At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'professor' means teacher. You should learn to identify the gender: 'o professor' for a man and 'a professora' for a woman. You will use this word to talk about your school or your Portuguese teacher. Simple sentences like 'Eu sou professor' or 'A minha professora é simpática' are perfect for this level. Focus on the basic pronunciation and the fact that it applies to all types of teachers. You don't need to worry about complex academic titles yet. Just remember that in Portuguese, we don't usually say 'Eu sou um professor', we just say 'Eu sou professor'. This is a common mistake for beginners. Practice saying the word with the correct articles and possessives like 'meu' and 'minha'. This word is one of the first nouns you will learn because it is so central to the learning experience itself. You will hear your teacher use it, and you will use it to address them. It is a friendly and essential word for your initial vocabulary building.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'professor' in more descriptive contexts. You can talk about what subject a teacher teaches, such as 'professor de matemática' or 'professora de inglês'. You should also be comfortable with the plural forms: 'os professores' and 'as professoras'. At this stage, you might start to notice that 'professor' is used for university lecturers too, which is different from English. You can form sentences about daily routines, like 'O professor explica a lição todos os dias'. You should also learn how to address a teacher politely: 'Professor, pode repetir, por favor?'. This level requires you to understand the word in the context of simple stories or news snippets about schools. You are expanding your ability to describe people, so you might use adjectives with 'professor', like 'um professor paciente' or 'uma professora exigente'. Remember to match the gender of the adjective with the gender of the teacher. This is a key grammar point at the A2 level.
At the B1 level, you can use 'professor' to discuss educational systems and personal experiences in more detail. You might talk about the qualities of a good teacher or the challenges teachers face. You will encounter the word in more varied texts, such as opinion pieces about education or job advertisements. You should understand the difference between 'professor' and 'docente' in formal contexts. You can use the word in the past tense to talk about your favorite teachers from childhood: 'O meu professor do ensino primário era muito criativo'. At this level, you should also be aware of common collocations like 'sala dos professores' (staff room) or 'conselho de professores' (teachers' council). Your vocabulary is growing, so you can start using synonyms like 'educador' when appropriate. You are also expected to handle more complex sentence structures, such as 'Se eu fosse professor, daria menos trabalhos de casa'. This level moves beyond simple identification into using the word to express opinions and hypothetical situations related to the world of education.
At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of the word 'professor' and its role in society. You can participate in debates about the prestige of the teaching profession, the impact of technology on teachers, and pedagogical theories. You will understand the word when it appears in academic journals, complex news reports, and literature. You should be familiar with titles like 'Professor Auxiliar', 'Professor Associado', and 'Professor Catedrático', which are used in the university hierarchy in Portugal and Brazil. You can use the word to discuss abstract concepts, such as 'a relação entre professor e aluno'. Your ability to use the word in formal writing, like an essay or a formal letter, should be well-developed. You understand the cultural significance of the 'professor' as a figure of authority and knowledge. You can also use idiomatic expressions or more sophisticated synonyms like 'mestre' in a metaphorical sense. At this level, you are expected to understand the subtle differences in how the word is used across different Lusophone countries.
At the C1 level, your command of the word 'professor' is near-native. You understand all the subtle connotations, historical references, and academic nuances. You can read complex sociological texts about the 'corpo docente' and understand the political implications of 'estatuto do professor'. You are comfortable using the word in highly formal academic settings, adhering to all protocols of address and title. You can analyze how the image of the 'professor' is portrayed in classical Portuguese and Brazilian literature. You understand the word's etymology and how it relates to other Romance languages. Your speech is fluent and spontaneous, allowing you to discuss the intricacies of teacher training, pedagogical innovation, and the philosophy of education. You can use the word in professional contexts, such as presenting at a conference or writing a thesis. You are aware of the most obscure synonyms and can use them to vary your style. The word 'professor' is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a concept you can manipulate with precision and cultural depth.
At the C2 level, you have mastered the word 'professor' in all its dimensions. You can engage in high-level academic discourse about the 'ontologia do professor' or the 'epistemologia da prática docente'. You understand the most subtle linguistic shifts and regional variations in the word's usage. You can interpret and produce complex texts where 'professor' is used with irony, metaphor, or deep cultural symbolism. You are familiar with the legal and administrative jargon surrounding the teaching profession in multiple Lusophone countries. You can appreciate the stylistic choices of authors who use archaic or highly specialized terms related to teaching. Your understanding of the word is integrated into a vast web of cultural, historical, and linguistic knowledge. You can discuss the evolution of the term from its Latin roots to its modern digital iterations. At this level, the word is a tool for sophisticated expression, allowing you to navigate the most demanding intellectual environments with ease and authority. You are essentially at the level of a native-speaking professor of the language itself.

professor/a في 30 ثانية

  • The word for teacher at any level.
  • Gender-specific: professor (m) / professora (f).
  • Used as both a job title and a direct address.
  • Essential for school, work, and social contexts.
The Portuguese word professor (masculine) or professora (feminine) is a fundamental noun in the Lusophone world, serving as the primary designation for anyone whose profession involves teaching. Unlike in the English language, where the term 'professor' is largely reserved for high-ranking academic faculty at universities or colleges, the Portuguese term is much more inclusive and egalitarian. It is the standard word used to describe a teacher at any level of the educational hierarchy, from a preschool teacher guiding toddlers through their first alphabet to a tenured academic conducting complex research at a prestigious university. This broad application reflects a cultural perspective that values the act of teaching itself, regardless of the age of the students or the complexity of the subject matter. When you walk into a primary school in Lisbon or a high school in São Paulo, you will hear students addressing their teachers simply as 'Professor' or 'Professora'. This usage acts as both a job title and a direct form of address, often replacing the need for surnames in daily classroom interactions.
Grammatical Gender
In Portuguese, nouns are gendered. A male teacher is 'o professor' and a female teacher is 'a professora'. When referring to a mixed group of teachers, the masculine plural 'os professores' is traditionally used, although modern inclusive language practices are evolving.

A minha professora de história é muito inteligente e explica tudo com clareza.

Beyond the classroom, the word can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is an expert or a master in a particular craft, even if they do not teach in a formal institution. For example, a master musician or a skilled craftsman might be respectfully called 'professor' by their apprentices. This highlights the word's connection to the Latin root 'profiteri', meaning to declare openly or to be an expert. In social settings, being a professor carries a level of respect, though the economic reality of teachers varies significantly across different Portuguese-speaking countries. In Portugal, the career path for a professor is highly regulated by the state, whereas in Brazil, there is a vast distinction between teachers in the public sector and those in elite private institutions. Understanding this word is essential for any learner because it appears in daily news, literature, and social conversations constantly. Whether you are discussing education policy, your own school days, or meeting someone new, the word 'professor' will inevitably arise. It is a pillar of social structure, representing the transmission of knowledge from one generation to the next.
Usage in Higher Education
While 'professor' covers all teachers, universities also use 'docente' as a more formal term for the teaching body. However, students will still use 'Professor' when speaking to their lecturers.

O professor universitário publicou um artigo científico sobre a economia global.

Pluralization Rules
To make 'professor' plural, you add '-es' to the masculine form (professores) and '-as' to the feminine form (professoras). This follows the standard Portuguese rule for nouns ending in 'r'.

Os professores estão em reunião para discutir o novo currículo escolar.

Using the word professor correctly in a sentence requires attention to gender agreement, articles, and the specific educational context. Because Portuguese is a highly inflected language, the word 'professor' must match the gender of the person you are describing. If you are talking about a man, you use 'o professor'; for a woman, 'a professora'. This distinction is non-negotiable and is the first thing a learner must master. For example, 'O professor de matemática é exigente' (The male math teacher is demanding) versus 'A professora de matemática é exigente' (The female math teacher is demanding). Notice how the adjective 'exigente' remains the same because it ends in 'e', but the article 'o' or 'a' changes.
Direct Address
When speaking directly to a teacher, you often omit the name. You might say, 'Professor, pode ajudar-me?' (Teacher, can you help me?). This is considered polite and standard in both Portugal and Brazil.

Bom dia, professora, como está hoje?

In more complex sentences, 'professor' often acts as the subject or the object of verbs like 'ensinar' (to teach), 'explicar' (to explain), 'corrigir' (to correct), or 'avaliar' (to evaluate). For instance, 'O professor ensina português aos estrangeiros' (The teacher teaches Portuguese to foreigners). When describing the profession itself, the verb 'ser' (to be) is used: 'Eu sou professor' (I am a teacher). Note that in Portuguese, you typically do not use the indefinite article 'um' or 'uma' when stating your profession unless you are adding an adjective: 'Eu sou um professor dedicado' (I am a dedicated teacher).
Possessive Adjectives
When referring to 'my teacher', you must match the gender of the teacher, not your own gender. 'O meu professor' (if the teacher is male) or 'A minha professora' (if the teacher is female).

A minha professora favorita aposentou-se no ano passado.

Plural Contexts
When talking about teachers in general, use the masculine plural: 'Os professores são fundamentais para a sociedade' (Teachers are fundamental to society).

Muitos professores utilizam tecnologia na sala de aula.

The word professor is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking societies, echoing through the halls of various institutions and appearing in diverse media. Its most common habitat is, naturally, the educational environment. From the moment children enter the 'escola primária' (primary school), the word becomes a daily staple. In Brazil, you might hear students shouting 'Professor!' across a playground, while in Portugal, the tone might be slightly more formal but the word remains the same. Beyond schools, the word is a frequent guest in news broadcasts. Journalists often interview 'professores universitários' to provide expert commentary on politics, economics, or science. In these contexts, the word carries the weight of authority and specialized knowledge.
In the Media
You will see the word in headlines like 'Professores anunciam greve' (Teachers announce a strike) or 'Novo bónus para os professores' (New bonus for teachers). It is a central term in political discourse regarding education reform.

O telejornal entrevistou um professor de ciência política sobre as eleições.

In literature and cinema, the 'professor' is a classic archetype. Whether it is the wise mentor or the strict disciplinarian, the character of the teacher is a recurring theme in Lusophone storytelling. Think of the famous Brazilian film 'Central do Brasil', where the protagonist is a former 'professora' who writes letters for illiterate people. The word here signifies literacy, patience, and a connection to the community. In social gatherings, when people discuss their careers, 'Sou professor' is a common phrase that immediately establishes one's role in the social fabric. It is a profession that everyone has an opinion on, leading to lively debates about the state of education.
Digital Spaces
On YouTube or LinkedIn, you will find many 'professores de línguas' or 'professores de marketing' offering courses. The word has successfully transitioned into the gig economy and online learning platforms.

Sigo um professor no YouTube que ensina a tocar violão.

Workplace
In staff rooms (sala dos professores), the word is used amongst colleagues to refer to their shared identity and professional challenges.

A sala dos professores estava cheia de pilhas de testes para corrigir.

For English speakers, the most frequent mistake when using professor is a semantic one: assuming the word only applies to university faculty. In English, you would never call a kindergarten teacher a 'professor', but in Portuguese, it is the correct and only term. If you use 'professor' only for PhD holders, you will miss out on describing the vast majority of educators. Another common error involves gender agreement. English speakers often forget to change the ending to 'professora' when referring to a woman. Saying 'O meu professor Maria' is a jarring mistake to a native ear. Always ensure the article (o/a), the noun (professor/professora), and any accompanying adjectives (dedicado/dedicada) are in harmony.
The 'Um' Trap
In English, we say 'I am a teacher'. In Portuguese, you should say 'Eu sou professor'. Adding the 'um' (Eu sou um professor) sounds like you are saying you are one specific teacher among many, rather than stating your profession.

Errado: Eu sou um professor. Correto: Eu sou professor.

Misusing the plural is another hurdle. Remember that the plural of 'professor' is 'professores' (adding -es), not 'professors' (just adding -s). This is a common slip-up for those used to English pluralization rules. Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the distinction between 'professor' and 'educador'. While 'professor' is the job title, 'educador' is a more philosophical term referring to someone who educates or raises a child. You wouldn't usually call your math teacher 'meu educador' in a casual conversation. Finally, be careful with the word 'lente'. In very old or highly academic Portuguese, 'lente' was a term for a professor, but today it is obsolete and using it would make you sound like you stepped out of a 19th-century novel. Stick to 'professor' for all modern contexts.
False Friends
Do not confuse 'professor' with 'proficiente'. While they share a root, 'proficiente' means proficient or skilled, not a teacher.

Os professores (não 'professors') estão prontos para a aula.

Capitalization
In Portuguese, job titles are generally not capitalized unless they start a sentence or are part of a formal address: 'O professor chegou', but 'Exmo. Sr. Professor'.

A professora explicou a regra gramatical cinco vezes.

While professor is the go-to word, Portuguese offers several synonyms and related terms that can add precision to your speech. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker. The most formal alternative is 'docente'. This term is frequently used in administrative contexts, university documents, and formal reports. For example, 'O corpo docente da universidade' refers to the entire teaching staff. It is rarely used in casual conversation. Another related term is 'educador'. While a 'professor' focuses on teaching a specific subject, an 'educador' is seen as someone who shapes the character and social development of a student. This term is especially common in early childhood education.
Comparison: Professor vs. Docente
'Professor' is the everyday title used by students and the public. 'Docente' is a technical, professional term used in official records and academic policy.

A universidade contratou novos docentes para o departamento de biologia.

'Mestre' is another interesting alternative. While it literally means 'master', it is often used as a respectful way to address a teacher who has reached a high level of expertise or who has a Master's degree. In some traditional academic settings in Portugal, 'Mestre' is a specific title. 'Tutor' is used similarly to the English 'tutor', referring to someone who provides individual guidance or academic support outside of a traditional classroom setting. 'Monitor' is often used for student assistants who help a professor with a class. Finally, 'lecionador' is a less common word that literally means 'one who gives lessons', but it is quite formal and rarely used in speech.
Comparison: Professor vs. Mestre
'Professor' is the general role. 'Mestre' implies a higher degree of mastery, a specific academic degree, or a more personal, mentor-like relationship.

O meu mestre de artes marciais ensinou-me a ter disciplina.

Comparison: Professor vs. Educador
'Professor' focuses on the transmission of knowledge. 'Educador' focuses on the holistic development of the individual.

Paulo Freire foi um dos maiores educadores do século vinte.

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The word 'professor' shares the same root as 'profess', because originally, a professor was someone who 'professed' their faith or their knowledge in public.

دليل النطق

UK /pɾu.fɛ.ˈsoɾ/
US /pɾo.fe.ˈsoʁ/
The stress is on the last syllable: pro-fes-SOR.
يتقافى مع
amor calor dor favor flor louvor pastor valor
أخطاء شائعة
  • Pronouncing the first 'o' like 'oh' in Portugal (it should be 'oo').
  • Adding an 'i' sound before the 's' (pro-fess-ior).
  • Forgetting the gendered ending 'a' for women.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 1/5

Very easy to recognize due to the English cognate.

الكتابة 2/5

Must remember gender endings and plural rules.

التحدث 2/5

Stress on the final syllable is key.

الاستماع 1/5

Clear and distinct sound in most dialects.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

escola aluno ser o/a

تعلّم لاحقاً

ensinar estudar aula matéria

متقدم

docência pedagogia catedrático currículo

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Gender agreement with nouns ending in -r

O professor (m) / A professora (f)

Pluralization of nouns ending in -r

Professor -> Professores

Omission of indefinite articles with professions

Eu sou professor (Not: Eu sou um professor)

Use of 'de' to specify subject

Professor de música

Contraction of prepositions with articles

Falei com o professor / Falei com a professora

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

O professor é bom.

The teacher is good.

'O' is the masculine article matching 'professor'.

2

A professora fala português.

The teacher speaks Portuguese.

'A' and 'professora' are the feminine forms.

3

Eu sou professor.

I am a teacher.

No indefinite article 'um' is needed for professions.

4

Onde está o professor?

Where is the teacher?

Standard question structure with 'onde'.

5

A minha professora é simpática.

My teacher is nice.

'Minha' matches the feminine 'professora'.

6

O professor tem um livro.

The teacher has a book.

'Tem' is the third person singular of 'ter'.

7

Bom dia, professor!

Good morning, teacher!

'Professor' used as a direct address.

8

Os professores são inteligentes.

The teachers are intelligent.

Masculine plural 'professores' for a mixed group.

1

O meu professor de história é engraçado.

My history teacher is funny.

'De história' specifies the subject.

2

A professora explica a lição.

The teacher explains the lesson.

'Explica' is the present tense of 'explicar'.

3

Nós temos muitos professores na escola.

We have many teachers at school.

'Muitos' matches the masculine plural 'professores'.

4

A professora de inglês não veio hoje.

The English teacher didn't come today.

'Não veio' is the past tense of 'vir'.

5

O professor corrigiu os testes.

The teacher corrected the tests.

'Corrigiu' is the preterite of 'corrigir'.

6

Quero ser professora no futuro.

I want to be a teacher in the future.

'Ser' is used for permanent professions.

7

O professor fala devagar para os alunos.

The teacher speaks slowly for the students.

'Devagar' is an adverb modifying 'fala'.

8

As professoras estão na sala.

The teachers (female) are in the room.

Feminine plural 'professoras'.

1

O professor deu uma aula excelente sobre o clima.

The teacher gave an excellent class about the climate.

'Deu uma aula' is a common expression.

2

A professora incentivou os alunos a lerem mais.

The teacher encouraged the students to read more.

'Incentivou' followed by 'a' and the infinitive.

3

Muitos professores reclamam dos baixos salários.

Many teachers complain about low salaries.

'Reclamam de' is the standard construction.

4

O professor universitário faz pesquisas importantes.

The university professor does important research.

'Universitário' functions as an adjective here.

5

A professora explicou a matéria de forma clara.

The teacher explained the subject clearly.

'De forma clara' is an adverbial phrase.

6

Os professores preparam as aulas no fim de semana.

Teachers prepare classes on the weekend.

Present tense indicating a habitual action.

7

O professor pediu silêncio na sala de aula.

The teacher asked for silence in the classroom.

'Pediu' followed by the noun 'silêncio'.

8

A professora é uma autoridade no assunto.

The teacher is an authority on the subject.

'Autoridade' is a feminine noun.

1

O professor catedrático proferiu uma palestra memorável.

The full professor delivered a memorable lecture.

'Catedrático' is the highest academic rank.

2

A professora questionou os métodos tradicionais de ensino.

The teacher questioned traditional teaching methods.

'Questionou' implies a critical analysis.

3

Os professores devem adaptar-se às novas tecnologias.

Teachers must adapt to new technologies.

Reflexive verb 'adaptar-se'.

4

O professor demonstrou uma grande paciência com a turma.

The teacher demonstrated great patience with the class.

'Turma' refers to the group of students.

5

A professora publicou a sua tese de doutoramento.

The teacher published her doctoral thesis.

'Doutoramento' is the Portuguese term for PhD.

6

Muitos professores participam em projetos de intercâmbio.

Many teachers participate in exchange projects.

'Participar em' is the correct preposition.

7

O professor orientou o aluno durante a investigação.

The professor guided the student during the investigation.

'Orientou' is used for academic supervision.

8

A professora foi homenageada pelos seus anos de serviço.

The teacher was honored for her years of service.

Passive voice construction.

1

O estatuto do professor sofreu alterações significativas.

The teacher's status underwent significant changes.

'Estatuto' refers to the legal standing or regulations.

2

A professora articulou uma crítica contundente ao sistema.

The teacher articulated a sharp criticism of the system.

'Contundente' means powerful or striking.

3

Os professores são os pilares da formação intelectual.

Teachers are the pillars of intellectual formation.

Metaphorical use of 'pilares'.

4

O professor emérito continua a contribuir para a ciência.

The emeritus professor continues to contribute to science.

'Emérito' is a title for retired distinguished faculty.

5

A professora desafiou os paradigmas da educação moderna.

The teacher challenged the paradigms of modern education.

'Paradigmas' is a high-level academic term.

6

A dedicação do professor é muitas vezes subestimada.

The teacher's dedication is often underestimated.

'Subestimada' is the past participle used as an adjective.

7

O professor possui um vasto currículo académico.

The professor possesses a vast academic curriculum.

'Possui' is a more formal alternative to 'tem'.

8

A professora mediou o debate com imparcialidade.

The teacher mediated the debate with impartiality.

'Mediou' is the preterite of 'mediar'.

1

A práxis do professor reflete a sua mundividência.

The teacher's praxis reflects their worldview.

'Práxis' and 'mundividência' are philosophical terms.

2

O professor discorreu sobre a fenomenologia da percepção.

The professor discoursed on the phenomenology of perception.

'Discorreu sobre' means to speak at length about.

3

A professora personifica o ideal de erudição clássica.

The teacher personifies the ideal of classical erudition.

'Erudição' refers to deep, scholarly knowledge.

4

A intersubjetividade na relação professor-aluno é crucial.

Intersubjectivity in the teacher-student relationship is crucial.

'Intersubjetividade' is a high-level sociological term.

5

O professor insurgiu-se contra a burocratização do ensino.

The professor rebelled against the bureaucratization of teaching.

'Insurgiu-se' is a sophisticated reflexive verb.

6

A professora é uma polímata com interesses enciclopédicos.

The teacher is a polymath with encyclopedic interests.

'Polímata' refers to a person of wide-ranging knowledge.

7

O legado do professor perdurará através das gerações.

The professor's legacy will endure through generations.

'Perdurará' is the future tense of 'perdurar'.

8

A professora destilou a essência do pensamento crítico.

The teacher distilled the essence of critical thinking.

'Destilou' is used metaphorically here.

تلازمات شائعة

professor de matemática
sala dos professores
ser professor
professor universitário
professor primário
conselho de professores
professor particular
professor substituto
professor dedicado
carreira de professor

العبارات الشائعة

chamar o professor

— To call or summon the teacher.

Vou chamar o professor para tirar uma dúvida.

ser um bom professor

— To be a good and effective teacher.

Ele esforça-se para ser um bom professor.

dia do professor

— Teacher's Day, a celebratory holiday.

No dia do professor, os alunos trazem flores.

vaga para professor

— A job opening for a teacher.

Há uma vaga para professor de artes na escola.

reunião de professores

— A meeting involving the teaching staff.

A reunião de professores demorou três horas.

professor de apoio

— A support teacher for students with needs.

O professor de apoio ajuda os alunos com dificuldades.

formação de professores

— Teacher training or professional development.

A formação de professores é essencial para a qualidade.

professor estagiário

— A student teacher or intern.

O professor estagiário está a aprender a dar aulas.

professor catedrático

— The highest rank of university professor.

Ele tornou-se professor catedrático aos cinquenta anos.

faltar ao professor

— To show disrespect to the teacher.

Nunca deves faltar ao respeito ao teu professor.

يُخلط عادةً مع

professor/a vs mestre

'Mestre' is for masters of a craft or those with a Master's degree, while 'professor' is for any teacher.

professor/a vs instrutor

'Instrutor' is for practical skills like driving, while 'professor' is for academic or general teaching.

professor/a vs educador

'Educador' is more holistic and often used for young children, while 'professor' is the standard job title.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"dar uma de professor"

— To act like a know-it-all or lecture someone.

Não venhas dar uma de professor para cima de mim!

informal
"ensinar o padre a rezar a missa"

— To try to teach someone something they already know better than you.

Querer ensinar-me informática é como ensinar o padre a rezar a missa.

informal
"escola da vida"

— The experiences gained through living, rather than formal education.

Ele não foi à escola, mas a escola da vida ensinou-lhe muito.

neutral
"mestre em..."

— To be very skilled at something (not necessarily academic).

Ela é mestre em convencer as pessoas.

neutral
"lição de vida"

— A profound life lesson.

Aquele erro foi uma grande lição de vida para ele.

neutral
"fazer escola"

— To create a trend or have many followers/imitators.

O seu estilo de pintura fez escola em todo o país.

neutral
"ter muita escola"

— To be very experienced or street-smart.

Aquele vendedor tem muita escola, não o enganas facilmente.

informal
"passar a lição"

— To give someone a piece of one's mind or a scolding.

A mãe passou-lhe uma lição por ter chegado tarde.

informal
"ler a cartilha a alguém"

— To lecture someone on how they should behave.

O chefe leu-lhe a cartilha sobre a pontualidade.

informal
"ser um livro aberto"

— To be very easy to read or understand (like a teacher's book).

Ele é um livro aberto, percebe-se logo o que sente.

neutral

سهل الخلط

professor/a vs proficiente

Similar sound and root.

'Proficiente' is an adjective meaning skilled; 'professor' is a noun meaning teacher.

O professor é muito proficiente em línguas.

professor/a vs profissão

Similar sound and root.

'Profissão' means profession or job; 'professor' is one specific job.

A minha profissão é ser professor.

professor/a vs proferir

Similar sound and root.

'Proferir' means to utter or deliver (a speech); 'professor' is the person who might do it.

O professor vai proferir um discurso.

professor/a vs professar

Direct verb form.

'Professar' means to declare a belief or practice a religion; 'professor' is the person who teaches.

O professor professa a fé católica.

professor/a vs processo

Similar spelling.

'Processo' means process or lawsuit; 'professor' is a person.

O professor explicou o processo químico.

أنماط الجُمل

A1

Eu sou [professor/a].

Eu sou professora.

A1

O professor é [adjective].

O professor é bom.

A2

O professor de [subject] é [adjective].

O professor de história é chato.

A2

A professora [verb] a lição.

A professora explica a lição.

B1

O professor quer que os alunos [subjunctive].

O professor quer que os alunos estudem.

B1

Se eu fosse professor, eu [conditional].

Se eu fosse professor, eu daria notas boas.

B2

O professor, cujo [noun] é [adjective], [verb].

O professor, cujo livro é famoso, chegou hoje.

C1

Apesar de ser professor, ele [verb].

Apesar de ser professor, ele não gosta de ler.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

professor
professora
professorado
professorship
ensino
aprendizagem

الأفعال

professar
ensinar
lecionar
educar

الصفات

professoral
docente
educativo
pedagógico

مرتبط

escola
universidade
aula
aluno
mestre

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Extremely high in daily life and media.

أخطاء شائعة
  • Eu sou um professor. Eu sou professor.

    In Portuguese, you don't use the indefinite article 'um/uma' when stating your profession.

  • A meu professor é Maria. A minha professora é a Maria.

    You must use the feminine forms 'minha' and 'professora' for a female teacher.

  • Os professors estão aqui. Os professores estão aqui.

    The plural of 'professor' is 'professores', not 'professors'.

  • O professor de universidade. O professor universitário.

    While 'de universidade' is understood, 'universitário' is the more natural adjective to use.

  • O mestre de matemática. O professor de matemática.

    'Mestre' is not a general synonym for teacher; use 'professor' for school subjects.

نصائح

Gender Matters

Always remember to use 'professora' for women. It is a common mistake for English speakers to use the masculine form for everyone.

Universal Term

Don't be afraid to use 'professor' for any teacher. Whether they teach toddlers or PhD students, the word is always appropriate.

Stress the End

Make sure to put the emphasis on the last syllable: pro-fes-SOR. This will make your pronunciation sound much more natural.

Formal Alternative

Use 'docente' when you want to sound more professional or academic in your writing.

Polite Address

Addressing someone as 'Professor' is a sign of respect. It is better to be too formal than too informal with your educators.

No Article for Jobs

When writing about someone's job, remember: 'Ele é professor' (He is a teacher). No 'um' is needed.

Listen for the 'R'

The final 'r' can sound different depending on the country. In Portugal, it's a flap; in Brazil, it can be a soft 'h' or silent.

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Professional' who 'Fesses' (confesses) knowledge. This helps you remember the spelling and the meaning.

Don't 'Give a Teacher'

Avoid 'dar uma de professor' (acting like a know-it-all) unless you want to sound a bit arrogant in an informal setting!

Plural Rule

Nouns ending in 'r' always take 'es' in the plural. Professor -> Professores. This is a common test question!

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of a 'PRO' who 'FESSes' (confesses) their knowledge to the 'SOR' (students or room).

ربط بصري

Imagine a person in front of a chalkboard with a big 'P' on their chest like a superhero of knowledge.

Word Web

escola aluno livro aula giz quadro estudo exame

تحدٍّ

Try to name five different types of 'professores' you have had in your life using the Portuguese subject names.

أصل الكلمة

From the Latin 'professor', which comes from 'profiteri' (to declare openly, to profess).

المعنى الأصلي: One who professes an art or science; a public teacher.

Romance (Latin-derived).

السياق الثقافي

Always use the correct gender (professor/professora) to avoid being disrespectful or grammatically incorrect.

In English, 'Professor' is specific to higher education; in Portuguese, it is universal.

Paulo Freire (Brazilian educator) Professor Girafales (famous character from Chaves) Fernando Pessoa (who was also a teacher of English)

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

In a classroom

  • Professor, tenho uma pergunta.
  • Pode repetir, professora?
  • O professor já chegou?
  • Onde está a professora?

Discussing careers

  • Eu sou professor de artes.
  • Ela trabalha como professora.
  • É difícil ser professor hoje em dia.
  • Quero seguir a carreira de professor.

At a university

  • O professor universitário é muito sábio.
  • Vou falar com o meu orientador.
  • O professor publicou um livro novo.
  • A palestra do professor foi ótima.

In the news

  • Os professores estão em greve.
  • O governo reuniu com os professores.
  • Faltam professores nas escolas.
  • O sindicato dos professores protestou.

Social introductions

  • Este é o meu professor de português.
  • Prazer, sou a professora Maria.
  • Conheces o professor Silva?
  • Ele é um professor muito respeitado.

بدايات محادثة

"Quem foi o teu professor favorito na escola?"

"Gostarias de ser professor um dia? Porquê?"

"O que faz um bom professor, na tua opinião?"

"Como é a relação entre professores e alunos no teu país?"

"Qual é a matéria mais difícil que um professor já te ensinou?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Escreve sobre um professor que mudou a tua vida.

Descreve um dia típico na vida de um professor.

Quais são as vantagens e desvantagens de ser professor?

Se fosses professor, que disciplina ensinarias?

Como a tecnologia está a mudar o papel do professor?

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Yes, in Portuguese, 'professor' or 'professora' is used for all levels of education, from kindergarten to university. It is the most common term for any educator.

'Professor' is the general job title. 'Mestre' specifically refers to someone with a Master's degree or a master of a specific craft or martial art. It is also a more honorific term.

No, in Portuguese, you usually omit the indefinite article when stating your profession. You should say 'Eu sou professor' instead of 'Eu sou um professor'.

You can simply say 'Professor' (for a man) or 'Professora' (for a woman). It is polite and standard. You don't necessarily need to add their surname.

No, 'professor' is the masculine form. For a woman, you must use 'professora'. The plural 'professores' can refer to a group of men or a mixed group.

'Corpo docente' is a formal collective term for the entire teaching staff of an institution, such as a school or university.

Yes, 'prof' is a very common informal abbreviation used by students in both Portugal and Brazil to refer to their teachers.

It is the highest rank a professor can achieve in the university system in Portugal and Brazil, usually requiring a PhD and significant research.

You say 'professor de história' or 'professora de história'. You use the preposition 'de' to link the title to the subject.

Yes, it is very common in Brazil and Portugal to call a sports coach or a gym instructor 'professor', especially in settings like martial arts or swimming.

اختبر نفسك 192 أسئلة

writing

Write a sentence in Portuguese saying 'I am a teacher'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence saying 'The math teacher is very nice'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'My teachers are intelligent'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about your favorite teacher.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'The teacher explained the lesson yesterday'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence using the word 'professora'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'I want to be a Portuguese teacher'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence using 'sala dos professores'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'The university professor published a book'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence about what a teacher does.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'Where is the teacher?'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence using the plural 'professoras'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'The teacher is demanding but fair'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence using 'professor particular'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'The teachers are on strike'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence using 'mestre'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'The teacher corrected the homework'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence using 'docente'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'Good afternoon, teacher'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence using 'professor estagiário'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'Eu sou professor' out loud.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'A minha professora é simpática' out loud.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'O professor de história' out loud.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'Bom dia, professor' out loud.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'Os professores estão na escola' out loud.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'Professora, pode ajudar-me?' out loud.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'O professor universitário' out loud.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'Sala dos professores' out loud.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'Eu quero ser professor' out loud.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'A professora explica bem' out loud.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'O professor corrigiu o teste' out loud.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'Muitos professores' out loud.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'Professor de português' out loud.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'As professoras são inteligentes' out loud.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'O meu professor favorito' out loud.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'O professor de matemática é exigente' out loud.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'A professora de inglês não veio' out loud.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'O professor pediu silêncio' out loud.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'Professor particular' out loud.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'Docente universitário' out loud.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and write the word: [Audio: Professor]

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and write the word: [Audio: Professora]

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and write the phrase: [Audio: O professor de história]

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and write the phrase: [Audio: A minha professora]

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and write the phrase: [Audio: Os professores estão aqui]

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and write the phrase: [Audio: Eu sou professor]

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and write the phrase: [Audio: Bom dia, professor]

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and write the phrase: [Audio: Sala dos professores]

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and write the phrase: [Audio: Professor universitário]

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and write the phrase: [Audio: A professora explica bem]

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and write the phrase: [Audio: O professor corrigiu o teste]

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and write the phrase: [Audio: Professor de português]

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and write the phrase: [Audio: As professoras são simpáticas]

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and write the phrase: [Audio: Quero ser professor]

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and write the phrase: [Audio: O professor pediu silêncio]

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:

/ 192 correct

Perfect score!

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