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A2 adjective #3,500 más común 8 min de lectura

autónomo

Top 3,500

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos autónomo en 30 segundos

Explicación autónomo in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should understand 'autónomo' in its simplest form: being able to do things by yourself. While you might not use it every day, you will see it in basic descriptions of jobs or people. Think of it as 'independent' or 'self-sufficient'. At this stage, focus on the masculine 'autónomo' and feminine 'autónoma'. You might use it to describe a simple task you can do without help. For example, 'Eu sou autónomo no meu trabalho' (I am independent in my work). It is a good word to know when introducing yourself or describing your professional life in a basic way. You don't need to worry about complex political or technical meanings yet; just think of it as the opposite of needing someone to hold your hand. It is about personal agency at its most basic level. Learning this word early helps you build a vocabulary for describing personality and work status, which are common topics in beginner Portuguese conversations.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'autónomo' more frequently, especially when discussing work and daily routines. This is the level where you learn about 'trabalhadores autónomos' (self-employed workers). You should be able to explain your job status or the status of others using this word. For instance, 'O meu irmão é autónomo, ele trabalha em casa'. You also start to use it to describe children or students who are becoming more independent. 'A minha filha já é muito autónoma, ela veste-se sozinha'. At A2, you should be comfortable with gender and number agreement: 'Eles são autónomos'. You might also encounter the word in the context of travel or simple technology, like an 'aspirador autónomo' (a robot vacuum). This level is about expanding the context from just 'me' to 'the people and things around me'. You are starting to see how 'autónomo' is a versatile adjective that applies to many different nouns in everyday life.

By B1, you should understand the nuance between 'autónomo' and 'independente'. You will use 'autónomo' in more formal or professional contexts. You might discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being a 'trabalhador autónomo', such as flexibility versus lack of a steady salary. You will also hear this word in the news, particularly regarding the 'Regiões Autónomas' of Portugal. You should understand that this implies a specific political structure. In your studies, you might hear about 'aprendizagem autónoma', and you should be able to discuss your own study habits using this term. For example, 'Para aprender português, é preciso ser um aluno autónomo'. At this level, you are moving beyond simple descriptions and starting to use the word in discussions about society, politics, and personal development. You can handle more complex sentence structures and use the word as part of a larger argument or explanation.

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At the B2 level, you can use 'autónomo' in technical and abstract discussions. You are likely to encounter it in articles about technology, specifically 'inteligência artificial' and 'condução autónoma'. You should be able to debate the ethics of autonomous systems. In a professional setting, you can discuss 'gestão autónoma' (autonomous management) or 'equipas autónomas' (autonomous teams). You understand that 'autónomo' implies not just independence, but a system of self-governance and internal logic. You can use the word to describe complex socio-political situations, like the 'autonomia' of a university or a hospital. Your vocabulary is now rich enough to use 'autónomo' to describe philosophical concepts of agency and free will. You are also aware of the formal register and can use the word correctly in reports, essays, and business meetings. You understand the subtle differences in meaning when the word is used in different domains, from law to robotics.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep and nuanced understanding of 'autónomo'. You can use it to discuss complex legal frameworks, such as the 'Estatuto Político-Administrativo' of the autonomous regions. You understand the historical and philosophical roots of the word and can use it in academic writing. You can differentiate between 'autonomia' and 'soberania' with precision. In professional contexts, you might discuss 'organizações autónomas descentralizadas' (DAOs) in the context of blockchain technology. You are sensitive to the stylistic choices of using 'autónomo' versus other synonyms to achieve a specific tone. You can follow fast-paced debates on the news about 'trabalho autónomo' and its impact on the social security system. Your use of the word is natural and sophisticated, reflecting a high degree of cultural and linguistic competence. You can use it to express subtle shades of meaning in literature or high-level professional discourse.

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At the C2 level, 'autónomo' is a tool you use with complete mastery. You can engage in high-level philosophical or scientific discourse where 'autonomy' is a central theme. You understand the word's role in the 'Constituição da República Portuguesa'. You can write complex analyses of 'sistemas autónomos' in the context of ethics and law. You are aware of the most obscure uses of the word and its derivatives. You can play with the word in creative writing or use it with precision in highly specialized professional fields like medical ethics (e.g., 'autonomia do paciente'). Your understanding is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can appreciate the word's etymological journey and its resonance in different historical periods. Whether you are discussing the 'autonomia' of the human spirit or the 'autonomia' of a machine learning algorithm, you do so with absolute clarity, precision, and cultural depth.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

autónomo en 30 segundos

Independent and self-reliant in actions and decisions.
Professionally self-employed or working as a freelancer.
Technically capable of operating without human intervention.
Politically self-governing within a larger national framework.

The word autónomo is a cornerstone of the Portuguese language when discussing independence, self-sufficiency, and professional status. At its core, it describes a person, entity, or system that functions without external control. In everyday Portuguese, you will most frequently encounter this word in a professional context. It refers to someone who is self-employed, often referred to as a freelancer or a worker on 'recibos verdes' (green receipts). However, its utility extends far beyond the workplace. It is used to describe a child who has learned to tie their shoes, a car that drives itself, or a political region that governs its own internal affairs.

Professional Status: In Portugal, a 'trabalhador autónomo' is someone who does not have a fixed contract with a single employer but provides services to various clients. This is a common term in the modern gig economy.

Desde que saí da empresa, trabalho como autónomo em design gráfico.

Beyond work, the term carries a sense of maturity and capability. When a parent says their teenager is becoming more 'autónomo', they are praising the youth's ability to manage their own schedule, laundry, and decisions. It is a highly positive attribute, suggesting competence and reliability. In a more technical or scientific sense, 'autónomo' describes systems that operate via internal logic rather than human intervention, such as 'veículos autónomos' (autonomous vehicles) or 'sistemas autónomos'.

Political Context: Portugal has two 'Regiões Autónomas': Madeira and the Azores. Here, the word signifies a specific legal status where these islands have their own government and legislative powers while remaining part of the Portuguese Republic.

As regiões autónomas têm leis fiscais diferentes do continente.

Philosophically, being 'autónomo' is about the 'self-law' (from the Greek roots). It is the ability to give oneself rules and follow them. This makes the word very common in academic discussions regarding ethics, education, and psychology. A student who learns 'de forma autónoma' is one who takes initiative and does not wait for the teacher to provide every answer. This trait is highly valued in the modern Portuguese education system.

Using autónomo correctly requires attention to gender and number agreement, as it is an adjective. It must match the noun it describes. For a man, it is 'autónomo'; for a woman, 'autónoma'; for a group of men or a mixed group, 'autónomos'; and for a group of women, 'autónomas'. This flexibility allows it to fit into various grammatical structures, whether as a direct descriptor or a predicative adjective following verbs like 'ser' or 'tornar-se'.

Agreement Example: 'Ela é uma profissional muito autónoma' (She is a very independent professional). Note how 'autónoma' matches the feminine 'profissional'.

Os robôs autónomos estão a revolucionar a indústria logística.

When referring to employment, it is frequently used with the preposition 'como' (as). For example, 'Trabalho como autónomo' means 'I work as a freelancer'. You can also use it to describe a state of being. 'Sinto-me mais autónomo agora que tenho o meu próprio carro' (I feel more independent now that I have my own car). In this context, it describes a feeling of liberation and self-reliance.

É importante promover o trabalho autónomo entre os jovens licenciados.

In academic contexts, you might see the phrase 'aprendizagem autónoma' (autonomous learning). This refers to the student's ability to study without constant supervision. Sentences like 'A universidade incentiva a aprendizagem autónoma' are common in course descriptions. It emphasizes the shift from passive listening to active engagement.

Technical Usage: 'O drone é totalmente autónomo e não precisa de controlo remoto.' (The drone is fully autonomous and does not need remote control.)

If you are in Portugal, you will hear autónomo in several specific environments. The first is the workplace or the 'Segurança Social' (Social Security) office. People often discuss their status as 'trabalhadores autónomos' because it involves different tax obligations and benefits compared to salaried employees. You might overhear someone at a café saying, 'Ser autónomo é difícil por causa dos impostos' (Being self-employed is hard because of the taxes).

O governo anunciou novas medidas para os trabalhadores autónomos.

Another common place is the news. Portugal is divided into administrative regions, but the islands of Madeira and the Azores are 'Regiões Autónomas'. On the nightly news (Telejornal), you will frequently hear phrases like 'O Governo Regional da Região Autónoma da Madeira decidiu...' This reinforces the idea of political and administrative independence within a larger framework.

In Schools: Teachers use this word to describe students. During parent-teacher meetings, a teacher might say, 'O seu filho é muito autónomo nas tarefas de casa', which is a high compliment meaning the child does their homework without being nagged.

In the tech world, which is booming in cities like Lisbon and Porto, 'autónomo' is a buzzword. At tech conferences like Web Summit, speakers discuss 'condução autónoma' (autonomous driving) and 'agentes autónomos' (autonomous agents in AI). If you are reading a tech blog in Portuguese, this word will appear constantly to describe the next generation of software and hardware.

A inteligência artificial permite criar sistemas cada vez mais autónomos.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing autónomo with 'automático'. While they both relate to things working by themselves, 'automático' refers to a mechanical or repetitive process (like an automatic transmission or an automatic reply), whereas 'autónomo' implies a level of decision-making or governing independence. You wouldn't call a self-employed person 'automático'; that would imply they are a robot!

Gender Agreement: English speakers often forget to change the ending. They might say 'Ela é autónomo', which is incorrect. It must be 'Ela é autónoma'. Always look at the person or object you are describing.

Errado: Maria é um trabalhador autónomo. Correto: Maria é uma trabalhadora autónoma.

Another pitfall is the misuse of 'independente' and 'autónomo'. While often synonyms, 'autónomo' is the technical term for self-employment in a legal sense. If you are filling out a government form in Portugal, you will see 'trabalhador independente', but in conversation, 'autónomo' is very common. Using 'independente' to describe a self-driving car sounds slightly unnatural; 'veículo autónomo' is the standard terminology.

Finally, avoid overusing the word to mean 'alone'. If you did something by yourself, you would usually say 'sozinho' or 'por minha conta'. 'Fiz o trabalho de forma autónoma' is very formal and implies you didn't need guidance, whereas 'Fiz o trabalho sozinho' simply means no one else was there to help.

Understanding the nuances between autónomo and its synonyms can greatly elevate your Portuguese. The most common alternative is independente. While they overlap, 'independente' is broader. You can have an 'independente' film or an 'independente' person who doesn't like following trends. 'Autónomo' is more about the functional or legal capacity to act alone.

Autónomo vs. Independente: 'Autónomo' often implies a system or legal status. 'Independente' often implies a personality trait or a lack of connection to a parent organization.

Ele é um músico independente, mas trabalha como tradutor autónomo.

Another related word is emancipado. This is specifically used for minors who have gained legal adult status before the age of 18, or in a historical context regarding the liberation of groups. It is much more formal and specific than 'autónomo'. In a professional setting, you might also hear liberal, as in 'profissão liberal' (liberal profession), which refers to doctors, lawyers, and architects who work for themselves.

Soberano: This means 'sovereign'. It is used for nations or supreme powers. While a 'região autónoma' has some power, a 'estado soberano' has total power. Don't use 'soberano' for a freelancer unless you are being very poetic or sarcastic!

In technical fields, automatizado is another alternative, but remember it means 'automated'. An 'automóvel automatizado' might have some automated features, but an 'automóvel autónomo' is the one that actually drives itself without a human. Choosing the right word shows you understand the depth of Portuguese vocabulary.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The word was originally used in Ancient Greece to describe city-states that were not under the rule of a foreign power but lived by their own laws.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /awˈtɔ.nu.mu/

US /ɔˈtɑ.nə.məs/ (Note: Portuguese sounds differ)

The stress is on the second syllable: au-TÓ-no-mo.

Rima con

astrónomo geónomo monónomo

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the final 'o' as a clear 'oh' instead of a soft 'u'.
Forgetting the stress on the 'tó' syllable.
Confusing the 'au' sound with 'ah'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

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

Escritura 3/5

Requires remembering the accent and gender agreement.

Expresión oral 3/5

The pronunciation of the stressed 'tó' and reduced final vowels can be tricky.

Escucha 2/5

Clear stress makes it relatively easy to pick out in speech.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

trabalho pessoa sozinho independente fazer

Aprende después

autonomia autarquia liberal soberania legislação

Avanzado

autodeterminação emancipação auto-suficiência

Gramática que debes saber

Adjective Agreement

O homem é autónomo. A mulher é autónoma.

Placement of Adjectives

Um trabalhador autónomo (usually after the noun).

Adverbs from Adjectives

Autónomo -> Autonomamente.

Preposition 'Como' with jobs

Trabalho como autónomo.

Use of 'Há' for duration

Sou autónomo há dez anos.

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Ejemplos por nivel

Eu sou um trabalhador autónomo.

I am a self-employed worker.

'Autónomo' matches the masculine subject 'Eu' (referring to a man).

Ela é muito autónoma.

She is very independent.

'Autónoma' is the feminine form.

O meu filho já é autónomo.

My son is already independent.

Used here to mean self-sufficient for his age.

Eles trabalham como autónomos.

They work as freelancers.

Plural masculine form 'autónomos'.

O robô é autónomo.

The robot is autonomous.

'Autónomo' describes the masculine noun 'robô'.

Tu és uma pessoa autónoma?

Are you an independent person?

Question form, matching the feminine 'pessoa'.

Nós somos autónomos.

We are independent.

Plural form 'autónomos'.

Ela quer ser autónoma.

She wants to be independent.

Infinitive 'ser' followed by the adjective.

Trabalho como autónomo há dois anos.

I have been working as a freelancer for two years.

'Há' is used for duration of time.

O carro é totalmente autónomo.

The car is fully autonomous.

'Totalmente' is an adverb modifying 'autónomo'.

As crianças tornam-se mais autónomas na escola.

Children become more independent at school.

Feminine plural 'autónomas' matching 'crianças'.

É difícil ser um trabalhador autónomo em Portugal.

It is difficult to be a self-employed worker in Portugal.

'Ser' as an impersonal infinitive.

Ele prefere o trabalho autónomo ao escritório.

He prefers freelance work to the office.

'Preferir... a...' structure.

A Maria e a Ana são muito autónomas.

Maria and Ana are very independent.

Feminine plural agreement.

Este sistema de aquecimento é autónomo.

This heating system is autonomous.

Describing a technical system.

Gostavas de ser um profissional autónomo?

Would you like to be a self-employed professional?

Conditional tense 'gostavas'.

As regiões autónomas têm governos próprios.

The autonomous regions have their own governments.

Refers to the political status of islands.

A aprendizagem autónoma é essencial para o sucesso.

Autonomous learning is essential for success.

'Aprendizagem' is feminine.

O drone voa de forma autónoma.

The drone flies autonomously.

'De forma autónoma' is an adverbial phrase.

Muitos jovens procuram o trabalho autónomo pela flexibilidade.

Many young people seek freelance work for the flexibility.

'Pela' indicates the reason/cause.

O regime de trabalhador autónomo tem regras específicas.

The self-employed worker regime has specific rules.

'Regime' is a masculine noun.

Sinto que sou mais autónomo desde que saí de casa.

I feel I am more independent since I moved out.

'Desde que' introduces a time clause.

A universidade promove o estudo autónomo dos alunos.

The university promotes the students' autonomous study.

'Estudo' is masculine.

Ela gere a sua carreira de modo autónomo.

She manages her career in an autonomous way.

'De modo autónomo' is another adverbial phrase.

A ética dos veículos autónomos é um tema complexo.

The ethics of autonomous vehicles is a complex topic.

'Ética' is the subject, 'autónomos' modifies 'veículos'.

As equipas autónomas aumentam a produtividade da empresa.

Autonomous teams increase the company's productivity.

Describing a management style.

O software utiliza agentes autónomos para resolver problemas.

The software uses autonomous agents to solve problems.

Technical usage in computing.

A Madeira é uma das regiões autónomas de Portugal.

Madeira is one of the autonomous regions of Portugal.

Specific geographical/political reference.

É necessário desenvolver o pensamento autónomo nos jovens.

It is necessary to develop autonomous thinking in young people.

'Pensamento' is masculine.

O paciente tem o direito de tomar uma decisão autónoma.

The patient has the right to make an autonomous decision.

Refers to medical ethics/autonomy.

A empresa deu uma gestão autónoma à nova sucursal.

The company gave autonomous management to the new branch.

'Gestão' is feminine.

A robótica avançou muito na criação de máquinas autónomas.

Robotics has advanced a lot in creating autonomous machines.

Plural feminine 'máquinas'.

A descentralização visa criar municípios mais autónomos.

Decentralization aims to create more autonomous municipalities.

Political/administrative terminology.

O conceito de sujeito autónomo é central na filosofia de Kant.

The concept of the autonomous subject is central to Kant's philosophy.

Academic/philosophical context.

A autonomia universitária permite uma investigação mais livre.

University autonomy allows for freer research.

'Autonomia' is the noun form.

O trabalhador autónomo deve descontar para a Segurança Social.

The self-employed worker must pay into Social Security.

'Descontar' in the sense of paying taxes.

A inteligência artificial atingiu um nível de funcionamento autónomo.

Artificial intelligence has reached a level of autonomous functioning.

Describing a state of technological advancement.

O estatuto de região autónoma está consagrado na Constituição.

The status of autonomous region is enshrined in the Constitution.

Legal/constitutional language.

A criança demonstrou uma capacidade autónoma de resolução de conflitos.

The child demonstrated an autonomous capacity for conflict resolution.

Formal psychological description.

As decisões autónomas do Banco Central influenciam a economia.

The Central Bank's autonomous decisions influence the economy.

Economic/institutional context.

A busca pela vontade autónoma é o cerne da moralidade humana.

The search for autonomous will is the core of human morality.

Highly abstract philosophical usage.

A proliferação de sistemas de armas autónomos levanta questões éticas.

The proliferation of autonomous weapons systems raises ethical questions.

Complex noun phrase 'sistemas de armas autónomos'.

O paradigma do agente autónomo redefine a interação homem-máquina.

The autonomous agent paradigm redefines human-machine interaction.

Academic discourse in technology/sociology.

A soberania nacional é distinta da mera gestão autónoma regional.

National sovereignty is distinct from mere regional autonomous management.

Precise political distinction.

A fenomenologia estuda a perceção do eu como ente autónomo.

Phenomenology studies the perception of the self as an autonomous entity.

Advanced philosophical terminology.

A jurisprudência sobre o trabalho autónomo tem evoluído significativamente.

Jurisprudence regarding self-employment has evolved significantly.

Legal/judicial context.

A configuração de redes autónomas exige protocolos de segurança robustos.

The configuration of autonomous networks requires robust security protocols.

Technical engineering context.

A autonomia da arte reside na sua recusa em servir fins utilitários.

The autonomy of art lies in its refusal to serve utilitarian ends.

Aesthetic/philosophical theory.

Colocaciones comunes

trabalhador autónomo

região autónoma

veículo autónomo

aprendizagem autónoma

pensamento autónomo

gestão autónoma

decisão autónoma

sistema autónomo

vontade autónoma

agente autónomo

Frases Comunes

Trabalhar por conta própria

— To be self-employed; synonymous with being 'autónomo'.

Prefiro trabalhar por conta própria do que ter um patrão.

Recibos verdes

— The tax system for 'autónomos' in Portugal.

Ele está a trabalhar a recibos verdes este mês.

Ser dono do seu nariz

— An idiom for being independent and making one's own decisions.

Ele já é adulto e quer ser dono do seu nariz.

Viver a sua vida

— To live one's life independently.

Ela é autónoma e vive a sua vida sem dar satisfações.

Ter as rédeas na mão

— To be in control of a situation or one's life.

O gestor autónomo tem as rédeas na mão.

Pelo seu próprio pé

— To do something by one's own efforts.

Ele conseguiu o emprego pelo seu próprio pé.

Sem ajuda de ninguém

— Without anyone's help; a common way to explain 'autónomo'.

Fiz este projeto sem ajuda de ninguém.

Independência financeira

— Financial independence, often a goal for an 'autónomo'.

Ele atingiu a independência financeira aos trinta anos.

Liberdade de horários

— Flexibility of schedules, a benefit of being 'autónomo'.

A maior vantagem de ser autónomo é a liberdade de horários.

Ser o seu próprio patrão

— To be your own boss.

Ser o seu próprio patrão exige muita disciplina.

Se confunde a menudo con

autónomo vs automático

Refers to a repetitive machine process, not independence of action.

autónomo vs automóvel

Means 'car', though a car can be 'autónomo'.

autónomo vs autodidata

Specifically means self-taught, whereas 'autónomo' is broader.

Modismos y expresiones

"Andar pelas próprias pernas"

— To be independent and not rely on others anymore.

A empresa agora já anda pelas próprias pernas.

informal

"Cortar o cordão umbilical"

— To become independent from one's parents or a source of support.

Ele precisa de cortar o cordão umbilical e ser mais autónomo.

informal

"Gritar o Ipiranga"

— (Brazilian context) To declare independence or take a stand.

Ele finalmente gritou o Ipiranga e despediu-se.

informal

"Fazer e desfazer"

— To have total control and autonomy over something.

Naquela oficina, ele faz e desfaz como quer.

neutral

"Ser pau para toda a obra"

— To be self-sufficient and able to do many different tasks.

Como trabalhador autónomo, ele é pau para toda a obra.

informal

"Ter as costas quentes"

— To have support (the opposite of being truly autonomous/vulnerable).

Ele diz que é autónomo, mas tem as costas quentes do pai.

informal

"Dar corda aos sapatos"

— To take initiative and move forward independently.

Tivemos de dar corda aos sapatos para sermos autónomos.

informal

"Meter a mão na massa"

— To take action yourself rather than delegating.

O profissional autónomo tem de meter a mão na massa.

neutral

"Ver-se grego"

— To have a hard time (often used by autónomos regarding taxes).

Vou-me ver grego para pagar os impostos de autónomo.

informal

"Estar nas suas sete quintas"

— To be in one's element, often when working independently.

Ele está nas suas sete quintas a trabalhar como autónomo.

informal

Fácil de confundir

autónomo vs automático

Both start with 'auto-'.

'Automático' is for machines doing the same thing. 'Autónomo' is for making decisions.

A porta é automática. O robô é autónomo.

autónomo vs independente

Very similar meanings.

'Autónomo' is more technical/legal. 'Independente' is more general/personality-based.

Ele é um trabalhador autónomo. Ela é uma mulher independente.

autónomo vs sozinho

Both mean 'by oneself'.

'Sozinho' means without company. 'Autónomo' means without needing help/control.

Estou sozinho em casa. Sou autónomo no meu trabalho.

autónomo vs autodidata

Relates to self-action.

'Autodidata' is only for learning. 'Autónomo' is for any action or status.

Ele aprendeu piano sozinho, é autodidata. Ele trabalha como autónomo.

autónomo vs liberal

Both relate to self-employment.

'Liberal' is for specific high-status professions. 'Autónomo' is the general term.

O médico tem uma profissão liberal. O carpinteiro é autónomo.

Patrones de oraciones

Eu sou [adjective].

Eu sou autónomo.

Trabalho como [adjective].

Trabalho como autónomo.

É importante ser [adjective].

É importante ser autónomo.

O [noun] é totalmente [adjective].

O veículo é totalmente autónomo.

A [noun] permite uma [noun] [adjective].

A autonomia permite uma gestão autónoma.

O conceito de [noun] [adjective] é...

O conceito de sujeito autónomo é fundamental.

Ela é [adjective].

Ela é autónoma.

Eles são [adjective].

Eles são autónomos.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

autonomia (autonomy)

autonomismo (autonomism)

Verbos

autonomizar (to make autonomous)

Adjetivos

autónomo (autonomous)

autonómico (relating to autonomy)

Relacionado

automóvel

automático

autodidata

autarquia

autocracia

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very frequent in professional and political contexts.

Errores comunes

Eu sou um trabalhador automático. → Eu sou um trabalhador autónomo.
'Automático' means doing things like a machine. 'Autónomo' means being self-employed.
Ela é muito autónomo. → Ela é muito autónoma.
Adjectives must agree in gender with the noun they describe.
As regiões independente de Portugal. → As regiões autónomas de Portugal.
While 'independente' is a synonym, 'autónoma' is the official political term.
Trabalho como um autónomo. → Trabalho como autónomo.
In Portuguese, we usually omit the article when stating a profession after 'como'.
O carro é autonomo. → O carro é autónomo.
The accent is mandatory for correct spelling and pronunciation.

Consejos

Watch the endings

Always check if you are describing a masculine or feminine noun. 'A empresa é autónoma' but 'O sistema é autónomo'.

Stress the right syllable

The accent on the 'ó' is there for a reason. Make sure you emphasize 'TÓ'.

Use with 'como'

When talking about your job, use 'trabalho como autónomo'.

Political context

Remember that 'Regiões Autónomas' is a very specific term for Madeira and Azores.

Tech buzzword

Use 'autónomo' when talking about AI or robots to sound more professional.

Spelling

Don't forget the accent! It's 'autónomo', not 'autonomo'.

Mnemonic

Think of 'Auto' (self) and 'Nomos' (law). Law of the self.

Freelancing

In a job interview, saying you are 'autónomo' shows initiative and responsibility.

Personality

Calling a friend 'autónomo' is a great compliment for their independence.

Autónomo vs Automático

Don't mix them up! A person is never 'automático'.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of an 'AUTO' (car) that 'KNOWS' ('NOMO') where to go by itself. It is autonomous.

Asociación visual

Imagine a freelancer sitting on a beach with a laptop, or a robot vacuuming a room without help.

Word Web

independent self-employed freelancer AI robotics Azores Madeira self-rule

Desafío

Try to describe three things you do 'autonomamente' every day without using the word 'independentemente'.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Ancient Greek 'autonomos', which combines 'autos' (self) and 'nomos' (law/rule).

Significado original: Living by one's own laws; independent.

Indo-European (via Latin 'autonomus' and Greek).

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that for some, the life of an 'autónomo' is associated with financial stress due to taxes.

In English, we often say 'freelancer' or 'self-employed'. In Portuguese, 'autónomo' covers both and sounds slightly more formal/legal.

The 'Regiões Autónomas' in the Portuguese Constitution. 'Veículos Autónomos' in future transport debates. Kant's philosophy of the autonomous subject.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Professional Life

Trabalho como autónomo.
Quero ser autónomo.
Trabalhador independente.

Technology

Condução autónoma.
Sistemas autónomos.
Robótica autónoma.

Politics

Região Autónoma da Madeira.
Região Autónoma dos Açores.
Estatuto de autonomia.

Education

Estudo autónomo.
Aprendizagem autónoma.
Aluno autónomo.

Personal Maturity

Ele é muito autónomo.
Ganhar autonomia.
Viver de forma autónoma.

Inicios de conversación

"Preferes trabalhar numa empresa ou ser um trabalhador autónomo?"

"Achas que os carros autónomos são seguros?"

"Como podemos incentivar a aprendizagem autónoma nas escolas?"

"Conheces as regiões autónomas de Portugal?"

"A partir de que idade é que uma criança deve ser autónoma?"

Temas para diario

Escreve sobre as vantagens e desvantagens de ser um trabalhador autónomo.

Como te sentiste quando te tornaste autónomo pela primeira vez?

Descreve um sistema autónomo que usas no teu dia a dia.

O que significa para ti ter um pensamento autónomo?

Gostarias de viver numa região autónoma? Porquê?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Embora sejam frequentemente usados como sinónimos, 'autónomo' tem uma conotação mais técnica, legal ou administrativa. Por exemplo, usamos 'região autónoma' e não 'região independente' (que significaria um país novo). No trabalho, 'autónomo' e 'independente' são muito próximos.

Pode-se dizer 'freelancer' (muito comum em contextos modernos), mas o termo correto e tradicional é 'trabalhador autónomo' ou 'trabalhador independente'.

Não, deve haver concordância. Para homens é 'autónomo' e para mulheres é 'autónoma'.

São os arquipélagos da Madeira e dos Açores, que têm autonomia política e administrativa em relação ao governo central em Lisboa.

Sim, o termo correto é 'veículo autónomo' ou 'carro autónomo'.

É um som aberto, como na palavra 'pó' ou no inglês 'pot'. A sílaba tónica é 'tó'.

O oposto pode ser 'dependente', 'subordinado' ou 'assalariado' (no contexto de trabalho).

É uma palavra de registo neutro a formal. Em contextos muito informais, as pessoas podem preferir 'sozinho' ou 'por conta própria'.

No Brasil, escreve-se 'autônomo', com acento circunflexo, o que torna o som do 'o' mais fechado.

Sim, em Portugal os trabalhadores autónomos pagam IRS e contribuições para a Segurança Social, muitas vezes através do sistema de 'recibos verdes'.

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