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How to use Mudar and Trocar in Portuguese

September 24, 2013 By Josh Plotkin 8 Comments

Do you know when to use mudar and trocar in Portuguese?

A common mistake made by intermediate Portuguese speakers is to use trocar when they should use mudar.

Watch this video to learn the proper usage of mudar and trocar.

[leadplayer_vid id=”5241CE9F1C3F2″]

Both mudar and trocar mean to change. But beyond that they both have uses distinct for certain situations.

Here are some ways mudar can be used.

  • To talk about a change in location.
    Mudei para San Francisco. (I moved to San Francisco)
  • If someones behavior or attitude has changed.
    Você era legal, mas você mudou. (You were cool but you’ve changed).
  • To organize things in a different way
    Mudei os moveis. (I moved around the furniture.)
    Mudei de moveis. (I got new furniture.)
  • To change direction
    O carro mudo de direção. (The car changed directions).

Here are ways that trocar can be used.

  • To switch
    Troquei a caneta (I switched pens)
  • To exchange money
    Troquei guarani para reais. (I exchanged Guarani for Reals).
  • To exchange something reciprocally
    Trocamos experiências. Trocamos uma idéia. (We exchanged experiences. We exchanged ideas.)

Any questions? Leave a comment below.

Filed Under: Brazilian Portuguese

About Josh Plotkin

Josh Plotkin is a long term expat and digital nomad who loves exploring Brazil. You can follow him on Youtube.

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