Furar

Furar is a common Portuguese verb with several related meanings that share the core idea of creating an opening by penetrating a surface. In its most literal sense, furar means to bore or drill a hole. It is used with materials such as wood, metal, or concrete and describes actions performed with tools such as a drill or awl. The noun form furação denotes the act or result of drilling, while furador can refer to the drill itself or a person who drills.

Furar also means to puncture or pierce, especially by penetrating a surface or material. This usage covers objects like tires, walls, or fabric: "Ele furou o pneu" (He punctured the tire) and "A agulha furou a meia" (The needle pierced the sock).

Colloquial uses extend to figurative meanings. In everyday speech, furar can mean to miss or fail to attend something, such as "furar aula" (to skip class) or "furar o prazo" (to miss a deadline). It can also mean to cut in line or bypass a queue in phrases like "furar a fila" (to pull in front of others).

Perfurar is a more formal synonym for drilling a hole; furar tends to be broader and more colloquial. The past participle furado is used as an adjective meaning perforated or punctured, as in "furado pelo tempo" (worn through) or "uma parede furada" (a hole-pocked wall).

Notes: The term is widely used in Brazilian Portuguese and is understood in other Lusophone varieties, though usage patterns vary by region and context.