colocar

Senses

1. 1.

   to put

   to place something in a location or position

2. 2.

   to place; to set

   to position or arrange something in a specific way

3. 3.

   to put on

   to dress in or wear (clothing, jewelry, etc.)

4. 4.

   to pose; to raise

   to present a question, problem, or issue

Examples

• "Coloquei a xícara na mesa."

  I put the cup on the table.

• "Ela colocou um vestido novo para a festa."

  She put on a new dress for the party.

• "Você colocou uma questão muito importante."

  You raised a very important question.

Usage

One of the most frequent verbs in Brazilian Portuguese. Combines both physical placement and figurative use (raising ideas, positions). In informal speech, often used where European Portuguese would prefer other verbs. Common in phrasal constructions: *colocar em risco* (to put at risk), *colocar de lado* (to set aside).