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A2 verb #3,000 más común 14 min de lectura

dispensar

At the A1 level, you should understand 'dispensar' as a polite way to say 'no, thank you' or 'I do not need this'. When you are in Brazil or Portugal and someone offers you something you don't want, like a plastic bag at the supermarket or a flyer on the street, you might hear or use this word. It is a very common verb in everyday life. Imagine you are at a restaurant and the waiter asks if you want dessert. If you are full, you can say 'Eu dispenso a sobremesa, obrigado'. This means 'I don't need the dessert, thank you'. It is a good alternative to just saying 'não'. You will also hear it when a teacher lets students leave the classroom early. The teacher might say 'Vocês estão dispensados', which means 'You are dismissed' or 'You can go now'. Learning this word early helps you sound more natural and polite when refusing things or understanding when an activity is finished. Remember that it is a regular verb ending in -ar, so it follows the normal conjugation rules: eu dispenso, você dispensa, nós dispensamos, eles dispensam. Practice using it when you want to politely decline an offer or an item you do not need.
At the A2 level, your understanding of 'dispensar' expands to include its very common use in the workplace and in daily obligations. The most important new meaning you need to learn at this level is 'to fire' or 'to dismiss' an employee. In Portuguese, saying that a company 'dispensou' a worker is a softer, more polite way of saying they fired them ('demitiu'). You will hear this frequently in news reports or when people talk about their jobs. For example: 'A loja precisou dispensar dois vendedores'. Another crucial A2 usage is excusing someone from a task or duty. If you are sick, a doctor's note can 'dispensar' you from going to work. The structure here is 'dispensar de' (to excuse from). For instance: 'O chefe me dispensou da reunião' (The boss excused me from the meeting). You should also be comfortable using it to decline invitations or activities. If a friend invites you to a party but you are tired, you can say 'Vou dispensar a festa hoje'. This shows you have a growing vocabulary and can express nuances beyond simple 'yes' or 'no' answers. Pay attention to the preposition 'de' when talking about being excused from an obligation, as this is a common grammar point tested at the A2 level.
At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more abstract and idiomatic uses of 'dispensar'. You should now be fully comfortable with the bitransitive structure 'dispensar alguém de alguma coisa' (to excuse someone from something). A key idiom to master at this stage is 'dispensa apresentações' (needs no introduction). This is used constantly in media, events, and casual conversation to describe someone or something very famous. For example: 'O Pelé é um jogador que dispensa apresentações'. You should also start recognizing the noun form, 'a dispensa', which means the exemption or the dismissal. For example, 'pedir dispensa' means to ask to be excused from a duty, like jury duty or military service. At B1, you also need to understand the subtle difference in tone when using 'dispensar' to reject something. While it can be polite, saying 'dispenso a sua ajuda' (I don't need your help) can sound quite rude and independent, depending on your intonation. You are learning to navigate the social weight of words. You should be able to read a short news article about a company restructuring and understand that 'dispensa em massa' means mass layoffs. Your ability to use 'dispensar' flexibly demonstrates a solid intermediate grasp of Portuguese vocabulary.
At the B2 level, 'dispensar' becomes a tool for formal communication and nuanced expression. You will encounter it frequently in administrative, legal, and academic texts. A critical usage to master is the formal meaning of 'to provide' or 'to bestow', which uses the structure 'dispensar algo a alguém'. For example: 'O hospital dispensa cuidados intensivos aos pacientes' (The hospital provides intensive care to the patients). This is a stark contrast to its meaning of 'rejecting' and requires careful attention to context and prepositions. You should also be familiar with terms like 'dispensa de licitação' (waiver of public bidding), a common phrase in political journalism. At this level, you can comfortably debate the ethics of a company's decision to 'dispensar' workers versus 'demitir' them by just cause. You understand that 'dispensar' in the corporate world often implies a layoff without the employee's fault, whereas 'demitir por justa causa' implies misconduct. You can also use advanced synonyms like 'isentar' or 'desobrigar' when appropriate, showing lexical variety. Your writing should correctly employ the passive voice with this verb, such as 'Os candidatos foram dispensados da prova escrita' (The candidates were exempted from the written test), demonstrating strong grammatical control.
At the C1 level, your use of 'dispensar' should be indistinguishable from an educated native speaker. You navigate its multifaceted meanings—dismissal, exemption, rejection, and provision—with absolute ease and precision. You are comfortable with highly formal and literary constructions. You understand and can actively use synonyms like 'prescindir' (to do without) in academic or professional writing. For example, instead of saying 'O projeto não pode dispensar o diretor', you might write 'O projeto não pode prescindir da figura do diretor', elevating your register. You are acutely aware of the sociolinguistic implications of the word. You know that a manager saying 'vamos dispensar as formalidades' is a deliberate rhetorical strategy to build rapport. You can read complex legal documents and immediately grasp the implications of a 'cláusula de dispensa'. In spoken Portuguese, you use idioms naturally, such as 'isso dispensa comentários' (that speaks for itself/needs no comment) to express agreement or to point out the obviousness of a situation. You rarely make prepositional errors, perfectly distinguishing between 'dispensar do serviço' and 'dispensar atenção ao problema'. Your vocabulary is rich enough that 'dispensar' is just one of many precise tools you use to articulate complex ideas regarding obligations, necessities, and professional relationships.
At the C2 level, you possess a masterful, almost philosophical command of the verb 'dispensar' and its derivatives. You appreciate its etymological roots and how it has evolved in Lusophone cultures to soften the harsh realities of capitalism (using 'dispensa' instead of 'demissão'). You can analyze literature where 'dispensar' is used to convey deep emotional detachment or profound care, depending on the prepositional phrase. You effortlessly wield phrases like 'dispensar o supérfluo' (to dispense with the superfluous) in discussions about minimalism or philosophy. You understand the subtle irony when a politician claims to 'dispensar a corrupção' while engaging in it. You are capable of writing a comprehensive essay comparing the legal frameworks of 'dispensa arbitrária' (arbitrary dismissal) in Brazilian versus Portuguese labor laws. Your intuition for the word is flawless; you know exactly when 'dispenso' sounds like a polite decline and when it sounds like a devastating insult. You can play with the word's duality—the act of taking away (firing) versus the act of giving (dispensar cuidados)—in creative writing or advanced rhetoric. At this pinnacle of fluency, 'dispensar' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a cultural artifact that you manipulate with complete authority and sophistication.
Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

dispensar en 30 segundos

  • Dispensar is a highly frequent verb in Portuguese used to indicate that someone has been excused from a specific duty, task, or formal obligation.
  • In the corporate world, it serves as a slightly softer, more formal synonym for firing or dismissing an employee from their current job position.
  • You will often hear the phrase 'dispensa apresentações', which is a common idiom meaning that a person or thing needs no formal introduction.
  • It can also mean to decline or reject something politely, indicating that a particular item, service, or action is simply not needed right now.

The Portuguese verb 'dispensar' is a highly versatile and frequently used word that carries multiple layers of meaning depending entirely on the context in which it is applied. At its absolute core, the word means to exempt someone from a duty, to dismiss someone from their employment, or to indicate that something is no longer needed or required. Understanding this word is crucial for anyone looking to achieve fluency in Portuguese, as it bridges the gap between formal administrative language and everyday casual conversation.

Primary Meaning: To Dismiss or Fire
In a professional or corporate environment, 'dispensar' is often used as a slightly softer, more diplomatic alternative to the word 'demitir' (to fire). When a company is downsizing or letting an employee go, human resources might say that they had to 'dispensar' the worker. This usage softens the blow of the termination, making it sound more like a release from duties rather than a punitive firing.

O gerente de recursos humanos teve que dispensar três funcionários devido aos cortes de orçamento na empresa.

Beyond the workplace, 'dispensar' is widely used to mean 'to excuse' or 'to exempt' someone from an obligation, a task, or a requirement. For instance, a teacher might excuse a student from taking a final exam because their grades throughout the semester were already exceptionally high. In this scenario, the student is 'dispensado' from the test. Similarly, young men in Brazil who are not required to serve in the mandatory military service are said to be 'dispensados do serviço militar'.

Secondary Meaning: To Not Need or To Reject
In everyday, casual interactions, 'dispensar' is frequently used to politely or sometimes bluntly decline an offer, a service, or an item. If someone offers you a flyer on the street and you do not want it, you might think or say that you 'dispensa' it. It essentially means 'I do not need this' or 'I can do without this'.

Muito obrigado pela oferta generosa, mas eu vou dispensar a sobremesa hoje porque estou de dieta.

Another fascinating and highly common idiomatic use of this verb is found in the phrase 'dispensa apresentações'. This translates directly to 'dispenses presentations' but actually means 'needs no introduction'. You will hear this constantly in formal events, television shows, and award ceremonies when a very famous person is about to be brought onto the stage.

Tertiary Meaning: To Provide or Bestow
In more formal or literary contexts, 'dispensar' can surprisingly mean to provide, give, or bestow something, such as attention, care, or treatment. For example, 'dispensar cuidados' means to provide care. This is an older, more traditional usage that is mostly found in written Portuguese, official documents, or highly formal speeches.

O novo palestrante é tão famoso e reconhecido internacionalmente que ele dispensa apresentações.

O médico prometeu dispensar toda a atenção necessária ao paciente idoso durante a sua recuperação no hospital.

To truly master the verb 'dispensar', one must practice identifying the context quickly. Is the subject a boss talking about an employee? Then it means to fire. Is the subject a person talking about a slice of cake? Then it means to decline. Is the subject a judge talking about a legal requirement? Then it means to waive or exempt. This contextual flexibility makes 'dispensar' a powerful tool in your Portuguese vocabulary arsenal.

A lei atual permite dispensar a licitação em casos de emergência nacional ou calamidade pública declarada.

Using the verb 'dispensar' correctly requires a solid understanding of its transitivity and the prepositions it pairs with, as these grammatical elements shift depending on the intended meaning. The verb can be used as a direct transitive verb, an indirect transitive verb, or a bitransitive verb (taking both a direct and an indirect object). Let us break down the mechanics of how to construct sentences with 'dispensar' in various everyday and formal scenarios.

Direct Transitive Usage (Dispensar algo/alguém)
When 'dispensar' means to fire someone, to reject something, or to not need something, it is typically used as a direct transitive verb. This means it connects directly to its object without the need for a preposition. You simply say 'dispensar' followed by the noun or pronoun.

A diretoria decidiu dispensar o coordenador de marketing após os resultados ruins do último trimestre.

In the example above, 'o coordenador' is the direct object. There is no preposition between the verb and the object. This structure is identical when you are declining an object or an offer. If someone offers you a plastic bag at the supermarket and you have your own reusable bag, you can simply say 'Dispenso a sacola, obrigado'. The verb connects directly to 'a sacola'.

Eu sempre dispenso o canudo de plástico quando peço um suco no restaurante para ajudar o meio ambiente.

Bitransitive Usage (Dispensar alguém de algo)
When 'dispensar' means to excuse or exempt someone from a duty or obligation, it requires both a direct object (the person being excused) and an indirect object introduced by the preposition 'de' (the duty they are excused from). The structure is 'dispensar [person] de [obligation]'.

O professor resolveu dispensar os alunos da prova final porque todos entregaram excelentes trabalhos práticos.

Notice the presence of 'da' (de + a) before 'prova final'. This preposition is absolutely mandatory when expressing exemption. If you say 'dispensar os alunos a prova', it is grammatically incorrect and confusing. You can also use this in the passive voice, which is very common in administrative contexts: 'Os alunos foram dispensados da prova'.

Fui dispensado do serviço militar obrigatório por causa de um problema crônico na minha visão.

Formal Bitransitive Usage (Dispensar algo a alguém)
In the formal sense of providing or bestowing (care, attention, treatment), the verb takes a direct object (the thing being provided) and an indirect object introduced by the preposition 'a' or 'para' (the person receiving it). The structure is 'dispensar [care/attention] a [person]'.

A enfermeira costuma dispensar cuidados especiais aos pacientes mais idosos daquela ala do hospital.

This specific usage is highly elevated and mostly restricted to formal writing, journalism, or official speeches. You will rarely hear a teenager say 'Vou dispensar atenção ao meu cachorro'. They would instead say 'Vou dar atenção ao meu cachorro'. However, recognizing this structure is vital for reading comprehension at the B2 and C1 levels.

The verb 'dispensar' is ubiquitous in the Portuguese language, appearing across a wide spectrum of social settings, from the most rigid corporate boardrooms to the most relaxed conversations among friends at a local bar. Its chameleon-like ability to adapt its meaning to the environment makes it a fascinating word to observe in the wild. Let us explore the primary domains where you are most likely to encounter this verb and how its flavor changes in each context.

The Corporate and Professional World
In business environments, 'dispensar' is the go-to euphemism for terminating an employee's contract. It is considered slightly more polite and less aggressive than 'demitir' (to fire) or 'mandar embora' (to send away/sack). Human resources professionals use it extensively in official communications, emails, and meetings to soften the harsh reality of layoffs.

Infelizmente, a empresa precisou dispensar grande parte da equipe de vendas devido à crise econômica global.

You will also hear it in professional settings regarding the waiving of formalities. A manager might say 'podemos dispensar as formalidades' (we can dispense with the formalities) to encourage a more relaxed meeting atmosphere. In legal and administrative jargon, 'dispensa' (the noun form) is constantly used, such as 'dispensa de licitação' (waiver of public bidding), which is a common phrase in government news.

O diretor sugeriu dispensar a apresentação em slides para que pudéssemos ter uma conversa mais direta e franca.

Educational Institutions
Schools and universities are another major hub for the word 'dispensar'. Here, it almost exclusively means to excuse or exempt a student from an academic obligation. If a student has already passed a subject in a previous course, they can request to be 'dispensado' from taking it again. Teachers also use it to dismiss the class early.

Como terminei o exercício antes do tempo, o professor decidiu me dispensar da aula mais cedo hoje.

Students eagerly wait to hear the phrase 'estão dispensados' (you are dismissed) at the end of a long lecture. It signals freedom. Furthermore, in university administration, the process of transferring credits often involves a 'pedido de dispensa de disciplina' (request for course exemption).

Consegui dispensar três matérias na faculdade nova porque já as havia cursado na minha universidade anterior.

Everyday Casual Conversations
In daily life, 'dispensar' is frequently used to decline things. Whether it is refusing a second slice of pizza, declining an invitation to a party you do not want to attend, or turning down a promotional leaflet on the street, 'dispensar' is the verb of choice for saying 'no, thank you' without necessarily using the word 'no'.

A festa parecia muito animada, mas eu estava tão cansado do trabalho que resolvi dispensar o convite.

It is also heavily used in the idiom 'dispensa comentários' (needs no comments/speaks for itself) or 'dispensa apresentações' (needs no introduction). You will hear sports commentators use this when a famous player enters the field, or food critics use it when describing a universally loved dish.

While 'dispensar' is a highly useful verb, its multiple meanings and specific prepositional requirements make it a minefield for common mistakes, especially for learners transitioning from A2 to B1 levels. Misusing this verb can lead to awkward misunderstandings, ranging from accidentally firing someone in your mind to sounding overly formal in a casual setting. Let us examine the most frequent errors and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Confusing Prepositions (de vs. a)
The most prevalent grammatical error is mixing up the prepositions when using the bitransitive forms of 'dispensar'. Remember that 'dispensar de' means to exempt from an obligation, while 'dispensar a' means to provide care or attention to someone. Swapping these completely destroys the meaning of the sentence.

INCORRETO: O chefe vai dispensar o funcionário ao trabalho. (Incorrect preposition makes it nonsensical).

CORRETO: O chefe vai dispensar o funcionário do trabalho. (The boss will excuse the employee from work).

Another common prepositional mistake occurs when learners try to translate the English phrase 'dispense with' directly into Portuguese. In English, you 'dispense with formalities'. In Portuguese, 'dispensar' in this sense is a direct transitive verb. You do not use 'com'. You simply say 'dispensar as formalidades'. Adding 'com' is a classic Anglicism.

Mistake 2: Overusing it for Simple Refusals
While 'dispensar' can mean to decline or reject, using it for very simple, everyday refusals can sometimes sound a bit arrogant or overly dramatic if not delivered with the right tone. If someone asks 'Quer água?' (Do you want water?), replying with 'Dispenso' can sound like 'I reject your water'. It is often better to just say 'Não, obrigado'.

CUIDADO: Responder apenas 'Dispenso' quando alguém oferece um café pode soar um pouco rude ou distante.

'Dispensar' for refusals is best used when you are declining an event, a complex offer, or when you want to emphasize that something is truly unnecessary. 'Vou dispensar a sobremesa' is fine, but 'Dispenso a sua opinião' (I dispense with your opinion) is highly aggressive and confrontational.

MELHOR USO: Eu adoraria ir ao cinema com vocês, mas hoje vou ter que dispensar porque tenho muito estudo.

Mistake 3: False Friends and Similar Words
Learners sometimes confuse 'dispensar' with 'despistar' (to mislead/lose track) or 'desperdiçar' (to waste) because they sound somewhat similar. Always remember that 'dispensar' is about releasing, exempting, or rejecting, not about wasting resources or tricking someone.

INCORRETO: Não devemos dispensar comida. (You mean 'desperdiçar' - waste).

To truly enrich your Portuguese vocabulary, it is essential to understand the synonyms and related words that orbit around 'dispensar'. Because 'dispensar' has multiple distinct meanings (to fire, to exempt, to reject, to provide), its synonyms change drastically depending on the specific context. Let us explore the most common alternatives and the subtle nuances that differentiate them from 'dispensar'.

Synonyms for Firing: Demitir and Despedir
When 'dispensar' is used in the context of terminating employment, its most direct synonyms are 'demitir' and 'despedir'. 'Demitir' is the formal, legal term used in contracts and official HR documents. It is neutral but firm. 'Despedir' is slightly more colloquial but still standard. 'Dispensar', as mentioned earlier, is often used as a euphemism to make the firing sound less harsh.

A empresa decidiu demitir (ou dispensar) os funcionários que não atingiram as metas de vendas do ano.

While you can use these interchangeably in a general sense, a manager might prefer to say 'Tivemos que dispensar o João' rather than 'Nós demitimos o João' when talking to the rest of the team, to maintain morale and frame the departure gently.

O verbo despedir carrega um peso emocional um pouco maior do que a palavra dispensar no ambiente corporativo.

Synonyms for Exempting: Isentar and Desobrigar
When 'dispensar' means to excuse someone from a duty or obligation, the best formal synonyms are 'isentar' and 'desobrigar'. 'Isentar' is heavily used in legal and tax contexts (e.g., isentar de impostos - to exempt from taxes). 'Desobrigar' literally means to un-obligate.

O governo decidiu isentar (ou dispensar) os idosos do pagamento da taxa de renovação da carteira de motorista.

'Dispensar' is generally more versatile and colloquial than 'isentar'. You would say a teacher 'dispensou' the students from homework, but you would rarely say the teacher 'isentou' them, as 'isentar' sounds too legalistic for a classroom setting.

O atestado médico serve para desobrigar o funcionário de comparecer ao trabalho durante o período de recuperação.

Synonyms for Rejecting/Not Needing: Prescindir and Recusar
When 'dispensar' means to not need or to reject, 'prescindir' is a highly elevated, formal synonym. 'Prescindir de' means to do without something. 'Recusar' means to actively refuse or reject something.

Um projeto de tamanha magnitude não pode prescindir (ou dispensar) do apoio financeiro de grandes investidores internacionais.

'Prescindir' is a C1/C2 level word. You will see it in literature and formal essays. 'Recusar' is more active; it implies someone offered you something and you said no. 'Dispensar' can mean you just do not need it, even if it was not explicitly offered.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Informal

""

Jerga

""

Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

Ejemplos por nivel

1

Eu dispenso a sacola, obrigado.

I don't need the bag, thank you.

Direct transitive use for declining an object.

2

O professor dispensou a turma.

The teacher dismissed the class.

Direct transitive use meaning to dismiss.

3

Você está dispensado.

You are dismissed.

Passive voice, very common for dismissal.

4

Eu dispenso o recibo.

I don't need the receipt.

Using 'dispensar' to say something is unnecessary.

5

Ela dispensou a sobremesa.

She skipped/declined the dessert.

Past tense, declining an offer.

6

Nós dispensamos a ajuda.

We don't need the help.

First person plural, declining assistance.

7

Eles foram dispensados cedo.

They were dismissed early.

Passive voice in the plural.

8

Dispenso o açúcar no café.

I'll pass on the sugar in the coffee.

First person singular, present tense, everyday refusal.

1

O chefe vai dispensar o João amanhã.

The boss is going to fire João tomorrow.

Future phrase (vai + infinitive) meaning to fire.

2

Fui dispensado do trabalho hoje.

I was let go from work today.

Passive voice meaning to be fired/laid off.

3

O médico me dispensou da aula.

The doctor excused me from class.

Bitransitive: dispensar [alguém] de [alguma coisa].

4

A empresa precisou dispensar dez funcionários.

The company had to lay off ten employees.

Infinitive used after the verb 'precisar'.

5

Podemos dispensar essa reunião?

Can we skip this meeting?

Using 'dispensar' to mean 'to skip' or 'make unnecessary'.

6

Ela pediu para ser dispensada mais cedo.

She asked to be excused earlier.

Passive infinitive (ser dispensada).

7

Vou dispensar o casaco, está calor.

I'll leave the coat, it's hot.

Declining to use an item because it's unnecessary.

8

Eles dispensaram o uso de máscaras.

They dropped the requirement to use masks.

Meaning to waive a rule or requirement.

1

Esta banda famosa dispensa apresentações.

This famous band needs no introduction.

Common idiom: 'dispensa apresentações'.

2

O diretor dispensou os alunos de fazerem o exame final.

The principal excused the students from taking the final exam.

Dispensar + de + infinitive verb (fazerem).

3

Com esse aplicativo, você dispensa o uso de dinheiro em espécie.

With this app, you eliminate the need for cash.

Meaning to make something obsolete or unnecessary.

4

A atitude dele dispensa comentários.

His attitude speaks for itself (needs no comments).

Common idiom: 'dispensa comentários'.

5

Pedi dispensa do serviço de júri por motivos de saúde.

I requested an exemption from jury duty for health reasons.

Using the noun form 'dispensa'.

6

A fábrica anunciou a dispensa de centenas de operários.

The factory announced the layoff of hundreds of workers.

Noun form used for mass firings.

7

Se você não quer ir, simplesmente diga que dispensa o convite.

If you don't want to go, simply say you decline the invitation.

Using 'dispensar' as a polite but firm refusal.

8

O novo modelo de carro dispensa a chave tradicional.

The new car model does away with the traditional key.

Describing technological advancement making something unnecessary.

1

Fui dispensado do serviço militar obrigatório por excesso de contingente.

I was exempted from mandatory military service due to a surplus of conscripts.

Formal administrative use of exemption.

2

A enfermeira prometeu dispensar os melhores cuidados ao paciente.

The nurse promised to provide the best care to the patient.

Formal usage: dispensar algo a alguém (to provide/bestow).

3

O governo publicou um decreto de dispensa de licitação para a compra de vacinas.

The government published a decree waiving the bidding process for the purchase of vaccines.

Legal/administrative terminology.

4

A empresa tentou justificar a dispensa arbitrária dos funcionários mais antigos.

The company tried to justify the arbitrary dismissal of the oldest employees.

Legal labor term: 'dispensa arbitrária' (dismissal without just cause).

5

Podemos dispensar as formalidades e nos tratar por 'você'.

We can dispense with the formalities and use 'você' with each other.

Social phrase to break the ice and lower the register.

6

O autor dispensa o uso de pontuação tradicional em sua nova obra.

The author dispenses with the use of traditional punctuation in his new work.

Literary critique usage.

7

É impossível dispensar a colaboração de todos neste projeto complexo.

It is impossible to do without everyone's collaboration on this complex project.

Meaning 'to do without' (prescindir).

8

A diretoria decidiu dispensar-lhe um tratamento especial devido à sua longa trajetória.

The board decided to give him special treatment due to his long career.

Use of indirect object pronoun '-lhe' with the formal meaning of 'to provide'.

1

A lei prevê a dispensa de retenção na fonte para rendimentos inferiores ao limite estipulado.

The law provides for the exemption of withholding tax for incomes below the stipulated limit.

Advanced legal and tax terminology.

2

O palestrante dispensou grande atenção às nuances sociológicas do problema.

The speaker devoted great attention to the sociological nuances of the problem.

Formal use of 'dispensar atenção a' (to devote attention to).

3

Trata-se de um luxo do qual não podemos nos dar ao luxo de dispensar.

It is a luxury that we cannot afford to do without.

Complex syntax involving reflexive verbs and 'dispensar' as 'to do without'.

4

A dispensa imotivada gerou uma série de processos trabalhistas contra a corporação.

The dismissal without cause generated a series of labor lawsuits against the corporation.

Specific legal term: 'dispensa imotivada'.

5

O crítico argumentou que o filme dispensa a narrativa linear em favor de uma montagem caótica.

The critic argued that the film dispenses with linear narrative in favor of chaotic editing.

Academic/critical analysis vocabulary.

6

Ao dispensar as amarras da métrica clássica, o poeta encontrou sua verdadeira voz.

By dispensing with the constraints of classical meter, the poet found his true voice.

Literary context, metaphorical use of 'dispensar'.

7

A nova legislação visa coibir a dispensa discriminatória no ambiente de trabalho.

The new legislation aims to curb discriminatory dismissal in the workplace.

Advanced HR and labor law vocabulary.

8

O anfitrião dispensou-nos uma acolhida tão calorosa que nos sentimos imediatamente em casa.

The host gave us such a warm welcome that we immediately felt at home.

Highly formal, literary use of 'dispensar' meaning to offer or bestow.

1

O sábio é aquele que aprende a dispensar o efêmero para focar no que é perene.

The wise man is he who learns to dispense with the ephemeral to focus on what is perennial.

Philosophical, abstract usage.

2

A jurisprudência atual vacila quanto à validade da dispensa coletiva sem negociação sindical prévia.

Current jurisprudence wavers regarding the validity of collective dismissal without prior union negotiation.

Highly specialized legal jargon.

3

Em sua arrogância, o monarca acreditava poder dispensar os conselhos de seus ministros mais experientes.

In his arrogance, the monarch believed he could dispense with the advice of his most experienced ministers.

Historical/literary narrative style.

4

A arquitetura brutalista do edifício dispensa ornamentos, revelando a crueza estrutural do concreto.

The brutalist architecture of the building dispenses with ornaments, revealing the structural rawness of the concrete.

Art and architecture critique vocabulary.

5

Não se pode dispensar a hipótese de que a anomalia estatística seja fruto de um viés sistêmico.

One cannot dismiss the hypothesis that the statistical anomaly is the result of a systemic bias.

Academic, scientific research terminology.

6

A retórica populista frequentemente dispensa a complexidade factual em prol de slogans palatáveis.

Populist rhetoric frequently dispenses with factual complexity in favor of palatable slogans.

Political science and sociological analysis.

7

A benevolência que lhe foi dispensada durante o exílio jamais seria esquecida.

The benevolence bestowed upon him during his exile would never be forgotten.

Passive voice in a highly elevated, literary register.

8

Prescindir e dispensar, embora sinônimos em certos contextos, guardam sutilezas semânticas que o tradutor não deve ignorar.

To do without and to dispense with, although synonyms in certain contexts, hold semantic subtleties that the translator must not ignore.

Metalinguistic discussion of the verb itself.

Colocaciones comunes

dispensar apresentações
dispensar o funcionário
dispensar de licitação
dispensar do serviço
dispensar comentários
dispensar a presença
dispensar o uso
dispensar cuidados
dispensar atenção
dispensar formalidades

Frases Comunes

Ele foi dispensado mais cedo.

Isso dispensa comentários.

O professor me dispensou da prova.

A empresa precisou dispensar funcionários.

Dispenso a sua ajuda.

Você está dispensado.

Ela dispensa apresentações.

Podemos dispensar essa etapa.

Fui dispensado do exército.

Não posso dispensar esse serviço.

Se confunde a menudo con

dispensar vs despistar

dispensar vs desperdiçar

dispensar vs demitir

Modismos y expresiones

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Fácil de confundir

dispensar vs

dispensar vs

dispensar vs

dispensar vs

dispensar vs

Patrones de oraciones

Cómo usarlo

note

The verb is highly dependent on context. Always look at the object to determine if it means to fire, excuse, reject, or provide.

Errores comunes
  • Using 'dispensar com' as a direct translation of 'dispense with'.
  • Confusing the noun 'dispensa' (exemption) with 'despensa' (pantry).
  • Using the wrong preposition (dispensar a prova instead of dispensar da prova).
  • Saying 'dispenso' aggressively when a simple 'não, obrigado' would be better.
  • Confusing 'dispensar' (to excuse/fire) with 'desperdiçar' (to waste).

Consejos

Tone Matters

When using 'dispenso' to decline an offer, your tone of voice is crucial. A warm, polite tone makes it an acceptable refusal. A harsh or flat tone can make it sound arrogant. Always pair it with 'obrigado' (thank you) to be safe. Reserve it for things you truly do not need.

Watch the Preposition 'De'

When you excuse someone from a task, you must use the preposition 'de'. Remember to contract it with the article of the noun. For example, dispensar 'da' prova (de + a), dispensar 'do' serviço (de + o). Forgetting the preposition changes the meaning entirely.

Corporate Euphemism

In business Portuguese, 'dispensar' is the ultimate euphemism. HR departments love this word because it sounds less aggressive than 'demitir'. If you are reading Brazilian business news, 'dispensa em massa' means mass layoffs. It is a vital term for professional fluency.

Needs No Introduction

Memorize the phrase 'dispensa apresentações'. It is a fantastic, native-sounding chunk of language to use when talking about famous people, classic movies, or renowned books. It instantly elevates your speaking level and shows cultural awareness.

Dispensa vs. Despensa

Be very careful with spelling. 'A dispensa' (with an 'i') is the noun form of dispensar, meaning exemption or dismissal. 'A despensa' (with an 'e') is a pantry where you keep food in your house. Mixing them up in writing can cause funny misunderstandings.

Academic Exemptions

If you are studying in a Portuguese-speaking country, 'pedir dispensa de disciplina' is the official term for requesting course credits to be transferred. You use this when you have already taken a similar class and want to be excused from taking it again.

Formal Provision

At advanced levels, remember that 'dispensar' can mean to give or provide (e.g., dispensar atenção). This is a bitransitive use requiring the preposition 'a'. It is mostly found in literature and formal speeches. Do not use it this way in casual chats at a bar.

Avoid 'Com'

English speakers often try to translate 'dispense with' literally by adding the preposition 'com' (dispensar com). This is grammatically incorrect in Portuguese. 'Dispensar' is a direct transitive verb in this context. Just say 'dispensar as regras', not 'dispensar com as regras'.

Dropping the Object

In spoken Brazilian Portuguese, people often drop the direct object if it is obvious. If someone asks 'Quer o recibo?' (Do you want the receipt?), the natural answer is often just 'Dispenso', rather than 'Eu dispenso o recibo'. Get used to hearing this short answer.

Vary Your Vocabulary

While 'dispensar' is great, try to use its synonyms to sound more advanced. Use 'isentar' for taxes and fees. Use 'prescindir' in formal writing when you mean 'to do without'. Use 'demitir' when talking about legal employment termination.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a DISPENSER. If a soap dispenser is empty, you DISMISS it. If you don't need soap, you say 'I DISPENSE with it'.

Origen de la palabra

Latin

Contexto cultural

Highly used as a euphemism for firing someone to soften the blow. 'Certificado de dispensa' is a crucial document for young men regarding military service.

Used similarly for exemptions and declining, but 'despedir' is more common for firing in casual conversation.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"Você já foi dispensado de alguma prova na escola?"

"O que você acha de empresas que dispensam funcionários por WhatsApp?"

"Qual foi a última vez que você dispensou um convite para sair?"

"Você acha que a tecnologia vai dispensar o trabalho humano no futuro?"

"Quem é a pessoa famosa que, para você, dispensa apresentações?"

Temas para diario

Escreva sobre uma vez em que você teve que dispensar a ajuda de alguém.

Descreva como você se sentiria se fosse dispensado do seu emprego atual.

Faça uma lista de coisas na sua vida moderna que você não pode dispensar.

Escreva um e-mail formal pedindo dispensa de uma obrigação.

Relate uma situação que 'dispensa comentários'.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Both words can mean to fire someone from a job. However, 'demitir' is the formal, legal term for terminating an employment contract. 'Dispensar' is slightly more colloquial but still widely used in business. It carries the literal meaning of 'excusing' someone from their services. Many managers prefer 'dispensar' to soften the blow of a layoff.

Yes, it is very common to use 'dispensar' to decline an offer. If someone offers you a flyer, you can say 'dispenso, obrigado'. It means you do not need it. However, be careful with your tone. If said abruptly, it can sound dismissive or rude.

This is a very common idiom in Portuguese. It literally translates to 'dispenses presentations'. It means that someone or something is so famous or well-known that they 'need no introduction'. You will hear this often at events or on television.

It depends entirely on the meaning. If you are firing someone or rejecting something, you do not need a preposition (e.g., dispensar o funcionário). If you are excusing someone from a duty, you must use 'de' (e.g., dispensar da prova). If you are providing care, you use 'a' (e.g., dispensar cuidados ao paciente).

Yes, 'dispensar' is a completely regular verb ending in -ar. It follows all the standard conjugation rules for this group. For example, in the present tense: eu dispenso, tu dispensas, ele dispensa, nós dispensamos, vós dispensais, eles dispensam. There are no irregular stem changes.

The noun form is 'a dispensa'. It means the exemption, the waiver, or the dismissal. For example, 'pedir dispensa' means to ask for an exemption. Do not confuse it with 'a despensa', which is a pantry where food is stored. They sound similar but are spelled differently.

No, 'dispensar' does not mean to waste. The Portuguese word for to waste is 'desperdiçar'. This is a common false friend for learners. If you throw away good food, you are 'desperdiçando' it, not 'dispensando' it.

The passive voice is very common with this verb, especially for firings and exemptions. You use the verb 'ser' + the past participle 'dispensado(a)'. For example: 'O aluno foi dispensado' (The student was excused) or 'A funcionária foi dispensada' (The employee was fired). Make sure the participle matches the gender and number of the subject.

This is a formal usage meaning 'to provide care' or 'to bestow care'. It is often used in medical or formal contexts. For example, 'O hospital dispensa cuidados aos doentes'. It is the opposite of rejecting; it means actively giving attention or treatment.

Generally, yes, the core meanings of exempting and declining are the same. However, in Portugal, the verb 'despedir' is much more commonly used in everyday speech for firing someone. In Brazil, 'dispensar' and 'demitir' are the dominant terms for job termination.

Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas

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