escutar — meaning in English: to listen

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inspirar

sonder

travelar

pequeno

escutar

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'escutar' in everyday conversations, especially when discussing music, advice, or stories. For example, you might say 'Eu gosto de escutar música' when sharing your passion for music or 'Escute o que eu tenho a dizer' when urging someone to pay attention during a discussion.

Synonyms & nuances

'Escutar' is often compared with 'ouvir', which also means 'to hear'. However, 'escutar' implies an active effort to engage with what is being said, whereas 'ouvir' can refer to passive hearing. You would choose 'escutar' when emphasizing attentiveness, such as when you’re advising someone to really take in the information being shared.

Culture

'Escutar' has its roots in the Latin word 'auscultare', which means 'to listen attentively'. This connection highlights the importance of attentive listening in Portuguese culture, where communication and understanding are often valued. Furthermore, in Portuguese-speaking communities, listening is not just about hearing words but also about connecting emotionally with the speaker.

FAQ

Q.What is the difference between 'escutar' and 'ouvir'?

'Escutar' means to listen actively and attentively, while 'ouvir' refers to merely hearing sounds. Use 'escutar' when you want to emphasize engagement.

Q.How do I conjugate 'escutar' in the present tense?

'Escutar' is a regular -ar verb. In the present tense, I say 'eu escuto', you say 'tu escutas', he/she/it says 'ele/ela escuta', and we say 'nós escutamos'.

Q.Can 'escutar' be used for non-verbal sounds?

'Escutar' is primarily used for listening to spoken words and sounds. For non-verbal sounds, 'ouvir' may be more appropriate, unless you are referring to a particular context of attention.

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Portuguese Vocabulary