emprestado
/ẽ.pɾesˈta.du/
Definition
Describing something that has been lent to someone or borrowed from someone else, with the expectation it will be returned.
Example
Esse livro é emprestado; preciso devolver amanhã.
Show translation
This book is borrowed; I need to return it tomorrow.
Etymology
From Portuguese *emprestar* ("to lend/borrow"), derived from Latin *in-* (into) + *praestāre* ("to provide, to stand before"), which also gives English "presto." The past participle *emprestado* doubled as both "lent" and "borrowed" — a grammatical symmetry reflecting the two sides of the same exchange.
Cultural note
In Brazilian culture, lending and borrowing between friends and family is very common and carries social warmth. However, Brazilians have a well-known saying: *"Dinheiro emprestado estraga amizade"* ("Borrowed money ruins friendship") — a gentle warning that money loans can complicate close relationships. Note that *emprestado* covers both directions: you can say *peguei emprestado* (I borrowed) and *dei emprestado* (I lent), which can confuse learners of European languages that use separate words for each direction.