Let’s talk after lunch.
- After the meeting, we went home.
Goes withafter allafter thatafter workthe day after tomorrowlook after
Portuguêsdepois de, apósBefore a verb, use -ing: “after finishing work,” not “after finish work.”
Españoldespués deDespués de comer is “after eating,” not “after eat” or “after to eat.”
Phone someone; give a name to; ask someone to come.
- I’ll call you tonight.
- We call him Beto.
Goes withcall backcall someonecall offbe calledcall for help
Portuguêsligar, chamarCall needs no preposition: “I’ll call you,” not “I’ll call to you.” Como se chama? (for a thing) is “What’s it called?”
EspañolllamarCall needs no preposition: “Call me,” not “Call to me.” ¿Cómo se llama? (for a thing) is “What’s it called?”
Possibly will or is. Also asks for or gives permission politely.
- It may rain later.
- May I come in?
Goes withmay bemay Imay haveyou maymay well
Portuguêspoder, talvezMay be (two words) is pode ser; maybe (one word) is talvez: “It may be true,” “Maybe it’s true.”
Españolpoder, quizásMay be (two words) is puede ser; maybe (one word) is quizás. No to after may: “It may rain,” not “It may to rain.”
The earth and all the people and places on it.
- She has traveled all over the world.
- It’s the biggest city in the world.
Goes withall over the worldin the worldaround the worldthe World Cupthe real world
PortuguêsmundoTodo mundo is everybody: “Everybody knows,” not “All the world knows.” After superlatives, use in: “the best in the world.”
EspañolmundoTodo el mundo is everybody: “Everybody knows,” not “All the world knows.” After superlatives, use in: “the best in the world.”
Above; more than; across; during.
- There’s a lamp over the table.
- It costs over $100.
Goes withover the weekendover the yearsall overover 50over the phone
Portuguêssobre, acima de, mais deMais de is over or more than: “over 100 people.” Over the weekend is durante o fim de semana.
Españolsobre, encima de, más deMás de is over or more than: “over 100 people.” Over the weekend is durante el fin de semana.
Gives advice, or says what is right or expected.
- You should see a doctor.
- We should leave soon.
Goes withshould beshould haveyou shouldshould Imaybe you should
Portuguêsdeveria, deviaNo to after should: “You should rest,” not “You should to rest.”
EspañoldeberíaNo to after should: “You should call her,” not “You should to call her.”
Continuing until now; even so.
- Are you still at work?
- It’s late, but I’m still hungry.
Goes withstill herestill waitingstill workingbut stillsit still
PortuguêsaindaAinda não is “not yet” as a short answer: “Did you eat?” “Not yet.” Still is for things that continue: “It’s still raining.”
Españoltodavía, aúnTodavía no is “not yet” as a short answer: “Are you done?” “Not yet.” Still is for things that continue: “It’s still raining.”
Make an effort; test something to see if you like it. Past: tried.
- I’ll try to finish today.
- Try the fish. It’s great.
Goes withtry totry ontry outtry againtry your best
Portuguêstentar, experimentar, provarExperimentar uma roupa is try on: “Can I try this on?” Provar comida is try: “Try this cake.”
Españolintentar, probarProbarse ropa is try on: “Can I try it on?” Probar comida is try: “Try this soup.”
Inside, or arriving at a place.
- Come in, please.
- Is your manager in today?
Goes withcome inget incheck infill inlog in
Portuguêsdentro, para dentroEntrar is often come in, go in, or get in: “Get in the car” (entra no carro).
Españoldentro, adentroEntrar is often come in, go in, or get in: “Come in!” (¡Pasa!).
A place where people learn. In American English, also a college or university.
- My kids walk to school.
- Where did you go to school?
Goes withhigh schoolgo to schoolafter schoolschool yearlaw school
Portuguêsescola, colégio, faculdadeColégio is school or high school, not college. Go to school has no the: “He goes to school.”
Españolescuela, colegioColegio is school or high school, not college. Go to school has no the: “She goes to school.”
Used in as … as to say two things are equal.
- He’s as tall as his father.
- Come as soon as you can.
Goes withas soon asas much asas well asas long asas … as possible
Portuguêstão … quanto, tantoTão alto quanto is “as tall as,” not “so tall as” or “as tall than.”
Españoltan … como, tantoTan alto como is “as tall as,” not “as tall like” or “so tall as.”
Coming after all the others; the most recent.
- I saw her last week.
- This is the last question.
Goes withlast nightlast weeklast yearat lastthe last time
Portuguêsúltimo, passadoSemana passada is “last week,” with no the or in: “I saw him last week,” not “in the last week.”
Españolúltimo, pasadoLa semana pasada is “last week,” with no the: “We met last week,” not “the last week.”
Say a question; request something.
- Can I ask a question?
- She asked me to wait.
Goes withask a questionask forask someone toask aboutask for help
Portuguêsperguntar, pedirFazer uma pergunta is ask a question, not make a question. Pedir is ask for: “I asked for the check.”
Españolpreguntar, pedirHacer una pregunta is ask a question, not make a question. Pedir is ask for: “I asked for the check.”
More than is good or needed. Also: as well.
- It’s too hot to sleep.
- I like it too.
Goes withtoo muchtoo manytoo lateme tootoo bad
Portuguêsdemais, tambémToo means more than is OK, so “too good” sounds odd for muito bom. Say “very good.”
Españoldemasiado, tambiénToo means more than is OK: “too expensive” means you can’t buy it. For muy, say very.
Must have something; must do something.
- I need a new phone.
- You need to rest.
Goes withneed toneed helpno needneed some timeif you need
Portuguêsprecisar dePrecisar de is need with no of: “I need help,” not “I need of help.” Before a verb, use to: “I need to go.”
EspañolnecesitarBefore a verb, use to: “I need to go,” not “I need go.”
The number 3.
- We have three kids.
- The store opens at three.
Goes withthree timesthree of ustwo or threethree days agoat three o’clock
PortuguêstrêsThe th is soft: put your tongue between your teeth. Three, not tree.
EspañoltresThe th is soft: put your tongue between your teeth. Three, not tree.
Have an emotion or a physical sense. Past: felt.
- I feel tired today.
- How do you feel about it?
Goes withfeel likefeel betterfeel goodfeel sorry forfeel free
Portuguêssentir, sentir-seNo reflexive pronoun: “I feel happy,” not “I feel me happy.” Estar com vontade de is feel like: “I feel like pizza.”
Españolsentir, sentirseNo reflexive pronoun: “I feel sad,” not “I feel me sad.” Tener ganas de is feel like: “I feel like going out.”
At what time. Used in questions.
- When does the store open?
- When did you move here?
Goes withsince whenuntil whenwhen exactlywhen didsay when
PortuguêsquandoQuestions with when need do, does, or did: “When does it start?” not “When it starts?”
EspañolcuándoQuestions with when need do, does, or did: “When does the class start?” not “When starts the class?”
Start to be. Past: became, become.
- She became a doctor in 2020.
- It’s becoming a problem.
Goes withbecome abecome clearbecome friendsbecome famousbecome popular
Portuguêstornar-se, virar, ficarFicar is often get: “I got angry” (fiquei bravo) is more natural than “I became angry.” Virar médico is become a doctor.
Españolhacerse, ponerse, convertirse en, llegar a serPonerse is often get: “I got nervous.” Become is for bigger changes: “She became a lawyer.”
One of the 50 parts of the United States; a country; a condition.
- Texas is a big state.
- The house was in a bad state.
Goes withthe United Statesstate lawhome statestate of mindstate government
PortuguêsestadoThe United States takes the and a singular verb: “The United States is big.” “I live in the United States.”
EspañolestadoThe United States takes the and a singular verb: “The United States is big.” “I live in the United States.”
At no time.
- I never drink coffee at night.
- I’ve never been to Chile.
Goes withnever mindnever againnever beforenever everI’ve never
PortuguêsnuncaUse one negative: “I never go,” not “I don’t never go.” Nunca fui is “I’ve never been” for life experiences.
Españolnunca, jamásUse one negative: “I never eat meat,” not “I don’t never eat meat.” Nunca he ido is “I’ve never been.”
In the space or time that separates two things.
- The bank is between the café and the park.
- Call me between 2 and 4.
Goes withbetween you and methe difference betweenin betweenbetween jobschoose between
PortuguêsentreEntre is between for two things and among for a group: “among friends.”
EspañolentreEntre is between for two things and among for a group: “among friends.”
Far above the ground; above the usual level. Higher, highest.
- The rent here is very high.
- It’s a high mountain.
Goes withhigh schoolhigh pricehigh levelhigh qualityhigh risk
Portuguêsalto, altaPeople are tall, not high: “He’s tall.” Prices and mountains are high. Music is loud, not high.
Españolalto, altaPeople are tall, not high: “She’s tall.” Prices and mountains are high. Music is loud, not high.
A thing that is not named or not known.
- I want to tell you something.
- Is something wrong?
Goes withsomething elsesomething like thatsomething to eator somethingsomething wrong
Portuguêsalguma coisa, algoAdjectives go after something: “something new,” not “new something.” Alguma coisa mais is something else.
EspañolalgoAdjectives go after something: “something different,” not “different something.” Algo más is something else.
Very; in fact. Also shows surprise: Really?
- It’s really cold out.
- I really like your idea.
Goes withreally goodnot reallyI really likereally?really nice
Portuguêsmuito, mesmo, de verdadeSério? is “Really?” Not really is não muito or na verdade não.
Españolmuy, de verdad, realmente¿En serio? is “Really?” Not really is no mucho or la verdad que no.
To the greatest degree. Makes the superlative of long adjectives.
- It’s the most beautiful beach I know.
- What do you like most?
Goes withthe most importantmost of allmost likelythe most beautiful
Portuguêso mais, a maisLong adjectives use most: “the most expensive,” not “the more expensive” or “the expensivest.”
Españolel más, la másLong adjectives use most: “the most interesting,” not “the more interesting.”
One more; a different one.
- Can I have another coffee?
- Let’s try another way.
Goes withanother oneanother timeone anotheranother dayyet another
Portuguêsoutro, outra, mais umOutro café is “another coffee,” not “other coffee.” Another is only singular: “another day,” “other days.”
Españolotro, otraOtro café is “another coffee,” not “other coffee.” Another is only singular: “another chair,” “other chairs.”
A large amount of. Used with nouns you can’t count.
- How much does it cost?
- I don’t have much time.
Goes withhow muchtoo muchso muchthank you very muchnot much
Portuguêsmuito, muitaMuch is for things you can’t count (much money); many is for things you can (many books). In positive sentences, say a lot of: “I have a lot of work.”
Españolmucho, muchaMuch is for things you can’t count (much time); many is for plurals (many people). In positive sentences, say a lot of: “I have a lot of time.”
Belonging to a person and no one else. Used after my, your, his, and so on.
- She has her own business.
- I did it on my own.
Goes withmy ownon your ownof their ownown businessyour own way
Portuguêspróprio, própriaOwn comes after the possessive: “my own car,” not “my proper car.” Sozinho is on my own.
Españolpropio, propiaOwn comes after the possessive: “my own room,” not “the own room” or “my proper room.” Por mi cuenta is on my own.
Parents, children, and other relatives.
- My family lives in Lima.
- Do you have a big family?
Goes withfamily memberfamily namestart a familyfamily businessclose family
PortuguêsfamíliaParentes is relatives, not parents. Parents are only your mother and father.
EspañolfamiliaParientes is relatives, not parents. Parents (padres) are only your mother and father.
Through and away from the inside of something. Often out of.
- She looked out the window.
- Get out of the car.
Goes without ofout the doorout of workout of orderout of time
Portuguêsfora de, para fora deOut of can mean sem: “We’re out of milk” is acabou o leite. Out of order is quebrado.
Españolfuera deOut of can mean sin: “We’re out of milk” is se acabó la leche. Out of order is no funciona.
A building where people live.
- They bought a house in the suburbs.
- Come to my house after work.
Goes withat my housea big housebuy a househouse partythe White House
PortuguêscasaEm casa is at home, with no the or to: “I’m at home,” “I go home,” not “I go to home.” House is the building.
EspañolcasaEn casa is at home, with no the or to: “I’m home,” “Let’s go home,” not “go to home.” House is the building.
Go away from a place; let something stay where it is. Past: left.
- I leave work at six.
- I left my phone at home.
Goes withleave homeleave a messageleave earlyleave forleave someone alone
Portuguêssair, deixar, partirSair is leave a place (“I left work early”) or go out for fun (“We went out last night”). Deixar em casa is leave at home.
Españolsalir, dejar, irseSalir is leave a place (“I left the office at six”) or go out for fun. Dejar algo en casa is leave something at home.
Move something to a place. Past: put.
- Put your bag here.
- I put the milk in the fridge.
Goes withput onput awayput offput downput up with
Portuguêscolocar, pôr, botarVestir or pôr uma roupa is put on: “Put on your jacket.” The past is also put: “I put it there yesterday.”
Españolponer, meter, colocarPonerse ropa is put on: “Put on your coat.” The past is also put: “I put it there yesterday.”
Having lived or existed for a long time; from the past. Older, oldest.
- How old are you?
- This is my old phone.
Goes withyears oldhow oldold friendget oldthe old days
Portuguêsvelho, antigo, idosoAge uses be: “I’m 25 years old,” not “I have 25 years.” For people, older is more polite than old.
Españolviejo, antiguo, mayorAge uses be: “He’s 40 years old,” not “He has 40 years.” For people, older is more polite than old.
Working or switched on; continuing; wearing.
- Is the light on?
- Go on. I’m listening.
Goes withgo onturn onput onhold oncome on
PortuguêsligadoLigar a luz is turn on the light; desligar is turn off. Hold on is espera aí.
Españolencendido, prendidoEncender or prender la luz is turn on the light; apagar is turn off. Hold on is espera.
During the time that. Also: although.
- I listen to podcasts while I cook.
- While I was walking home, it started to rain.
Goes withwhile I wasfor a whilein a whileonce in a whilea little while
PortuguêsenquantoEnquanto + past is often while + past continuous: “While I was cooking, he called.”
EspañolmientrasMientras + past is often while + past continuous: “While I was cooking, she called.”
Have as a meaning; intend. Past: meant.
- What does this word mean?
- Sorry, I didn’t mean it.
Goes withI meanwhat do you meanmean tomean a lotmean it
Portuguêssignificar, querer dizerO que significa? is “What does it mean?” not “What means?” or “What it means?”
Españolsignificar, querer decir¿Qué significa? is “What does it mean?” not “What means?” or “What signifies?”
Allow. Also makes suggestions: let’s. Past: let.
- Let me help you.
- Let’s go out tonight.
Goes withlet’slet me knowlet me seelet golet someone in
PortuguêsdeixarDeixa eu ver is “Let me see,” not “Let I see.” No to after let: “Let me go.”
EspañoldejarDéjame ver is “Let me see.” No to after let: “Let him try,” not “Let him to try.”
For what reason.
- Why are you late?
- Why don’t we eat out?
Goes withwhy notwhy don’t wethat’s whyI don’t know whythe reason why
Portuguêspor que, por quêPor que (the question) is why; porque (the answer) is because. Why don’t we… makes a suggestion: “Why don’t we go?”
Españolpor qué¿Por qué? is why; porque is because. Why don’t we… makes a suggestion: “Why don’t we go?”
The leader of a country, a company, or an organization.
- Who is the president of the club?
- She’s the company president.
Goes withvice presidentthe president offormer presidentelect a presidentcompany president
PortuguêspresidenteBefore a name, no the: “President Silva said,” not “the President Silva said.”
Españolpresidente, presidentaBefore a name, no the: “President García said,” not “the President García said.”
Continue to have or do; stay in a state. Past: kept.
- Keep the change.
- She kept talking.
Goes withkeep goingkeep in touchkeep a secretkeep calmkeep an eye on
Portuguêsmanter, guardar, continuarContinuar fazendo is keep doing, with -ing: “Keep trying,” not “Keep to try.”
Españolguardar, mantener, seguirSeguir + -ando or -iendo is keep + -ing: “Keep walking,” not “Keep to walk.”
Not different; exactly like another.
- We work in the same building.
- You look the same.
Goes withthe same asat the same timethe same thingall the samesame here
Portuguêsmesmo, mesmaSame takes the, and as to compare: “the same as yours,” not “same that yours.”
Españolmismo, mismaSame takes the, and as to compare: “It’s the same as mine,” not “same that mine.”
Very good; very large or important.
- That’s a great idea.
- We had a great time.
Goes withgreat ideagreat joba great dealgreat timegreat to see you
Portuguêsótimo, grandeGreat usually means ótimo, not grande. For size, say big: “a big house.”
Españolgenial, estupendo, granGreat usually means genial or muy bueno. For size, say big: “a big house.”
Start. Past: began, begun.
- The meeting begins at ten.
- It began to rain.
Goes withbegin withbegin tobegin againto begin withbegin work
PortuguêscomeçarBegin and start mean the same; start is more common in speaking. The past is began; begun follows have: “It has begun.”
Españolempezar, comenzarBegin and start mean the same; start is more common in speaking. The past is began; begun follows have: “It has begun.”
Large in size or importance. Bigger, biggest.
- They live in a big city.
- It’s a big decision.
Goes withbig dealbig citybig problembig mistakeno big deal
PortuguêsgrandeBigger and biggest double the g. Meu irmão mais velho is my big brother or my older brother.
EspañolgrandeBigger and biggest double the g. Mi hermano mayor is my big brother or my older brother.
Appear to be.
- You seem tired.
- It seems like a good plan.
Goes withseem likeseem toit seems thatseem happyseem OK
PortuguêsparecerParece que is “it seems that.” For looks, use look like: “You look like your mom.”
EspañolparecerParece que is “it seems that.” For looks, use look like: “He looks like his dad.”
A number of people or things together.
- We traveled in a group of six.
- Join our study group.
Goes witha group ofstudy groupin groupsage groupgroup chat
Portuguêsgrupo
Españolgrupo
A nation. With the, also land away from cities.
- Which country are you from?
- They live in the country.
Goes withhome countryforeign countryaround the countrythe countrycountry music
Portuguêspaís, interior, campoPaís is country. The country (with the) can mean o interior or o campo: “They moved to the country.”
Españolpaís, campoPaís is country. The country (with the) can mean el campo: “We live in the country.”
Speak with someone.
- Can we talk later?
- They talked about the game.
Goes withtalk totalk abouttalk on the phonetalk overtalk back
Portuguêsfalar, conversarTalk to a person and talk about a topic. Speak a language: “I speak Portuguese,” not “I talk Portuguese.”
Españolhablar, conversarTalk to a person and talk about a topic. Speak a language: “I speak Spanish,” not “I talk Spanish.”
Something difficult that needs a solution.
- What’s the problem?
- No problem. I can help.
Goes withno problemsolve a problemhave a problem withthe problem isa big problem
Portuguêsproblema
Españolproblema
In or to the place that. Joins ideas about places.
- This is the street where I grew up.
- I don’t know where he lives.
Goes withthe place whereknow wherewhere I liveno matter where
PortuguêsondeInside a sentence, keep normal word order: “I don’t know where he lives,” not “where does he live.”
EspañoldondeInside a sentence, keep normal word order: “I know where she works,” not “where does she work.”
Move around; change direction; become.
- Turn left at the light.
- She turned 30 last month.
Goes withturn onturn offturn leftturn aroundturn into
Portuguêsvirar, girar, fazerFazer 30 anos is turn 30: “I turned 30.” Virar à esquerda is turn left.
Españolgirar, doblar, cumplirCumplir 30 años is turn 30: “I turned 30.” Doblar a la izquierda is turn left.
A person who studies at a school, college, or university.
- I’m a student at UCLA.
- She teaches 30 students.
Goes withcollege studenthigh school studentinternational studentmedical studentstudent loan
Portuguêsaluno, estudanteUse a for roles: “I’m a student,” not “I’m student.” Start with st, not est: student, not estudent.
Españolestudiante, alumnoUse a for roles: “I’m a student,” not “I’m student.” Start with st, not est: student, not estudent.
All of a group, one by one. Takes a singular noun.
- I run every morning.
- Every room has a window.
Goes withevery dayevery timeevery weekevery otherevery single
Portuguêstodo, toda, cadaTodo dia is every day. All day means o dia inteiro. Every takes a singular noun: “every student.”
Españolcada, todos losTodos los días is every day, not all the days. All day means el día entero. Every takes a singular noun: “every student.”
The part of the body at the end of your arm.
- Wash your hands before dinner.
- Can you give me a hand?
Goes withgive someone a handon the other handshake handsby handleft hand
PortuguêsmãoWith body parts, use my, your: “I hurt my hand,” not “I hurt the hand.” Me dá uma mão is give me a hand.
EspañolmanoWith body parts, use my, your: “I cut my hand,” not “I cut the hand.” Échame una mano is give me a hand.
Make it easier for someone to do something.
- Can you help me?
- This app helps you learn words.
Goes withhelp withhelp outhelp yourselfcan’t helphelp someone do
PortuguêsajudarAjudar alguém com is help someone with: “Can you help me with this?” No to before the person: “Help me,” not “Help to me.”
EspañolayudarAyudar a alguien con is help someone with: “Can you help me with this?” No to before the person: “Help me,” not “Help to me.”
In opposition to; touching and leaning on.
- Are you for or against the plan?
- Lean the ladder against the wall.
Goes withagainst the lawagainst the wallplay againstvote againstagainst all odds
Portuguêscontra
Españolcontra
Begin; make something begin.
- What time do you start work?
- The car won’t start.
Goes withstart workstart overstart a businessstart upget started
Portuguêscomeçar, ligarStart can take -ing or to: “It started raining” or “It started to rain.” Começar de novo is start over.
Españolempezar, comenzar, arrancarStart can take -ing or to: “It started raining” or “It started to rain.” Arrancar el carro is start the car.
From the United States. Also from North, Central, or South America.
- She’s American.
- I love American food.
Goes withAmerican EnglishLatin AmericanNorth Americanthe American dreamAmerican culture
Portuguêsamericano, americana, estadunidenseNationalities always start with a capital letter: American, Brazilian, Spanish. In everyday English, American means from the United States.
Españolestadounidense, americanoNationalities always start with a capital letter: American, Mexican, Colombian. In everyday English, American means from the United States.
A piece or a section of something.
- This is the best part of the movie.
- Part of the job is travel.
Goes withpart oftake part inpart-timethe best partfor the most part
PortuguêsparteFazer parte de is be part of: “I’m part of the team,” not “I make part of the team.” Participar is take part in.
EspañolparteFormar parte de is be part of: “She’s part of the team,” not “She forms part of the team.” Participar is take part in.
Let someone see; explain how. Past: showed, shown.
- Can you show me the way?
- The study shows a big change.
Goes withshow someoneshow upshow offshow howshow interest
PortuguêsmostrarShow takes the person first: “Show me the photo.” Show up is aparecer.
Españolmostrar, enseñarEnseñar can be show or teach: “Show me your house,” “Teach me to cook.” Show up is aparecer.
A little more or less than; around.
- It takes about an hour.
- There were about 50 people.
Goes withabout an hourabout halfjust aboutabout the sameabout time
Portuguêsmais ou menos, cerca de, unsCerca de 20 minutos is “about 20 minutes,” not “near 20 minutes.” Near is for places.
Españolmás o menos, unos, alrededor deUnos 20 minutos is “about 20 minutes.” Cerca (near) is for places, not numbers.
Finished; across to another place; again.
- The game is over.
- Come over tonight.
Goes withcome overstart overbe overover and overthink it over
Portuguêsacabado, de novoAcabou is “It’s over.” Começar de novo is start over. Come over is passar na casa de alguém.
Españolterminado, de nuevoSe acabó is “It’s over.” Empezar de nuevo is start over. Come over is venir a casa.
Possibly. Less sure than will or may.
- I might be late.
- It might rain tomorrow.
Goes withmight bemight havemight notmight as wellyou might want to
Portuguêstalvez, pode ser queTalvez eu vá is “I might go.” No to and no s: “She might come,” not “She mights to come.”
Españolquizás, puede quePuede que llueva is “It might rain.” No to and no s: “He might call,” not “He mights to call.”
Of this kind. Also makes a noun stronger: such a good day.
- It was such a nice day.
- I like fruit such as mangoes and grapes.
Goes withsuch assuch ano such thingsuch a goodin such a way
Portuguêstal, tãoSuch goes with a noun: “such a nice day.” So goes with an adjective alone: “so nice.” Tal como is such as.
Españoltal, tanSuch goes with a noun: “such a long day.” So goes with an adjective alone: “so long.” Tal como is such as.
A position, an area, or a building. Also someone’s home.
- This is a great place to eat.
- Let’s meet at my place.
Goes withtake placemy placefirst placein place ofall over the place
Portuguêslugar, localMy place is minha casa. Take place is acontecer. A lugar to sit is a seat: “Is this seat free?”
Españollugar, sitioMy place is mi casa. Take place is tener lugar. A lugar to sit is a seat: “Is this seat taken?”
One more time; back to how it was.
- Can you say that again?
- See you again soon.
Goes withonce againnever againagain and againall over againtry again
Portuguêsde novo, novamente, outra vezAgain usually goes at the end: “Call me again,” not “Again call me.” Don’t say “repeat again”; repeat already means again.
Españolotra vez, de nuevo, nuevamenteAgain usually goes at the end: “Try again,” not “Again try.” Don’t say “repeat again”; repeat already means again.
A large town. Plural: cities.
- I live in a big city.
- New York City never sleeps.
Goes withcity centerbig citycity hallin the citycapital city
PortuguêscidadeThe plural is cities (y becomes ies). O centro is downtown: “I work downtown.”
EspañolciudadThe plural is cities (y becomes ies). El centro is downtown: “Let’s go downtown.”
An example or a situation; a legal matter; a box or cover.
- In that case, I’ll call later.
- Bring a jacket, just in case.
Goes within casejust in casein that casein any casephone case
Portuguêscaso, capa, estojoCaso você precise is “if you need” or “in case you need,” not “case you need.” A phone case is uma capinha.
Españolcaso, estuche, fundaEn caso de que is in case: “Take this in case you need it.” A phone case is una funda.
Almost all; the largest number or amount.
- Most people work on weekdays.
- I spend most of my time at work.
Goes withmost peoplemost ofmost of the timemost daysmost of us
Portuguêsa maioria de, a maior parte deA maioria das pessoas is “most people,” not “the most people.” With the or my, add of: “most of the time.”
Españolla mayoría de, la mayor parte deLa mayoría de la gente is “most people,” not “the most people.” With the or my, add of: “most of my friends.”
A small number of. A few means some; few means not many.
- I’ll be back in a few minutes.
- Few people know about it.
Goes witha fewa few daysquite a fewthe next fewvery few
Portuguêspoucos, algunsAlguns minutos is “a few minutes.” Poucos (not many) is few with no a: “Few people came.”
Españolpocos, unos cuantosUnos pocos is “a few”: “a few minutes.” Pocos (not many) is few with no a: “Few people came.”
A set of parts or rules that work together.
- The school system here is good.
- The computer system is down.
Goes withschool systemoperating systemhealth care systema system forpublic transit system
Portuguêssistema
Españolsistema
Seven days.
- I go to the gym three times a week.
- See you next week.
Goes withnext weeklast weekthis weeka week agotwice a week
PortuguêssemanaTrês vezes por semana is “three times a week”: use a, not per or for. Next week has no the: “See you next week.”
EspañolsemanaTres veces por semana is “three times a week”: use a, not per or for. Next week has no the: “See you next week.”
In or to what place. Used in questions.
- Where are you from?
- Where do you work?
Goes withwhere fromwhere elsewhere towhere exactlywhere is
Portuguêsonde, aondeDe onde você é? is “Where are you from?” with from at the end, not “From where are you?”
Españoldónde, adónde¿De dónde eres? is “Where are you from?” with from at the end, not “From where are you?”
A business. Also being with other people.
- She works for a tech company.
- Thanks for the company.
Goes withwork for a companystart a companycompany carkeep someone companyin good company
Portuguêsempresa, companhiaEmpresa is usually company in everyday English: “I work for a small company.” Enterprise sounds formal.
Españolempresa, compañíaEmpresa is usually company in everyday English: “I work for a big company.” Enterprise sounds formal.
Every one of two or more, taken separately.
- Each room has its own bathroom.
- They cost $5 each.
Goes witheach othereach oneeach timeeach ofeach day
PortuguêscadaEach other is um ao outro: “They help each other.” Each takes a singular verb: “Each student has a book.”
EspañolcadaEach other is el uno al otro, or se: “They love each other” (Se quieren). Each takes a singular verb: “Each student has a book.”
Out of every 100. Written %.
- Prices went up 5 percent.
- Ninety percent of students passed.
Goes withpercent of50 percent100 percent surepercent chance10 percent off
Portuguêspor centoNo the and no s: “20 percent of people,” not “the 20 percents.” English uses a period for decimals: 2.5 percent.
Españolpor cientoNo the and no s: “30 percent of people,” not “the 30 percents.” English uses a period for decimals: 2.5 percent.
Notice sounds with your ears. Past: heard.
- Can you hear me?
- I heard the news this morning.
Goes withhear abouthear fromhear ofcan’t hearglad to hear
Portuguêsouvir, escutarHear just happens; listen is on purpose and needs to: “I heard a noise,” “Listen to this song.”
Españoloír, escucharOír is hear; escuchar is usually listen, and it needs to: “I heard a noise,” “Listen to me.”
For that reason; with the result that.
- It was raining, so we stayed home.
- Speak up so everyone can hear.
Goes withso thatand soso whatso farso I
Portuguêsentão, por isso, para quePor isso is so: “I was tired, so I left.” Para que is so that: “Talk louder so (that) we can hear.”
Españolasí que, entonces, para queAsí que is so: “I was tired, so I left.” Para que is so that: “I’ll write it down so you remember.”
At some time in a period, or through all of it.
- I fell asleep during the movie.
- We met during the summer.
Goes withduring the dayduring the weekduring the meetingduring the summerduring that time
PortuguêsduranteDurante duas semanas is “for two weeks,” not “during two weeks.” During answers when: “during the summer.”
EspañolduranteDurante dos semanas is “for two weeks,” not “during two weeks.” During answers when: “during the summer.”
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Word list and ranking: A Frequency Dictionary of Contemporary American English (Mark Davies and Dee Gardner, Routledge, 2010). Meanings, examples, word partners, translations, and notes are written for Thomas’s Classroom.