7/1/2021 Duolingo - The world's best way to learn Portuguese

Sports
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Vocabulary
Jogar x Brincar x Tocar

There is a very confusing verb for English speakers when learning Portuguese, and this verb is
"to play".

In Portuguese, there are three distinct verbs that translate "to play", each one with its own
meaning:

Jogar = To play a game

Brincar = (simply) to play / have fun / make jokes, etc.

Tocar = To play a song or an instrument

Notice that "jogar" and "tocar" have objects, such as "jogar futebol (play soccer)" and "tocar piano
(play the piano)". But "brincar" is intransitive.

Ganhar x Vencer

Both verbs are used for "winning", but notice that you can "win a contest" or "win a prize", there
are different meanings.

Vencer = To win a contest/competition

Ganhar = Either to win a prize or a competition

So, you can:

Ganhar o jogo = Vencer o jogo = To win the game/match

Ganhar um prêmio = To win/earn a prize

"Ganhar" is also used for earning money and receiving things:

Ele ganha um presente = He receives a gift

Ele ganha dez mil por mês = He earns ten thousand a month

Dar
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7/1/2021 Duolingo - The world's best way to learn Portuguese

The verb dar is very versatile, and sometimes it's used for simply "doing" or "performing"
Sports
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Ela dá um sorriso = She smiles

Ele deu uma olhada no problema = He took a look at the problem

In sports, one can:

Dar um salto (= saltar) = To jump

Dar um soco (= socar) = To punch

Dar um chute (= chutar) = To kick

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