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A2 adjective #7,000 am häufigsten 10 Min. Lesezeit

burocrático

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At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic meaning of burocrático: that something involves a lot of 'papers' and 'rules' and is therefore not easy or fast. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex political theories behind it. Just think of it as a word to describe things like getting a passport or opening a bank account. You should learn the simple sentence pattern 'O processo é burocrático' (The process is bureaucratic). It is important to notice the 'á' accent, which tells you to stress that syllable. Even at A1, try to remember that if you are talking about 'a regra' (the rule), you must change the ending to 'a': 'a regra é burocrática'. This is a great word to practice your basic adjective-noun agreement and to learn how to express a simple opinion about a service you have received.

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As an A2 learner, you can start using burocrático to describe more specific situations in your daily life. You might use it when talking about your work or your experience moving to a new country. You should be able to modify the word with adverbs like 'muito' (very) or 'um pouco' (a little). For example, 'O meu trabalho é um pouco burocrático' (My job is a little bureaucratic). You should also become familiar with the plural forms: 'burocráticos' and 'burocráticas'. At this level, you are expected to understand that this word usually has a negative tone, implying that something is more difficult than it should be. You might encounter it in simple news headlines or when reading about requirements for a visa. It's a useful word for explaining why something is taking a long time: 'É lento porque o sistema é burocrático'.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use burocrático to discuss broader topics like government, business, and social issues. You can start to use it in the context of 'red tape' and 'inefficiency'. You should be comfortable using it in more complex sentences, such as 'Eu gostaria que o sistema fosse menos burocrático' (I wish the system were less bureaucratic). You will also start to see the word in professional contexts, where it might describe 'exigências burocráticas' (bureaucratic requirements) or 'entraves burocráticos' (bureaucratic obstacles). At this stage, you should also recognize the related noun 'burocracia' (bureaucracy) and the verb 'burocratizar' (to make something bureaucratic). You can use the word to compare different systems, for example, comparing the banking system in your home country with the one in a Portuguese-speaking country.

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By the B2 level, you should understand the nuance between the neutral administrative meaning of burocrático and its pejorative use. You can use it to engage in debates about efficiency in the public sector or the challenges of entrepreneurship. You should be able to use it alongside more advanced vocabulary, like 'desburocratização' (the process of reducing bureaucracy). You might say, 'A desburocratização é essencial para o crescimento econômico' (Reducing bureaucracy is essential for economic growth). You should also be able to identify 'burocrático' when it's used to describe a person's rigid adherence to rules, often in a workplace setting. You will hear this word frequently in podcasts, news reports, and business meetings, and you should be able to respond with your own nuanced views on the subject, using appropriate connectors and varied vocabulary.

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At the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated grasp of burocrático. You can use it to analyze institutional structures and political systems in depth. You should be familiar with its use in academic writing, where it might refer to Weberian concepts of rational-legal authority. You can use the word to discuss the 'cultura burocrática' of a nation and how it affects social behavior and trust in institutions. You should be able to use it in formal presentations or essays, choosing between it and synonyms like 'administrativo', 'protocolar', or 'normativo' depending on the exact meaning you wish to convey. Your usage should reflect an understanding of how bureaucratic systems interact with technology (e.g., 'burocracia digital') and the modern push for 'agilidade'. You can also use it sarcastically or metaphorically in high-level literary or social commentary.

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At the C2 level, you use burocrático with the same ease and precision as a native speaker. You understand the deep cultural roots of bureaucracy in Lusophone history, from the colonial 'cartórios' to the modern state. You can use the word in complex rhetorical structures, such as 'O labirinto burocrático em que nos encontramos reflete a nossa incapacidade de modernização'. You are sensitive to the subtle shifts in meaning when the word is used in different professional fields—law, sociology, business, or literature. You can effortlessly switch between the literal adjective and its various derivations and related idioms. You can critique the 'burocrático' nature of language itself in certain legal or official documents. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for profound social and institutional analysis.

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Burocrático means bureaucratic, often implying slow red tape.
It is an adjective that must agree in gender and number.
Commonly used to complain about government or bank paperwork.
The opposite is 'ágil' (agile) or 'simples' (simple).

The Portuguese word burocrático is an adjective that primarily describes systems, processes, or mentalities characterized by excessive complexity, rigid adherence to rules, and often, frustrating delays. While its literal definition relates to the administration of an organization or government, in daily Portuguese conversation, it almost always carries a negative connotation. When a Brazilian or Portuguese person says a process is burocrático, they are usually expressing exasperation at the amount of paperwork, signatures, and time required to achieve a simple goal.

Formal Administration: In a neutral sense, it refers to the structures of a 'burocracia' (bureaucracy). This includes the hierarchy of officials, the standardized procedures, and the formal record-keeping essential for large-scale governance. For example, 'O sistema burocrático do estado' refers to the state's administrative framework.
Excessive Red Tape: This is the most common usage. It describes a situation where procedures are unnecessarily complicated. If you need ten different stamps from five different offices to open a small business, you would describe the environment as highly burocrático.
Rigid Mentality: It can also describe a person's behavior. A 'funcionário burocrático' is someone who follows rules blindly without considering the human element or the efficiency of the outcome, often hiding behind 'the protocol' to avoid taking responsibility.

O processo de obtenção do visto é extremamente burocrático e demorado.
— The process of obtaining a visa is extremely bureaucratic and time-consuming.

Understanding this word requires understanding the historical context of Lusophone countries. In Brazil, for instance, there is a famous concept called the 'Custo Brasil' (Brazil Cost), much of which is attributed to the burocrático nature of tax laws and business regulations. Therefore, using this word often signals a shared cultural frustration with inefficiency. It is not just a descriptor; it is often a complaint.

Muitas empresas perdem dinheiro por causa de entraves burocráticos.
— Many companies lose money because of bureaucratic obstacles.

In academic or political discussions, the term might be used more objectively to discuss Max Weber's theories of bureaucracy. In such contexts, burocrático refers to a rationalized system of organization based on laws and specialized roles. However, even in these settings, the speaker must be careful to clarify if they mean 'organized' or 'obstructive'.

A gestão burocrática moderna visa a impessoalidade e a eficiência.
— Modern bureaucratic management aims for impersonality and efficiency.

Finally, the word is often paired with verbs like 'tornar' (to make) or 'ser' (to be). 'O governo quer tornar o sistema menos burocrático' is a common campaign promise in Portuguese-speaking nations. It represents the desire for modernization and the removal of the 'papelada' (excessive paperwork) that defines the traditional bureaucratic experience.

Using burocrático correctly involves more than just knowing its meaning; you must master the syntax of Portuguese adjectives. In Portuguese, adjectives almost always follow the noun they modify, especially when they provide a specific classification or a descriptive quality like this one.

Positioning the Adjective: Unlike English where we say 'bureaucratic process', in Portuguese, we say 'processo burocrático'. Placing it before the noun ('burocrático processo') is extremely rare and only occurs in highly poetic or archaic literary styles, which you should avoid in daily life.
Agreement with Genders: If you are talking about 'uma lei' (a law), you must use the feminine form: 'A lei é burocrática'. If you are talking about 'um sistema' (a system), use the masculine: 'O sistema é burocrático'. Remember that 'sistema' is masculine despite ending in 'a'!

Nós enfrentamos muitos problemas burocráticos na alfândega.
— We faced many bureaucratic problems at customs.

When constructing complex sentences, burocrático often serves as the predicate adjective after the verb 'ser' (to be). For example, 'O atendimento naquele banco é excessivamente burocrático.' This structure is very common for expressing opinions or critiques of services. You will also see it used to describe abstract concepts like 'trâmites' (formalities) or 'exigências' (requirements).

As exigências burocráticas para o financiamento são altas.
— The bureaucratic requirements for the financing are high.

Another frequent use case is in the professional environment. You might hear a manager say, 'Precisamos evitar o excesso burocrático para sermos mais ágeis.' Here, it functions as a target for reform. It is also used to differentiate between the technical aspects of a job and the administrative ones: 'Meu trabalho é técnico, não burocrático.'

Ele tem um perfil muito burocrático e foca apenas em papéis.
— He has a very bureaucratic profile and focuses only on papers.

Pluralization Rules: To pluralize, simply add an 's'. 'Um documento burocrático' becomes 'Vários documentos burocráticos'. The stress remains on the 'crá' (the antepenultimate syllable), which is why it has a written accent.

In summary, when using burocrático, focus on the noun you are describing, ensure the gender matches, and place it after the noun. Whether you are complaining about a slow bank or describing a government structure, these rules will keep your Portuguese sounding natural and correct.

If you live in a Portuguese-speaking country, you will hear burocrático in several specific contexts. It is a 'high-frequency' word in adult life, especially when dealing with institutions. Understanding these settings will help you anticipate the word and use it with the correct nuance.

Government Offices (Cartórios and Repartições): In Brazil, the 'cartório' (notary office) is the epicenter of bureaucratic life. You will hear people saying 'O sistema de cartórios é muito burocrático'. This refers to the need for notarized signatures, stamps, and physical presence for almost every legal document.
Corporate Business Meetings: In the corporate world, burocrático is used to describe internal hurdles. A project manager might complain that 'A aprovação do orçamento está travada em um processo burocrático'. It implies that the delay is caused by administrative procedures rather than a lack of funds or will.
News and Political Commentary: Journalists frequently use this word when discussing public policy. You will see headlines like 'O governo promete simplificar o sistema burocrático para atrair investimentos'. Here, it is treated as a systemic problem that needs solving.

Infelizmente, o Brasil ainda é um país muito burocrático para novos empreendedores.
— Unfortunately, Brazil is still a very bureaucratic country for new entrepreneurs.

You will also hear this word in educational settings. Students might describe the enrollment process at a university as burocrático. 'A matrícula foi um processo burocrático exaustivo.' It captures the feeling of filling out endless forms and waiting in long lines. In hospitals, especially public ones, the intake process is often described this way due to the volume of records required.

O atendimento médico foi rápido, mas o registro na recepção foi muito burocrático.
— The medical care was fast, but the registration at the front desk was very bureaucratic.

In summary, whenever there is a gap between an action and its result caused by rules, paperwork, or institutional structure, you are likely to hear the word burocrático. It is a word that bridges the gap between formal administrative language and everyday frustration.

Learning to use burocrático involves avoiding several pitfalls that English speakers often fall into. These range from grammatical errors to subtle misinterpretations of meaning and tone.

Mistake 1: Forgetting Gender Agreement: The most common error for beginners is using 'burocrático' for everything. Remember: 'A burocracia é burocrática' (feminine). You cannot say 'A empresa é burocrático'. The adjective must agree with the feminine noun 'empresa'.
Mistake 2: Pronunciation of the 'R': The 'r' in 'burocrático' is a single tapped 'r' (like the 'tt' in the American English word 'butter'). English speakers often use a hard English 'r' or a guttural French-style 'r'. Practice the 'ro' sound carefully to sound natural.
Mistake 3: Confusing 'Burocrático' with 'Burocrata': 'Burocrático' is the adjective (bureaucratic). 'Burocrata' is the noun (bureaucrat). You describe a process as 'burocrático', but you describe a person as a 'burocrata'. Do not say 'Ele é muito burocrático' unless you mean his *style* is bureaucratic; if you want to name his profession/role, use 'Ele é um burocrata'.

Errado: A regra é burocrático.
Correto: A regra é burocrática.

Another mistake is overusing the word. While it is common, sometimes other adjectives are more precise. If a process is just slow, use 'lento'. If it is complicated but not necessarily because of rules, use 'complicado' or 'complexo'. Use burocrático specifically when the complexity stems from official procedures and paperwork.

Não confunda: 'O sistema é burocrático' (The system is bureaucratic) vs 'Ele é um burocrata' (He is a bureaucrat).

Finally, be careful with the register. While it is used in casual conversation, it is still a somewhat formal word. In extremely informal slang, a Brazilian might say 'é uma função' or 'é um rolo' to describe a bureaucratic nightmare. However, burocrático is safe and perfectly understood in all levels of society.

While burocrático is the most direct term for administrative complexity, Portuguese offers several synonyms and related terms that can add variety and precision to your speech. Depending on whether you want to be more formal, more descriptive, or more critical, you might choose one of the following.

Administrativo (Administrative): This is the neutral, professional alternative. If you want to describe a task as part of office work without complaining about it, use 'administrativo'.
Ex: 'Tenho muitas tarefas administrativas hoje.' (I have many administrative tasks today.)
Moroso (Sluggish/Slow): Often, when we say something is bureaucratic, we really mean it is slow. 'Moroso' specifically highlights the delay. It is very common in legal contexts.
Ex: 'A justiça brasileira é muito morosa.' (Brazilian justice is very sluggish.)
Protocolar (Procedural/Formal): This refers to things done purely out of protocol or etiquette. It suggests a lack of spontaneity.
Ex: 'Foi apenas uma visita protocolar.' (It was just a formal/procedural visit.)
Complexo (Complex): A broader term. A process might be complex because of the technology involved, whereas 'burocrático' implies it is complex because of the rules.

Comparação: 'Um sistema burocrático' (rules-heavy) vs 'Um sistema ágil' (efficient/quick).

In more informal settings, you might hear words like 'complicado' or 'enrolado'. 'Enrolado' suggests that things are tangled up and messy, which is often how a bureaucratic process feels to the person stuck in it. However, in a professional report, you should always stick to burocrático or administrativo.

Substitutos: 'Trâmites legais' (legal formalities) can often replace 'processo burocrático' in formal documents.

Understanding these nuances allows you to express your level of frustration or objectivity accurately. Whether you are aiming for the neutral tone of an administrator or the sharp critique of a dissatisfied citizen, choosing the right synonym is key.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word was originally a satire. Jean Claude Marie Vincent de Gournay coined it in 1745 to mock officials who were obsessed with their desks and paperwork.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ˌbjʊərəˈkrætɪk/

US /ˌbjʊrəˈkrætɪk/

The stress in Portuguese is on the third-to-last syllable: bu-ro-CRÁ-ti-co.

Reimt sich auf

pragmático automático democrático problemático estático sistemático carismático diplomático

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the 'r' too hard (like in English 'red').
Forgetting the accent on the 'á'.
Stress on the wrong syllable (e.g., bu-ro-cra-TI-co).
Merging the 'ti' and 'co' into one syllable.
Using a French 'r' sound in the middle.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'bureaucratic'.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires remembering the 'á' accent and gender agreement.

Sprechen 3/5

The 'ro-crá' transition requires some tongue agility.

Hören 2/5

Clearly pronounced, usually stands out in a sentence.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

sistema processo regras papel muito

Als Nächstes lernen

administrativo eficiente ágil complicado governo

Fortgeschritten

desburocratização tecnocracia protocolar morosidade formalismo

Wichtige Grammatik

Adjective Agreement (Gender)

O sistema (m) é burocrático. A lei (f) é burocrática.

Adjective Agreement (Number)

Os processos (pl m) são burocráticos. As regras (pl f) são burocráticas.

Proparoxytone Accents

Words stressed on the third-to-last syllable like bu-ro-CRÁ-ti-co always have an accent.

Adjective Positioning

Usually follows the noun: 'um problema burocrático'.

Adverbial Modification

Use 'muito', 'extremamente', 'bastante' before the adjective.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

O processo é burocrático.

The process is bureaucratic.

Simple Subject + Verb + Adjective structure.

O banco é muito burocrático.

The bank is very bureaucratic.

Use of 'muito' to intensify the adjective.

Esta regra é burocrática.

This rule is bureaucratic.

Feminine agreement: 'regra' is feminine, so 'burocrática'.

Eu não gosto de sistemas burocráticos.

I don't like bureaucratic systems.

Plural agreement: 'sistemas' is masculine plural, so 'burocráticos'.

O visto é burocrático?

Is the visa bureaucratic?

Interrogative sentence structure.

O papel é burocrático.

The paperwork is bureaucratic.

Describing a physical object metaphorically.

A escola não é burocrática.

The school is not bureaucratic.

Negative sentence using 'não'.

O documento é burocrático.

The document is bureaucratic.

Masculine singular agreement.

O atendimento no hospital foi burocrático.

The service at the hospital was bureaucratic.

Past tense 'foi' with the adjective.

Precisamos de menos passos burocráticos.

We need fewer bureaucratic steps.

Plural masculine agreement with 'passos'.

A empresa é pequena, mas muito burocrática.

The company is small, but very bureaucratic.

Contrast using 'mas'.

Eles enfrentam problemas burocráticos todos os dias.

They face bureaucratic problems every day.

Present tense with plural adjective.

O sistema de impostos é burocrático demais.

The tax system is too bureaucratic.

Using 'demais' after the adjective for emphasis.

Minha chefe tem um estilo burocrático.

My boss has a bureaucratic style.

Describing a personal style/trait.

As leis são muito burocráticas aqui.

The laws are very bureaucratic here.

Feminine plural agreement with 'leis'.

Não quero um trabalho burocrático.

I don't want a bureaucratic job.

Expressing a preference.

O governo quer simplificar o sistema burocrático.

The government wants to simplify the bureaucratic system.

Infinitive 'simplificar' acting on the noun phrase.

Muitos projetos param por questões burocráticas.

Many projects stop because of bureaucratic issues.

Preposition 'por' indicating cause.

A burocracia excessiva torna o país menos burocrático?

Does excessive bureaucracy make the country less bureaucratic?

Using 'tornar' (to make/render).

O processo de adoção é extremamente burocrático.

The adoption process is extremely bureaucratic.

Adverb 'extremamente' for high intensity.

Eu odeio lidar com trâmites burocráticos.

I hate dealing with bureaucratic formalities.

Verb 'lidar com' (to deal with).

A gestão burocrática pode ser muito lenta.

Bureaucratic management can be very slow.

Modal verb 'pode ser'.

É necessário reduzir o peso burocrático na economia.

It is necessary to reduce the bureaucratic weight on the economy.

Impersonal expression 'É necessário'.

O funcionário foi muito burocrático e não ajudou.

The employee was very bureaucratic and did not help.

Describing behavior in the past tense.

A lentidão do sistema é um reflexo do seu caráter burocrático.

The system's slowness is a reflection of its bureaucratic character.

Genitive 'do seu caráter' (of its character).

Apesar de ser burocrático, o sistema garante a segurança dos dados.

Despite being bureaucratic, the system ensures data security.

Concessive clause 'Apesar de ser'.

O excesso burocrático impede a inovação nas grandes empresas.

Bureaucratic excess hinders innovation in large companies.

Subject 'O excesso burocrático' acting as a barrier.

As barreiras burocráticas dificultam o comércio internacional.

Bureaucratic barriers make international trade difficult.

Verb 'dificultar' (to make difficult).

Ele se perdeu no labirinto burocrático da prefeitura.

He got lost in the city hall's bureaucratic labyrinth.

Metaphorical use of 'labirinto'.

A reforma administrativa visa um estado menos burocrático.

The administrative reform aims for a less bureaucratic state.

Verb 'visar' meaning 'to aim for'.

Muitas vezes, o rigor burocrático mascara a ineficiência.

Often, bureaucratic rigor masks inefficiency.

Verb 'mascarar' (to mask/hide).

O ambiente burocrático desmotiva os funcionários mais criativos.

The bureaucratic environment demotivates the most creative employees.

Superlative 'mais criativos'.

A estrutura burocrática, embora necessária, torna-se um fardo para o cidadão.

The bureaucratic structure, although necessary, becomes a burden for the citizen.

Concessive 'embora' and pronominal verb 'tornar-se'.

O pensamento burocrático prioriza o processo em detrimento do resultado.

Bureaucratic thinking prioritizes the process to the detriment of the result.

Idiom 'em detrimento de' (to the detriment of).

A digitalização não eliminou o viés burocrático de certas instituições.

Digitalization has not eliminated the bureaucratic bias of certain institutions.

Abstract noun 'viés' (bias/slant).

É um erro confundir organização com excesso burocrático.

It is a mistake to confuse organization with bureaucratic excess.

Infinitive 'confundir... com...'.

As minúcias burocráticas podem inviabilizar pequenos negócios.

Bureaucratic minutiae can make small businesses unfeasible.

Verb 'inviabilizar' (to make unfeasible).

O discurso político frequentemente ataca o 'monstro burocrático'.

Political discourse frequently attacks the 'bureaucratic monster'.

Metaphorical noun phrase in quotes.

A herança burocrática colonial ainda molda a administração pública.

The colonial bureaucratic heritage still shapes public administration.

Historical context with 'herança' (heritage).

A resistência burocrática interna travou a implementação da nova lei.

Internal bureaucratic resistance stalled the implementation of the new law.

Adjective 'interno' modifying 'resistência'.

A onipresença do aparato burocrático cerceia a liberdade individual.

The omnipresence of the bureaucratic apparatus curtails individual freedom.

Verb 'cercear' (to curtail/restrict).

Há uma dialética entre a necessidade de controle e o entrave burocrático.

There is a dialectic between the need for control and the bureaucratic hurdle.

Philosophical term 'dialética'.

O formalismo burocrático muitas vezes serve como escudo para a corrupção.

Bureaucratic formalism often serves as a shield for corruption.

Metaphor 'escudo' (shield).

A desconstrução do modelo burocrático exige uma mudança de paradigma cultural.

Deconstructing the bureaucratic model requires a cultural paradigm shift.

Noun 'desconstrução' and 'paradigma'.

A rigidez burocrática é o antípoda da agilidade exigida pelo mercado atual.

Bureaucratic rigidity is the antipode of the agility required by today's market.

Advanced word 'antípoda' (opposite).

O labirinto kafkiano é a representação máxima do pesadelo burocrático.

The Kafkaesque labyrinth is the ultimate representation of the bureaucratic nightmare.

Literary reference 'kafkiano'.

A tecnocracia moderna frequentemente se manifesta através de um viés burocrático.

Modern technocracy often manifests itself through a bureaucratic bias.

Compound concept 'tecnocracia'.

A hipertrofia burocrática asfixia o dinamismo da sociedade civil.

Bureaucratic hypertrophy suffocates the dynamism of civil society.

Biological metaphor 'hipertrofia' and 'asfixia'.

Häufige Kollokationen

sistema burocrático

processo burocrático

entraves burocráticos

exigências burocráticas

trâmites burocráticos

máquina burocrática

rigor burocrático

barreiras burocráticas

perfil burocrático

atendimento burocrático

Häufige Phrasen

É muito burocrático.

— It is very bureaucratic. Used as a general complaint about a slow process.

Tentar cancelar esse serviço é muito burocrático.

Menos burocrático, por favor.

— Less bureaucratic, please. A plea for simplification.

Precisamos de um formulário menos burocrático, por favor.

Por questões burocráticas.

— Due to bureaucratic issues. A common excuse for delays.

O pagamento foi atrasado por questões burocráticas.

Um labirinto burocrático.

— A bureaucratic labyrinth. Describes an extremely confusing system.

Entrar na justiça é cair em um labirinto burocrático.

Custo burocrático.

— Bureaucratic cost. The money or time lost to red tape.

O custo burocrático para abrir uma empresa é alto.

Lógica burocrática.

— Bureaucratic logic. Following rules even when they make no sense.

Pela lógica burocrática, o carimbo é mais importante que o fato.

Entraves e burocráticos.

— Hurdles and bureaucratic (issues). Often used together in news.

A obra parou devido a entraves burocráticos.

Estilo burocrático.

— Bureaucratic style. A way of working focused on rules.

O novo diretor tem um estilo burocrático demais.

Simplificação burocrática.

— Bureaucratic simplification. The act of making things easier.

O projeto foca na simplificação burocrática.

Carga burocrática.

— Bureaucratic burden. The overall weight of administrative tasks.

A carga burocrática sobre os médicos é enorme.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

burocrático vs burocrata

A 'burocrata' is the person (noun), 'burocrático' is the quality (adjective).

burocrático vs administrativo

Administrativo is neutral; burocrático is often negative.

burocrático vs democrático

Sounds similar but means democratic (power to the people vs power to the office).

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Burocracia de balcão"

— Refers to the red tape encountered specifically at service counters.

A burocracia de balcão impede o cidadão de exercer seus direitos.

informal/political

"Papelada sem fim"

— Endless paperwork; a descriptive way to say something is bureaucratic.

Para casar, é uma papelada sem fim.

informal

"Empurrar com a barriga"

— To procrastinate or delay, often used for bureaucratic inertia.

O governo está empurrando a reforma com a barriga.

informal

"Criar dificuldades para vender facilidades"

— To create bureaucratic hurdles specifically to solicit bribes to fix them.

Muitos dizem que o sistema é burocrático para criar dificuldades e vender facilidades.

critical/political

"Dar com a cara na porta"

— To be rejected or fail due to a bureaucratic rule.

Fui renovar o documento, mas dei com a cara na porta por causa de um papel.

informal

"Fazer por protocolo"

— To do something just because it's required, without caring.

Ele me atendeu bem, mas pareceu fazer apenas por protocolo.

neutral

"Engrenagem burocrática"

— The 'gears' of the system; implies a slow, mechanical process.

A engrenagem burocrática demora a se mover.

literary

"Assinar embaixo"

— To agree completely (literally to sign under), often used in contrast to bureaucratic distance.

Eu assino embaixo: o sistema é burocrático demais.

informal

"Bater o carimbo"

— To stamp; metaphor for a mindless bureaucratic approval.

Ele só está lá para bater o carimbo.

informal/pejorative

"Nó burocrático"

— A 'bureaucratic knot'; a problem that is stuck in the system.

Precisamos desatar esse nó burocrático.

journalistic

Leicht verwechselbar

burocrático vs burocrata

Similar root and sound.

Burocrata is a noun referring to an official. Burocrático is an adjective describing a system or behavior.

O burocrata (person) criou um processo burocrático (system).

burocrático vs democrático

Ends in '-crático'.

Democrático relates to democracy; burocrático relates to bureaucracy. They are often opposites in terms of efficiency and transparency.

Um governo pode ser democrático mas muito burocrático.

burocrático vs automático

Rhyme and ending.

Automático means automatic (happens without effort). Burocrático is the opposite—it requires much manual effort and paperwork.

O sistema deveria ser automático, mas é burocrático.

burocrático vs pragmático

Rhyme and ending.

Pragmático means practical and results-oriented. Burocrático means rule-oriented, often ignoring practical results.

Precisamos de um líder pragmático, não burocrático.

burocrático vs sistemático

Rhyme and administrative context.

Sistemático means methodical or consistent. While a bureaucrat is systematic, 'sistemático' is usually a positive or neutral trait of order, whereas 'burocrático' is negative.

Ele é sistemático no trabalho, mas não é burocrático.

Satzmuster

[Noun] + é + burocrático.

O banco é burocrático.

[Noun] + é + muito + burocrático.

A escola é muito burocrática.

O processo de [Verb-ing] é burocrático.

O processo de tirar o visto é burocrático.

Apesar de [Adjective], o sistema é burocrático.

Apesar de moderno, o sistema é burocrático.

O [Noun] reflete um viés burocrático.

O documento reflete um viés burocrático.

Devido a [Noun] burocráticos, [Result].

Devido a entraves burocráticos, a obra parou.

A onipresença do [Noun] burocrático [Verb].

A onipresença do aparato burocrático cerceia a liberdade.

É imperativo [Verb] a rigidez burocrática.

É imperativo combater a rigidez burocrática.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

burocracia (bureaucracy)

burocrata (bureaucrat)

burocratismo (excessive bureaucracy)

Verben

burocratizar (to make bureaucratic)

desburocratizar (to simplify/reduce bureaucracy)

Adjektive

burocrático (bureaucratic)

burocratizado (bureaucratized)

Verwandt

administração

gestão

protocolo

regulação

formalismo

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So verwendest du es

frequency

High, especially in news, business, and legal contexts.

Häufige Fehler

O sistema é burocrática. → O sistema é burocrático.
'Sistema' is a masculine noun in Portuguese, even though it ends in 'a'. Therefore, the adjective must be masculine.
Ele é um burocrático. → Ele é um burocrata.
Use the noun 'burocrata' to name a person's role. 'Burocrático' is an adjective describing a quality.
O burocratico processo. → O processo burocrático.
In Portuguese, descriptive adjectives almost always follow the noun. Putting it before sounds very unnatural.
Pronouncing it 'bu-ro-cra-TI-co'. → Pronouncing it 'bu-ro-CRÁ-ti-co'.
The accent on the 'á' indicates where the stress is. Moving the stress to the 'ti' is a common error for English speakers.
As leis são burocrático. → As leis são burocráticas.
The adjective must agree in both gender (feminine) and number (plural) with 'leis'.

Tipps

Gender Matching

Always check the gender of the noun. 'Sistema' and 'Problema' end in 'a' but are masculine, so use 'burocrático'. 'Lei' and 'Regra' are feminine, so use 'burocrática'. This is a common test for learners.

The Tapped R

The 'r' in 'buro' and 'crático' is a single tap. It should not sound like 'h' or a long trill. It is like the 'd' in the English word 'ladder'. Practice it slowly to get the rhythm right.

Use Desburocratizar

If you want to sound like an expert, use the verb 'desburocratizar'. It means to simplify things. It’s a long word, but people love to hear it because it represents a solution to the problem.

The Cartório Context

When in Brazil, the word 'burocrático' is best friends with the word 'cartório'. If you are going to a notary, expect things to be 'muito burocráticos'. This will help you manage your expectations.

Professional Writing

In a professional email, use 'trâmites burocráticos' instead of just 'burocracia'. It sounds more sophisticated and polite when explaining why something is taking a long time.

Expressing Frustration

Don't be afraid to use 'burocrático' with a bit of emotion. In Portuguese culture, complaining about the system is a common social bonding activity. It shows you understand the struggle.

Spotting the Accent

Listen for the sharp 'CRÁ' sound. Even in fast speech, the stress on this syllable is usually very clear. It helps you identify the word even if you don't hear every letter.

Cognate Advantage

Since it looks like 'bureaucratic', you already know the meaning! Focus your energy on the pronunciation and the gender/number agreement instead of the definition.

Desk-Power

Remember: Bureau = Desk. Crático = Power. It's the 'Power of the Desk' over you. This helps you remember the root meaning of the word.

Adverb Pairs

Pair it with 'excessivamente' (excessively) for maximum impact. 'É um processo excessivamente burocrático' is a powerful way to express that something is truly over the top.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'Bureau' (desk) that is 'Cratic' (crazy powerful). A desk that is so powerful it stops you from doing anything: BURO-CRÁTICO.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a giant rubber stamp (carimbo) falling on a tiny person. The stamp says 'BUROCRÁTICO'.

Word Web

Papelada (Paperwork) Demora (Delay) Regras (Rules) Carimbo (Stamp) Assinatura (Signature) Fila (Line) Governo (Government) Cartório (Notary)

Herausforderung

Try to find three things in your daily life today that are 'burocráticos' and describe them in a sentence using the word.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the French word 'bureau' (desk/office) and the Greek suffix '-kratia' (power/rule). It was coined in the 18th century.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The rule or power of the office/desk.

Romance (Portuguese) with French and Greek roots.

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when using this word with government employees; while true, they might find it offensive if directed at them personally.

The English 'bureaucratic' is almost identical in meaning, but in Lusophone countries, the emotional intensity of the complaint is often higher because the bureaucracy is perceived as a greater daily obstacle.

Franz Kafka's 'The Trial' (O Processo) is the ultimate literary reference for a burocrático nightmare. The Brazilian movie 'Central do Brasil' shows the human side of dealing with illiterate citizens in a burocrático world. The song 'Construção' by Chico Buarque hints at the mechanical, burocrático nature of modern life.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Public Administration

A repartição é burocrática.
O sistema do governo é burocrático.
Muitas leis burocráticas.
Reforma do estado burocrático.

Banking and Finance

O banco é muito burocrático.
Financiamento burocrático.
Exigências burocráticas para o empréstimo.
Taxas e processos burocráticos.

Business/Corporate

Cultura burocrática da empresa.
Reuniões burocráticas.
Aprovação burocrática.
Evitar o excesso burocrático.

Legal/Law

Trâmites burocráticos da justiça.
Rigor burocrático da lei.
Obstáculos burocráticos legais.
Documentação burocrática.

Immigration/Visas

O visto é burocrático.
Processo de imigração burocrático.
Entrevistas e papéis burocráticos.
Barreiras burocráticas na fronteira.

Gesprächseinstiege

"Você acha que o sistema de saúde aqui é muito burocrático?"

"Qual foi o processo mais burocrático que você já enfrentou?"

"Na sua opinião, as empresas grandes são mais burocráticas que as pequenas?"

"Como podemos tornar o governo menos burocrático?"

"Você prefere um trabalho criativo ou um trabalho mais burocrático?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Descreva uma vez que você ficou frustrado com um processo burocrático. O que aconteceu?

Se você fosse o presidente, qual lei burocrática você eliminaria primeiro e por quê?

Pense no seu trabalho ou estudos. Quais partes são burocráticas e como elas afetam sua produtividade?

A tecnologia está tornando o mundo menos burocrático ou apenas criando uma 'burocracia digital'?

Reflita sobre a diferença entre ser organizado e ser excessivamente burocrático.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Not strictly, but in 90% of conversations, it is used as a complaint. In a neutral academic context, it simply describes a type of organization. However, if you call someone's work 'burocrático', they will likely take it as a criticism of their efficiency. For example, 'Sua gestão é burocrática' implies it is slow and rule-bound.

The 'á' is an open 'ah' sound, like the 'a' in 'father'. Because it has an acute accent, it is the stressed part of the word. Make sure to open your mouth slightly more than for the other vowels. Practice: bu-ro-CRÁ-ti-co.

Yes, but it describes their *style* or *behavior*. 'Ele é um chefe burocrático' means he cares more about rules and papers than people or results. If you want to say someone is a government official, use the noun 'burocrata' instead. For example, 'Ele é um burocrata experiente'.

The feminine is 'burocrática'. You must use this form when describing feminine nouns. For example: 'A empresa é burocrática', 'A lei é burocrática', or 'Uma atitude burocrática'. Always match the gender of the noun you are modifying.

The plural forms are 'burocráticos' (masculine) and 'burocráticas' (feminine). For example: 'Os processos são burocráticos' and 'As normas são burocráticas'. Simply add an 's' to the singular form while maintaining the gender agreement.

Yes, the verb is 'burocratizar'. For example, 'As novas regras vão burocratizar o sistema'. The opposite is 'desburocratizar' (to simplify), which is a very popular word in Brazilian politics. For example, 'Precisamos desburocratizar a economia'.

No, it has French and Greek roots. 'Bureau' (French for desk/office) and 'Kratos' (Greek for power). It entered Portuguese in the 19th century as the administrative state grew. It is a cognate with the English word 'bureaucratic'.

Common synonyms include 'administrativo' (neutral), 'moroso' (emphasizing slowness), and 'protocolar' (emphasizing formal rules). Choosing the right one depends on whether you want to be objective or critical. For example, 'trabalho administrativo' sounds better than 'trabalho burocrático'.

While 'burocracia' is the direct translation, people often say 'excesso de burocracia' or 'entraves burocráticos' to mean 'red tape'. In informal settings, you might hear 'papelada' (lots of papers) or 'enrolação' (stalling/complexity).

Yes, it is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries with the same meaning and similar cultural weight. In both Brazil and Portugal, it is a very common word in news reports and daily life when dealing with the state or large corporations.

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