emprego
emprego en 30 segundos
- Emprego means a formal, paid job or position.
- It is a masculine noun: 'o emprego'.
- Commonly confused with 'trabalho' (work/task).
- Used in economic contexts like 'taxa de emprego'.
The Portuguese word emprego primarily refers to a formal, paid position of regular employment. While it is often used interchangeably with 'trabalho' (work) in casual conversation, 'emprego' specifically denotes the contractual relationship or the specific role one holds within an organization. In a broader sense, it can also refer to the act of using or applying something, though its most common application is in the economic and professional sphere. Understanding 'emprego' is fundamental for anyone navigating the Lusophone world, as it touches upon daily life, social status, and economic stability.
- Formal Definition
- A specific post or office held by a person in exchange for a salary or wage, typically involving a contract and social security benefits.
Finalmente consegui um emprego na minha área de estudos.
In the context of the labor market, 'emprego' is a quantifiable unit. Economists talk about 'taxa de emprego' (employment rate) and 'geração de emprego' (job creation). For a learner, it is crucial to distinguish between 'ter um emprego' (having a job) and 'estar a trabalhar' (to be working/at work). The former is a state of being employed, while the latter is the action of performing tasks. This distinction is vital for accurate communication in professional settings.
- Etymological Root
- Derived from the verb 'empregar', which comes from the Latin 'implicare', meaning to involve or entangle—originally referring to being 'involved' in a task.
O mercado de emprego está muito competitivo este ano.
Furthermore, 'emprego' carries a connotation of stability. In many Lusophone cultures, 'um bom emprego' (a good job) implies not just high pay, but also benefits like 'seguro de saúde' (health insurance) and 'reforma' (pension). This cultural weight makes the word central to social discussions regarding the economy and government policy. When politicians speak of 'pleno emprego', they are referring to the ideal state where everyone who wants to work has a formal position.
Perder o emprego foi um desafio, mas abriu novas portas.
- Synonym Comparison
- Unlike 'ocupação' (which can be a hobby) or 'ofício' (which implies a craft), 'emprego' is strictly institutional.
Ela procura um emprego de meio período.
O emprego público é muito desejado em Portugal.
Using the word emprego correctly involves pairing it with the right verbs and prepositions. It is a masculine noun ('o emprego'), and its plural is 'empregos'. The most common verbs used with it are 'procurar' (to look for), 'conseguir' (to get/obtain), 'perder' (to lose), and 'oferecer' (to offer). When you are talking about your current state, you say 'Tenho um emprego' or 'Estou num emprego'.
- Common Verb Pairings
- Procurar emprego (Job hunting), Mudar de emprego (Change jobs), Criar empregos (Create jobs).
Estou a procurar emprego desde o mês passado.
In formal writing, 'emprego' can also mean the 'use' of something. For example, 'o emprego de novas tecnologias' means 'the use of new technologies'. However, 95% of the time, you will encounter it in the context of work. When describing the type of job, use adjectives like 'estável' (stable), 'precário' (precarious), 'qualificado' (skilled), or 'remunerado' (paid).
- Prepositional Usage
- 'Emprego em' (Job in [company/field]), 'Emprego de' (Job as [role/type]).
Ele conseguiu um emprego de professor em Lisboa.
When discussing the duration or nature of the work, you might hear 'emprego a tempo inteiro' (full-time job) or 'emprego a meio tempo' (part-time job). In Brazil, 'emprego temporário' is common during holiday seasons. Understanding these modifiers allows you to be specific about your professional situation.
Mudar de emprego exige coragem e planeamento.
- Abstract Usage
- 'O emprego do tempo' (The use of time) - this is more literary and less common in daily speech.
A empresa oferece um emprego com excelentes benefícios.
O emprego ideal não existe, mas podemos encontrar um que nos satisfaça.
The word emprego is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking societies. You will hear it in the news during economic reports, in the office during lunch breaks, and at home when discussing future plans. It is a 'high-frequency' word because it relates to a core human need: financial security. In Portugal and Brazil, the 'telejornal' (news) often leads with segments on 'o estado do emprego' (the state of employment).
- News & Media
- 'A taxa de desemprego caiu' (The unemployment rate fell) or 'Novos postos de emprego foram criados'.
O governo anunciou novas medidas para estimular o emprego jovem.
In a social context, 'emprego' is a standard topic for small talk. When meeting someone new, after asking 'Como te chamas?' (What is your name?), the next question is often 'O que fazes?' or 'Qual é o teu emprego?'. It serves as a social marker. In professional networking events, you'll hear terms like 'procura ativa de emprego' (active job search) and 'oferta de emprego' (job offer).
- Daily Conversations
- 'Estou farto do meu emprego' (I'm fed up with my job) or 'O meu emprego é muito stressante'.
Viste aquele anúncio de emprego no LinkedIn?
Furthermore, in the digital age, 'emprego' is the keyword for millions of searches on platforms like Indeed, Net-Empregos (Portugal), or Catho (Brazil). You'll see it on signs in shop windows: 'Precisa-se de empregado' (Employee needed) or 'Há vagas de emprego'. It is a word that signals opportunity and movement within the social fabric.
Conseguir o primeiro emprego é um marco na vida de qualquer pessoa.
- Academic/Legal Context
- 'Contrato de emprego' (Employment contract) - the legal document binding employer and employee.
O emprego vitalício está a tornar-se uma raridade.
Muitos jovens emigram em busca de um emprego melhor.
One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is the confusion between emprego and trabalho. While 'job' and 'work' are often interchangeable in English, in Portuguese, 'emprego' is the position and 'trabalho' is the activity. You can have a 'trabalho' (like cleaning your house) without having an 'emprego' (a formal job). Conversely, you can be at your 'emprego' but not doing any 'trabalho' at the moment.
- Mistake 1: Gender Error
- Saying 'a emprego'. It is always 'o emprego' (masculine).
Incorrect: Ela tem uma boa emprego.
Correct: Ela tem um bom emprego.
Another mistake is using 'emprego' when you mean 'career' (carreira) or 'profession' (profissão). 'Emprego' is your current role; 'carreira' is the long-term path. If you say 'Meu emprego é medicina', it sounds slightly off; better to say 'Minha profissão é médico' or 'Trabalho como médico'. Also, avoid using 'emprego' for unpaid volunteer work; use 'voluntariado' instead.
- Mistake 2: Preposition Confusion
- Using 'emprego para' instead of 'emprego em'.
Procuro um emprego em marketing (not 'para' marketing).
Learners also struggle with the verb 'empregar'. While it means 'to employ', in daily life, people usually say 'contratar' (to hire). 'A empresa contratou dez pessoas' is more common than 'A empresa empregou dez pessoas', though both are correct. Using 'empregar' can sometimes sound overly formal or technical.
Não confunda emprego (job) com trabalho (work/task).
- False Friends
- 'Emprego' is NOT 'Empire'. That would be 'Império'.
Ele perdeu o emprego, mas não a esperança.
Um emprego estável é o sonho de muitos.
To truly master the vocabulary of the workplace, you must understand how emprego relates to its synonyms and near-synonyms. Each word carries a specific nuance that changes the tone of your sentence. While 'emprego' is the standard term for a job, words like 'vaga', 'posto', 'cargo', and 'ocupação' offer more precision in different contexts.
- Emprego vs. Trabalho
- Emprego is the contract/position; Trabalho is the effort/activity. You go to your 'emprego' to do your 'trabalho'.
Tenho muito trabalho hoje no meu emprego.
'Vaga' refers to an opening or vacancy. You apply for a 'vaga' to get an 'emprego'. 'Cargo' refers to the specific title or rank you hold within a company, such as 'Cargo de Diretor'. 'Posto' is often used for physical locations or specific stations, like 'posto de trabalho' (workstation) or in military/police contexts. 'Ocupação' is a broader term that can include any activity that fills one's time, including hobbies or unpaid roles.
- Emprego vs. Profissão
- Profissão is what you studied for (e.g., Engineer); Emprego is who pays you now (e.g., Engineer at Google).
Ele mudou de emprego, mas manteve a mesma profissão.
In Brazil, you might hear 'bico' for an informal, temporary job (a 'gig'). In Portugal, 'tacho' is a slang term for a job obtained through connections rather than merit (often in politics). Knowing these variations helps you understand the social commentary often embedded in discussions about work. 'Carreira' (career) is the sum of all your 'empregos' over time.
A vaga de emprego foi preenchida rapidamente.
- Formal vs. Informal
- Emprego (Formal) | Trampo (Informal/Slang in Brazil) | Bolada (Slang for a high-paying job).
O cargo de gerência exige muita responsabilidade.
Ela tem um emprego estável no setor público.
How Formal Is It?
Nivel de dificultad
Gramática que debes saber
Nouns ending in -o are usually masculine.
Contractions with 'de' (do emprego, dum emprego).
Placement of adjectives after nouns.
Use of 'ser' vs 'estar' with professional status.
Direct object pronouns with 'conseguir' (Consegui-o).
Ejemplos por nivel
Eu tenho um emprego.
I have a job.
Simple SVO structure.
O meu emprego é bom.
My job is good.
Possessive 'meu' + noun.
Ela procura um emprego.
She is looking for a job.
Present tense verb 'procurar'.
Onde é o teu emprego?
Where is your job?
Question with 'onde'.
Eu quero um emprego novo.
I want a new job.
Adjective 'novo' follows the noun.
Ele não tem emprego.
He doesn't have a job.
Negative 'não' before the verb.
É um emprego fácil.
It is an easy job.
Adjective 'fácil' describing the job.
Um emprego em Lisboa.
A job in Lisbon.
Preposition 'em' for location.
Consegui um emprego ontem.
I got a job yesterday.
Past tense 'consegui'.
O meu emprego é de meio período.
My job is part-time.
Compound noun 'meio período'.
Gosto muito do meu emprego.
I like my job very much.
Contraction 'do' (de + o).
Perdi o meu emprego em março.
I lost my job in March.
Past tense 'perdi'.
O emprego fica perto de casa.
The job is near home.
Prepositional phrase 'perto de'.
Precisas de um emprego?
Do you need a job?
Verb 'precisar' requires 'de'.
O emprego dele é difícil.
His job is difficult.
Possessive 'dele' (of him).
Vou ao meu emprego de autocarro.
I go to my job by bus.
Preposition 'a' + 'o' = 'ao'.
Estou a pensar em mudar de emprego.
I'm thinking about changing jobs.
Continuous aspect 'estou a pensar'.
O mercado de emprego está difícil.
The job market is difficult.
Abstract noun 'mercado'.
Ela candidatou-se a um emprego na Google.
She applied for a job at Google.
Pronominal verb 'candidatar-se'.
Ter um emprego estável é importante.
Having a stable job is important.
Infinitive as a subject.
Ele foi a uma entrevista de emprego.
He went to a job interview.
Compound noun 'entrevista de emprego'.
O meu emprego atual é stressante.
My current job is stressful.
Adjective 'atual' (current).
Não é fácil encontrar um emprego qualificado.
It's not easy to find a skilled job.
Impersonal 'não é fácil'.
Eles oferecem muitos empregos nesta cidade.
They offer many jobs in this city.
Plural 'empregos'.
A precariedade no emprego é um problema real.
Job precariousness is a real problem.
Noun 'precariedade'.
O governo quer fomentar a criação de emprego.
The government wants to promote job creation.
Verb 'fomentar' (promote/encourage).
Este emprego exige fluência em três línguas.
This job requires fluency in three languages.
Verb 'exigir' (require).
A segurança no emprego diminuiu nos últimos anos.
Job security has decreased in recent years.
Compound 'segurança no emprego'.
Ele aceitou o emprego apesar do baixo salário.
He accepted the job despite the low salary.
Conjunction 'apesar de'.
O emprego de novas tecnologias é essencial.
The use of new technologies is essential.
'Emprego' used as 'use/application'.
Muitos jovens procuram o seu primeiro emprego.
Many young people are looking for their first job.
Ordinal 'primeiro'.
A taxa de emprego subiu ligeiramente este trimestre.
The employment rate rose slightly this quarter.
Adverb 'ligeiramente'.
O pleno emprego é um objetivo macroeconómico.
Full employment is a macroeconomic goal.
Technical term 'pleno emprego'.
A automação ameaça o emprego tradicional.
Automation threatens traditional employment.
Subject 'automação'.
O emprego de meios ilícitos é punível por lei.
The use of illicit means is punishable by law.
'Emprego' meaning 'use' in legal context.
Há uma correlação entre educação e emprego.
There is a correlation between education and employment.
Noun 'correlação'.
A flexibilização das leis de emprego é controversa.
The flexibilization of employment laws is controversial.
Complex noun phrase.
O emprego estrutural exige reformas profundas.
Structural employment requires deep reforms.
Adjective 'estrutural'.
Ela dedicou a vida ao emprego público.
She dedicated her life to public employment.
Indirect object 'ao emprego'.
O desequilíbrio no mercado de emprego gera tensões.
Imbalance in the job market generates tension.
Noun 'desequilíbrio'.
A ontologia do emprego mudou na era digital.
The ontology of employment changed in the digital age.
Philosophical term 'ontologia'.
O emprego judicioso de recursos é vital.
The judicious use of resources is vital.
Adjective 'judicioso'.
A precarização do emprego é um fenómeno global.
The precarization of employment is a global phenomenon.
Advanced noun 'precarização'.
O emprego de metáforas enriquece o discurso.
The use of metaphors enriches the speech.
Literary context.
Analisamos o emprego de capital em mercados emergentes.
We analyzed the use of capital in emerging markets.
Financial context.
O direito ao emprego é um pilar da constituição.
The right to employment is a pillar of the constitution.
Legal 'direito ao'.
A obsolescência do emprego manual é iminente.
The obsolescence of manual employment is imminent.
Noun 'obsolescência'.
O emprego de força excessiva foi condenado.
The use of excessive force was condemned.
Human rights context.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
Se confunde a menudo con
Modismos y expresiones
Fácil de confundir
Patrones de oraciones
Cómo usarlo
Emprego = Job; Trabalho = Work.
Always masculine.
- Confusing 'emprego' with 'trabalho'.
- Using the feminine article 'a'.
- Using 'emprego' for unpaid hobbies.
- Saying 'emprego para' instead of 'emprego em'.
- Confusing 'empregado' (waiter) with any employee in Brazil.
Consejos
Job Hunting
When looking for work, use 'vaga' for the opening and 'emprego' for the role.
Gender
Remember: O emprego. Adjectives must match: um bom emprego.
Stability
In many Lusophone countries, a 'job for life' is still a common ideal.
Brazil
Use 'trampo' only in very casual settings with friends.
Closed E
The 'e' in 'pre' is closed, like the 'e' in 'hey' but shorter.
CVs
Use 'Experiência Profissional' as a heading instead of 'Empregos'.
News
Look for 'taxa de desemprego' to understand economic reports.
Networking
Ask 'Em que área trabalhas?' instead of just 'Qual é o teu emprego?' for better flow.
Public Sector
Public jobs are highly sought after; the process is called 'concurso público'.
Don't say 'a emprego'
It is a common mistake for beginners to guess the gender wrong. It's always 'o'.
Memorízalo
Origen de la palabra
Latin
Contexto cultural
The term 'trampo' is very common slang for 'emprego' or 'trabalho'.
The 'Centro de Emprego' (IEFP) is the main body for job seekers.
Your 'emprego' often defines your social circle in urban areas.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Inicios de conversación
"Qual foi o teu primeiro emprego?"
"Gostas do teu emprego atual?"
"O que procuras num emprego?"
"É fácil encontrar emprego na tua cidade?"
"Preferes um emprego remoto ou no escritório?"
Temas para diario
Descreve o teu emprego de sonho.
Como foi a tua primeira entrevista de emprego?
Quais são os desafios do teu emprego atual?
O que mudarias no mercado de emprego?
A importância do emprego na tua vida.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasEmprego is the formal position or job you hold under a contract. Trabalho is the general act of working or the tasks you perform. You have an emprego, but you do trabalho.
It is masculine. You say 'o emprego' or 'um emprego'.
You say 'entrevista de emprego'.
No, usually 'emprego' implies a paid position. For volunteer work, use 'voluntariado'.
It refers to a job in the public sector or government, known for its stability.
The most common way is 'procurar emprego'.
It means 'part-time'. So 'emprego de meio-período' is a part-time job.
Yes, in formal or technical contexts, it can mean the 'application' or 'use' of a tool or method.
The plural is 'empregos'.
Yes, it is a very high-frequency word in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
Ponte a prueba 190 preguntas
Write a sentence saying you have a job.
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Write 'The job is good'.
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Write 'I am looking for a job'.
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Write 'I lost my job'.
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Write about your dream job (1 sentence).
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Write 'I have a job interview tomorrow'.
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Describe a stable job.
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Write about the job market.
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Discuss job creation (1 sentence).
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Use 'emprego' as 'use'.
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Write 'My job is in Porto'.
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Write 'He has two jobs'.
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Write 'I want to change jobs'.
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Write 'The employment rate fell'.
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Write about structural unemployment.
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Write 'A new job'.
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Write 'Where is the job?'.
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Write 'She got the job'.
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Write 'Job security is important'.
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Write 'The use of force'.
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Say: 'Eu tenho um emprego.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'O meu emprego é bom.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'Procuro um emprego novo.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'Gosto do meu emprego.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'Tenho uma entrevista de emprego.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'Quero mudar de emprego.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'O mercado de emprego está difícil.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'A segurança no emprego é vital.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'A taxa de emprego subiu este mês.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'O pleno emprego é um objetivo.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'Um emprego em Lisboa.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'Perdi o emprego.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'Oferta de emprego.'
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Dijiste:
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Say: 'Contrato de emprego.'
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Dijiste:
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Say: 'Emprego estrutural.'
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Dijiste:
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Say: 'Onde é o emprego?'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'Emprego de meio tempo.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'Candidatar-se ao emprego.'
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Dijiste:
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Say: 'Emprego precário.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'Emprego de recursos.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Listen and write: 'O emprego'.
Listen and write: 'Um emprego'.
Listen and write: 'Novo emprego'.
Listen and write: 'Perdi o emprego'.
Listen and write: 'Entrevista de emprego'.
Listen and write: 'Procurar emprego'.
Listen and write: 'Taxa de emprego'.
Listen and write: 'Mercado de emprego'.
Listen and write: 'Pleno emprego'.
Listen and write: 'Emprego de meios'.
Listen and write: 'Meu emprego'.
Listen and write: 'Bom emprego'.
Listen and write: 'Mudar de emprego'.
Listen and write: 'Segurança no emprego'.
Listen and write: 'Emprego estrutural'.
/ 190 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Emprego is the formal 'position' you hold, while 'trabalho' is the 'activity' you perform. Use 'emprego' when discussing your career status or job hunting. Example: 'Perdi o meu emprego' (I lost my job).
- Emprego means a formal, paid job or position.
- It is a masculine noun: 'o emprego'.
- Commonly confused with 'trabalho' (work/task).
- Used in economic contexts like 'taxa de emprego'.
Job Hunting
When looking for work, use 'vaga' for the opening and 'emprego' for the role.
Gender
Remember: O emprego. Adjectives must match: um bom emprego.
Stability
In many Lusophone countries, a 'job for life' is still a common ideal.
Brazil
Use 'trampo' only in very casual settings with friends.
Ejemplo
Ela conseguiu um bom emprego como professora.
Contenido relacionado
Gramática relacionada
Frases relacionadas
Más palabras de work
a curto prazo
A2A corto plazo; en el corto plazo. Necesitamos una solución a corto plazo para este problema.
à exceção de
B1With the exception of; apart from.
a longo prazo
A2Over a long period of time; long-term.
a não ser que
A2Significa 'a no ser que' o 'a menos que'.
a partir de
A2A partir de; desde. 'A partir de mañana, todo cambiará.' 'Los precios son a partir de veinte pesos.'
a prazo
A2For a period of time; on credit or payment terms.
a tempo inteiro
B1Full-time; working the full number of hours considered normal for a job.
a tempo parcial
B1El contrato a tiempo parcial ofrece flexibilidad a los trabajadores estudiantes.
abdicar
A2To give up, to abdicate; to renounce or relinquish a throne, right, power, or claim.
acessível
B1Accesible, asequible. Fácil de abordar, entender o pagar.