🖌️

How to Say ‘I started learning to paint.’ in Portuguese

Comecei a aprender a pintar.

koh-meh-say ah ah-pren-der ah peen-tahr

[koh-meh-say ah ah-pren-der ah peen-tahr]

💬 Usage Tip: After começar, Portuguese often uses a + verb: comecei a aprender, começou a chover. It's a very common pattern for "start doing" something.

Phrase Breakdown

Comecei a

koh-meh-say ah

Words in this phrase

Comecei

[koh-meh-say]

I started

To initiate or begin something.

Example

Comecei um novo trabalho esta semana.

I started a new job this week.

[ah]

A preposition used before a verb to indicate purpose or direction.

Example

Estou a preparar-me a sair.

I am getting ready to leave.

Aprender a pintar.

ah-pren-der ah peen-tahr

Words in this phrase

aprender

[ah-pren-der]

learn

To acquire knowledge or skills through experience, study, or being taught.

Example

Comecei a aprender francês semana passada.

I started to learn French last week.

[ah]

A preposition used before a verb to indicate purpose or direction.

Example

Estou a preparar-me a sair.

I am getting ready to leave.

pintar

[peen-tahr]

paint

To cover a surface with color.

Example

Comecei a pintar paisagens em casa.

I started to paint landscapes at home.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

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