Dictionary · Portuguese

observar

verb

Senses

  1. 1.

    to observe, to watch

    to look at something carefully or attentively

  2. 2.

    to notice, to observe

    to perceive or become aware of something

  3. 3.

    to comply with, to observe

    to follow or obey rules, laws, or customs

  4. 4.

    to remark, to point out

    to make a comment or statement about something

Examples

  • "Ela gosta de observar as estrelas à noite."

    She likes to watch the stars at night.

  • "O cientista observou que a temperatura estava subindo."

    The scientist noticed that the temperature was rising.

  • "É importante observar as regras de trânsito."

    It's important to obey traffic rules.

Usage

Common verb in both everyday and formal contexts. Often used with direct objects (observar algo/alguém). Common collocations include "observar atentamente" (observe carefully) and "observar as normas/regras" (follow the rules/norms). Don't confuse with "olhar" (to look), which is less careful or analytical.

Conjugation

Full table

Presente

indicative
euobservo
ele/ela/vocêobserva
nósobservamos
eles/elas/vocêsobservam

Pretérito Perfeito

indicative
euobservei
ele/ela/vocêobservou
nósobservamos
eles/elas/vocêsobservaram

Pretérito Imperfeito

indicative
euobservava
ele/ela/vocêobservava
nósobservávamos
eles/elas/vocêsobservavam

Pretérito Mais-que-perfeito

indicative
euobservara
ele/ela/vocêobservara
nósobserváramos
eles/elas/vocêsobservaram