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I have learned that all three words "embrulhar", "empacotar", and "agasalhar" correspond to the english word "to pack". However, I would like to know which one is the most common to use and whether there are differences in the meaning.

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    "agasalhar" don't have the meaning of to pack...
    – Jorge B.
    Commented Jan 6, 2016 at 16:15
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    Agasalhar means... to wrap, to make snug. Mothers would tell their children to "agasalhar-se" during cold or rainy days. (In slang, "agasalhar" could also mean to steal, in the sense of "to protect something inside one's clothes" [e.g. jacket].)
    – ANeves
    Commented Jan 6, 2016 at 16:27
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    Sky Passaro, the most common to use... in which situation?
    – ANeves
    Commented Jan 6, 2016 at 16:30
  • In English it makes no sense to use "to pack" for wearing warm clothes. You can "pack" clothes in your luggage, but that's it. This translation is wrong.
    – Emerson
    Commented Jan 6, 2016 at 16:39

1 Answer 1

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Empacotar = to pack

It can be used for packing something in a box, in a bag, etc. It's used for things that require a certain degree of protection (using cardboard, for example).

"Vou empacotar o produto e enviar para o cliente."

Embrulhar = to wrap

For things that don't need too much protection (using paper, for example). It can be used in the context of wrapping a present.

"Vou embrulhar os presentes de Natal".

Agasalhar = to put warm clothes on

Your translation of this last one is wrong, agasalhar is not to pack. Google Translate is currently showing this translation, but that is wrong.

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  • Actually, "to pack" can be translated to "agasalhar", but only in a very unusual sense used in medicine. See dictionary.reference.com/browse/pack. Unless specifically in this context, you won't use it. Commented Jan 7, 2016 at 0:08
  • "embrulhar" and "empacotar" can be considered synonyms in many (most?) cases. For example, in Brazil, the desk where you pack a present in stores is often called "setor de pacotes".
    – bfavaretto
    Commented Jan 7, 2016 at 22:45

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