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A2 noun #2,500 الأكثر شيوعاً 6 دقيقة للقراءة

figura

At the A1 level, 'figura' is most commonly used to mean a picture or a drawing in a book. You will see it in your Portuguese exercises: 'Look at Figure 1'. It also appears when learning basic shapes (geometric figures). It is a feminine noun, so you always use 'a' or 'uma'. Example: 'A figura é bonita' (The picture is pretty).
At the A2 level, you start using 'figura' to describe people. You might learn the phrase 'figura pública' (public figure) or use 'figura' to describe a funny person you know. You also use it in more complex descriptions of images, such as 'figura de fundo' (background figure). You learn that 'fazer boa figura' means to look good or behave well in front of others.
At the B1 level, you use 'figura' in more abstract ways. You might discuss 'figuras de estilo' (figures of speech) in a basic literature class. You understand the idiomatic use of 'que figura!' to react to someone's behavior. You also use it in professional contexts to refer to charts and diagrams in presentations or reports.
At the B2 level, you handle the word in nuanced social and historical contexts. You can discuss 'figuras históricas' (historical figures) and their impact. You use the word in more complex grammatical structures and understand its role in legal or formal definitions (e.g., 'figura jurídica'). You are comfortable with expressions like 'figura de proa' (figurehead).
At the C1 level, you use 'figura' with precision in academic and literary analysis. You can analyze 'figuras de retórica' in depth. You understand the subtle difference between 'figura', 'vulto', and 'personagem'. You can use the word to describe complex social dynamics, such as how someone 'mantém a figura' (maintains their status/appearance) under pressure.
At the C2 level, 'figura' is used in philosophical or highly specialized technical discussions. You might explore the 'figura' as an ontological concept or in the context of advanced semiotics. You have a complete grasp of all idiomatic, archaic, and regional variations of the word across the Lusophone world.
تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

figura في 30 ثانية

  • Figura means shape, illustration, or a person with a distinct personality.
  • It is always a feminine noun (a figura), regardless of the person's gender.
  • Commonly used in textbooks (Figure 1) and geometry (geometric figures).
  • Idioms like 'fazer boa figura' refer to making a good impression socially.

The Portuguese word figura is a versatile noun that primarily refers to a visual representation, a shape, or a person of note. At its core, it derives from the Latin figura, meaning 'form' or 'shape'. In everyday Portuguese, you will encounter it in textbooks referring to illustrations, in geometry referring to shapes, and in social contexts referring to individuals with distinct personalities or public status. Understanding 'figura' requires looking at the context: is it a drawing on a page, a geometric square, or a famous politician? Each of these is a 'figura'.

Visual Representation
An illustration, diagram, or image found in a book or document.
Geometric Shape
Forms like circles, squares, and triangles (figuras geométricas).
Human Form/Person
A person's silhouette or a notable individual (figura pública).

Observe a figura abaixo para entender o ciclo da água.

In a more colloquial sense, calling someone a 'figura' can imply they are a 'character'—someone unique, funny, or eccentric. This nuance is vital for social fluency. If a friend tells a hilarious story and you respond with 'Que figura!', you are acknowledging their entertaining personality. Furthermore, in the realm of arts and rhetoric, 'figura' appears in 'figura de estilo' (figure of speech), which are literary devices used to enhance expression. This word spans the bridge between the literal physical form and the abstract social or literary representation.

O meu avô é uma figura muito engraçada.

Historically, the term has evolved from strictly physical shapes to include the 'figures' on playing cards (Kings, Queens, Jacks). In sports, a 'figura' might be the star player of a match. The breadth of this word is comparable to the English 'figure', but with specific idiomatic uses in Portuguese culture that emphasize personality. For instance, 'fazer figura' means to make an impression, often used in 'fazer boa figura' (to make a good impression) or 'fazer má figura' (to make a bad impression/embarrass oneself).

O triângulo é uma figura geométrica com três lados.

Ela é uma figura central na política nacional.

Não quero fazer má figura na festa de amanhã.

Figura de Estilo
Metaphors, similes, and other rhetorical devices.
Figura Pública
A celebrity or well-known person in society.

Using figura correctly involves mastering its grammatical gender and its various idiomatic expressions. As a feminine noun, it always takes feminine articles and adjectives: a figura importante, esta figura, algumas figuras. Even if you are describing a male person as a 'character', you must say 'Ele é uma figura' (He is a character). This is a common point of confusion for English speakers who expect the gender to match the person's biological sex.

In academic and professional writing, 'figura' is the standard term for any non-textual element like a chart, photo, or diagram. You will often see 'ver Figura 1' (see Figure 1). In these contexts, it is formal and precise. However, in the phrase 'fazer figura', the word becomes more abstract, relating to social standing and appearance. To 'fazer figura' is to stand out or to present oneself in a certain way to others.

When discussing geometry, 'figura' is paired with 'plana' (flat) or 'espacial' (3D). A 'figura plana' would be a circle, while a 'figura espacial' would be a sphere. In the world of cards, 'as figuras' specifically refer to the face cards. If you are playing 'Sueca' or 'Poker' in Portugal or Brazil, you'll use this term frequently. Lastly, in the context of 'figuras de linguagem', you are entering the territory of linguistics and literature, discussing how language is shaped to convey deeper meanings.

You will hear figura in a variety of settings. In a classroom, a teacher might say, 'Olhem para a figura na página dez' (Look at the figure on page ten). In a news broadcast, a journalist might describe a politician as a 'figura controversa' (controversial figure). In a casual cafe setting, you might hear someone laughing and saying about a friend, 'O João é uma figura!' (João is quite a character!).

In the art world, 'figura' is used to discuss figurative art as opposed to abstract art. A 'pintura de figura' focuses on the human form. In legal or formal documents, 'figura' might appear in the sense of a legal entity or a specific role within a contract. It is also common in sports commentary, where a player who performed exceptionally well is called the 'figura do jogo' (man of the match). This diversity makes it one of the most useful nouns to have in your Portuguese repertoire.

The most frequent mistake is gender agreement. Because 'figura' can refer to a man, learners often try to say 'ele é um figura'. This is incorrect. It must always be uma figura. Another mistake is confusing 'figura' with 'personagem'. While both can mean 'character', 'personagem' is specifically for a character in a book, movie, or play. If you are talking about a real person who is funny, use 'figura'. If you are talking about Harry Potter, use 'personagem'.

Another nuance is the difference between 'figura' and 'vulto'. While 'figura' is a general term for a person or shape, 'vulto' often implies a shadowy figure, a silhouette, or a historical figure of immense stature (vulto histórico). Using 'figura' for a ghost-like shape might be less precise than 'vulto'. Finally, avoid using 'figura' to mean 'number' or 'digit'—for that, use 'algarismo' or 'número'. 'Figure' in English can mean 'digit' (e.g., a six-figure salary), but in Portuguese, 'um salário de seis figuras' is a literal translation that sounds unnatural; 'um salário de seis dígitos' is preferred.

Several words share semantic space with figura. Imagem (image) is the most common synonym when referring to visual representations, but 'imagem' is more general, while 'figura' often implies a specific illustration or diagram. Ilustração (illustration) is more specific to drawings in books. Forma (shape/form) is a synonym in geometric contexts, focusing on the outline or structure.

Personagem (character) overlaps when describing people, but as noted, it is usually reserved for fiction. Personalidade (personality) can be used when 'figura' refers to a famous person (uma personalidade pública). Desenho (drawing) is a more basic term for a visual 'figura'. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the most precise word for the situation. For example, while every 'figura' in a textbook is an 'imagem', not every 'imagem' (like a mental image) is a 'figura'.

How Formal Is It?

رسمي

""

غير رسمي

""

مستوى الصعوبة

قواعد يجب معرفتها

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

A figura no livro é um gato.

The figure in the book is a cat.

Feminine singular: 'A figura'.

2

Desenhe uma figura redonda.

Draw a round figure.

Adjective 'redonda' agrees with feminine 'figura'.

3

Onde está a figura um?

Where is figure one?

Commonly used in instructions.

4

Esta figura é azul.

This figure is blue.

Demonstrative 'Esta' matches 'figura'.

5

Eu vejo uma figura.

I see a figure.

Direct object.

6

A figura é pequena.

The figure is small.

Subject-adjective agreement.

7

Olhe para a figura.

Look at the figure.

Imperative 'Olhe'.

8

Quantas figuras há aqui?

How many figures are there here?

Plural 'figuras'.

1

Ele é uma figura muito engraçada.

He is a very funny character.

Note: 'uma figura' even for a man.

2

Ela é uma figura pública conhecida.

She is a well-known public figure.

Adjective 'conhecida' matches 'figura'.

3

Não quero fazer má figura no jantar.

I don't want to make a bad impression at the dinner.

Idiom: 'fazer má figura'.

4

A figura geométrica tem quatro lados.

The geometric figure has four sides.

Specific classification.

5

As figuras do baralho são o rei e a dama.

The figures in the deck are the king and the queen.

Refers to face cards.

6

Que figura! Você está sempre a brincar.

What a character! You are always joking.

Exclamatory use.

7

A figura central da pintura é um anjo.

The central figure of the painting is an angel.

Artistic context.

8

Ele tentou manter a figura durante a crise.

He tried to maintain his composure/image during the crisis.

Abstract meaning of 'image'.

1

A metáfora é uma figura de estilo comum.

Metaphor is a common figure of speech.

Literary terminology.

2

O artigo inclui uma figura explicativa.

The article includes an explanatory figure.

Formal usage.

3

Ele é uma figura de proa na empresa.

He is a figurehead in the company.

Idiom: 'figura de proa'.

4

A figura paterna é importante no desenvolvimento.

The father figure is important in development.

Psychological context.

5

Fizemos boa figura na apresentação do projeto.

We made a good impression in the project presentation.

Collective 'fazer boa figura'.

6

A figura dele apareceu na televisão ontem.

His figure/image appeared on television yesterday.

Refers to physical appearance on screen.

7

É difícil definir a figura jurídica deste contrato.

It is difficult to define the legal status of this contract.

Legal context.

8

As figuras retóricas ajudam a persuadir o público.

Rhetorical figures help to persuade the audience.

Plural academic use.

1

A figura histórica de D. Afonso Henriques é fundamental.

The historical figure of D. Afonso Henriques is fundamental.

Historical context.

2

O autor utiliza várias figuras de linguagem no poema.

The author uses several figures of speech in the poem.

Synonym for 'figuras de estilo'.

3

Ela tornou-se uma figura emblemática da resistência.

She became an emblematic figure of the resistance.

High-level description.

4

A figura esguia do modelo destacava-se na passarela.

The model's slender figure stood out on the catwalk.

Describing physique.

5

O gráfico na Figura 4 demonstra o crescimento anual.

The graph in Figure 4 demonstrates the annual growth.

Technical reference.

6

Ele é uma figura carismática que atrai multidões.

He is a charismatic figure who attracts crowds.

Describing personality.

7

A justiça é representada pela figura de uma mulher vendada.

Justice is represented by the figure of a blindfolded woman.

Symbolic representation.

8

Não podemos ignorar a figura do mediador neste conflito.

We cannot ignore the role/figure of the mediator in this conflict.

Abstract role.

1

A configuração da figura política mudou após as eleições.

The configuration of the political landscape changed after the elections.

Metaphorical use.

2

O ensaio analisa a figura feminina na literatura do século XIX.

The essay analyzes the female figure in 19th-century literature.

Academic analysis.

3

Sua figura impunha respeito a todos os presentes.

His presence/figure commanded respect from everyone present.

Abstract quality of presence.

4

A obra transita entre a abstração e a figuração.

The work moves between abstraction and figuration.

Art theory.

5

A figura de estilo 'oxímoro' cria um efeito paradoxal.

The figure of speech 'oxymoron' creates a paradoxical effect.

Specific literary term.

6

O vulto transformou-se numa figura nítida ao aproximar-se.

The shadow turned into a clear figure as it approached.

Contrast between 'vulto' and 'figura'.

7

A figura do 'self-made man' é recorrente na cultura americana.

The figure of the 'self-made man' is recurrent in American culture.

Sociological archetype.

8

Ele é a figura central em torno da qual a trama se desenrola.

He is the central figure around which the plot unfolds.

Narrative structure.

1

A fenomenologia da figura transcende a mera percepção visual.

The phenomenology of the figure transcends mere visual perception.

Philosophical discourse.

2

A hermenêutica busca decifrar a figura oculta no texto sagrado.

Hermeneutics seeks to decipher the hidden figure in the sacred text.

Theological/Interpretive context.

3

A figuração do poder manifesta-se através de rituais complexos.

The representation of power manifests through complex rituals.

Political science/Sociology.

4

O autor desconstrói a figura do herói tradicional na sua última obra.

The author deconstructs the figure of the traditional hero in his latest work.

Literary criticism.

5

A intertextualidade evoca figuras de obras clássicas.

Intertextuality evokes figures from classical works.

Advanced literary theory.

6

A figura geométrica não-euclidiana desafia a intuição espacial.

The non-Euclidean geometric figure challenges spatial intuition.

Advanced mathematics.

7

O discurso político é permeado por figuras de retórica manipuladoras.

Political discourse is permeated by manipulative rhetorical figures.

Critical discourse analysis.

8

A reificação da figura humana no capitalismo tardio é um tema central.

The reification of the human figure in late capitalism is a central theme.

Marxist/Critical theory.

تلازمات شائعة

figura pública
figura geométrica
figura de estilo
figura paterna
figura central
fazer boa figura
fazer má figura
figura emblemática
figura histórica
figura de proa

العبارات الشائعة

Que figura!

Ver figura 1

Figura de linguagem

Manter a figura

Figura carismática

Figura de destaque

Pintura de figura

Figura de cartaz

Figura sinistra

Figura de autoridade

يُخلط عادةً مع

figura vs personagem

figura vs vulto

figura vs número

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

سهل الخلط

figura vs personagem

figura vs vulto

figura vs algarismo

أنماط الجُمل

كيفية الاستخدام

social

Used for personality.

academic

Standard for illustrations.

mathematical

Used for shapes.

أخطاء شائعة
  • Using 'um figura' for a male person.
  • Using 'figura' instead of 'algarismo' for numbers.
  • Confusing 'figura' with 'personagem' in fiction.
  • Misplacing the stress (it's fi-GU-ra, not FI-gu-ra).
  • Forgetting the 'a' in 'figura de proa'.

نصائح

Gender Trap

Always use feminine articles and adjectives with 'figura'. Even if you are talking about your father, he is 'uma figura'.

Book Usage

In textbooks, 'figura' is the standard word for any image or chart.

Making Impressions

Use 'fazer boa figura' to describe someone who behaved well at a party or interview.

Que Figura!

This is a great phrase to use when someone does something funny or unexpected.

Artistic Figure

In art, 'figura' refers to the human form. 'Arte figurativa' is art that represents real objects.

Shapes

Learn 'figuras geométricas' like 'círculo', 'quadrado', and 'triângulo'.

Face Cards

When playing cards, 'as figuras' are the cards with people on them.

Historical Figures

Use 'figura histórica' to talk about people like Napoleon or Vasco da Gama.

Literary Devices

'Figuras de linguagem' are essential for advanced Portuguese writing.

Reports

Always label your charts as 'Figura 1', 'Figura 2', etc., in professional reports.

احفظها

أصل الكلمة

Latin

السياق الثقافي

Very common in slang to mean someone funny or 'a piece of work'.

Often used to describe local characters in small villages.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

بدايات محادثة

"Quem é a figura mais importante da história do seu país?"

"Você conhece alguma figura engraçada na sua família?"

"Qual é a sua figura geométrica favorita?"

"Você já fez má figura em algum encontro?"

"Quem é uma figura pública que você admira?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Descreva uma figura pública que teve um impacto na sua vida.

Escreva sobre uma vez que você fez boa figura numa situação difícil.

Qual é a importância das figuras de estilo na poesia?

Descreva a figura mais excêntrica que você já conheceu.

Analise uma figura importante de um livro que você leu recentemente.

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

No, it is always 'uma figura' because the noun is feminine.

It is a figure of speech, like a metaphor or irony.

It can be both depending on the context.

You say 'Figura um'.

Yes, it can refer to someone's physique.

It means to embarrass oneself or make a bad impression.

Yes, it refers to the King, Queen, and Jack.

They are similar, but 'figura' is often more specific to diagrams or people.

A person who is famous or well-known by the general public.

The plural is 'figuras'.

اختبر نفسك 180 أسئلة

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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