At the A1 beginner level, the word 'corte' is introduced primarily in its most literal and physical sense: a wound made by something sharp. When you are just starting to learn Portuguese, you need to know how to express basic physical sensations and minor emergencies. If you are in the kitchen slicing an apple and the knife slips, you get a 'corte'. You learn to say simple phrases like 'Eu tenho um corte' (I have a cut) or 'O corte dói' (The cut hurts). At this stage, vocabulary is closely tied to the body and immediate physical environment. You will also learn the related verb 'cortar' (to cut), which is highly useful for daily activities like cutting paper, cutting food, or cutting string. Another essential A1 context for 'corte' is personal grooming. You will learn the phrase 'corte de cabelo' (haircut). Being able to go to a salon and say 'Eu quero um corte de cabelo' (I want a haircut) is a fundamental survival skill in a Portuguese-speaking country. The grammar at this level is kept simple, focusing on the masculine article 'o' (o corte) and basic prepositions. You don't need to worry about the abstract or economic meanings yet. The focus is purely on the tangible: a cut on your skin, a cut of your hair, or the action of cutting an object with scissors or a knife. Understanding 'corte' at the A1 level provides a solid foundation for navigating basic daily tasks, communicating minor injuries to a pharmacist to buy a band-aid (curativo), and managing your personal appearance.
As you progress to the A2 elementary level, your understanding of 'corte' begins to expand beyond basic physical injuries and haircuts into slightly more complex everyday situations. At this stage, you start encountering the word in the context of household utilities and services. A very common and practical usage you will learn is 'corte de luz' (power cut/outage) or 'corte de água' (water shutoff). If a storm hits and the lights go out, you can now explain the situation by saying 'Houve um corte de luz na minha rua' (There was a power cut on my street). This is crucial for daily life and communicating with landlords or neighbors. You also begin to see 'corte' used in the context of food shopping, specifically regarding meat. When visiting a supermarket or an 'açougue' (butcher shop), you will hear about different 'cortes de carne' (cuts of meat). You might say 'Este é um bom corte para o churrasco' (This is a good cut for the barbecue). Furthermore, your ability to describe physical cuts becomes more detailed. Instead of just saying you have a cut, you can describe it using adjectives: 'um corte profundo' (a deep cut) or 'um corte pequeno' (a small cut). You start using past tense verbs more comfortably, saying 'Eu fiz um corte no dedo ontem' (I made a cut on my finger yesterday). The A2 level bridges the gap between basic survival vocabulary and the ability to describe routine disruptions, culinary preferences, and slightly more detailed physical states, making 'corte' a highly functional word in your growing Portuguese lexicon.
Reaching the B1 intermediate level marks a significant shift in how you use and understand the word 'corte'. Here, the vocabulary transitions from purely physical and routine contexts into the abstract and metaphorical realms, particularly concerning economics, business, and news media. At B1, you are expected to understand basic news reports and express opinions on current events. Consequently, you will frequently encounter 'corte' meaning a reduction or decrease. Phrases like 'corte de gastos' (spending cut), 'corte de orçamento' (budget cut), and 'corte de impostos' (tax cut) become essential. You will read headlines stating 'Governo anuncia corte na educação' (Government announces cut in education) and be able to discuss the implications. You learn to use the preposition 'em' correctly in these contexts, forming 'no' or 'na' (e.g., corte na saúde). Additionally, in the professional sphere, you might hear about a 'corte de pessoal' (staff reduction or layoffs), which is crucial for business Portuguese. Your descriptive abilities also improve. You can discuss the consequences of a physical cut more thoroughly, perhaps explaining to a doctor how it happened and asking if it needs 'pontos' (stitches). In sports, if you follow volleyball, you will learn that a 'corte' is a spike. The B1 level empowers you to use 'corte' to navigate broader societal topics, understand journalistic language, and engage in conversations about the economy, the workplace, and public policies, moving well beyond the simple kitchen accidents and haircuts of the beginner levels.
At the B2 upper-intermediate level, your mastery of 'corte' becomes highly nuanced and culturally integrated. You are now comfortable with all the physical, aesthetic, and economic meanings, and your focus shifts to idiomatic usage, technical contexts, and sophisticated sentence structures. You understand the subtle difference in tone between 'uma redução' and 'um corte drástico' (a drastic cut), recognizing the emotional and political weight the latter carries in debates. You can fluidly discuss complex scenarios, such as a company implementing a 'corte de despesas' (expense cut) to avoid bankruptcy. In the realm of arts and media, you learn to use 'corte' in the context of film and video editing. A 'corte rápido' (jump cut) or the director shouting 'Corta!' (Cut!) are concepts you can easily discuss when reviewing a movie. Furthermore, you become acutely aware of the gender distinction, never confusing 'o corte' (the cut) with 'a corte' (the royal/judicial court), and you can read historical texts discussing 'a corte portuguesa' without hesitation. You also start using related expressions and compound concepts, such as 'corte raso' (clear-cutting in forestry/environmental contexts), which is vital for discussing environmental issues in Brazil, like the deforestation of the Amazon. At B2, 'corte' is no longer just a vocabulary word to memorize; it is a versatile tool that you wield with precision to express complex ideas, critique media, debate politics, and discuss environmental policies with native speakers in a natural, flowing manner.
Entering the C1 advanced level, your use of 'corte' is nearly indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You possess a deep understanding of the word's etymology, its subtle connotations, and its application in highly specialized and academic fields. In legal and formal administrative contexts, you understand 'corte' as an abrupt termination of rights or services, discussed with sophisticated vocabulary. You can read complex economic analyses detailing the macroeconomic impacts of a 'corte na taxa básica de juros' (cut in the base interest rate - the Selic rate in Brazil) and debate its effects on inflation and investments. In literature and poetry, you appreciate the metaphorical use of 'corte' to signify emotional pain, a sudden severing of a relationship, or a sharp, biting remark (um corte seco). You are familiar with colloquial and slang usages as well. For instance, in Brazilian informal speech, 'dar um corte' in someone can mean to sharply interrupt them, dismiss them, or give them a witty, silencing comeback (a verbal smackdown). You navigate these different registers effortlessly, knowing exactly when to use 'corte' in a formal thesis on public policy versus when to use it in a relaxed conversation at a bar describing a friend's sharp retort. The C1 level is characterized by this flexibility and depth, allowing you to manipulate the word 'corte' to convey irony, emphasis, technical precision, and emotional resonance across any medium or social setting.
At the C2 mastery level, your comprehension and application of 'corte' encompass the absolute entirety of the language's historical, cultural, and linguistic spectrum. You intuitively grasp the most obscure idiomatic expressions, regional variations, and historical shifts in the word's usage. You can analyze classic Portuguese literature, such as the works of Machado de Assis or Eça de Queirós, understanding how 'corte' might be used to describe the sharp social divisions or the literal tailoring of 19th-century garments as a metaphor for societal constraints. You are capable of writing highly academic papers, legal documents, or intricate literary critiques using 'corte' with absolute semantic precision. You understand the profound sociological implications of 'cortes' in the context of Brazilian or Portuguese history, such as the austerity measures of various economic plans. Furthermore, you can play with the word creatively, inventing puns or rhetorical devices that rely on the dual meanings of 'corte' (e.g., contrasting a physical wound with an economic wound). You are perfectly attuned to the prosody and rhythm of the word in spoken language, using it to deliver powerful rhetorical punches in public speaking or debate. At this pinnacle of language proficiency, 'corte' is fully integrated into your cognitive framework, allowing you to express the most complex, abstract, and nuanced thoughts with the effortless grace and authority of a true master of the Portuguese language.

corte in 30 Sekunden

  • Physical wound from a sharp object.
  • A haircut or hairstyle (corte de cabelo).
  • A reduction in budget, staff, or services.
  • A specific piece of butchered meat.
The Portuguese word 'corte' is an incredibly versatile masculine noun that primarily translates to 'cut' in English, encompassing a wide array of physical, metaphorical, and specialized meanings that are essential for any learner aiming to achieve fluency. At its most fundamental level, 'corte' refers to a physical incision, wound, or laceration made by a sharp object such as a knife, scissors, glass, or paper. When you accidentally slice your finger while chopping vegetables in the kitchen, that resulting injury is called a 'corte'. However, the utility of this word extends far beyond mere physical injuries. In the realm of aesthetics and personal grooming, 'corte' is the standard term used to describe a haircut or the specific style in which hair is styled and trimmed, as in 'corte de cabelo'. Moving into the spheres of economics, business, and government, 'corte' takes on the crucial metaphorical meaning of a reduction, decrease, or elimination of resources, commonly seen in phrases like 'corte de gastos' (spending cut), 'corte de orçamento' (budget cut), or 'corte de pessoal' (staff reduction). Furthermore, in culinary contexts, particularly in butchery and gastronomy, 'corte' refers to a specific piece or style of sliced meat, such as a 'corte de carne' (cut of meat), which denotes how the animal was butchered. In sports, particularly volleyball or tennis, a 'corte' can refer to a sharp, decisive strike or block. To fully grasp the depth of this word, one must appreciate how seamlessly it transitions from the tangible reality of a bleeding wound to the abstract anxiety of corporate downsizing.
Physical Wound
An injury caused by breaking the skin with a sharp edge, requiring anything from a simple bandage to medical stitches depending on the severity.
Economic Reduction
A deliberate decrease in funding, resources, or personnel, often implemented during times of financial crisis or corporate restructuring.
Aesthetic Style
The specific manner in which hair or fabric is shaped, trimmed, and styled to achieve a desired fashionable appearance.

Ele fez um corte profundo no dedo enquanto preparava o jantar para a família.

O governo anunciou um corte drástico na educação.

Adorei o seu novo corte de cabelo, combinou muito com o seu rosto.

Este corte de carne é perfeito para o churrasco de domingo.

Houve um corte de energia ontem à noite devido à forte tempestade.

Understanding these multiple dimensions of 'corte' will significantly elevate your comprehension of everyday Portuguese, allowing you to navigate conversations ranging from minor medical emergencies to complex macroeconomic discussions with confidence and precision.
Mastering the usage of 'corte' requires an understanding of the specific verbs and prepositions that naturally collocate with it in various contexts. When discussing physical injuries, the most common verbs used are 'fazer' (to make/do) and 'sofrer' (to suffer). For instance, if you accidentally cut yourself, you might say 'Eu fiz um corte no dedo' (I made a cut on my finger), though 'Eu me cortei' (I cut myself) using the verb 'cortar' is also highly prevalent. If someone else inflicts the wound, or if it's a medical context, you might hear 'sofrer um corte' (to suffer a cut). In the context of hair and aesthetics, the phrase is almost universally 'corte de cabelo'. You would say 'Eu preciso de um corte de cabelo' (I need a haircut) or 'Vou ao salão para um corte' (I am going to the salon for a cut). When shifting to economic or administrative contexts, the terminology becomes more formal. Governments and companies 'anunciam' (announce), 'fazem' (make), or 'implementam' (implement) a 'corte'. The preposition 'em' (in/on) is typically used to specify what is being reduced, which contracts with the definite articles to form 'no' or 'na'. For example, 'corte nos gastos' (cut in spending), 'corte na educação' (cut in education), or 'corte no orçamento' (cut in the budget). Another highly frequent usage involves the interruption of utility services. A 'corte de luz' (power cut/outage) or 'corte de água' (water shutoff) are standard phrases used when services are suspended, either due to unpaid bills or technical failures.
Collocation with Fazer
Used for accidental physical cuts or deliberate economic reductions. Example: Fazer um corte no dedo; Fazer um corte no orçamento.
Collocation with Sofrer
Used primarily in medical or dramatic contexts to emphasize the reception of an injury or a negative impact. Example: Sofrer um corte profundo.
Prepositional Phrases
Often followed by 'de' to specify the type of cut (corte de cabelo, corte de carne) or 'em' to specify the target of a reduction (corte nos impostos).

A empresa anunciou um corte de vinte por cento no quadro de funcionários.

O médico disse que o corte foi superficial e não precisará de pontos.

Esqueci de pagar a conta e sofri um corte de internet.

Vou pedir ao cabeleireiro um corte mais moderno e repicado.

O corte da fita inaugural foi feito pelo prefeito da cidade.

By paying close attention to these structural patterns and verb associations, you will be able to deploy the word 'corte' naturally and accurately across a wide spectrum of conversational and written contexts, demonstrating a robust command of Portuguese vocabulary.
The word 'corte' is ubiquitous in the Portuguese language, echoing through various environments and situations in daily life. You will frequently encounter this word in the domestic sphere, particularly in the kitchen, where handling knives inevitably leads to the occasional 'corte' on a finger. In this setting, you might also hear discussions about the best 'corte de carne' (cut of meat) for a weekend barbecue, a beloved tradition in Brazil known as churrasco, where specific cuts like picanha, alcatra, or maminha are highly prized. Moving out of the house and into the streets, the local barbershop or beauty salon is another prime location where 'corte' is the star of the vocabulary. Clients constantly discuss their preferred 'corte de cabelo', flipping through magazines or showing photos on their phones to request a specific style. In the realm of media and news broadcasting, 'corte' takes on a more serious and often anxiety-inducing tone. News anchors frequently report on 'cortes' in government spending, 'cortes' in the public health sector, or 'cortes' of jobs in major corporations facing economic downturns. These macroeconomic 'cortes' are a staple of political and financial journalism. Furthermore, in the context of public utilities, hearing about a 'corte de luz' (power outage) or 'corte de água' (water outage) is common during severe weather events or in discussions about municipal infrastructure issues.
In the Kitchen & Butchery
Used to describe both accidental injuries from chopping and the specific ways meat is prepared and sold for consumption.
In Salons & Barbershops
The fundamental term for a haircut, encompassing everything from a simple trim to a complex, stylized reshaping of the hair.
In News & Politics
A critical term for reductions in budgets, funding, subsidies, or employment, often sparking public debate and protests.

O açougueiro recomendou este corte porque é mais macio e suculento.

O noticiário da noite destacou o novo corte na taxa de juros pelo banco central.

Fiquei no escuro ontem devido a um corte repentino de energia no meu bairro.

Preciso agendar um corte urgente, meu cabelo está muito comprido e sem forma.

O enfermeiro limpou o corte com cuidado antes de aplicar o curativo.

Recognizing these varied contexts will not only improve your listening comprehension but also provide you with a rich cultural tapestry of how the Portuguese language categorizes physical actions and abstract concepts under a single, powerful noun.
When learning the word 'corte', students frequently encounter a few specific pitfalls that can lead to confusion or awkward phrasing. The most prominent and dangerous mistake is confusing the masculine noun 'o corte' with the feminine noun 'a corte'. While 'o corte' means the cut, wound, or reduction, 'a corte' translates to the court, referring either to a royal court (the monarch and their retinue) or a judicial court (though 'tribunal' is more common for law). Saying 'A rainha vive no corte' (The queen lives in the cut) instead of 'na corte' is a classic, albeit amusing, grammatical error. Another common mistake involves the direct translation of English idioms. For example, in English, you might say 'cut to the chase', but translating this literally to 'corte para a perseguição' makes absolutely no sense in Portuguese; the correct equivalent is 'ir direto ao ponto'. Similarly, 'a cut above the rest' cannot be translated as 'um corte acima do resto'; instead, you would use an expression like 'muito superior' or 'um passo à frente'. Learners also sometimes struggle with the preposition that follows 'corte' when discussing reductions. It is crucial to use 'em' (which becomes no/na/nos/nas). Saying 'corte de educação' is less natural than saying 'corte na educação' (cut in education). Furthermore, when talking about getting a haircut, English speakers often try to translate 'I cut my hair' literally as 'Eu cortei meu cabelo', which implies you took the scissors and did it yourself. While grammatically correct, if you went to a salon, it is more natural to say 'Eu cortei o cabelo' (leaving out the possessive) or 'Fui fazer um corte de cabelo'.
Gender Confusion
Mixing up 'o corte' (the cut/wound) with 'a corte' (the royal/judicial court), completely altering the meaning of the sentence.
Literal Idiom Translation
Attempting to translate English phrases like 'cut to the chase' or 'cut corners' word-for-word using the noun 'corte'.
Incorrect Prepositions
Using 'de' instead of 'em' when specifying the sector or area experiencing a budget or resource reduction.

Incorreto: A rei vive no corte. | Correto: O rei vive na corte.

Incorreto: Houve um corte de saúde. | Correto: Houve um corte na saúde.

Incorreto: Vamos fazer um corte para a perseguição. | Correto: Vamos direto ao ponto.

Incorreto: Eu fiz um corte de cantos no projeto. | Correto: Eu peguei atalhos no projeto.

Incorreto: O corte suprema decidiu o caso. | Correto: A Suprema Corte decidiu o caso.

By being mindful of these common traps, especially the gender distinction and the proper use of prepositions, you will sound much more natural and avoid confusing your conversational partners.
The Portuguese language offers a rich variety of synonyms and related terms for 'corte', depending entirely on the specific context in which the word is being used. When referring to a physical wound, words like 'ferida' (wound), 'machucado' (injury/bruise), 'lesão' (lesion), or 'talho' (a deep slash or gash) are frequently employed. 'Ferida' is a broader term that can include abrasions and sores, whereas 'corte' specifically implies an incision made by a sharp edge. 'Talho' is often used for a more severe, deeper cut, often associated with knives or swords. In the context of economics and administration, where 'corte' means a reduction, the most direct synonyms are 'redução' (reduction), 'diminuição' (decrease), or 'queda' (fall/drop). While 'corte' implies a deliberate, active decision to slash a budget, 'redução' can sometimes feel a bit more neutral or gradual. When discussing cuts of meat, the word 'peça' (piece) or 'fatia' (slice) might be used, though 'corte' remains the technical culinary term for how the meat is sectioned. In the realm of aesthetics, while 'corte de cabelo' is standard, you might hear 'penteado' (hairstyle), which focuses more on the styling rather than the cutting itself. Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the most precise word for your intended meaning, elevating your vocabulary from basic to advanced.
Ferida vs. Corte
'Ferida' is a general wound or sore, which could be from a scrape or burn, while 'corte' specifically requires a sharp object breaking the skin.
Redução vs. Corte
'Redução' means any decrease, whereas 'corte' implies a sudden, deliberate, and often severe slashing of resources or funds.
Talho vs. Corte
'Talho' is a more dramatic, deep gash, often used in literature or serious accidents, compared to the everyday 'corte'.

A ferida no joelho dele foi causada por uma queda, não por um corte.

O governo propôs uma redução gradual dos impostos, em vez de um corte imediato.

O açougueiro fez um talho profundo na carne para prepará-la para o assado.

Ela pediu uma fatia fina de bolo, não um corte inteiro.

O machucado no braço dela está roxo, mas felizmente não há corte.

Expanding your vocabulary with these synonyms and related terms will not only help you avoid repetition but also allow you to express the exact severity, intent, and nature of the action you are describing.

How Formal Is It?

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Definite and Indefinite Articles (o, os, um, uns)

Preposition Contractions (em + o = no, de + o = do)

Gender of Nouns (Masculine vs Feminine meanings)

Past Tense of Irregular Verbs (Fazer -> Fiz, Houve)

Adjective Placement (corte profundo vs novo corte)

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

Eu tenho um corte no meu dedo.

I have a cut on my finger.

Uses the basic masculine article 'um' with the noun 'corte'.

2

O corte dói muito.

The cut hurts a lot.

Subject of the sentence, using the definite article 'O'.

3

Eu quero um corte de cabelo.

I want a haircut.

Introduction of the compound phrase 'corte de cabelo'.

4

Onde é o salão para o corte?

Where is the salon for the cut?

Using 'para o' to indicate purpose.

5

O menino fez um corte na perna.

The boy made a cut on his leg.

Using the verb 'fazer' with 'corte'.

6

Preciso lavar o corte com água.

I need to wash the cut with water.

Direct object of the verb 'lavar'.

7

O corte é pequeno.

The cut is small.

Using a basic adjective 'pequeno' to describe the noun.

8

Ela tem um novo corte de cabelo.

She has a new haircut.

Placing the adjective 'novo' before the noun phrase.

1

Houve um corte de luz ontem à noite.

There was a power cut last night.

Using 'Houve' (past of haver) to indicate existence.

2

Este corte de carne é muito caro.

This cut of meat is very expensive.

Using demonstrative pronoun 'Este' with the noun.

3

O médico colocou um curativo no corte.

The doctor put a bandage on the cut.

Contraction of 'em' + 'o' = 'no'.

4

Meu corte de cabelo custou cinquenta reais.

My haircut cost fifty reais.

Using possessive pronoun 'Meu'.

5

O papel fez um corte na minha mão.

The paper made a cut on my hand.

Inanimate object as the subject causing the action.

6

Eles anunciaram um corte de água para amanhã.

They announced a water cut for tomorrow.

Using 'corte de água' for utility interruption.

7

O corte foi profundo e sangrou muito.

The cut was deep and bled a lot.

Using the adjective 'profundo' (deep).

8

Gosto do seu corte de cabelo curto.

I like your short haircut.

Adding an adjective 'curto' to the end of the phrase.

1

O governo confirmou um corte drástico no orçamento da educação.

The government confirmed a drastic cut in the education budget.

Using 'corte no orçamento' (budget cut) in a political context.

2

A empresa fará um corte de pessoal devido à crise.

The company will make a staff cut due to the crisis.

Future tense 'fará' with 'corte de pessoal'.

3

Para esta receita, você precisa de um corte específico de carne de porco.

For this recipe, you need a specific cut of pork.

Using 'corte' in a detailed culinary context.

4

O jogador de vôlei deu um corte impressionante e marcou o ponto.

The volleyball player made an impressive spike and scored the point.

Using 'dar um corte' as a sports term (spike).

5

Sofri um corte com a faca e precisei levar três pontos no hospital.

I suffered a cut with the knife and needed to get three stitches at the hospital.

Using 'sofrer um corte' and related medical vocabulary (pontos).

6

O corte de gastos é necessário para equilibrar as contas públicas.

The spending cut is necessary to balance the public accounts.

Using 'corte de gastos' as the subject of a complex sentence.

7

Houve um corte na transmissão do jogo por causa da tempestade.

There was a cut in the game's broadcast because of the storm.

Using 'corte na transmissão' for signal interruption.

8

O diretor pediu um corte rápido para a próxima cena de ação.

The director asked for a quick cut to the next action scene.

Using 'corte' in the context of film editing.

1

O corte raso das florestas é um dos maiores problemas ambientais do país.

The clear-cutting of forests is one of the country's biggest environmental problems.

Using the specific environmental term 'corte raso' (clear-cutting).

2

A oposição criticou duramente o corte de subsídios para a agricultura familiar.

The opposition harshly criticized the cut in subsidies for family farming.

Complex sentence structure discussing political policy.

3

Aquele comentário irônico foi um verdadeiro corte na conversa, deixando todos calados.

That ironic comment was a real cut in the conversation, leaving everyone quiet.

Metaphorical use of 'corte' meaning a sharp, conversation-stopping remark.

4

O alfaiate elogiou o corte impecável do terno italiano que o cliente vestia.

The tailor praised the impeccable cut of the Italian suit the client was wearing.

Using 'corte' to refer to the tailoring and fit of clothing.

5

Com o corte no fornecimento de gás, os restaurantes da região tiveram que fechar mais cedo.

With the cut in the gas supply, the restaurants in the region had to close early.

Using 'corte no fornecimento' (supply cut).

6

O Banco Central anunciou um corte na taxa básica de juros para estimular a economia.

The Central Bank announced a cut in the base interest rate to stimulate the economy.

Advanced economic vocabulary: 'corte na taxa de juros'.

7

A cicatrização do corte cirúrgico foi rápida e sem complicações.

The healing of the surgical cut was fast and without complications.

Medical terminology: 'corte cirúrgico' (surgical incision).

8

Ela deu um corte no namorado quando ele tentou mentir sobre onde estava.

She shut her boyfriend down (gave him a cut) when he tried to lie about where he was.

Slang/Idiomatic use: 'dar um corte' meaning to shut someone down verbally.

1

A implementação do corte linear de verbas afetou desproporcionalmente os setores mais vulneráveis da sociedade.

The implementation of the linear funding cut disproportionately affected the most vulnerable sectors of society.

Highly formal academic/journalistic phrasing: 'corte linear de verbas'.

2

O poema utiliza a metáfora do corte para ilustrar a ruptura abrupta e dolorosa dos laços familiares.

The poem uses the metaphor of the cut to illustrate the abrupt and painful severing of family ties.

Literary analysis context.

3

A montagem do filme é caracterizada por cortes secos que geram uma sensação de desorientação no espectador.

The film's editing is characterized by jump cuts (dry cuts) that generate a sense of disorientation in the viewer.

Advanced film critique terminology: 'cortes secos'.

4

O cortejo fúnebre foi interrompido por um cortejo de manifestantes, criando um contraste bizarro na avenida.

The funeral procession was interrupted by a procession of protesters, creating a bizarre contrast on the avenue.

Wait, 'cortejo' is a different word. Let's replace with a proper 'corte' sentence: O corte epistemológico proposto pelo autor redefine a forma como entendemos a sociologia moderna.

5

O corte epistemológico proposto pelo autor redefine a forma como entendemos a sociologia moderna.

The epistemological break (cut) proposed by the author redefines how we understand modern sociology.

Academic philosophy/sociology term: 'corte epistemológico' (epistemological break).

6

Após a reestruturação corporativa, o corte de dividendos foi inevitável para manter a liquidez da empresa.

After the corporate restructuring, the dividend cut was inevitable to maintain the company's liquidity.

Advanced financial vocabulary: 'corte de dividendos'.

7

A lâmina do bisturi fez um corte tão preciso que a incisão era quase invisível a olho nu.

The scalpel blade made a cut so precise that the incision was almost invisible to the naked eye.

Advanced descriptive medical context.

8

Ele tem o dom de dar respostas com um corte tão elegante que o ofendido demora a perceber o insulto.

He has the gift of giving replies with such an elegant cut that the offended party takes a while to realize the insult.

Sophisticated metaphorical use of 'corte' as a sharp, witty remark.

1

A exegese do texto revela que o autor utilizou a palavra 'corte' com uma polissemia intencional, aludindo tanto à ferida física quanto à cisão ideológica da época.

The exegesis of the text reveals that the author used the word 'cut' with intentional polysemy, alluding to both the physical wound and the ideological schism of the time.

Mastery level literary critique and linguistic analysis.

2

O contingenciamento de recursos culminou em um corte draconiano que asfixiou a pesquisa científica nacional por uma década.

The withholding of resources culminated in a draconian cut that asphyxiated national scientific research for a decade.

Highly elevated political and economic discourse using 'corte draconiano'.

3

Na alta-costura, o caimento perfeito de uma peça depende intrinsecamente da maestria do corte, que deve respeitar a assimetria natural do corpo humano.

In haute couture, the perfect drape of a garment depends intrinsically on the mastery of the cut, which must respect the natural asymmetry of the human body.

Specialized fashion and tailoring terminology.

4

A jurisprudência consolidou o entendimento de que o corte abrupto de serviços essenciais sem notificação prévia configura dano moral in re ipsa.

Jurisprudence has consolidated the understanding that the abrupt cut of essential services without prior notification constitutes moral damage in re ipsa.

Advanced legal terminology and Latin usage.

5

O cortejo real avançava lentamente, alheio ao fato de que, nos bastidores, a conspiração já preparava o corte definitivo de seus privilégios seculares.

The royal procession advanced slowly, oblivious to the fact that, behind the scenes, the conspiracy was already preparing the definitive cut of their secular privileges.

Complex historical narrative contrasting 'cortejo' (procession) with 'corte' (severing).

6

A intervenção cirúrgica exigiu um corte em bisel para garantir a máxima preservação do tecido vascular adjacente.

The surgical intervention required a bevel cut to ensure maximum preservation of the adjacent vascular tissue.

Extremely specialized medical/surgical terminology.

7

A política de austeridade não foi um mero ajuste, mas um corte na própria carne do Estado de bem-estar social.

The austerity policy was not a mere adjustment, but a cut into the very flesh of the welfare state.

Powerful rhetorical metaphor: 'corte na própria carne' (cutting one's own flesh).

8

O som do violoncelo sofreu um corte abrupto, um staccato violento que ecoou pelo auditório silencioso, marcando o clímax da sinfonia.

The sound of the cello suffered an abrupt cut, a violent staccato that echoed through the silent auditorium, marking the climax of the symphony.

Acoustic and musical descriptive mastery.

Häufige Kollokationen

fazer um corte
sofrer um corte
corte de cabelo
corte de gastos
corte de energia
corte de luz
corte de carne
corte profundo
corte no orçamento
dar um corte

Wird oft verwechselt mit

corte vs a corte (the royal/judicial court)

corte vs ferida (wound in general)

corte vs talho (butcher shop in PT, deep gash in BR)

Leicht verwechselbar

corte vs

corte vs

corte vs

corte vs

corte vs

Satzmuster

So verwendest du es

note

While 'corte' is the noun, the verb 'cortar' is equally important. Often, Portuguese speakers will use the reflexive verb 'me cortei' (I cut myself) instead of the noun phrase 'fiz um corte' for minor injuries.

Häufige Fehler
  • Saying 'a corte' when meaning a wound or reduction (should be 'o corte').
  • Translating 'I cut my hair' as 'Eu cortei meu cabelo' when a barber did it (should be 'Fui cortar o cabelo').
  • Saying 'corte de educação' instead of 'corte na educação' for budget cuts.
  • Using 'corte' to translate 'cut to the chase' (should be 'ir direto ao ponto').
  • Using 'corte' for a scrape or bruise (should be 'ferida' or 'machucado').

Tipps

Mind the Gender

Always double-check the article you are using with 'corte'. 'O corte' is the physical cut or reduction. 'A corte' is the royal court. Mixing these up is a classic beginner mistake that can lead to very confusing sentences.

Haircut Phrasing

Don't translate 'I cut my hair' literally as 'Eu cortei meu cabelo' unless you did it yourself with scissors. If you went to a professional, say 'Fui cortar o cabelo' or 'Fiz um corte de cabelo'. This sounds much more natural to native speakers.

Em vs. De

Use 'de' to describe what the cut consists of: 'corte de cabelo' (haircut), 'corte de carne' (meat cut). Use 'em' (no/na) to describe where a reduction is applied: 'corte na educação' (cut in education), 'corte no orçamento' (budget cut).

Regional Accents

Be prepared to hear 'corte' pronounced differently. In Brazil, it usually ends with a 'tchee' sound (KOR-tchi). In Portugal, the final 'e' is almost silent or sounds like 'uh' (KOR-tuh). Both are correct in their respective regions.

Power Outages

Never try to translate 'power outage' literally. The standard phrase is 'corte de luz' (cut of light) or 'corte de energia' (cut of energy). 'Falta de luz' (lack of light) is also very common.

Verbal Smackdowns

If you hear someone say 'Que corte!' after an argument, they aren't talking about a knife. It means someone delivered a sharp, witty insult or comeback that completely silenced the other person.

Churrasco Culture

When invited to a Brazilian barbecue, knowing your 'cortes de carne' is a great conversation starter. Mentioning that you love the 'corte de picanha' will instantly win you points with the host.

Fazer vs. Sofrer

Use 'fazer um corte' when you accidentally cut yourself or when a government actively cuts a budget. Use 'sofrer um corte' when you are the victim of a cut, like 'sofrer um corte de luz' (to suffer a power outage).

Movie Sets

If you are interested in cinema, remember that 'corte' is the universal word for editing cuts. 'Corte seco' means a hard cut, and 'corte rápido' means a quick cut. It's essential vocabulary for film buffs.

Idiom Translation

Do not translate English idioms containing the word 'cut' directly into Portuguese using 'corte'. 'Cut to the chase' is 'ir direto ao ponto'. 'Cut corners' is 'pegar atalhos'. Literal translations will not make sense.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a COURT (corte) where the judge uses scissors to CUT (corte) the budget in half.

Visuelle Assoziation

Visualize a pair of scissors cutting a dollar bill in half, representing both the physical action of cutting and the economic meaning of a budget cut.

Wortherkunft

From the Latin verb 'curtare', meaning to shorten or mutilate, which evolved into the Portuguese verb 'cortar' and its noun form 'corte'.

Kultureller Kontext

The phrase 'corte de giro' refers to revving a motorcycle engine until it hits the rev limiter, creating a loud, popping noise. It is a common, albeit often illegal and annoying, cultural phenomenon in Brazilian urban peripheries.

In Portugal, a butcher shop is called a 'talho', which is directly related to the action of cutting ('talhar'), whereas in Brazil it is an 'açougue'. However, 'corte de carne' is understood in both.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"Você gostou do meu novo corte de cabelo?"

"Você viu as notícias sobre o corte no orçamento da educação?"

"Qual é o seu corte de carne favorito para churrasco?"

"Houve corte de luz na sua casa durante a tempestade de ontem?"

"Como você fez esse corte no braço?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe a time you got a bad haircut (um corte de cabelo ruim). How did you feel?

Write about your opinion on the recent government spending cuts (cortes de gastos).

Explain how to prepare your favorite cut of meat (corte de carne) for a meal.

Describe what you do when there is a power outage (corte de luz) at your house.

Write a short story about a chef who accidentally gets a cut (corte) during a busy night.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

The word for 'cut' is masculine: 'o corte'. If you use the feminine form, 'a corte', it means 'the court' (like a royal court or a court of law). This is a very common mistake for beginners. Always remember to use 'o' when talking about a wound, a haircut, or a budget reduction. Using the wrong gender will completely confuse the person you are talking to.

The standard and most common way to say 'haircut' is 'corte de cabelo'. You can use this phrase in any salon or barbershop in both Brazil and Portugal. For example, you can say 'Eu quero um corte de cabelo, por favor' (I want a haircut, please). Sometimes, people just say 'um corte' if the context of being in a salon is already clear.

'Corte' specifically refers to an incision or laceration made by a sharp object, like a knife, glass, or paper. 'Ferida' is a more general term for any wound, sore, or injury, which could include scrapes, burns, or ulcers. Every 'corte' is a type of 'ferida', but not every 'ferida' is a 'corte'. If you scrape your knee falling down, it's a 'ferida' or 'machucado', not a 'corte'.

The most natural way to say 'power outage' or 'power cut' is 'corte de luz' or 'corte de energia'. Both are widely understood. For example, 'Houve um corte de luz ontem' means 'There was a power outage yesterday'. You can also use the same structure for water: 'corte de água' (water shutoff).

Yes, absolutely. In fact, this is one of its most common uses in news and politics. You will frequently hear phrases like 'corte de gastos' (spending cut) or 'corte no orçamento' (budget cut). It is the exact equivalent of the English word 'cut' when used in an economic or financial context.

When specifying the area or sector that is being reduced, you should use the preposition 'em', which contracts with the definite articles to form 'no', 'na', 'nos', or 'nas'. For example, you say 'corte na educação' (cut in education) or 'corte na saúde' (cut in healthcare). Do not use 'de' for this specific context.

In informal Brazilian Portuguese, 'dar um corte' in someone means to sharply interrupt them, shut them down, or give them a witty, silencing comeback. It's a metaphorical verbal 'cut'. If someone is being annoying and you tell them off effectively, your friends might say 'Nossa, você deu um corte nele!' (Wow, you really shut him down!).

In a butcher shop (açougue) or restaurant, you use the phrase 'corte de carne'. You can ask the butcher: 'Qual é o melhor corte para churrasco?' (What is the best cut for barbecue?). They will then suggest specific cuts like picanha, alcatra, or maminha, which are famous Brazilian 'cortes'.

Yes, 'corte' is the exact technical translation for a 'cut' in film and video editing. A 'corte rápido' is a jump cut or fast cut. A director on a film set will also yell 'Corta!' (the imperative verb form) to stop filming, just like in English.

'Corte raso' is an environmental and forestry term that translates to 'clear-cutting'. It refers to the practice of cutting down all the trees in a specific area. You will often see this term in news articles discussing deforestation in the Amazon rainforest or other environmental issues.

Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence saying you have a cut on your hand.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence asking for a haircut.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence saying there was a power outage yesterday.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence describing a deep cut.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about a government budget cut in education.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about a company making staff cuts.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 'corte raso' in an environmental context.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about giving someone a verbal smackdown (slang).

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about an epistemological break.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about a drastic dividend cut.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using the metaphor 'corte na própria carne'.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about the mastery of the cut in haute couture.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence saying the cut hurts.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about a water shutoff.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence asking for a specific cut of meat.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about an interest rate cut.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about a jump cut in a film.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence contrasting 'o corte' and 'a corte'.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about a spending cut.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about washing a cut.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'I have a cut.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'I want a haircut.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'There is a power outage.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The cut is deep.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The government announced a cut.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'We need a spending cut.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Clear-cutting is bad for the environment.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'She gave him a verbal smackdown.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The dividend cut was necessary.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The film uses jump cuts.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'It was a draconian cut into their own flesh.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The mastery of the cut is evident.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The cut hurts.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Water shutoff tomorrow.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Staff reduction.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Interest rate cut.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Epistemological break.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Abrupt cut of services.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Cut of meat.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'I washed the cut.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the noun: 'Eu fiz um corte no dedo.'

The wound.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 'Corte de cabelo.'

Hair style.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 'Corte de luz.'

No electricity.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the adjective: 'O corte é profundo.'

Deep.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the sector: 'Corte na educação.'

Schools.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 'Corte de gastos.'

Money reduction.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the slang phrase: 'Dar um corte.'

Shutting someone down.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the environmental term: 'Corte raso.'

Deforestation.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the financial term: 'Corte de dividendos.'

Shareholder money.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the film term: 'Corte seco.'

Hard edit.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the metaphor: 'Corte na própria carne.'

Sacrifice.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the adjective: 'Corte draconiano.'

Severe.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 'Corte de pessoal.'

Layoffs.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 'Corte de água.'

No water.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 'Corte na taxa de juros.'

Bank rate.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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