What Does “Costumar” Mean in Portuguese?
“Costumar” is a regular verb in Portuguese that means “to be accustomed to,” “to be used to,” or “to usually do” something. It’s commonly used to describe habits, routines, or things that happen regularly. By using “costumar,” you can indicate actions that are part of your normal behavior or are typical in certain situations.
How to Conjugate “Costumar”
The verb “costumar” follows the regular conjugation pattern of verbs ending in -ar. Here are its forms in the present tense, which is most commonly used to describe current habits:
- Eu costumo (I usually)
- Tu costumas (You usually – informal, Portugal)
- Ele/Ela/Você costuma (He/She/You usually)
- Nós costumamos (We usually)
- Vós costumais (You all usually – rarely used)
- Eles/Elas/Vocês costumam (They/You all usually)
Using “Costumar” to Describe Habits
The most straightforward way to use “costumar” is to combine it with the infinitive form of another verb. This structure allows you to talk about habits or actions you do regularly.
Basic Sentence Structure
[Conjugated form of “costumar”] + [infinitive verb]
Examples:
- Eu costumo acordar cedo. (I usually wake up early.)
- Nós costumamos almoçar juntos. (We usually have lunch together.)
- Ela costuma estudar à noite. (She usually studies at night.)
Talking About Habits in the Past
To discuss past habits, use “costumar” in the imperfect tense:
- Eu costumava viajar nas férias. (I used to travel during the holidays.)
- Ele costumava brincar no parque. (He used to play in the park.)
This is particularly useful for reminiscing or explaining how things were done in the past.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Don’t confuse “costumar” with “acostumar”: “Acostumar” means “to get used to,” which is about the process of becoming accustomed, not about describing regular habits.
- Always use the infinitive after “costumar”: The verb that follows should always be in its basic form (e.g., comer, estudar, viajar).
Expressing Frequency and Routine
“Costumar” by itself already implies frequency, but you can add adverbs of time or other expressions to clarify how often you perform the habit:
- Eu costumo correr todas as manhãs. (I usually run every morning.)
- Eles costumam sair aos sábados. (They usually go out on Saturdays.)
Why Learning “Costumar” Matters
Mastering “costumar” helps you sound more like a native speaker, as it is a common and natural way to talk about routines in Portuguese. It’s an essential verb for anyone aiming to communicate about daily life, share personal experiences, or ask others about their customs and routines.
Practice Makes Perfect
Here are a few exercises to help reinforce your understanding:
- Write five sentences about your daily habits using “costumar.”
- Ask a language partner or tutor to describe their routines using “costumar.”
- Listen for “costumar” in Portuguese podcasts or conversations and note how it’s used.
Remember, platforms like Talkpal offer interactive ways to practice verbs like “costumar” and receive instant feedback, making your learning journey more engaging and effective.
Conclusion
Using the verb “costumar” correctly is key to expressing habits and routines in Portuguese. Whether you’re talking about what you usually do or what you did in the past, this verb allows you to clearly communicate actions that are part of your everyday life. By practicing with real-life examples and seeking feedback through tools like Talkpal, you’ll soon be able to describe your habits naturally and confidently in Portuguese. Happy learning!
