arrumar

Arrumar is a Portuguese verb with several related senses centered on putting things in order, preparing, or fixing something. Its main meanings include to arrange or organize objects or spaces (tidy up, straighten, set up), to prepare or assemble equipment or plans, and to repair or fix what is not working. The sense used depends on context and region.

Reflexive form arrumar-se means to get ready or to dress oneself, as in arrumar-se para sair. It is also used with a wide range of objects: arrumar a casa (tidy the house), arrumar a mesa (set the table), arrumar a mala (pack the suitcase), arrumar o quarto (tidy the bedroom), arrumar o carro (repair or fix the car).

In addition to tidying and repairing, arrumar can express the idea of obtaining or arranging something, as in arrumar emprego (to get a job), though in many contexts this sense is more commonly conveyed with arranjar. The idiomatic expression arrumar confusão means to cause trouble or to make a mess. The verb is regular in form and follows the standard -ar conjugation. Present indicative forms include eu arrumo, você arruma, ele arruma, nós arrumamos, vocês arrumam.

Arrumar is widely used across Lusophone countries, including Brazil and Portugal. While the core sense is to tidy or organize, its versatility—spanning preparation, repair, and attainment—makes it a common and productive verb in everyday speech.