imponho

Imponho is the first-person singular present indicative form of the Portuguese verb impor. The verb means to impose, to lay down, or to enforce something on someone or on a situation, such as rules, duties, limits, or taxes. It can also express the act of asserting authority or placing a demand.

Etymology and related forms: Imponho comes from the Latin imponere, meaning to place upon, from in- (in, on) and ponere (to place). Related words include imposto (tax or impost) and imposição (the act of imposing).

Conjugation and usage: As a widely used verb, impor is irregular in the present tense. Common present indicative forms are: eu imponho; tu impões; ele/ela impõe; nós impomos; vós impõem; eles/elas impõem. It is typically followed by the thing being imposed, for example: Eu imponho limites, O governo impõe novas regras. The noun form imposição refers to the act or process of imposing, and imposto is a tax or duty.

Usage notes: Imponho is used in contexts involving authorities, regulations, or burdens placed on others. It contrasts with voluntariness or consent, highlighting coercion or obligation. The verb can also appear in reflexive or passive constructions, such as impor-se to indicate asserting one’s position or influence in a given situation.

See also: Imposição (the act of imposing), imposto (tax), impor (to impose). In English, the closest translation is “to impose.”