segunda in 30 Sekunden
- The feminine form of the ordinal number 'second' in Portuguese.
- Must agree with feminine nouns like 'casa', 'vez', or 'pessoa'.
- Commonly used as a shorthand for 'segunda-feira' (Monday).
- Usually placed before the noun in a sentence.
The Portuguese word segunda is the feminine form of the ordinal number 'segundo' (second). In its primary role as an adjective, it indicates that a noun occupies the position immediately following the first in a sequence. Because Portuguese is a gendered language, 'segunda' must always agree with a feminine noun. If you are talking about a car (o carro), you use 'segundo'; if you are talking about a house (a casa), you must use 'segunda'. This distinction is fundamental for English speakers who are accustomed to the gender-neutral 'second'. Beyond mere counting, 'segunda' carries connotations of secondary importance, repetition, or a subsequent attempt at something.
- Ordinal Position
- Used to identify the rank of an object in a series. Example: 'A segunda porta' (The second door).
- Temporal Sequence
- Refers to an event happening for the second time. Example: 'Minha segunda viagem' (My second trip).
- Qualitative Ranking
- Indicates something that is not the primary or best option. Example: 'Uma segunda escolha' (A second choice).
Esta é a segunda vez que eu visito Lisboa este ano e estou adorando.
It is also vital to note that 'segunda' is frequently used as a shorthand for 'segunda-feira' (Monday). While technically a noun in that context, the origin is adjectival, referring to the 'second day' of the liturgical week. When using it as an adjective, it almost always precedes the noun, unlike many other Portuguese adjectives that follow the noun. This placement is a key marker of ordinal numbers in the language. For instance, 'a casa segunda' sounds archaic or poetic; 'a segunda casa' is the standard, natural way to speak.
A segunda temporada da série é muito melhor do que a primeira.
Using 'segunda' correctly requires constant attention to the noun it modifies. In Portuguese grammar, adjectives must match the gender and number of the noun. Since 'segunda' is feminine singular, it must accompany feminine singular nouns like 'casa', 'pessoa', 'chance', or 'parte'. If the noun is plural, the adjective becomes 'segundas'. For example, 'as segundas intenções' (the second/hidden intentions). The placement is almost always before the noun in modern Portuguese, which makes it easier for English speakers to remember since 'second' also precedes the noun in English.
- Agreement Rule
- Always pair 'segunda' with feminine nouns. 'O segundo livro' but 'A segunda revista'.
- Pluralization
- Add an 's' for plural feminine nouns: 'As segundas chances são raras'.
Ela mora na segunda casa depois da padaria.
In more formal or technical writing, 'segunda' might be used to categorize items in a list or levels of hierarchy. For instance, in law or administration, you might hear about a 'segunda instância' (a second instance or court of appeal). In education, 'segunda série' refers to the second grade. Understanding these contexts helps you realize that 'segunda' isn't just for counting apples; it's a structural word that organizes information and social systems in the Lusophone world.
Não perca a segunda parte do filme; é emocionante.
In everyday Brazilian or Portuguese life, 'segunda' is ubiquitous. One of the most common places you will hear it is in the context of the week. Brazilians often drop the '-feira' and simply say 'Na segunda, eu vou trabalhar' (On Monday, I'm going to work). While this is technically a noun usage, it's the most frequent vocalization of the word. You will also hear it constantly in directions. If you're lost in a city like São Paulo or Lisbon, a local might tell you to take the 'segunda rua à esquerda' (second street on the left).
- Sports Commentary
- Refers to 'segunda divisão' (second division/league) or 'segunda base' in baseball.
- Shopping/Sales
- 'Segunda mão' (second hand) is used for used goods, though 'usado' is also common.
Vendi minha bicicleta na segunda mão por um bom preço.
In the kitchen, people talk about 'segunda rodada' (second round) of drinks or food. In music, a 'segunda voz' refers to the harmony singer who supports the lead vocalist. If you are watching the news, you might hear about the 'segunda onda' (second wave) of a pandemic or an economic trend. The word is versatile because it frames the world into sequences, which is a primary human cognitive function. Whether you are at school, at work, or just walking down the street, 'segunda' provides the necessary order to the feminine objects surrounding you.
The most frequent mistake for English speakers is failing to change 'segundo' to 'segunda' when the noun is feminine. Because 'second' doesn't change in English, learners often default to the masculine 'segundo'. Saying 'o segundo vez' is a glaring error; it must be 'a segunda vez'. Another common pitfall is the confusion between the adjective 'segunda' and the noun 'segunda' (Monday). While they look and sound identical, their grammatical roles differ. If you say 'Eu gosto da segunda', people might think you like Mondays, even if you meant you like the second option in a list.
- Gender Mismatch
- Using 'segundo' with words like 'aula', 'página', or 'pessoa'. Correction: 'segunda aula'.
- Article Omission
- In English, we say 'the second time'. In Portuguese, 'a segunda vez'. Forgetting the 'a' makes the sentence feel incomplete.
Errado: O segundo página do livro. Correto: A segunda página do livro.
Another subtle mistake is the placement. While 'segunda' almost always goes before the noun, placing it after the noun ('a guerra segunda') is grammatically incorrect in standard speech and sounds like a bad translation. Also, be careful with 'segundas intenções' (ulterior motives); this is a fixed idiomatic expression. Using 'segundos motivos' wouldn't carry the same weight of suspicion. Finally, remember that for kings and popes, the rule changes: 'João Paulo Segundo' (John Paul II) uses the masculine regardless of the noun 'pessoa' because the title itself is masculine, but for a queen like 'Elizabeth Segunda', we use the feminine.
If you want to avoid repeating 'segunda' or need a word with a slightly different nuance, there are several alternatives. 'Seguinte' (following) is a great choice when you want to emphasize the sequence rather than the specific rank. 'Próxima' (next) is often used interchangeably with 'segunda' when looking forward from the current position. For example, if you are at the first station, the 'segunda estação' is also the 'próxima estação'. However, 'próxima' is relative to 'now', while 'segunda' is relative to 'first'.
- Seguinte vs. Segunda
- 'Seguinte' emphasizes 'the one after this one'. 'Segunda' specifically counts 'number two'.
- Outra
- Means 'another'. Often used when the specific number doesn't matter as much as the fact that it's a different one.
Na seguinte oportunidade, farei melhor. (On the following opportunity...)
In more technical contexts, 'secundária' is a related word meaning 'secondary'. While 'segunda' is ordinal, 'secundária' often implies importance or a level of education (ensino secundário). 'Suplementar' or 'adicional' can replace 'segunda' when referring to a second dose or a second part that is added to a whole. Understanding these synonyms allows for more precise communication. For instance, 'uma segunda opinião' (a second opinion) is a standard phrase, but 'uma outra opinião' is more casual and less formal.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The word for 'Monday' in Portuguese is 'segunda-feira' because it is the second day of the liturgical week (Sunday being the first).
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing the 'u' like 'uh' (it should be 'oo').
- Failing to nasalize the 'un' sound.
- Making the final 'a' too long like 'ahhh' (it should be a short schwa-like sound).
- Confusing the 's' with a 'z' sound (it is a sharp 's').
- Over-emphasizing the 'd' (keep it light and dental).
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Very easy to recognize for English speakers due to the 'second' similarity.
Requires attention to gender and number agreement.
Nasal 'un' sound can be tricky for beginners.
Clear and distinct word in most dialects.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Gender Agreement
A (fem) segunda (fem) casa (fem).
Number Agreement
As (pl) segundas (pl) intenções (pl).
Ordinal Placement
Ordinals usually come before the noun: 'A segunda vez'.
Contractions
Em + a = na. 'Na segunda rua'.
Days of the Week
Days from Monday to Friday use '-feira'.
Beispiele nach Niveau
Esta é a segunda casa.
This is the second house.
Feminine agreement with 'casa'.
A segunda menina é minha irmã.
The second girl is my sister.
Ordinal number before the noun.
Eu moro na segunda rua.
I live on the second street.
Contraction 'na' (em + a).
Pegue a segunda porta.
Take the second door.
Imperative verb with ordinal.
A segunda maçã está boa.
The second apple is good.
Subject-adjective agreement.
Segunda-feira é o primeiro dia de trabalho.
Monday is the first day of work.
Used as a noun for a day of the week.
Ela é a segunda da fila.
She is the second in line.
Substantive use of the adjective.
A segunda aula é de português.
The second class is Portuguese.
Feminine agreement with 'aula'.
É a segunda vez que eu como feijoada.
It's the second time I eat feijoada.
Common expression 'segunda vez'.
A segunda temporada da série começou.
The second season of the series started.
Feminine agreement with 'temporada'.
Comprei uma mesa de segunda mão.
I bought a second-hand table.
Idiomatic expression 'segunda mão'.
A segunda parte do livro é triste.
The second part of the book is sad.
Ordinal used for structure.
Vamos viajar na segunda semana de maio.
We are going to travel in the second week of May.
Temporal use of the ordinal.
Ela ganhou a segunda medalha de ouro.
She won her second gold medal.
Feminine agreement with 'medalha'.
A segunda opção é mais barata.
The second option is cheaper.
Comparative context.
O elevador para na segunda sobreloja.
The elevator stops at the second mezzanine.
Specific building terminology.
Não tive uma segunda chance para explicar.
I didn't have a second chance to explain.
Abstract noun agreement.
Ele agiu com segundas intenções.
He acted with ulterior motives.
Plural idiomatic expression.
Preciso pedir a segunda via da minha conta.
I need to request a duplicate of my bill.
Common administrative term.
A segunda língua dela é o francês.
Her second language is French.
Linguistic context.
Em segunda instância, o juiz mudou a sentença.
In the second instance, the judge changed the sentence.
Legal terminology.
A segunda vinda de Cristo é um tema religioso.
The second coming of Christ is a religious theme.
Theological context.
Ela é a segunda voz da dupla sertaneja.
She is the second voice of the sertanejo duo.
Musical context.
A segunda guerra mundial mudou a história.
The second world war changed history.
Historical proper name.
A segunda lei da termodinâmica é complexa.
The second law of thermodynamics is complex.
Scientific terminology.
Houve uma segunda onda de protestos.
There was a second wave of protests.
Metaphorical use for social movements.
A segunda pele protege contra o frio intenso.
The base layer (second skin) protects against intense cold.
Compound noun 'segunda pele'.
A segunda escolha nem sempre é a pior.
The second choice is not always the worst.
Philosophical/Reflective usage.
O time caiu para a segunda divisão.
The team dropped to the second division.
Sports context.
Eles vivem em uma segunda residência no campo.
They live in a second residence in the countryside.
Real estate context.
A segunda metade do século foi marcada pela tecnologia.
The second half of the century was marked by technology.
Historical periodization.
Ela teve uma segunda juventude após os 50.
She had a second youth after 50.
Metaphorical expression.
Em segunda análise, os dados parecem inconsistentes.
Upon second analysis, the data seem inconsistent.
Formal analytical transition.
O autor utiliza uma segunda narrativa para contrastar as épocas.
The author uses a second narrative to contrast the eras.
Literary analysis.
A segunda natureza do hábito facilita a rotina.
The second nature of habit facilitates the routine.
Psychological/Philosophical concept.
A segunda pessoa do singular é pouco usada em certas regiões.
The second person singular is rarely used in certain regions.
Grammatical terminology.
A segunda via de interpretação é mais hermenêutica.
The second way of interpretation is more hermeneutic.
Academic register.
Houve uma segunda leitura do projeto no congresso.
There was a second reading of the bill in congress.
Political/Legislative procedure.
A segunda morte, no sentido figurado, é o esquecimento.
The second death, in a figurative sense, is oblivion.
Metaphorical/Poetic usage.
Ele é o herdeiro de segunda linha.
He is the second-line heir.
Genealogical/Legal context.
A segunda intenção subjacente ao discurso era óbvia para os peritos.
The ulterior motive underlying the speech was obvious to the experts.
Complex noun phrase agreement.
A segunda infância é um período crítico para o desenvolvimento cognitivo.
Early childhood (second childhood) is a critical period for cognitive development.
Developmental psychology term.
O conceito de 'segunda modernidade' é explorado por sociólogos contemporâneos.
The concept of 'second modernity' is explored by contemporary sociologists.
Sociological terminology.
A segunda epístola aos Coríntios contém passagens fundamentais.
The second epistle to the Corinthians contains fundamental passages.
Biblical/Theological reference.
A segunda morada da alma é um conceito místico.
The second dwelling of the soul is a mystical concept.
Philosophical/Mystical context.
O fenômeno da segunda dentição ocorre geralmente aos seis anos.
The phenomenon of second dentition generally occurs at six years old.
Biological/Medical term.
A segunda fundação da cidade trouxe prosperidade econômica.
The second foundation of the city brought economic prosperity.
Historical context.
Sua segunda pátria o acolheu com generosidade.
His second homeland welcomed him with generosity.
Sociopolitical context.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Wird oft verwechselt mit
The masculine form. Use 'segundo' for 'o livro', 'segunda' for 'a mesa'.
'Seguinte' means 'next/following' and doesn't change gender in the same way.
The full name of the day. 'Segunda' is just the adjective or shorthand.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— Having a hidden motive, often dishonest.
Ele me convidou com segundas intenções.
Informal/Neutral— Someone treated as less important in society.
Não quero ser um cidadão de segunda classe.
Social/Political— A habit so ingrained it feels natural.
Tocar piano é sua segunda natureza.
Neutral— Tight clothing or something very close to one's identity.
Essa camisa é como uma segunda pele.
Neutral— To forgive and let someone try again.
Ela me deu uma segunda chance.
General— Referring to the return of a significant figure or event.
Estão esperando a segunda vinda dele.
Religious/FigurativeLeicht verwechselbar
Gender difference.
'Segundo' is for masculine nouns, 'segunda' for feminine.
O segundo lugar, a segunda vaga.
Similar meaning.
'Seguinte' is 'the one after', 'segunda' is specifically #2.
O dia seguinte vs a segunda vez.
Related root.
'Secundária' means secondary/lesser, 'segunda' means #2 in a list.
Escola secundária vs segunda escola.
Interchangeable in English 'the other/the second'.
'Outra' is 'another/different', 'segunda' is strictly ordinal.
Pegue a outra maçã vs a segunda maçã.
Often refers to the second item from now.
'Próxima' is relative to the present moment.
A próxima vez vs a segunda vez.
Satzmuster
A segunda [noun] é [adjective].
A segunda casa é azul.
É a minha segunda [noun].
É a minha segunda viagem.
Eu preciso da segunda via de [noun].
Eu preciso da segunda via da identidade.
Não aja com segundas [noun].
Não aja com segundas intenções.
Em segunda análise, [clause].
Em segunda análise, o plano falhou.
Moro na segunda [noun].
Moro na segunda rua.
Gosto da segunda [noun].
Gosto da segunda temporada.
Ela é a segunda [noun] a chegar.
Ela é a segunda pessoa a chegar.
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Extremely frequent in both spoken and written Portuguese.
-
O segunda livro.
→
O segundo livro.
Book (livro) is masculine, so it must be 'segundo'.
-
Eu te vejo segunda-feiro.
→
Eu te vejo segunda-feira.
Days of the week with
Tipps
Check Gender
Always look at the noun. If it ends in 'a', 'segunda' is likely correct.
Learn Compounds
Learning 'segunda via' and 'segunda mão' will make you sound more like a native.
Nasalization
Practice the 'un' sound by humming then speaking the word.
Monday Blues
Use 'segunda' to talk about starting the week; it's a great conversation starter.
Abbreviation
Use 2ª for addresses and floor numbers.
Context Clues
If you hear 'na segunda', check if they are talking about a day or a street.
Pairing
Pair 'segunda' with 'primeira' to practice sequences.
No 'Segunda' for Time
Never use 'segunda' for seconds on a clock.
Number 2
Connect the 'a' in 'segunda' with 'a' in 'duas' (two - feminine).
Business Docs
Know 'segunda via' for handling bills and official papers.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of 'Segunda' as the 'Second' choice for a 'Girl' (feminine). S-E-G-U-N-D-A.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a silver medal (2nd place) resting on a 'saia' (skirt - feminine noun).
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to find five feminine objects in your room and name them as 'a primeira [object]' and 'a segunda [object]'.
Wortherkunft
Derived from the Latin 'secundus', which comes from the verb 'sequi' meaning 'to follow'.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: That which follows the first.
Romance (Indo-European).Kultureller Kontext
No specific sensitivities; however, 'cidadão de segunda classe' is a sensitive political term.
Unlike English where 'second' is static, Portuguese requires mental gymnastics to switch between 'segundo' and 'segunda'.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Directions
- Segunda rua
- Segunda porta
- Segunda saída
- Segunda esquina
Time
- Segunda vez
- Segunda semana
- Segunda-feira
- Segunda quinzena
Shopping
- Segunda mão
- Segunda escolha
- Segunda unidade
- Segunda peça
Media
- Segunda temporada
- Segunda parte
- Segunda edição
- Segunda impressão
Education
- Segunda série
- Segunda chamada
- Segunda língua
- Segunda aula
Gesprächseinstiege
"É a sua segunda vez no Brasil?"
"O que você costuma fazer na segunda-feira?"
"Você prefere a primeira ou a segunda opção?"
"Você já comprou algo de segunda mão?"
"Qual é a sua segunda língua favorita?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Escreva sobre a segunda vez que você viajou para fora do país.
Descreva sua rotina típica em uma segunda-feira de manhã.
Se você tivesse uma segunda chance na vida, o que mudaria?
Qual é a segunda coisa mais importante para você hoje?
Fale sobre uma segunda língua que você gostaria de aprender.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, it is primarily an adjective meaning 'second'. It only means Monday when context implies 'segunda-feira'.
Portuguese adjectives must match the gender of the noun. 'Segunda' is for feminine nouns.
No, for titles of monarchs, you use 'segundo' (e.g., Dom Pedro Segundo) unless referring to a Queen (Rainha Elizabeth Segunda).
No, the unit of time is 'segundo' (masculine), even in the plural '60 segundos'.
The standard abbreviation is '2ª'.
It's an idiom meaning 'ulterior motives' or 'hidden agendas'.
In formal writing, yes. In casual speech, most people just say 'segunda'.
Yes, when it stands alone representing Monday or a second copy (segunda via).
It is 'segunda mão' (second hand).
Usually before the noun, like 'a segunda porta'.
Summary
The word 'segunda' is the essential feminine ordinal for 'second'. Always ensure gender agreement: 'A segunda chance' (The second chance). Use it for positions, dates, and common idioms.
- The feminine form of the ordinal number 'second' in Portuguese.
- Must agree with feminine nouns like 'casa', 'vez', or 'pessoa'.
- Commonly used as a shorthand for 'segunda-feira' (Monday).
- Usually placed before the noun in a sentence.
Check Gender
Always look at the noun. If it ends in 'a', 'segunda' is likely correct.
Learn Compounds
Learning 'segunda via' and 'segunda mão' will make you sound more like a native.
Nasalization
Practice the 'un' sound by humming then speaking the word.
Monday Blues
Use 'segunda' to talk about starting the week; it's a great conversation starter.
Verwandte Inhalte
Verwandte Redewendungen
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a conta, por favor
A2The bill, please.
a pé
A2Ich gehe jeden Tag zu Fuß zur Schule. Es ist besser, zu Fuß zu gehen.
abarrotado
A2Bis zur Kapazität gefüllt; überfüllt oder vollgestopft. Wird für Orte, Fahrzeuge oder Behälter verwendet, die keinen Platz mehr haben.
abastecer
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abertura
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acertado
A2Das war eine sehr acertada (kluge) Entscheidung.
acessórios
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acidente
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acolá
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