At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to grasp the fundamentals of the Portuguese language. The word 'espécies' is not typically on the absolute beginner vocabulary list, as early lessons focus on basic greetings, numbers, and simple nouns like 'cachorro' (dog) or 'gato' (cat). However, a beginner might encounter 'espécies' if they visit a zoo or read a very basic informational sign about animals. At this stage, the primary goal is simply to recognize the word and associate it with 'animals' or 'types'. A1 learners do not need to worry about the complex pluralization rules or the metaphorical uses of the word. They should focus on recognizing it in its plural form, as it is most commonly seen, and understanding that it refers to groups of living things. If an A1 learner sees a sign saying 'Espécies de aves', they should be able to deduce that it means 'Types of birds'. The financial use ('em espécie') is too advanced and context-specific for this level, so the focus remains strictly on basic biological recognition. Teachers at this level might introduce the word alongside basic animal vocabulary to build a foundation for future learning. The pronunciation, particularly the open 'é' sound and the final 's', can be a good phonetic exercise for beginners learning to navigate Portuguese vowels and consonants.
As learners progress to the A2 level, they begin to construct more complex sentences and engage with a wider variety of texts. At this stage, 'espécies' becomes a more useful and active part of their vocabulary. A2 learners can start using the word to talk about animals and plants in a basic way, such as 'Eu gosto de muitas espécies de animais' (I like many species of animals). They should now be aware that 'espécie' is the singular form and 'espécies' is the plural, and they must practice matching the feminine articles 'a' and 'as' correctly. Furthermore, A2 learners can begin to understand the secondary meaning of 'kinds' or 'types' in simple contexts, although they will likely rely more heavily on the simpler word 'tipos'. For example, they might understand 'Que espécie de comida é essa?' (What kind of food is this?). The financial idiom 'em espécie' might be introduced as a set phrase for tourists, as A2 learners are often taught vocabulary related to shopping, dining, and paying for services. Recognizing 'pagamento em espécie' on a menu or a store window is a highly practical skill for an A2 learner traveling in a Portuguese-speaking country, helping them avoid awkward situations at the cash register.
At the B1 level, learners are expected to handle a variety of everyday situations and express themselves on familiar topics, including nature, environment, and personal preferences. 'Espécies' is a core B1 vocabulary word. Learners should confidently use it in both its biological and categorical senses. They should be able to discuss environmental issues at a basic level, using phrases like 'proteger as espécies ameaçadas' (protect endangered species). The grammatical mastery of the word should be solid: learners must consistently use feminine plural agreements and correctly deploy the preposition 'de' (e.g., espécies de plantas). B1 learners are also expected to actively use 'espécies' as a synonym for 'tipos' to add variety to their speech, saying things like 'Existem várias espécies de problemas' (There are various kinds of problems). The financial term 'em espécie' should be fully integrated into their practical vocabulary, allowing them to ask 'Posso pagar em espécie?' (Can I pay in cash?). At this intermediate stage, the nuance of the word expands, and learners begin to appreciate how a single word can traverse scientific, conversational, and commercial contexts, making their Portuguese sound much more natural and versatile.
B2 learners possess a degree of fluency that allows them to interact with native speakers with relative ease and understand complex texts. For a B2 student, 'espécies' is a tool for nuanced expression. In biological discussions, they can engage with more complex topics such as biodiversity, evolution, and habitat loss, using the word effortlessly alongside advanced vocabulary. They understand the difference between 'espécies', 'raças' (breeds), and 'gêneros' (genera). In everyday conversation, B2 learners use 'espécies' metaphorically and stylistically. They might say 'Foi uma espécie de milagre' (It was a kind of miracle), using the word to express approximation or to soften a statement. This usage shows a deep understanding of Portuguese pragmatics. B2 learners also recognize the word in journalistic and literary contexts, understanding its role in formal writing. They are perfectly comfortable with the financial usage and can navigate banking or commercial conversations where 'espécie' is contrasted with 'transferência bancária' or 'cartão de crédito'. At this level, the focus is on perfecting pronunciation, ensuring the stress is exactly on the first 'e', and using the word with the natural flow and rhythm characteristic of a proficient speaker.
At the C1 advanced level, learners have a high degree of proficiency and can express ideas fluently and spontaneously. The use of 'espécies' at this level is characterized by precision, stylistic choice, and a deep understanding of collocations and idiomatic expressions. C1 learners can read and debate academic papers or high-level journalistic articles concerning 'a preservação das espécies' or 'a extinção em massa de espécies'. They use the word in abstract and intellectual contexts, such as discussing 'espécies de conhecimento' (types of knowledge) or 'espécies de argumentação' (types of argumentation). They are acutely aware of the register, knowing when to choose 'espécies' over 'tipos' to elevate the formality of their speech or writing. Furthermore, C1 learners might encounter specialized legal or administrative uses of the word, such as 'espécies tributárias' (tax categories) in Brazilian law. They understand the subtle irony or humor that can be conveyed by using 'espécie' to describe people, like 'Ele é uma espécie rara' (He is a rare breed/kind), used affectionately or sarcastically. At C1, the word is fully internalized, and the learner manipulates it with the same dexterity as a well-educated native speaker.
The C2 level represents near-native mastery of the language. For a C2 speaker, 'espécies' holds no mysteries. They comprehend its deepest etymological roots and its most obscure usages. C2 users can effortlessly navigate classic Portuguese literature, where 'espécies' might be used in archaic or highly poetic ways to denote appearances, forms, or philosophical categories (e.g., the Aristotelian concept of species). They can write complex academic dissertations, legal briefs, or literary essays utilizing the word with absolute grammatical and stylistic perfection. A C2 speaker understands the minute regional variations in the pronunciation of the final 's' and how the word's usage might slightly differ between Portugal, Brazil, and other lusophone countries. They can play with the word, creating puns or engaging in sophisticated wordplay. In financial discussions, they understand complex economic texts discussing currency circulation 'em espécie' versus digital economies. At this pinnacle of language learning, 'espécies' is not just a vocabulary word to be translated; it is a fundamental concept deeply woven into the speaker's cognitive framework of the Portuguese language, utilized with unconscious competence and profound cultural awareness.

espécies en 30 segundos

  • Biological classification of living organisms.
  • Everyday synonym for 'types' or 'kinds'.
  • Singular 'em espécie' means 'in cash'.
  • Feminine plural noun requiring agreement.
The Portuguese word 'espécies' is a profoundly versatile and essential noun that permeates various domains of the Portuguese language, ranging from the strict scientific classifications in biology to everyday conversational expressions used to categorize the world around us. Fundamentally, 'espécies' translates to 'species' in English, referring to a group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding. This biological definition is paramount when discussing biodiversity, ecology, and the natural sciences. For instance, when exploring the Amazon Rainforest, biologists frequently discuss the discovery of new 'espécies' of flora and fauna, highlighting the rich environmental tapestry of lusophone countries like Brazil and Portugal. However, the utility of this word extends far beyond the laboratory or the jungle. In colloquial and general contexts, 'espécies' is employed to mean 'kinds', 'types', or 'sorts' of things or even people. When someone asks 'Que espécie de pessoa faz isso?' they are asking 'What kind of person does that?', utilizing the word to categorize behavior or moral character rather than biological taxonomy. Furthermore, in legal and financial contexts, the singular form 'espécie' is often used in the phrase 'em espécie', which translates to 'in cash' or 'in kind', denoting physical money as opposed to electronic transfers or credit. Understanding the multifaceted nature of 'espécies' allows learners to navigate both high-register scientific literature and everyday street conversations with equal dexterity.
Biological Context
In biology, it refers to a taxonomic group of organisms that are capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. This is the most common and literal translation of the English word species.

O Brasil abriga milhares de espécies de aves endêmicas.

Categorical Context
In everyday language, it functions similarly to 'types' or 'kinds', allowing speakers to group objects, concepts, or behaviors into recognizable categories without any scientific rigor.

Existem várias espécies de problemas que precisamos resolver hoje.

Financial Context
While mostly used in the singular ('em espécie'), it refers to hard cash. It is crucial for transactions where digital payment methods are not accepted or preferred.

O desconto só é válido para pagamentos em espécie.

Muitas espécies marinhas estão sofrendo com a poluição dos oceanos.

Aquelas duas espécies de plantas não podem ser cultivadas no mesmo vaso.

The rich semantic field of this word ensures that whether you are reading a high-level academic paper on genetics, listening to a news report about the economy, or simply chatting with a friend about the different types of movies you enjoy, 'espécies' will undoubtedly make an appearance. Mastering its usage, along with its dependent prepositions and contextual nuances, is a significant step toward fluency in Portuguese.
Constructing sentences with the word 'espécies' requires a solid understanding of Portuguese gender and number agreement, as well as the appropriate prepositions that bridge this noun to the rest of the sentence. 'Espécies' is a feminine plural noun. Therefore, any articles, adjectives, or pronouns associated with it must also be in the feminine plural form. You will say 'as espécies' (the species), 'algumas espécies' (some species), or 'muitas espécies' (many species). The most frequent preposition to follow 'espécies' is 'de', which translates to 'of'. This creates the structure 'espécies de [noun]', meaning 'species of [noun]' or 'kinds of [noun]'. For example, 'espécies de peixes' (species of fish) or 'espécies de vinho' (kinds of wine).
Agreement Rules
Always ensure that modifiers match the feminine plural nature of 'espécies'. Using masculine or singular modifiers is a grammatical error that immediately marks the speaker as a novice.

As novas espécies descobertas são fascinantes.

Using with Prepositions
The preposition 'de' is almost inextricably linked to 'espécies' when specifying the category. It contracts with articles if specific species are mentioned (e.g., das espécies).

Estudo a evolução das espécies há dez anos.

Singular vs Plural
Unlike the English word 'species', which is the same in singular and plural, Portuguese distinguishes between 'a espécie' (singular) and 'as espécies' (plural).

Esta é uma espécie rara, mas existem outras espécies comuns.

Não gosto desse tipo de atitude, são espécies de comportamentos tóxicos.

Temos várias espécies de queijos na nossa loja hoje.

When formulating sentences, it is also important to consider the verb. Verbs must agree with the plural subject. For instance, 'As espécies ameaçadas precisam de proteção' (The endangered species need protection). The verb 'precisam' is in the third-person plural to match 'espécies'. This comprehensive alignment of articles, adjectives, prepositions, and verbs creates grammatically sound and natural-sounding Portuguese sentences, allowing the speaker to convey complex ideas about nature, categories, or finance with precision and elegance.
The word 'espécies' is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking cultures, appearing across a wide spectrum of media, daily interactions, and professional environments. One of the most common places you will hear this word is in nature documentaries and environmental news broadcasts. Brazil, home to the Amazon Rainforest, the Pantanal, and the Atlantic Forest, has a massive presence in global ecological discussions. Consequently, Brazilian television channels frequently air programs discussing 'espécies em extinção' (endangered species) or 'novas espécies' (new species). In these contexts, the word carries a tone of scientific importance and environmental urgency. Similarly, in educational settings, from elementary school science classes to university biology lectures, 'espécies' is a foundational vocabulary word. Students learn about 'A Origem das Espécies' (The Origin of Species) by Charles Darwin, solidifying the word's academic weight.
News and Media
Environmental journalism heavily relies on this term to report on biodiversity, climate change impacts, and conservation efforts.

O telejornal noticiou que várias espécies estão em perigo.

Everyday Conversations
People use it to describe different types or sorts of things in casual chats, though words like 'tipos' are also very common.

Eles vendem todas as espécies de doces naquela padaria.

Commerce and Finance
When shopping in local markets or dealing with older establishments, you will hear the singular form used to request cash payments.

Aceitamos cartões, mas preferimos pagamento em espécie.

O zoológico abriga espécies de todos os continentes.

No aquário, vimos espécies incríveis de tubarões.

Beyond the sciences and commerce, the word permeates literature and legal documents. In law, 'espécies tributárias' refers to types of taxes. In literature, authors might describe 'espécies de sentimentos' (kinds of feelings) to add poetic nuance. Therefore, a learner encountering 'espécies' should be prepared to interpret its meaning based heavily on the surrounding context, recognizing that while its roots are taxonomic, its branches reach into every corner of the Portuguese language.
When learning the word 'espécies', English speakers frequently stumble over a few predictable hurdles, primarily stemming from the differences between English and Portuguese grammar regarding this specific concept. The most glaring mistake is treating 'espécies' as an invariable noun, just like the English word 'species'. In English, you say 'one species' and 'two species'. The word does not change. In Portuguese, however, the noun must reflect the number. It is 'uma espécie' for singular and 'duas espécies' for plural. Failing to drop the 's' for the singular form is a very common error that immediately flags the speaker as a non-native. Another significant mistake involves gender agreement. 'Espécies' is a feminine noun. Learners sometimes mistakenly use masculine articles or adjectives, saying 'os espécies' instead of the correct 'as espécies'.
Singular/Plural Confusion
Do not use 'espécies' when referring to only one biological group. You must use the singular 'espécie'.

Incorreto: Aquela é uma espécies rara. Correto: Aquela é uma espécie rara.

Gender Disagreement
Always remember that it is a feminine noun. All surrounding adjectives and articles must be feminine.

Incorreto: Muitos espécies desapareceram. Correto: Muitas espécies desapareceram.

Missing the Accent Mark
In written Portuguese, forgetting the acute accent on the first 'e' (espécies) is a spelling error that changes the syllable stress.

Sempre escreva espécies com acento agudo no primeiro E.

É vital proteger as espécies nativas da região.

Essas espécies de insetos são inofensivas para os humanos.

A more subtle mistake occurs in the financial context. When someone wants to pay in cash, they must use the singular phrase 'em espécie'. Saying 'Vou pagar em espécies' is incorrect and sounds very awkward to a native speaker. The phrase is a fixed idiom and must remain singular. By paying attention to these common pitfalls—singular/plural distinction, feminine gender agreement, correct accentuation, and the fixed nature of financial idioms—learners can confidently and accurately use 'espécies' in any conversation.
While 'espécies' is a powerful and specific word, the Portuguese language offers several synonyms and alternatives that can be used depending on the exact nuance the speaker wishes to convey. In the biological sense, there are very few direct replacements for 'espécies' because it is a precise scientific term. However, when using the word in its broader sense to mean 'kinds' or 'types', there are several excellent alternatives. The most common of these is 'tipos'. Saying 'tipos de flores' is just as valid and often more common in everyday speech than 'espécies de flores'. Another great alternative is 'variedades' (varieties), which is particularly useful when discussing plants, crops, or products. For instance, 'variedades de uva' (varieties of grape). If you are talking about categories or classes of things, the words 'categorias' or 'classes' can also serve as formal alternatives.
Tipos
The most direct and common synonym for 'espécies' when meaning 'kinds' or 'sorts'. It is masculine (os tipos).

Existem muitos tipos, ou espécies, de pães nesta padaria.

Variedades
Excellent for agricultural, botanical, or product-related contexts. It emphasizes the diversity within a single group.

O agricultor cultiva diversas variedades, que são espécies diferentes de milho.

Raças
When talking about domestic animals like dogs or cats, do not use 'espécies' to differentiate them. Use 'raças' (breeds). All dogs belong to the same species.

Cães de raças diferentes pertencem à mesma espécie.

Existem várias espécies de argumentação que podemos usar no debate.

A biologia classifica as espécies em diferentes reinos e filos.

In summary, expanding your vocabulary to include 'tipos', 'variedades', 'categorias', and 'raças' will allow you to communicate with greater precision. While 'espécies' is an incredibly useful word, knowing when to deploy its synonyms demonstrates a higher level of fluency and a deeper understanding of Portuguese semantic nuances.

Ejemplos por nivel

1

Eu vejo muitas espécies de animais no zoológico.

I see many species of animals at the zoo.

Basic plural noun usage.

2

O gato é uma espécie de animal.

The cat is a species of animal.

Singular form 'uma espécie'.

3

Existem espécies grandes e pequenas.

There are large and small species.

Adjective agreement with plural feminine noun.

4

Eu gosto de ler sobre espécies de pássaros.

I like to read about bird species.

Use of preposition 'de'.

5

Quantas espécies existem aqui?

How many species exist here?

Interrogative sentence with plural noun.

6

Estas são espécies de plantas.

These are species of plants.

Demonstrative pronoun 'estas' matching feminine plural.

7

A tartaruga é uma espécie muito antiga.

The turtle is a very old species.

Singular feminine agreement.

8

Nós estudamos as espécies na escola.

We study the species at school.

Definite article 'as' with plural noun.

1

Muitas espécies de peixes vivem neste rio.

Many species of fish live in this river.

Subject of a sentence in plural.

2

Que espécie de música você prefere?

What kind of music do you prefer?

Using 'espécie' to mean 'kind' or 'type'.

3

Eu só tenho dinheiro em espécie.

I only have cash.

Fixed expression 'em espécie'.

4

Algumas espécies de árvores são muito altas.

Some species of trees are very tall.

Indefinite pronoun 'algumas' agreeing with feminine plural.

5

O professor falou sobre as espécies da Amazônia.

The teacher talked about the species of the Amazon.

Contraction 'da' (de + a) before Amazônia.

6

Não conheço essa espécie de flor.

I don't know this species of flower.

Demonstrative 'essa' with singular noun.

7

Eles descobriram duas novas espécies de insetos.

They discovered two new species of insects.

Number 'duas' and adjective 'novas' in feminine plural.

8

Proteger as espécies é importante para a natureza.

Protecting species is important for nature.

Noun used as the object of an infinitive verb.

1

As alterações climáticas ameaçam diversas espécies em todo o mundo.

Climate change threatens various species around the world.

Plural subject with plural verb 'ameaçam'.

2

Foi uma espécie de choque quando recebi a notícia.

It was a kind of shock when I received the news.

Metaphorical use 'uma espécie de' for approximation.

3

O restaurante oferece um desconto para pagamentos em espécie.

The restaurant offers a discount for cash payments.

Financial context usage.

4

A evolução das espécies é um conceito fundamental da biologia.

The evolution of species is a fundamental concept of biology.

Academic/scientific context.

5

Existem milhares de espécies de orquídeas catalogadas.

There are thousands of cataloged orchid species.

Adjective 'catalogadas' agreeing with 'espécies'.

6

Ele tentou fazer uma espécie de bolo, mas não deu certo.

He tried to make a kind of cake, but it didn't work out.

Colloquial use for 'a type of'.

7

A preservação dos habitats é vital para a sobrevivência das espécies.

Habitat preservation is vital for the survival of species.

Contraction 'das' (de + as).

8

Que espécie de comportamento é esse na sala de aula?

What kind of behavior is this in the classroom?

Using 'espécie' to categorize abstract nouns.

1

A introdução de espécies exóticas invasoras pode destruir ecossistemas locais.

The introduction of invasive exotic species can destroy local ecosystems.

Complex noun phrase with multiple adjectives.

2

Senti uma espécie de alívio misturado com tristeza.

I felt a kind of relief mixed with sadness.

Expressing complex emotions using 'uma espécie de'.

3

Transações em espécie acima de certo valor devem ser declaradas.

Cash transactions above a certain value must be declared.

Formal financial/legal vocabulary.

4

O biólogo dedicou sua vida ao estudo de espécies endêmicas de Madagascar.

The biologist dedicated his life to the study of endemic species of Madagascar.

Advanced biological terminology (endêmicas).

5

Aquele filme é uma espécie de documentário ficcional.

That movie is a sort of fictional documentary.

Categorizing media genres.

6

A taxonomia classifica as espécies em gêneros, famílias e ordens.

Taxonomy classifies species into genera, families, and orders.

Scientific classification context.

7

Havia uma espécie de acordo tácito entre os dois rivais.

There was a kind of tacit agreement between the two rivals.

Using the word to describe abstract social concepts.

8

A perda de diversidade genética torna as espécies mais vulneráveis a doenças.

The loss of genetic diversity makes species more vulnerable to diseases.

Complex cause-and-effect sentence structure.

1

A mitigação da sexta extinção em massa exige políticas rigorosas de proteção às espécies.

Mitigating the sixth mass extinction requires rigorous species protection policies.

Advanced academic and political discourse.

2

O autor emprega uma espécie de realismo mágico para narrar os traumas da guerra.

The author employs a kind of magical realism to narrate the traumas of war.

Literary criticism context.

3

A legislação tributária prevê diferentes espécies de impostos e taxas.

Tax legislation provides for different species (types) of taxes and fees.

Specific legal terminology (espécies tributárias).

4

A hibridização entre espécies distintas pode, ocasionalmente, gerar descendentes férteis.

Hybridization between distinct species can occasionally generate fertile offspring.

High-level scientific complexity.

5

Ele desenvolveu uma espécie de fobia social após o incidente traumático.

He developed a sort of social phobia after the traumatic incident.

Psychological terminology.

6

A lavagem de dinheiro frequentemente envolve grandes volumes de capital em espécie.

Money laundering frequently involves large volumes of cash capital.

Advanced financial and criminal justice context.

7

O conceito de espécie biológica é, em si, alvo de intensos debates filosóficos.

The concept of biological species is, in itself, the target of intense philosophical debates.

Abstract philosophical discourse.

8

A obra é uma espécie de compêndio das tradições orais da região nordeste.

The work is a kind of compendium of the oral traditions of the northeast region.

Advanced vocabulary (compêndio).

1

A ontologia das espécies questiona se elas são entidades reais ou meras construções mentais.

The ontology of species questions whether they are real entities or mere mental constructs.

Deep philosophical and ontological context.

2

O declínio populacional de espécies-chave desencadeia um efeito cascata trófico imprevisível.

The population decline of keystone species triggers an unpredictable trophic cascade effect.

Highly specialized ecological terminology.

3

A jurisprudência consolidou o entendimento sobre as espécies de dolo no direito penal.

Jurisprudence has consolidated the understanding of the species of intent in criminal law.

Complex legal jargon (espécies de dolo).

4

A transição para uma economia digital visa mitigar a evasão fiscal facilitada pelo uso de moeda em espécie.

The transition to a digital economy aims to mitigate tax evasion facilitated by the use of cash currency.

Macroeconomic policy discourse.

5

A simbiose observada transcende o mero mutualismo, configurando uma espécie de superorganismo.

The observed symbiosis transcends mere mutualism, configuring a kind of superorganism.

Advanced biological and conceptual framing.

6

O poeta tece uma espécie de teia semântica onde cada vocábulo ressoa múltiplas ambiguidades.

The poet weaves a kind of semantic web where each word resonates with multiple ambiguities.

High-level literary analysis.

7

A especiação alopátrica requer um isolamento geográfico prolongado entre as subpopulações da espécie original.

Allopatric speciation requires prolonged geographic isolation between subpopulations of the original species.

Specific evolutionary biology terms.

8

O tratado abrange todas as espécies de armas convencionais e não convencionais.

The treaty covers all species (types) of conventional and non-conventional weapons.

Formal diplomatic language.

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