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A2 adverb 14 Min. Lesezeit

voluntariamente

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At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to describe simple actions. You might not use 'voluntariamente' often, as it is a long word, but you can understand it as a way to say 'by choice'. Think of it as the opposite of being forced ('obrigado'). At this stage, focus on recognizing the word in simple sentences about helping others or choosing to do an activity. For example, 'Eu ajudo voluntariamente' (I help voluntarily). You can associate it with the word 'voluntário' (volunteer), which you might see in advertisements for charity work. It's a great word to start recognizing because it shows that someone is doing something because they want to, not because they have to. Even at A1, knowing this word helps you understand the 'why' behind people's actions in simple stories or dialogues.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'voluntariamente' to add detail to your descriptions of daily life and past experiences. You know that adverbs ending in '-mente' describe how an action is done. You can use 'voluntariamente' to explain that you offered to do something at work or in your community without being asked. This is the level where you start distinguishing between 'doing something for free' and 'doing something by choice'. You can use it in sentences like 'Ele limpou a casa voluntariamente' (He cleaned the house voluntarily). You should also be able to understand the word in news snippets or simple legal contexts, such as someone surrendering to the police. It's a useful word for describing your hobbies or community involvement in a more adult and precise way than just saying 'eu quis'.

At the B1 level, you are becoming more comfortable with abstract concepts and more formal language. You can use 'voluntariamente' to discuss social issues, workplace dynamics, and personal motivations. You understand that this word carries a sense of initiative and responsibility. You can use it to talk about 'trabalho voluntário' (voluntary work) and explain your reasons for participating in it. You are also able to use it in more complex sentence structures, such as 'Embora não fosse sua responsabilidade, ela decidiu voluntariamente assumir a tarefa' (Although it wasn't her responsibility, she voluntarily decided to take on the task). At this stage, you should also be aware of synonyms like 'espontaneamente' and start choosing the most appropriate word based on whether the action was planned or sudden. Your ability to use 'voluntariamente' correctly shows a maturing command of Portuguese adverbial usage.

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At the B2 level, you can use 'voluntariamente' with nuance in professional, academic, and legal discussions. You understand the subtle differences between acting 'voluntariamente', 'deliberadamente', and 'por conta própria'. You can participate in debates about social responsibility and use this word to argue for the importance of individual agency. You are comfortable with the word's placement in different parts of a sentence for emphasis, such as 'Voluntariamente, a empresa adotou novas medidas de segurança' (Voluntarily, the company adopted new security measures). You can also understand its use in more complex legal and political texts, where the 'voluntariness' of an action can have significant implications. Your vocabulary is now rich enough to use this word to describe not just actions, but also attitudes and philosophies of life.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the stylistic and rhetorical uses of 'voluntariamente'. You can use it in high-level writing and speech to create specific effects. You understand its historical and etymological roots and how they influence its modern usage. You can use the word to discuss complex psychological states or philosophical arguments about free will and determinism. You are also aware of how the word might be used ironically or sarcastically in certain contexts. Your use of 'voluntariamente' is seamless and integrated into a broad range of registers, from the most formal legal documents to sophisticated literary analysis. You can effortlessly substitute it with more complex expressions like 'de livre e espontânea vontade' or 'por iniciativa própria' to vary your style and maintain the interest of your audience.

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At the C2 level, you use 'voluntariamente' with the precision and flair of a highly educated native speaker. You are sensitive to the word's every connotation and can use it in any context, from a supreme court ruling to a subtle piece of poetry. You understand the word's role in the broader landscape of Lusophone culture and how it relates to concepts of solidarity and individual freedom. You can use it to deconstruct complex social behaviors or to build persuasive, sophisticated arguments. Your mastery of the word is such that you can play with its placement and surrounding vocabulary to convey extremely subtle shades of meaning. For you, 'voluntariamente' is not just a vocabulary word, but a versatile tool for precise and powerful expression in the Portuguese language.

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Voluntariamente means 'voluntarily' or 'by choice'. It describes actions done without being forced.
It is a formal adverb used in legal, professional, and everyday social contexts in Portuguese.
The word is invariable, meaning it never changes for gender or number, making it easy to use.
It is formed from 'voluntário' + '-mente', similar to how English adds '-ly' to adjectives.

The adverb voluntariamente is a sophisticated yet accessible word in Portuguese that translates directly to 'voluntarily' or 'of one's own free will' in English. It is formed by taking the adjective voluntário (voluntary) and adding the productive adverbial suffix -mente, which is the Portuguese equivalent of the English '-ly'. At its core, this word describes an action performed by choice, without any external pressure, coercion, or legal obligation. It is a word that highlights human agency and the power of the individual to act based on internal motivation rather than external demand.

Contextual Usage: In everyday Portuguese, you will encounter this word in a variety of settings, ranging from formal legal proceedings to casual conversations about helping friends. For instance, in a legal context, a suspect might surrender voluntariamente to the authorities, which often results in a more favorable view by the court. In a social context, a person might offer to help a neighbor move furniture voluntariamente, signifying that they are doing it out of kindness rather than because they were asked or paid.

Muitos jovens decidem trabalhar voluntariamente em ONGs durante as férias de verão para ganhar experiência e ajudar a comunidade.

Linguistically, 'voluntariamente' is a paroxytone word, meaning the stress falls on the penultimate syllable 'men'. This is a common feature of all Portuguese adverbs ending in -mente. When you pronounce it, ensure that the 'a' before the 'm' is nasalized, and the 'e' in 'mente' is relatively closed. Understanding the nuances of this word also involves recognizing its synonyms. While 'espontaneamente' (spontaneously) is similar, it implies a lack of prior planning, whereas 'voluntariamente' specifically focuses on the deliberate choice of the will. In the workplace, 'voluntariamente' is often used to describe employees who take on extra responsibilities. 'Ele aceitou o projeto voluntariamente' means he took it on without being assigned it by a manager. This can be a strong indicator of leadership and initiative. In Portuguese culture, the concept of 'voluntariado' (volunteering) is highly respected, and the adverb is the primary way to describe the act of giving one's time.

Semantic Nuance: It is important to distinguish between acting 'voluntariamente' and acting 'gratuitamente'. While both often happen together (doing something by choice and for free), 'voluntariamente' focuses on the *will*, while 'gratuitamente' focuses on the *cost*. You can do something voluntarily that still involves payment, such as signing up for an extra shift at work.

Ela se apresentou voluntariamente como testemunha do acidente, pois queria garantir que a justiça fosse feita.

Furthermore, the word is used in psychological and philosophical discussions about 'livre-arbítrio' (free will). To act voluntariamente is to exercise one's autonomy. In a world where many actions are dictated by social norms or economic necessity, acting voluntariamente represents a moment of true self-expression.

Grammatical Placement: In a sentence, 'voluntariamente' usually follows the verb it modifies. 'Ele saiu voluntariamente.' However, for emphasis, it can be placed at the beginning: 'Voluntariamente, ele decidiu sair.' This shifts the focus to the intent rather than the action itself.

Os alunos limparam a sala voluntariamente após a festa de encerramento do ano letivo.

To summarize, 'voluntariamente' is a versatile adverb that captures the essence of intentional action. Whether you are discussing charity, legal matters, or personal choices, this word allows you to articulate the 'why' behind an action with clarity and precision. It is a vital tool for any Portuguese learner moving from basic survival phrases to more nuanced and expressive communication.

Using voluntariamente correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of Portuguese adverbial syntax and the specific contexts in which 'choice' is highlighted. As an adverb of manner, its primary function is to explain *how* an action was performed—specifically, that it was done through the subject's own volition.

Standard Placement: The most common position for 'voluntariamente' is immediately after the main verb. This provides a direct modification of the action. For example: 'O soldado apresentou-se voluntariamente para a missão.' (The soldier presented himself voluntarily for the mission). Here, the adverb clarifies the nature of his presentation.

Eles contribuíram voluntariamente para o fundo de emergência da escola.

If the sentence contains a direct object, the adverb usually follows the object: 'Ela entregou os documentos voluntariamente.' (She handed over the documents voluntarily). However, if the object is long or complex, the adverb might stay closer to the verb to avoid confusion: 'Ela entregou voluntariamente todos os documentos que haviam sido solicitados pela comissão.' In negative sentences, the placement remains similar: 'Ele não participou voluntariamente; ele foi obrigado.' (He didn't participate voluntarily; he was forced). This contrast is a very common way to use the word, emphasizing the lack of choice in one scenario versus another.

Emphatic Placement: To give the adverb more 'punch', you can place it at the very beginning of the sentence, often followed by a comma. 'Voluntariamente, o réu confessou o crime.' This construction is more common in formal writing, journalism, or literature, as it sets the stage by highlighting the subject's intent before describing the act.

Voluntariamente, a empresa decidiu reduzir suas emissões de carbono antes da nova lei.

Another interesting use case is in response to questions. If someone asks, 'Por que você fez isso?' (Why did you do that?), you can reply, 'Fiz voluntariamente.' This is a concise way to say that no one forced you. It carries a sense of pride and autonomy.

Compound Tenses: In compound tenses (using 'ter' + past participle), the adverb typically follows the past participle: 'Eles têm ajudado voluntariamente na reconstrução da vila.' However, in some poetic or highly formal contexts, you might see it placed between the auxiliary verb and the participle, though this is rare in modern spoken Portuguese.

O diretor tinha se afastado voluntariamente do cargo meses antes da investigação.

When using 'voluntariamente' with reflexive verbs, which are very common in Portuguese, the adverb follows the verb-pronoun combination: 'Eu me ofereci voluntariamente para organizar o evento.' Note how the adverb clarifies that the offer was self-generated. In conclusion, 'voluntariamente' is a flexible adverb that can be integrated into many sentence structures. By placing it after the verb or at the beginning of a sentence, you can effectively communicate the concept of free will and personal choice, elevating your Portuguese from basic descriptions to nuanced expressions of intent.

The word voluntariamente is not just a textbook term; it is deeply embedded in the daily life and media of the Portuguese-speaking world. You will hear it in news broadcasts, in the workplace, during community events, and even in casual conversations when someone wants to emphasize their agency.

In the Media and News: Journalists frequently use this word when reporting on social movements or legal cases. You might hear a news anchor say, 'Milhares de cidadãos saíram às ruas voluntariamente para limpar as praias após o derramamento de óleo.' (Thousands of citizens went to the streets voluntarily to clean the beaches after the oil spill). In this context, it highlights the spontaneous and uncoerced nature of the public's response to a crisis.

Na televisão, o repórter informou que o suspeito se entregou voluntariamente à delegacia na manhã de hoje.

In the legal sphere, 'voluntariamente' is a crucial term. If you watch a Portuguese legal drama or read news about a trial, you will hear about 'confissões feitas voluntariamente'. This distinguishes a confession made of one's own will from one that might have been coerced. This distinction is vital for the validity of the evidence in court. In professional environments, the word is often used during performance reviews or project planning. A manager might say, 'A Maria assumiu voluntariamente a coordenação da equipe.' This is a high compliment, suggesting that Maria is a 'proativa' (proactive) employee who doesn't wait for orders to take action. You might also hear it in the context of 'demissão voluntária' (voluntary resignation), which is a formal way to say someone chose to leave their job, often as part of a company restructuring program.

Social and Community Life: During community meetings or 'reuniões de condomínio' (apartment building meetings), you will hear neighbors offering to do things 'voluntariamente'. 'Eu posso cuidar do jardim voluntariamente este mês.' This indicates a willingness to contribute to the common good without expecting monetary compensation.

Durante a reunião, vários pais se ofereceram voluntariamente para organizar a festa da escola.

In the digital world, specifically in the context of open-source software or Wikipedia, the word is used to describe contributors. 'Muitos programadores desenvolvem este software voluntariamente.' This highlights the collaborative spirit of the internet. Finally, in literature and philosophy, 'voluntariamente' is used to explore themes of sacrifice and freedom. A character might 'sacrificar-se voluntariamente' for a cause. This adds a layer of heroism and depth to the narrative. By paying attention to these different contexts, you will see that 'voluntariamente' is a word that bridges the gap between the formal and the personal, the legal and the social, making it an essential part of your Portuguese vocabulary.

While voluntariamente is a cognate of 'voluntarily', there are several common pitfalls that English speakers and even early-stage Portuguese learners often encounter. Understanding these mistakes will help you use the word more accurately and sound more like a native speaker.

Confusion with the Adjective: The most frequent error is using the adjective 'voluntário' when the adverb 'voluntariamente' is required. Remember: adjectives modify nouns, while adverbs modify verbs. Incorrect: 'Ele ajudou voluntário.' Correct: 'Ele ajudou voluntariamente.' If you want to use the adjective, you must restructure the sentence: 'Ele foi um ajudante voluntário.' (He was a voluntary helper).

Errado: Eu trabalho voluntário na igreja.
Correto: Eu trabalho voluntariamente na igreja.

Another common mistake involves spelling. English speakers often want to add a double 'l' (voluntarily -> volluntariamente), but in Portuguese, the word only has one 'l'. Additionally, don't forget the 'i' after the 't'. Some learners mistakenly say 'voluntamente', omitting the 'aria' part of the root. Placement is another area where learners struggle. While Portuguese is relatively flexible, placing 'voluntariamente' between the subject and the verb (e.g., 'Eu voluntariamente ajudei') is much less common than in English. In Portuguese, it sounds more natural to put it after the verb: 'Eu ajudei voluntariamente.'

Overuse in Casual Speech: While 'voluntariamente' is correct, using it in every casual situation can make you sound overly formal or academic. For everyday chores or small favors, native speakers often use phrases like 'por querer' (because I wanted to) or 'de livre e espontânea vontade' (of my own free will - though this is also a bit long). In Brazil, 'por conta própria' is a very common and natural-sounding alternative.

Em vez de: 'Eu lavei a louça voluntariamente.'
Tente: 'Eu lavei a louça porque quis.' (More natural with family).

Confusing 'voluntariamente' with 'espontaneamente' is also common. While they overlap, 'espontaneamente' implies that something happened without planning—like a sudden laugh or a quick decision. 'Voluntariamente' implies a more conscious, deliberate choice. If you planned to volunteer at a soup kitchen, you are doing it 'voluntariamente', not necessarily 'espontaneamente'. Finally, learners sometimes forget that 'voluntariamente' is an adverb and try to pluralize it when referring to multiple people. 'Eles ajudaram voluntariamentes' is incorrect. Adverbs in Portuguese are always singular and gender-neutral. By keeping these points in mind, you will avoid the most common errors and use 'voluntariamente' with the precision of a native speaker.

To truly enrich your Portuguese vocabulary, it is helpful to know the synonyms and alternatives for voluntariamente. Depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey, you might choose a different word or phrase.

Espontaneamente: This is the closest synonym. It means 'spontaneously'. While 'voluntariamente' focuses on the *choice*, 'espontaneamente' focuses on the *natural flow* or the lack of external prompting. Example: 'A multidão começou a cantar espontaneamente.' (The crowd began to sing spontaneously). Use this when the action feels more like a natural reaction than a calculated decision.

Comparação:
- Ele ajudou voluntariamente (Ele decidiu ajudar).
- Ele ajudou espontaneamente (Ele ajudou sem pensar muito, na hora).

De livre e espontânea vontade: This is a very common idiomatic expression that means 'of one's own free will and accord'. It is more emphatic than 'voluntariamente' and is often used in legal or very serious contexts to emphasize that there was absolutely no pressure involved. Example: 'Eu assinei o contrato de livre e espontânea vontade.' (I signed the contract of my own free will).

Por conta própria: This phrase is incredibly common in Brazil and means 'on one's own' or 'by one's own initiative'. It is slightly less formal than 'voluntariamente' and is perfect for everyday situations. Example: 'Ele aprendeu português por conta própria.' (He learned Portuguese on his own/voluntarily).

Ela decidiu viajar sozinha por conta própria, sem ajuda de agências.

Deliberadamente: While 'voluntariamente' usually has a positive or neutral connotation, 'deliberadamente' (deliberately) can often be used for negative actions. It means doing something on purpose. Example: 'Ele quebrou o vaso deliberadamente.' (He broke the vase deliberately). Use this when you want to emphasize the intentionality, especially if the result was harmful.

Intencionalmente: This means 'intentionally'. It is very similar to 'deliberadamente' and focuses on the fact that the action was not an accident. It is a more neutral term than 'deliberadamente' but less 'noble' than 'voluntariamente'.

In summary, while 'voluntariamente' is a fantastic word to have in your arsenal, knowing these alternatives allows you to tailor your speech to the situation. Whether you want to sound formal ('de livre e espontânea vontade'), casual ('por conta própria'), or focus on the lack of planning ('espontaneamente'), you now have the tools to express the concept of 'will' in all its Portuguese glory.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The suffix '-mente' actually comes from the Latin word 'mens, mentis' (mind). Originally, phrases like 'clara mente' meant 'with a clear mind'. Over time, this merged into a single word to form adverbs in all Romance languages.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /vo.lũ.ta.ɾjaˈmẽ.tɨ/

US /vo.lũ.ta.ɾjaˈmẽ.tʃi/

The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable: 'MEN'.

Reimt sich auf

infelizmente rapidamente certamente claramente totalmente presente mente contente

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing it like 'voluntary-ment' (English influence).
Forgetting the nasalization on the 'u' and the 'e'.
Putting the stress on 'aria' instead of 'men'.
Adding an extra 'l' sound.
Omitting the 'i' in 'aria'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize as a cognate of 'voluntarily'.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires correct spelling of the '-aria-' and '-mente' parts.

Sprechen 4/5

The length and nasalization can be tricky for beginners.

Hören 3/5

Easy to hear the 'mente' suffix, but the middle can be blurred.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

vontade querer ajudar livre fazer

Als Nächstes lernen

espontaneamente obrigatòriamente involuntariamente deliberadamente intencionalmente

Fortgeschritten

livre-arbítrio coação autodeterminação altruísmo

Wichtige Grammatik

Adverb Formation with -mente

voluntário (adj) -> voluntariamente (adv)

Adverb Placement after Verb

Ele ajudou voluntariamente.

Invariability of Adverbs

Elas trabalharam voluntariamente (not voluntariamenteS).

Nasalization of vowels before 'm'

The 'u' in 'voluntariamente' is nasal.

Accentuation of Paroxytones in -mente

The stress is always on 'men'.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

Eu ajudo voluntariamente.

I help voluntarily.

Simple present tense with an adverb.

Ele trabalha voluntariamente.

He works voluntarily.

Subject + Verb + Adverb.

Nós limpamos a rua voluntariamente.

We clean the street voluntarily.

First person plural usage.

Ela canta voluntariamente no coro.

She sings voluntarily in the choir.

Adverb modifying the verb 'cantar'.

Você quer participar voluntariamente?

Do you want to participate voluntarily?

Question form with an infinitive.

Eles dão comida voluntariamente.

They give food voluntarily.

Third person plural usage.

Eu estudo voluntariamente aos sábados.

I study voluntarily on Saturdays.

Adverb used to show personal choice.

Maria cozinha voluntariamente para a festa.

Maria cooks voluntarily for the party.

Proper noun as subject.

Ele saiu do emprego voluntariamente.

He left the job voluntarily.

Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito).

Ela se ofereceu voluntariamente para ajudar.

She offered herself voluntarily to help.

Reflexive verb 'oferecer-se'.

Os alunos estudaram voluntariamente para o teste.

The students studied voluntarily for the test.

Plural subject with past tense.

Nós decidimos voluntariamente limpar a praia.

We decided voluntarily to clean the beach.

Verb 'decidir' followed by an adverb.

O suspeito se entregou voluntariamente à polícia.

The suspect surrendered voluntarily to the police.

Formal/Legal context.

Você aceitou o desafio voluntariamente?

Did you accept the challenge voluntarily?

Interrogative in the past tense.

Eles contribuíram voluntariamente com dinheiro.

They contributed voluntarily with money.

Verb 'contribuir' + adverb.

Eu escrevi o relatório voluntariamente.

I wrote the report voluntarily.

First person singular, past tense.

A empresa reduziu os preços voluntariamente.

The company reduced the prices voluntarily.

Corporate context.

Muitas pessoas doam sangue voluntariamente todos os anos.

Many people donate blood voluntarily every year.

General statement about social behavior.

Ele admitiu o erro voluntariamente antes da reunião.

He admitted the mistake voluntarily before the meeting.

Adverb used to show honesty/agency.

Nós nos inscrevemos voluntariamente no programa de intercâmbio.

We signed up voluntarily for the exchange program.

Reflexive plural verb.

Ela abdicou do seu tempo livre voluntariamente.

She gave up her free time voluntarily.

Verb 'abdicar' + preposition 'de'.

Os vizinhos organizaram a festa voluntariamente.

The neighbors organized the party voluntarily.

Community context.

O professor explicou a matéria voluntariamente após a aula.

The teacher explained the subject voluntarily after class.

Modifying a specific action.

Você deve agir voluntariamente, sem pressão.

You should act voluntarily, without pressure.

Modal verb 'dever' + infinitive.

Voluntariamente, o governo decidiu rever a lei de imigração.

Voluntarily, the government decided to review the immigration law.

Emphasis by placing the adverb at the beginning.

Ele se afastou voluntariamente do cargo para evitar conflitos.

He stepped down voluntarily from the position to avoid conflicts.

Complex sentence with a final clause ('para').

A testemunha compareceu voluntariamente ao tribunal.

The witness appeared voluntarily at the court.

Formal legal terminology.

Eles renunciaram aos seus privilégios voluntariamente.

They renounced their privileges voluntarily.

Verb 'renunciar' + preposition 'a'.

A organização opera voluntariamente em zonas de guerra.

The organization operates voluntarily in war zones.

Describing the nature of an operation.

Ela se submeteu voluntariamente aos testes médicos.

She submitted herself voluntarily to the medical tests.

Reflexive verb 'submeter-se'.

O autor disponibilizou seu livro voluntariamente na internet.

The author made his book available voluntarily on the internet.

Describing digital distribution.

Eles optaram voluntariamente por um estilo de vida mais simples.

They voluntarily opted for a simpler lifestyle.

Verb 'optar' + preposition 'por'.

A adesão ao novo protocolo ocorreu de forma voluntariamente aceita pela maioria.

Adherence to the new protocol occurred in a way that was voluntarily accepted by the majority.

Adverb used within a complex noun phrase.

O réu agiu voluntariamente, plenamente consciente das consequências.

The defendant acted voluntarily, fully aware of the consequences.

Legal nuance regarding mental state.

Voluntariamente, ela abriu mão de sua herança em favor dos irmãos.

Voluntarily, she gave up her inheritance in favor of her siblings.

Idiomatic 'abrir mão de' (to give up).

A cooperação internacional deve ser prestada voluntariamente e sem condicionantes.

International cooperation must be provided voluntarily and without conditions.

Passive voice with a modal.

Ele se exilou voluntariamente para continuar sua luta política no exterior.

He exiled himself voluntarily to continue his political struggle abroad.

Reflexive verb with political context.

As partes chegaram a um acordo voluntariamente, sem intervenção judicial.

The parties reached an agreement voluntarily, without judicial intervention.

Legal context regarding mediation.

Ela se predispôs voluntariamente a mediar o conflito familiar.

She predisposed herself voluntarily to mediate the family conflict.

Sophisticated verb 'predispor-se'.

O sacrifício foi feito voluntariamente em nome de um bem maior.

The sacrifice was made voluntarily in the name of a greater good.

Philosophical/Ethical context.

A assunção de tal responsabilidade, feita voluntariamente, denota um caráter íntegro.

The assumption of such responsibility, made voluntarily, denotes an upright character.

High-level vocabulary ('assunção', 'íntegro').

Impor o que deveria ser feito voluntariamente retira o mérito da ação.

Imposing what should be done voluntarily removes the merit of the action.

Philosophical paradox structure.

Voluntariamente, o filósofo escolheu a pobreza como forma de libertação espiritual.

Voluntarily, the philosopher chose poverty as a form of spiritual liberation.

Historical/Philosophical narrative.

A cessação voluntariamente decidida das hostilidades trouxe esperança à região.

The voluntarily decided cessation of hostilities brought hope to the region.

Complex noun phrase with past participle.

Ela se imolou voluntariamente no altar de suas próprias convicções.

She voluntarily sacrificed herself on the altar of her own convictions.

Metaphorical/Literary usage.

O ato de se submeter voluntariamente a um regime austero exige disciplina férrea.

The act of voluntarily submitting to an austere regime requires iron discipline.

Sophisticated descriptive language.

A renúncia foi feita voluntariamente, sem que houvesse qualquer coação externa.

The resignation was made voluntarily, without there being any external coercion.

Usage of 'coação' (coercion) to contrast.

Prestar socorro voluntariamente é um dever moral que transcende a lei escrita.

Providing aid voluntarily is a moral duty that transcends written law.

Ethical/Legal philosophy.

Synonyme

espontaneamente por conta própria deliberadamente intencionalmente de livre e espontânea vontade por iniciativa própria facultativamente graciosamente

Gegenteile

obrigatòriamente forçadamente involuntariamente compulsoriamente

Häufige Kollokationen

apresentar-se voluntariamente

contribuir voluntariamente

trabalhar voluntariamente

confessar voluntariamente

participar voluntariamente

entregar-se voluntariamente

ajudar voluntariamente

inscrever-se voluntariamente

abdicar voluntariamente

doar voluntariamente

Häufige Phrasen

Sair voluntariamente

— To leave a place or a job by one's own choice.

Ele saiu voluntariamente da empresa.

Oferecer-se voluntariamente

— To volunteer one's services for a task.

Ela ofereceu-se voluntariamente para o turno da noite.

Agir voluntariamente

— To act based on one's own will.

É importante que a criança aprenda a agir voluntariamente.

Decidir voluntariamente

— To make a choice without external pressure.

Nós decidimos voluntariamente mudar de cidade.

Colaborar voluntariamente

— To work together with others by choice.

Os cientistas colaboraram voluntariamente no projeto.

Afastar-se voluntariamente

— To distance oneself or resign from a position by choice.

O político afastou-se voluntariamente da vida pública.

Submeter-se voluntariamente

— To agree to undergo something (like a test) by choice.

Ele submeteu-se voluntariamente ao detector de mentiras.

Prestar depoimento voluntariamente

— To give a statement to authorities by choice.

A testemunha prestou depoimento voluntariamente.

Assumir voluntariamente

— To take on a responsibility or a debt by choice.

Ele assumiu voluntariamente a dívida do irmão.

Renunciar voluntariamente

— To give up a right or position by choice.

Ela renunciou voluntariamente ao seu direito de herança.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

voluntariamente vs voluntário

This is the adjective or noun (volunteer). Use 'voluntariamente' for the action.

voluntariamente vs espontaneamente

Means 'spontaneously'. Use 'voluntariamente' for planned choices.

voluntariamente vs gratuitamente

Means 'for free'. 'Voluntariamente' refers to the will, not the price.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"De livre e espontânea vontade"

— This is the most common idiomatic way to say 'of my own free will'. It is used for emphasis.

Eu fiz isso de livre e espontânea vontade.

Neutral/Formal

"Por amor à camisola"

— A Portuguese idiom meaning to do something for the love of the cause, usually without pay.

Ele joga no clube por amor à camisola.

Informal (Portugal)

"Dar o sangue"

— To give one's all to a cause, often voluntarily and with great effort.

Ela deu o sangue voluntariamente para o projeto.

Informal

"Vestir a camisa"

— To be fully committed to a cause or company, often doing extra work voluntarily.

Ele realmente veste a camisa da empresa.

Informal (Brazil)

"Fazer por gosto"

— To do something because you enjoy it, implying it's voluntary.

Eu cozinho para todos por gosto.

Neutral

"Pôr a mão na massa"

— To get to work, often used when someone joins a task voluntarily.

Vamos todos pôr a mão na massa voluntariamente.

Informal

"Não ser obrigado a nada"

— A modern Brazilian slang phrase meaning 'I don't have to do anything', often used when choosing to act (or not act) voluntarily.

Eu ajudo se quiser, não sou obrigada a nada.

Slang (Brazil)

"Por iniciativa própria"

— By one's own initiative; doing something before being asked.

Ele limpou a casa por iniciativa própria.

Neutral

"De braços abertos"

— With open arms; to accept a task or person voluntarily and happily.

Aceitamos o desafio de braços abertos.

Neutral

"Sem olhar a quem"

— Doing good without caring who receives it, often applied to voluntary acts.

Fazer o bem sem olhar a quem.

Proverb/Idiom

Leicht verwechselbar

voluntariamente vs voluntário

Learners use the adjective as an adverb.

Voluntário describes a person or thing; voluntariamente describes an action.

Ele é um trabalhador voluntário. Ele trabalha voluntariamente.

voluntariamente vs involuntariamente

Opposite meanings, similar sound.

Involuntariamente means by accident or without wanting to.

Eu bati na mesa involuntariamente.

voluntariamente vs voluntariado

Related noun.

Voluntariado is the concept or the program of volunteering.

Eu faço voluntariado na escola.

voluntariamente vs facultativo

Both imply choice.

Facultativo means 'optional' (usually a rule). Voluntariamente means 'by choice' (an action).

O teste é facultativo. Eu fiz o teste voluntariamente.

voluntariamente vs vontade

Root word.

Vontade is the noun 'will' or 'desire'.

Eu tenho vontade de ajudar.

Satzmuster

Eu [verbo] voluntariamente.

Eu ajudo voluntariamente.

Ele [verbo no passado] voluntariamente.

Ele limpou voluntariamente.

[Sujeito] decidiu [verbo] voluntariamente.

O grupo decidiu contribuir voluntariamente.

Voluntariamente, [sujeito] [verbo]...

Voluntariamente, a empresa mudou a política.

[Substantivo] feito voluntariamente...

O depoimento feito voluntariamente foi aceito.

Apesar de [condição], [sujeito] agiu voluntariamente.

Apesar do medo, ele agiu voluntariamente.

A assunção voluntariamente decidida de [objeto]...

A assunção voluntariamente decidida de riscos é comum.

Nada é mais nobre que [verbo] voluntariamente.

Nada é mais nobre que servir voluntariamente.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

vontade (will)

voluntariado (volunteering)

voluntário (volunteer)

Verben

voluntariar-se (to volunteer)

Adjektive

voluntário (voluntary)

involuntário (involuntary)

Verwandt

benevolência

autonomia

arbítrio

intenção

escolha

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in formal writing and news; moderately common in speech.

Häufige Fehler

Eu ajudo voluntário. → Eu ajudo voluntariamente.
You must use the adverb form to modify a verb.
Volluntariamente → Voluntariamente
Portuguese uses only one 'l' in this word.
Eles ajudaram voluntariamentes. → Eles ajudaram voluntariamente.
Adverbs never have a plural form in Portuguese.
Eu voluntariamente fiz isso. → Eu fiz isso voluntariamente.
While the first is understandable, the second is much more natural in Portuguese.
Voluntamente → Voluntariamente
Don't forget the 'aria' part of the root adjective.

Tipps

Adverb vs Adjective

Never say 'Ele ajudou voluntário'. Always use 'voluntariamente' to describe the action of helping.

Nasal Vowels

The 'u' and the 'e' are nasal. Think of the sound in 'long' for the 'u' and 'ten' (but through your nose) for the 'e'.

The Suffix -mente

Once you learn 'voluntariamente', you can form hundreds of other adverbs by adding '-mente' to feminine adjectives.

Social Value

Using this word shows you value community service, which is a big part of Portuguese and Brazilian culture.

Starting Sentences

Starting a sentence with 'Voluntariamente,' makes your writing sound professional and sophisticated.

Suffix Focus

When listening, if you hear a long word ending in 'mente', focus on the first part to find the adjective root.

Legal Context

In news about crime, 'entregou-se voluntariamente' is a very common phrase to listen for.

Cognate Power

Use the fact that it looks like 'voluntarily' to your advantage, but watch the spelling!

Emphasis

Stress the 'MEN' syllable to sound natural. Don't stress the 'aria' too much.

Variety

Swap 'voluntariamente' for 'por conta própria' in casual chats to sound more like a local.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'Volunteer' (voluntário) who acts 'Mindfully' (-mente). A volunteer acts voluntariamente.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a hand raised high in a crowd of people. That person is choosing to step forward voluntariamente.

Word Web

Vontade Voluntário Ajudar Escolha Livre Social Trabalho ONG

Herausforderung

Try to use 'voluntariamente' in a sentence today when describing a small choice you made, like choosing to walk instead of taking the bus.

Wortherkunft

From the Portuguese adjective 'voluntário', which comes from the Latin 'voluntarius' (willing, of one's own accord). The Latin root is 'voluntas' (will, desire), which in turn comes from the verb 'velle' (to want/to will).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Acting of one's own will or accord.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Kultureller Kontext

The word is generally positive but can be sensitive in legal contexts where 'voluntariness' is debated (e.g., forced confessions).

English speakers might find 'voluntariamente' more formal than 'voluntarily'. In English, we often say 'on my own' or 'because I wanted to'.

The concept of 'Serviço Voluntário' in Brazilian law. Philosophical texts by Fernando Pessoa regarding the 'vontade'. Humanitarian campaigns by organizations like 'Médicos Sem Fronteiras'.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Charity/Social Work

Trabalhar voluntariamente
Ajudar voluntariamente
Contribuir voluntariamente
Doar voluntariamente

Legal/Police

Entregar-se voluntariamente
Confessar voluntariamente
Depor voluntariamente
Apresentar-se voluntariamente

Workplace

Assumir voluntariamente
Sair voluntariamente
Candidatar-se voluntariamente
Participar voluntariamente

Personal Relationships

Oferecer-se voluntariamente
Fazer voluntariamente
Ir voluntariamente
Limpar voluntariamente

Academic/Research

Responder voluntariamente
Inscrever-se voluntariamente
Colaborar voluntariamente
Estudar voluntariamente

Gesprächseinstiege

"Você já trabalhou voluntariamente em alguma ONG?"

"Por que você decidiu participar deste projeto voluntariamente?"

"Você acha que as pessoas devem ajudar os outros voluntariamente?"

"Você já se ofereceu voluntariamente para uma tarefa difícil no trabalho?"

"O que motiva você a agir voluntariamente em sua comunidade?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Descreva uma vez que você ajudou alguém voluntariamente e como se sentiu.

Escreva sobre a importância de agir voluntariamente na sociedade moderna.

Se você pudesse escolher qualquer trabalho para fazer voluntariamente, qual seria?

Reflita sobre a diferença entre fazer algo por obrigação e fazer voluntariamente.

Como a sua vida mudaria se você decidisse fazer mais coisas voluntariamente?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, it is slightly formal. In casual conversation, Brazilians often say 'por conta própria' or 'porque eu quis'.

No. Adverbs in Portuguese are invariable. 'Eles ajudam voluntariamente' is correct.

No, for accidents you should use 'involuntariamente' or 'sem querer'.

Usually after the verb: 'Eu trabalho voluntariamente'.

'Voluntariamente' means by choice. 'De graça' means without payment. Often they happen together, but not always.

No, only one 'L' in Portuguese: voluntariamente.

Yes, if you want to imply the animal chose to do something: 'O cão entrou na água voluntariamente'.

Yes, very often. For example, 'demissão voluntária' (voluntary resignation).

The 'e' is short and the 'n' nasalizes the 'e'. In Brazil, it sounds like 'MEN-chi'.

You can use the verb 'voluntariar-se' or the phrase 'fazer trabalho voluntário'.

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