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C1 noun 11 min de lectura

impecilho

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos impecilho en 30 segundos

Explicación impecilho in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'empecilho' is too advanced. You should focus on the word 'problema' (problem). If something is in your way, you can say 'É um problema'. You don't need to know 'empecilho' yet, but you might see it in signs or hear it in very formal situations. For now, think of it as a very fancy way to say 'a problem that stops you from doing something'. If you are trying to walk and there is a chair in the way, the chair is like an 'empecilho'. But at A1, just say 'A cadeira está no caminho'. Focus on basic nouns and verbs before trying to use this complex word in your own speech. It is important to learn that Portuguese has many levels of formality, and this word is near the top.

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At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more nouns. You might encounter 'empecilho' in reading passages about work or news. It means 'obstacle' or 'hindrance'. It is a masculine noun: 'o empecilho'. You can use it to talk about things that make your life a little bit difficult. For example, if you want to go to the beach but it is raining, the rain is an 'empecilho'. However, you should still mostly use 'dificuldade' or 'problema'. If you use 'empecilho' correctly at this level, people will be very impressed with your vocabulary. Just remember to spell it with an 'e' at the start, not an 'i'. It is a good word to recognize when you listen to the news or read a simple newspaper article in Portuguese.

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At the B1 level, you should begin to incorporate 'empecilho' into your writing to vary your vocabulary. Instead of always using 'problema' or 'obstáculo', use 'empecilho' when you are talking about a specific thing that is blocking a plan. It is very useful for the 'Trabalho' (Work) and 'Estudos' (Studies) themes. For example, 'A falta de dinheiro é um empecilho para viajar'. You should also be aware that many Brazilians say 'impecilho', but you should know the correct spelling is 'empecilho'. Start using it in formal emails or when you are explaining why a project is late. It helps you sound more professional and less like a beginner. It is a bridge between common words and the academic language you will need later.

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At the B2 level, you should use 'empecilho' naturally in discussions and debates. You should understand the nuance that an 'empecilho' is often a 'snag' or a complication rather than just a physical wall. You can use it to describe abstract concepts, like 'empecilhos burocráticos' (bureaucratic hindrances). You should also be able to use it in the plural and with adjectives, like 'grandes empecilhos' or 'pequenos empecilhos'. At this level, you should also know a few synonyms like 'entrave' and 'estorvo'. You are expected to have a wider range of vocabulary to express the same idea, and 'empecilho' is a key part of that range. Your pronunciation should be clear, especially the 'lh' sound at the end of the word.

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At the C1 level, 'empecilho' should be a standard part of your high-level vocabulary. You use it to provide precision and professional tone to your speech and writing. You understand that 'empecilho' is more specific than 'obstáculo' and suggests a certain level of frustration or situational difficulty. You are aware of its etymology (from 'empecer') and you never make the common spelling mistake of using an 'i'. You can use it in complex sentence structures, such as 'Não obstante os empecilhos encontrados, logramos êxito'. You also know how to use it in legal, academic, and literary contexts. You can distinguish it from even more formal words like 'óbice'. This word is a tool for you to express sophisticated thoughts about barriers to progress in any field.

At the C2 level, you use 'empecilho' with the same ease and nuance as a highly educated native speaker. You might even use it ironically or poetically. You are fully aware of the social and regional variations in its use and the commonality of the 'impecilho' misspelling in various socio-economic groups. You can use the word to discuss complex philosophical or socio-political barriers with absolute precision. You understand its place in the history of the Portuguese language and can use it alongside other rare synonyms to create a specific stylistic effect in your writing. For you, 'empecilho' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a precise instrument for describing the friction inherent in systems, processes, and human endeavors.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

impecilho en 30 segundos

Empecilho means a hindrance or obstacle that slows down progress.
It is a formal masculine noun, correctly spelled with an 'e'.
Commonly used in professional, legal, and academic Portuguese contexts.
Synonyms include obstáculo, entrave, and óbice, each with specific nuances.

The word empecilho (often mistakenly spelled as 'impecilho') is a sophisticated noun in the Portuguese language, primarily used to describe a hindrance, an obstacle, or a complication that stalls progress or prevents an action from being completed smoothly. While the word 'obstáculo' is its most direct synonym, empecilho often carries a nuance of something that is annoying, bureaucratic, or a 'snag' in an otherwise clear path. In professional, academic, and formal social settings, using this word demonstrates a high level of vocabulary proficiency (CEFR C1), as it moves beyond the basic vocabulary found in introductory textbooks.

Common Usage: It is frequently used when discussing logistics, legal processes, or interpersonal relationships where one factor makes everything else more difficult. For example, a missing document in a visa application is an empecilho.

A falta de financiamento tornou-se o maior empecilho para a conclusão da obra no prazo estipulado.

In everyday conversation, you might hear a Brazilian or Portuguese person say 'Não quero ser um empecilho' (I don't want to be a hindrance/burden). This usage is particularly common when someone is offering help or joining a group and wants to ensure their presence doesn't cause trouble for others. It reflects a polite, socially aware register. The term is deeply rooted in the idea of 'impeding' (impedir), and its semantic weight suggests a barrier that, while perhaps not insurmountable, requires significant effort or strategy to overcome.

Metaphorical Application: Beyond physical barriers, it describes psychological blocks or social constraints. A person's shyness can be an empecilho to their professional growth.

Sua indecisão é o único empecilho que nos impede de avançar com o plano de viagem.

Understanding the word requires recognizing its weight. It is not just a minor 'probleminha' (little problem); it is a structural or situational 'entrave' (deadlock/snag). When a politician speaks about 'empecilhos burocráticos', they are referring to the red tape that slows down a country's economy. When a lover speaks of an 'empecilho' to their union, they might be referring to distance or family disapproval. It is a versatile, powerful word that elevates your Portuguese from functional to expressive.

Synonym Nuance: Compared to 'barreira' (barrier), an empecilho is often less visible but equally frustrating. A barrier is a wall; an empecilho is the fact that you forgot the key to the gate.

Não deixe que pequenos empecilhos tirem o seu foco do objetivo principal.

A nova legislação removeu diversos empecilhos para o investimento estrangeiro no país.

Mastering the use of empecilho involves understanding its grammatical role as a masculine noun and the verbs that typically accompany it. It most frequently appears as the subject or the direct object of a sentence. Verbs like ser (to be), representar (to represent), criar (to create), remover (to remove), and superar (to overcome) are its most common companions. Because it is a C1-level word, the sentences it inhabits are often complex, involving subordinate clauses and formal syntax.

As a Subject: When the hindrance itself is the focus of the action. 'O empecilho era a falta de tempo'.

Qualquer empecilho que surgir será resolvido pela equipe jurídica imediatamente.

One of the most powerful ways to use this word is in the plural form to describe a series of difficulties. 'Encontramos muitos empecilhos pelo caminho' (We encountered many obstacles along the way). This suggests a journey or a process that was fraught with interruptions. In a professional context, you might say, 'Precisamos identificar os empecilhos que estão atrasando a produção', which sounds much more professional than simply saying 'problemas'.

With Prepositions: It is commonly followed by the preposition para (for/to). 'Um empecilho para o sucesso'.

A barreira linguística não deve ser um empecilho para a nossa amizade.

Furthermore, empecilho can be modified by adjectives to provide more detail. 'Um empecilho intransponível' (an insurmountable obstacle) or 'um empecilho temporário' (a temporary hindrance). This allows the speaker to categorize the nature of the difficulty. In legal or bureaucratic contexts, you might hear 'empecilho legal', referring to a law or regulation that prevents a certain action from taking place.

Negation: Used often in the negative to provide reassurance. 'Sua presença não é um empecilho'.

Não vejo nenhum empecilho em aceitarmos esta proposta agora.

Finally, consider its use in literature. Authors use empecilho to describe the internal conflicts of characters. 'O medo era o seu maior empecilho'. This usage elevates the abstract concept of fear into a tangible barrier that the character must physically or mentally navigate. It is a word that bridges the gap between the concrete and the abstract seamlessly.

Superar cada empecilho é o que torna a vitória mais gratificante.

While you might not hear empecilho shouted in a football stadium or used in a fast-food order, it is ubiquitous in the 'adult' world of Portuguese-speaking societies. If you tune into a news broadcast on TV Globo or RTP, you will frequently hear journalists discussing the 'empecilhos' to economic growth or the 'empecilhos' in a peace negotiation. It is a staple of journalistic and political discourse because it sounds objective and serious.

In the Workplace: Managers use it during meetings to identify bottlenecks. 'Quais são os principais empecilhos para o lançamento do produto?'.

O diretor afirmou que a burocracia estatal é o principal empecilho à inovação.

In the academic sphere, researchers write about empecilhos in their methodology or the empecilhos found in the historical development of a theory. It is a word that commands respect in a thesis or a dissertation. If you are a student in a Portuguese-speaking country, using this word in your essays will certainly impress your professors, as it shows you have moved beyond the basic vocabulary of a foreign learner.

In Literature and Film: Subtitles in movies often translate 'snag' or 'setback' as empecilho when the tone is dramatic or formal.

No romance, o orgulho de ambos era o grande empecilho para o amor.

Legal documents and contracts are another place where empecilho thrives. Clauses might state that a party is not responsible for 'empecilhos decorrentes de força maior' (hindrances resulting from force majeure/acts of God). This legalistic use reinforces the word's association with formal barriers and official complications. If you are dealing with property deeds or business contracts in Brazil or Portugal, you will almost certainly encounter this word.

Daily Social Interactions: Even in polite social declines: 'Eu adoraria ir, mas surgiu um empecilho de última hora'. It sounds more elegant than 'um problema'.

Sempre há algum empecilho quando tentamos reunir toda a família.

A chuva torrencial foi um empecilho para o tráfego aéreo ontem à noite.

The most significant mistake regarding this word is its spelling. A vast number of native Portuguese speakers incorrectly spell and pronounce it as impecilho (with an 'i'). This is a classic 'vício de linguagem' or a common orthographic error caused by the phonetic similarity between the unstressed 'e' and 'i' in many Portuguese dialects. However, in formal writing—exams, business reports, or literature—writing it with an 'i' is considered a significant error. Always remember: it comes from the verb empecer, not 'impedir' (though they are related in meaning).

The 'E' vs 'I' Trap: Mistake: 'impecilho'. Correct: 'empecilho'. Think of 'empecilho' as something that 'empecer' (hinders).

Muitos candidatos perdem pontos em concursos por escreverem impecilho incorretamente.

Another common mistake is confusing empecilho with obstáculo in terms of register. While they are synonyms, obstáculo is more versatile and can be used in almost any context, including physical ones (like an obstacle course). Empecilho is almost exclusively used for abstract or situational difficulties. You wouldn't usually call a physical hurdle on a track an 'empecilho'; that is an 'obstáculo'. Using 'empecilho' for a physical object can sound slightly 'off' or overly poetic.

Grammatical Gender: Mistake: 'A empecilho'. Correct: 'O empecilho'. It is a masculine noun despite ending in 'o'.

O grande empecilho da negociação foi a cláusula de exclusividade.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the plural form. It follows the standard rule: empecilhos. However, because the word is quite long, learners might trip over the pronunciation of the 'lh' sound combined with the 's'. Practice saying 'em-pe-ci-lhos' slowly. Another error is using it as a verb. There is no verb 'empecilhar' in standard Portuguese; instead, use 'dificultar', 'impedir', or 'obstaculizar'.

Overuse: Don't use it for tiny, insignificant things. If you can't find your socks, it's a 'problema', not really an 'empecilho'.

Não use a palavra empecilho para situações triviais do dia a dia.

Finally, be careful with the preposition. While 'para' is the most common, some people mistakenly use 'de'. 'Empecilho de progresso' is less common than 'empecilho ao progresso' or 'empecilho para o progresso'. Using the correct preposition (a/para) will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and sophisticated.

A falta de experiência foi um empecilho à sua promoção na empresa.

To truly master C1 Portuguese, you must be able to swap empecilho for other words depending on the context. The language is rich with synonyms for 'obstacle', each with its own flavor. Understanding these differences allows you to be more precise in your descriptions and avoid repetitive language in your writing and speaking.

Óbice: This is the most formal alternative. It is almost exclusively used in legal and highly academic texts. 'Não há óbice à sua solicitação' (There is no objection/obstacle to your request).

O juiz não encontrou nenhum óbice legal para o casamento.

Another common alternative is entrave. This word specifically suggests something that 'jams' or 'locks' a process, like a gear that won't turn. It is very common in economic news, such as 'entrave às exportações'. Then there is estorvo, which is more personal and slightly more negative. An 'estorvo' is someone or something that is purely in the way, often implying it is annoying or useless.

Contratempo: Use this for a 'mishap' or a minor, unexpected delay. An empecilho is structural; a contratempo is accidental.

Apesar de alguns contratempos, chegamos ao destino no horário previsto.

For a more physical or metaphorical 'barrier', use barreira. For a 'difficulty', use dificuldade. For a 'problem', use problema. However, notice how empecilho fits right in the middle—it is more specific than 'problema' but less rigid than 'barreira'. In the business world, you might also hear gargalo (bottleneck), which specifically refers to a point in a process where things slow down due to limited capacity.

Impedimento: Often used in sports (offside) or legal contexts (a reason why someone cannot do something officially).

Não há nenhum impedimento legal para que você assuma o cargo.

In summary, while empecilho is a fantastic word to have in your repertoire, knowing when to use 'óbice' for a contract, 'entrave' for the economy, or 'contratempo' for a travel delay will mark you as a truly advanced speaker of Portuguese. Each word carries a subtle emotional and contextual weight that changes the tone of your message.

O principal entrave ao desenvolvimento regional é a falta de infraestrutura.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The word 'empecilho' is one of the most commonly misspelled words in the Portuguese language. Even high-level professionals often write it with an 'i' because they associate it phonetically with 'impedir'.

Guía de pronunciación

UK ẽ.pe.ˈsi.ʎu

US ẽ.pe.ˈsi.lju

The stress is on the penultimate syllable: em-pe-CI-lho.

Rima con

Brilho Filho Milho Trilho Castilho Novilho Gatilho Estribilho

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the first letter as 'i' (impecilho).
Pronouncing 'lh' as a simple 'l' (empecilo).
Stressing the wrong syllable (em-pe-ci-LHO).
Failing to nasalize the first 'e'.
Pronouncing the final 'o' as a hard 'o' instead of a soft 'u'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 4/5

Common in texts but requires high-level vocabulary knowledge.

Escritura 5/5

Spelling is a trap even for natives.

Expresión oral 4/5

The 'lh' sound and the initial 'e' need precision.

Escucha 4/5

Must distinguish from 'impecilho' mispronunciation.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

Problema Caminho Impedir Falta Contra

Aprende después

Óbice Entrave Burocracia Viabilizar Obstaculizar

Avanzado

Contingência Vicissitude Intercorrência Imponderável Gargalo

Gramática que debes saber

Nouns ending in -o are typically masculine.

O empecilho (The hindrance).

The 'lh' sound is a palatal lateral approximant.

Empeci-lho (Pronounced similarly to mi-llion).

Unstressed initial 'e' can sound like 'i' but spelling remains 'e'.

Empecilho (Sounds like impecilho).

Pluralization of nouns ending in -o adds -s.

Empecilhos.

The preposition 'a' or 'para' follows nouns of obstacle.

Empecilho ao progresso / Empecilho para o progresso.

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Ejemplos por nivel

O trânsito é um empecilho.

Traffic is a hindrance.

Simple noun usage as a complement.

A chuva é um empecilho hoje.

The rain is a hindrance today.

Masculine noun with 'o'.

Não quero ser um empecilho.

I don't want to be a hindrance.

Negative construction with 'querer'.

O preço é o único empecilho.

The price is the only hindrance.

Use of 'único' as an adjective.

Este é um grande empecilho.

This is a big hindrance.

Demonstrative pronoun 'este'.

Muitos empecilhos no caminho.

Many hindrances in the way.

Plural form 'empecilhos'.

O tempo é um empecilho.

Time is a hindrance.

Abstract noun as subject.

Sem empecilhos, por favor.

No hindrances, please.

Prepositional phrase with 'sem'.

A falta de internet foi um empecilho para o trabalho.

The lack of internet was a hindrance for work.

Preposition 'para' used to show impact.

Eles encontraram um empecilho na viagem.

They found a hindrance on the trip.

Verb 'encontrar' in the past tense.

Sua timidez é um empecilho para fazer amigos.

Your shyness is a hindrance to making friends.

Abstract concept as subject.

Não vejo nenhum empecilho no seu plano.

I don't see any hindrance in your plan.

Negative 'nenhum' modifying the noun.

O barulho é um empecilho para o meu sono.

The noise is a hindrance to my sleep.

Noun phrase 'para o meu sono'.

Precisamos remover esse empecilho agora.

We need to remove this hindrance now.

Verb 'remover' in the infinitive.

A neve foi um grande empecilho ontem.

The snow was a great hindrance yesterday.

Adjective 'grande' modifying the noun.

Há muitos empecilhos para abrir uma empresa.

There are many hindrances to opening a company.

Verb 'haver' meaning 'there are'.

A burocracia é o principal empecilho para o desenvolvimento.

Bureaucracy is the main hindrance to development.

Adjective 'principal' used for emphasis.

Surgiram novos empecilhos durante a execução do projeto.

New hindrances arose during the project's execution.

Verb 'surgir' in the plural past tense.

Ele sempre cria um empecilho para não ajudar.

He always creates a hindrance to avoid helping.

Verb 'criar' indicating intentional action.

A distância não deve ser um empecilho para nós.

Distance shouldn't be a hindrance for us.

Modal verb 'dever' in the negative.

A falta de peças é um empecilho para o conserto.

The lack of parts is a hindrance for the repair.

Noun phrase 'falta de peças'.

Superamos todos os empecilhos e vencemos o desafio.

We overcame all the hindrances and won the challenge.

Verb 'superar' in the past tense.

Qualquer pequeno empecilho o deixa irritado.

Any small hindrance makes him irritated.

Pronoun 'qualquer' used for generalization.

O idioma pode ser um empecilho no início.

The language can be a hindrance at the beginning.

Modal verb 'pode' indicating possibility.

A nova lei removeu os empecilhos que travavam a economia.

The new law removed the hindrances that were stalling the economy.

Relative clause starting with 'que'.

Não deixe que o medo seja um empecilho para os seus sonhos.

Don't let fear be a hindrance to your dreams.

Subjunctive mood 'seja' after 'deixe que'.

O governo está tentando eliminar os empecilhos burocráticos.

The government is trying to eliminate bureaucratic hindrances.

Compound verb 'está tentando'.

A crise financeira tornou-se um grave empecilho para a expansão.

The financial crisis became a serious hindrance to expansion.

Pronominal verb 'tornar-se'.

Houve um empecilho técnico que impediu a transmissão ao vivo.

There was a technical hindrance that prevented the live broadcast.

Adjective 'técnico' specifying the noun.

A falta de consenso é o maior empecilho nesta negociação.

The lack of consensus is the biggest hindrance in this negotiation.

Superlative 'o maior'.

Ela sempre encontra um empecilho onde outros veem solução.

She always finds a hindrance where others see a solution.

Contrastive clause with 'onde'.

O terreno acidentado foi um empecilho para a construção.

The rugged terrain was a hindrance to the construction.

Adjective 'acidentado' modifying 'terreno'.

A ausência de clareza no edital representa um empecilho jurídico.

The lack of clarity in the public notice represents a legal hindrance.

Verb 'representar' used in a formal sense.

É imperativo que removamos qualquer empecilho ao livre comércio.

It is imperative that we remove any hindrance to free trade.

Subjunctive mood 'removamos' after 'é imperativo que'.

A corrupção sistêmica é o maior empecilho à justiça social.

Systemic corruption is the greatest hindrance to social justice.

Noun phrase 'corrupção sistêmica'.

O excesso de zelo pode, por vezes, tornar-se um empecilho.

Excessive zeal can, at times, become a hindrance.

Parenthetical phrase 'por vezes'.

A falta de infraestrutura atua como um empecilho ao crescimento.

The lack of infrastructure acts as a hindrance to growth.

Verb phrase 'atua como'.

Tais empecilhos, embora previsíveis, causaram grande transtorno.

Such hindrances, although predictable, caused great inconvenience.

Concessive clause with 'embora'.

O autor descreve a moralidade da época como um empecilho à liberdade.

The author describes the morality of the time as a hindrance to freedom.

Verb 'descrever' with 'como'.

Não permitiremos que empecilhos externos desviem nosso foco.

We will not allow external hindrances to divert our focus.

Future tense 'permitiremos'.

A inércia institucional constitui o derradeiro empecilho à reforma.

Institutional inertia constitutes the ultimate hindrance to reform.

Verb 'constituir' and adjective 'derradeiro'.

O bilinguismo, longe de ser um empecilho, é uma vantagem cognitiva.

Bilingualism, far from being a hindrance, is a cognitive advantage.

Idiomatic expression 'longe de ser'.

Subestimar os empecilhos logísticos pode levar ao fracasso total.

Underestimating logistical hindrances can lead to total failure.

Infinitive 'subestimar' as the subject.

A subjetividade do avaliador pode ser um empecilho à imparcialidade.

The evaluator's subjectivity can be a hindrance to impartiality.

Abstract noun 'subjetividade'.

A escassez de recursos hídricos é um empecilho à sustentabilidade.

The scarcity of water resources is a hindrance to sustainability.

Noun phrase 'escassez de recursos'.

Cada empecilho superado fortalece a resiliência da organização.

Each overcome hindrance strengthens the organization's resilience.

Passive participle 'superado' modifying the noun.

O emaranhado de normas age como um empecilho à fluidez do mercado.

The tangle of norms acts as a hindrance to market fluidity.

Metaphorical noun 'emaranhado'.

Eliminar os empecilhos estruturais exige vontade política férrea.

Eliminating structural hindrances requires iron political will.

Adjective 'férrea' for emphasis.

Colocaciones comunes

Principal empecilho

Empecilho burocrático

Remover um empecilho

Criar empecilhos

Ser um empecilho

Superar empecilhos

Sem qualquer empecilho

Empecilho legal

Único empecilho

Representar um empecilho

Frases Comunes

Sem mais empecilhos

— Used to say that there are no more obstacles left. It implies a clear path ahead.

Agora que o contrato está assinado, seguiremos sem mais empecilhos.

Não quero ser um empecilho

— A polite way to say you don't want to bother or slow someone down. Very common in social etiquette.

Vão na frente, não quero ser um empecilho para o grupo.

Surgir um empecilho

— When an unexpected problem appears. Used to explain delays.

Surgiu um empecilho de última hora e não poderei ir à festa.

Identificar empecilhos

— To look for things that are slowing down a process. Common in business management.

A reunião serve para identificar empecilhos na produção.

Vencer os empecilhos

— To successfully deal with and move past difficulties. Often used in motivational contexts.

Ela venceu todos os empecilhos para se tornar médica.

Empecilho intransponível

— A hindrance that cannot be overcome. Used to describe very serious problems.

A falta de oxigênio tornou-se um empecilho intransponível.

Lidar com empecilhos

— The act of managing or coping with difficulties. Used in daily life or work.

Lidar com empecilhos faz parte da rotina de um empreendedor.

Empecilho ao progresso

— Something that stops a society or person from moving forward. A very common political phrase.

A má gestão é o maior empecilho ao progresso do país.

Empecilho temporário

— A hindrance that will not last long. Used to give hope.

Este atraso é apenas um empecilho temporário.

Um mar de empecilhos

— A metaphorical way to say there are many, many problems. Suggests overwhelming difficulty.

Enfrentamos um mar de empecilhos burocráticos para abrir a loja.

Se confunde a menudo con

impecilho vs Impecilho

This is simply the incorrect spelling of 'empecilho'. Avoid it.

impecilho vs Empecimento

While related, 'empecimento' refers to the act of hindering, while 'empecilho' is the thing that hinders.

impecilho vs Obstáculo

A general synonym, but 'empecilho' is usually more abstract or situational.

Modismos y expresiones

"Pôr empecilhos"

— To intentionally create difficulties or objections to something. Similar to 'throwing a wrench in the works'.

Toda vez que eu dou uma ideia, ele põe empecilhos.

Neutral

"Pedra no caminho"

— A classic idiom for an obstacle. While 'empecilho' is the word, this is the poetic equivalent.

Aquele problema foi apenas uma pedra no caminho.

Informal/Poetic

"Fazer de conta que não há empecilhos"

— To ignore problems and carry on as if everything is fine. Often used as a criticism.

Não podemos fazer de conta que não há empecilhos neste projeto.

Neutral

"Tirar o empecilho da frente"

— To resolve a problem so that progress can continue. Very action-oriented.

Vamos tirar esse empecilho da frente e terminar logo.

Informal

"Ser o empecilho da vez"

— To be the current problem that everyone is focusing on. Implies a series of problems.

A falta de luz é o empecilho da vez.

Informal

"Sem tirar nem pôr empecilhos"

— To report something exactly as it is, without adding or removing the difficulties. Implies honesty.

Ele contou a história sem tirar nem pôr empecilhos.

Neutral

"Empecilho de estimação"

— A sarcastic way to refer to a problem that someone keeps bringing up but never fixes.

Parece que esse erro no sistema é o seu empecilho de estimação.

Informal

"Navegar entre empecilhos"

— To skillfully manage multiple problems simultaneously. Suggests high competence.

O gerente soube navegar entre os empecilhos da crise.

Formal

"O empecilho mora nos detalhes"

— A variation of 'the devil is in the details', suggesting that small things cause the most hindrances.

Cuidado com o contrato; o empecilho mora nos detalhes.

Neutral

"Dar de cara com um empecilho"

— To unexpectedly encounter a problem. Very common in spoken Portuguese.

Estava tudo bem até que dei de cara com um empecilho na alfândega.

Informal

Fácil de confundir

impecilho vs Impedimento

Phonetically and semantically similar.

Impedimento is often a formal/legal disqualification or a sports foul. Empecilho is a general snag or hindrance.

O jogador estava em impedimento (offside).

impecilho vs Entrave

Both mean obstacle.

Entrave suggests a mechanical or systemic lock/jam. Empecilho is broader.

O entrave burocrático parou a obra.

impecilho vs Óbice

Both are formal synonyms.

Óbice is much more academic/legal. Empecilho is more common in standard formal prose.

Não há óbice ao prosseguimento.

impecilho vs Estorvo

Both refer to things in the way.

Estorvo is more negative and implies something is annoying or useless. Empecilho is more objective.

Saia da frente, você é um estorvo!

impecilho vs Contratempo

Both describe difficulties.

Contratempo is a minor, accidental delay. Empecilho is usually a more significant, structural barrier.

Tivemos um pequeno contratempo com o carro.

Patrones de oraciones

[Noun] + é um empecilho.

A chuva é um empecilho.

[Noun] + é um empecilho para + [Infinitive].

A falta de tempo é um empecilho para estudar.

Não vejo nenhum empecilho em + [Infinitive].

Não vejo nenhum empecilho em aceitar.

Apesar do empecilho, [Clause].

Apesar do empecilho, terminamos o trabalho.

O principal empecilho ao [Noun] é [Noun].

O principal empecilho ao crescimento é a inflação.

Representar um empecilho a/para...

Isso pode representar um empecilho para a paz.

Remover os empecilhos que [Verb]...

Precisamos remover os empecilhos que travam o país.

Constituir-se como um empecilho...

A falta de ética constitui-se como um empecilho à democracia.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Empecimento (the act of hindering)

Empecilho (the hindrance itself)

Verbos

Empecer (to hinder, to obstruct)

Impedir (to prevent - related root)

Adjetivos

Empecido (hindered - rare)

Impeditivo (preventative)

Relacionado

Pedra (stone/obstacle)

Barreira (barrier)

Entrave (deadlock)

Óbice (obstacle)

Estorvo (nuisance)

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in written media and formal speech; rare in slang.

Errores comunes

Writing 'impecilho'. → empecilho
The word comes from 'empecer', which starts with an 'E'. The 'I' spelling is a very common phonetic error.
Using 'a empecilho'. → o empecilho
The word is masculine. Always use masculine articles and adjectives with it.
Using it for very small, trivial things. → problema / coisinha
'Empecilho' carries some weight. Using it because you lost your pen sounds overly dramatic.
Pronouncing it as 'em-pe-si-lo'. → em-pe-si-lho
The 'lh' sound is distinct from a simple 'l'. It requires the tongue to touch the palate.
Confusing it with 'impedimento' in sports. → impedimento
In football, 'offside' is 'impedimento', never 'empecilho'.

Consejos

The 'E' Rule

Always start with 'E'. Think of 'Empecer' (to hinder). If you write 'impecilho', it's a red flag for examiners.

Professional Tone

Use 'empecilho' in work emails to sound more professional. 'Houve um empecilho' sounds better than 'Deu problema'.

The 'LH' Sound

Don't just say 'l'. The 'lh' is key. Practice with 'filho' and 'milho' to get the tongue position right.

Preposition Choice

Use 'para' or 'a' after 'empecilho'. Example: 'Empecilho para o progresso' or 'Empecilho ao progresso'.

Know Your Audience

In a bar with friends, 'problema' is fine. In a board meeting, 'empecilho' is your best friend.

Empty Path

An 'Empecilho' makes your 'Empty' path full of 'E'rrors. Keep the 'E' to remember the obstacle.

News Watch

Watch the Brazilian news (Jornal Nacional). You will hear this word at least once a week during economic reports.

Latin Roots

Remember it comes from 'pedica' (shackle). It literally means something that ties your feet.

Variety

Don't over-use it. Mix it with 'entrave' and 'obstáculo' to keep your writing dynamic.

Politeness

Use 'Não quero ser um empecilho' to show you are considerate of other people's time and space.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'EM-pecilho' as 'EM-peding' your progress. The 'E' is for 'Entry blocked'. If you use an 'I', you're making an 'I-ncorrect' choice!

Asociación visual

Imagine a tiny, annoying 'E' shaped fence blocking a golden door. You can't get to the gold because the 'E' is in the way.

Word Web

Burocracia Obstáculo Atraso Dificuldade Entrave Óbice Solução Sucesso

Desafío

Try to write a paragraph about your biggest 'empecilho' in learning Portuguese. Use the word at least three times correctly.

Origen de la palabra

From the Portuguese verb 'empecer', which comes from the Latin 'impedicare'. The Latin root 'pedica' means 'shackle' or 'fetter' (from 'pes', foot). Thus, the original meaning is literally to 'shackle the feet' to prevent movement.

Significado original: To shackle or fetter the feet.

Romance (Latin)

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but avoid calling a person an 'empecilho' directly unless you intend to be quite rude or very honest about them being a burden.

English speakers might naturally say 'problem' or 'issue', but 'empecilho' is closer to 'snag' or 'hindrance'. It adds a layer of sophistication that 'problem' lacks.

Found frequently in the works of Machado de Assis, who used it to describe social and moral barriers in 19th-century Rio de Janeiro. Used in modern Brazilian MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) lyrics to describe obstacles to love. Commonly appears in the headlines of 'Folha de S.Paulo' and 'Público' newspapers.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Professional/Business

Identificar empecilhos na cadeia de suprimentos.
A falta de investimento é um empecilho.
Superar empecilhos burocráticos.
Não queremos criar empecilhos à negociação.

Academic/Research

O principal empecilho metodológico...
A escassez de dados foi um empecilho.
Empecilhos ao desenvolvimento da pesquisa.
Analisar os empecilhos históricos.

Legal/Administrative

Inexistência de empecilhos legais.
Empecilho à concessão do alvará.
Verificar possíveis empecilhos.
Remover empecilhos administrativos.

Travel/Logistics

Empecilhos no tráfego aéreo.
A neve foi um empecilho.
Surgiu um empecilho na fronteira.
Viagem sem empecilhos.

Personal Relationships

Não quero ser um empecilho para você.
Nossa distância é um empecilho.
Superar empecilhos familiares.
Sem empecilhos para o nosso amor.

Inicios de conversación

"Qual você acha que é o maior empecilho para aprender português?"

"Você já teve que lidar com algum empecilho burocrático no Brasil?"

"Como você costuma reagir quando surge um empecilho inesperado?"

"Na sua opinião, qual é o principal empecilho para o sucesso profissional?"

"Você acha que a timidez pode ser um empecilho para a felicidade?"

Temas para diario

Descreva um empecilho que você superou recentemente e como se sentiu.

Quais são os principais empecilhos que impedem você de alcançar seus objetivos hoje?

Reflita sobre como a burocracia pode ser um empecilho para a criatividade.

Escreva sobre uma situação em que você foi um empecilho para alguém, mesmo sem querer.

Como o mundo seria diferente se não houvesse empecilhos para a comunicação global?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, 'impecilho' is always considered an orthographic error in Portuguese. The only correct spelling is 'empecilho' with an 'e'. This is a very common mistake even among native speakers due to the way the word is pronounced.

Use 'empecilho' when you want to sound more formal or precise, especially when referring to 'snags' in a process, bureaucratic hurdles, or situational difficulties. Use 'obstáculo' for physical barriers or in general everyday conversation.

It is a masculine noun. You should always say 'o empecilho' or 'um empecilho'. Even though it ends in 'o', which is common for masculine nouns, learners sometimes get confused by the 'e' at the start.

The verb it originates from is 'empecer', but it is not very common in modern daily speech. Instead of saying 'to empecilho', you should use 'dificultar', 'impedir', or 'atrapalhar'.

Yes, you can say 'Ele é um empecilho para o grupo', but it is quite strong and implies the person is a burden or is actively slowing everyone down. It's more polite to say 'Ele está dificultando as coisas'.

The 'lh' is similar to the 'll' in 'million' or 'li' in 'onion'. Press the middle of your tongue against your palate and let the air escape from the sides.

Yes, it is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries, although the 'impecilho' misspelling is particularly notorious in Brazil.

Common adjectives include 'grande', 'principal', 'pequeno', 'burocrático', 'legal', 'técnico', and 'temporário'.

Generally, no. It has a negative connotation because it refers to something that blocks or slows down a desired progress. However, you can say 'não houve empecilhos' to describe a positive, smooth experience.

Rarely. In sports, terms like 'falta', 'barreira', or 'impedimento' (for offside) are much more common. 'Empecilho' would only be used in a metaphorical sense, like 'a lesão foi um empecilho para a carreira dele'.

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