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A2 adjective #4,000 más común 11 min de lectura

inativo

Top 4,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos inativo en 30 segundos

Explicación inativo in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'inativo' is a word you might encounter when learning basic descriptions of people or objects. It is the opposite of 'ativo' (active). Think of it as a way to say 'not doing anything' or 'not working'. For example, if you are talking about a computer that is on but you are not using it, you can say it is 'inativo'. At this stage, you should focus on the basic gender agreement: 'ele é inativo' (masculine) and 'ela é inativa' (feminine). You might see it in simple forms on websites or apps where it shows if a user is online or 'inativo'. It is a formal way to describe someone who is not moving or exercising. Instead of saying 'he doesn't run', you might eventually learn to say 'he is inactive'. It is important to remember that it ends in -o for boys/men and -a for girls/women. Don't worry about the complex medical or legal uses yet; just think of it as a status like 'on' or 'off'.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'inativo' in more specific contexts like health and technology. You should be able to describe a person's lifestyle or the status of a digital account. For instance, 'Eu estou inativo no Instagram' (I am inactive on Instagram). You will also learn to use it with the verb 'estar' to show a temporary state. This is the level where you distinguish between 'ser inativo' (a permanent trait) and 'estar inativo' (a temporary condition). You might encounter it in news snippets about health, warning you that 'ser inativo é ruim para o coração' (being inactive is bad for the heart). You should also be comfortable using the plural forms 'inativos' and 'inativas'. This word helps you move beyond basic adjectives like 'bom' (good) or 'mau' (bad) to more descriptive, adult vocabulary. You will also start to see it in compound phrases like 'usuário inativo' or 'vulcão inativo'.

At the B1 level, 'inativo' becomes a tool for discussing social issues and professional environments. You can use it to talk about the economy, such as 'empresas inativas' (inactive companies) or the labor market. You should understand that 'inativo' can describe a person who is retired or not currently looking for work in a statistical sense. In discussions about the environment, you can use it to describe dormant natural features. You will also start to notice it in more formal writing, like emails from a bank or a service provider. At this level, you should be able to contrast 'inativo' with synonyms like 'parado' or 'ocioso', choosing the right one based on the context. You are expected to use it correctly in complex sentences with conjunctions, such as 'Embora a conta esteja inativa, ela ainda existe' (Although the account is inactive, it still exists).

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At the B2 level, 'inativo' is used with precision in technical, medical, or academic contexts. You will understand its application in chemistry (inactive substances) and biology (inactive viruses in vaccines). You should be able to discuss the nuances of a 'silent partner' (sócio inativo) in a business discussion, understanding the legal implications. Your vocabulary should include collocations like 'permanecer inativo' or 'tornar-se inativo'. You can also use the word metaphorically to describe a period of life or a project that has stalled. In writing, you will use it to provide detailed descriptions in reports or essays. You should be sensitive to the register of the word, knowing that it is more formal than 'parado'. You might also use it to describe abstract concepts like 'capital inativo' (idle capital) in an economic debate, showing a high level of linguistic control.

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At the C1 level, you use 'inativo' with a sophisticated understanding of its connotations and stylistic variations. You can use it in literary or high-level journalistic contexts to describe social stagnation or psychological states. You might explore the philosophical side of being 'inativo'—is it a choice or a condition imposed by society? You will be able to distinguish between 'inativo' and very specific technical terms like 'inerte' or 'estagnado' in a scientific or economic paper. Your use of the word will be fluid, incorporating it into complex grammatical structures without hesitation. You will also understand historical or rare uses of the word in older Portuguese literature. At this level, you don't just know what the word means; you know how to use it to create a specific tone or to emphasize a particular point in a nuanced argument.

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At the C2 level, you have mastered 'inativo' to the point where you can use it to play with language, using it in puns, complex metaphors, or highly specialized professional discourse. You understand every possible nuance, from its legal definitions in different Lusophone jurisdictions to its specific meanings in various branches of science. You can debate the socio-economic impact of 'populações inativas' with the depth of a native expert. Your command of the word allows you to use it in any register, from extremely formal legal documents to creative writing where the word might take on a symbolic meaning. You are also aware of how the word has evolved over time and how it might be perceived differently in Brazil vs. Portugal vs. Angola. For you, 'inativo' is not just a word; it is a versatile instrument in your vast linguistic orchestra.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

inativo en 30 segundos

Inativo describes a state of non-action or dormancy across physical, digital, and professional contexts in Portuguese.
It requires gender and number agreement, changing to inativa, inativos, or inativas depending on the noun it modifies.
Commonly used to describe sedentary lifestyles, dormant volcanoes, inactive bank accounts, and silent business partners.
It is a formal, neutral term that differs from 'preguiçoso' (lazy) which describes a personality trait or temporary mood.

The Portuguese word inativo is a multifaceted adjective that serves as a cornerstone for describing states of non-action, dormancy, or lack of participation across a vast spectrum of contexts. At its most fundamental level, it is the direct negation of 'ativo' (active), formed by the Latin prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not' or 'without') and the root 'activus'. While an English speaker might immediately associate it with a sedentary lifestyle, in Portuguese, its utility extends far beyond the gym or the sofa. It is a word that bridges the gap between biological states, mechanical functions, financial statuses, and even geological phenomena. Understanding 'inativo' requires a nuanced appreciation for how Portuguese speakers categorize the absence of movement or influence. It is not merely a synonym for 'lazy' (preguiçoso) or 'still' (parado); rather, it denotes a systemic or functional state where the expected or potential activity is currently absent or has been suspended.

Physical Health and Lifestyle: In the realm of health, 'inativo' is used to describe a person who does not engage in regular physical exercise. It is a clinical term often found in medical reports or health assessments to describe a sedentary patient. Unlike 'sedentário', which describes a general lifestyle, 'inativo' can refer to a specific period or a specific body part that is not functioning.

Muitos jovens tornaram-se mais inativos durante a pandemia, passando horas em frente ao computador sem qualquer movimento físico significativo.

Technology and Digital Presence: In the digital age, 'inativo' is the standard term for accounts, users, or software processes that are not currently being used. If you haven't logged into your Portuguese bank account for six months, the bank might label your account as 'uma conta inativa'. This implies that while the account exists, there is no flow of data or capital.

Geology and Natural Forces: When discussing the natural world, specifically volcanoes, 'inativo' is the technical term for 'dormant'. A volcano that is not currently erupting but has the potential to do so in the future, or one that has ceased activity for a long period, is described as 'um vulcão inativo'.

O vulcão permaneceu inativo por mais de dois mil anos antes da sua última erupção surpreendente.

Furthermore, in the corporate and legal world, 'inativo' describes companies that are registered but not conducting business operations. This is crucial for tax purposes. An 'empresa inativa' still exists on paper but does not generate revenue or employ staff. This distinction is vital for understanding the economic landscape in Portuguese-speaking countries. Finally, in chemistry and biology, a substance or an enzyme can be 'inativa', meaning it does not produce a reaction under specific conditions. This breadth of usage makes 'inativo' an essential word for any learner aiming for A2 proficiency and beyond, as it appears in news headlines, medical advice, and technical manuals alike.

Using inativo correctly in a sentence involves more than just knowing its definition; it requires an understanding of Portuguese gender and number agreement, as well as the subtle choice between the verbs 'ser' and 'estar'. Because 'inativo' is an adjective, it must mirror the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the noun it modifies. For instance, a masculine singular noun like 'usuário' (user) takes 'inativo', while a feminine singular noun like 'conta' (account) takes 'inativa'. In the plural, these become 'inativos' and 'inativas' respectively. This grammatical harmony is the first step toward sounding like a native speaker.

Aquelas máquinas estão inativas desde que a fábrica fechou no ano passado.

The 'Ser' vs. 'Estar' Distinction: The choice of verb significantly alters the meaning. Use 'ser inativo' to describe an inherent characteristic or a permanent state. For example, 'O vulcão é inativo' suggests it is a dormant volcano by nature. Conversely, use 'estar inativo' to describe a temporary state. 'O site está inativo' implies that the website is down for maintenance or temporarily unavailable, but it is expected to return to an active state.

Formal and Professional Contexts: In professional writing, 'inativo' is often used to describe legal or financial statuses. 'Sócio inativo' (silent partner) refers to someone who provides capital but does not participate in the daily management of a company. Here, the word carries a specific legal weight, distinguishing roles within a business structure.

O contrato especifica que ele é um sócio inativo e não tem poder de decisão na empresa.

When describing physical activity levels, 'inativo' is frequently paired with adverbs of degree. You might hear 'fisicamente inativo' (physically inactive) or 'totalmente inativo' (totally inactive). These modifiers help specify the extent of the inactivity. In academic or scientific writing, 'inativo' is used to describe biological agents. For example, a vaccine might contain an 'vírus inativo' (inactive virus), which is the standard way to describe a virus that has been killed or modified so it cannot cause disease but can still trigger an immune response. This precision is why 'inativo' is a high-frequency word in news reports about public health or scientific breakthroughs. By mastering these patterns, you can transition from simple descriptions to complex, professional observations.

In the daily life of a Portuguese speaker, inativo resonates through various channels, from the mundane to the highly specialized. If you are living in a Lusophone country like Brazil or Portugal, you will encounter this word most frequently in your interactions with bureaucracy and technology. When you open a banking app and see a notification about an 'usuário inativo', it's a prompt to re-authenticate or update your details. Similarly, in the workplace, during a meeting about system migrations, an IT specialist might refer to 'servidores inativos' (inactive servers) that need to be decommissioned. The word is ubiquitous in digital interfaces, often appearing in red text to signify a status that requires attention.

Health and Wellness Media: On television news or in health-focused podcasts, 'inativo' is the go-to term for discussing the 'sedentary lifestyle' epidemic. Health officials use it to describe populations that do not meet the minimum requirements for physical activity. You will hear phrases like 'população inativa' when experts discuss the long-term risks of heart disease or obesity.

A reportagem mostrou que o estilo de vida inativo é um dos maiores riscos para a saúde pública moderna.

Financial and Legal Documents: If you are dealing with legal paperwork, 'inativo' appears in the context of retirement or corporate status. A 'trabalhador inativo' can sometimes refer to a retiree (though 'aposentado' is more common), specifically in the context of their status within a pension system. In corporate law, 'empresa inativa' is a specific legal status for companies that haven't had any financial activity for a fiscal year.

Para fechar a empresa, você deve primeiro declarar que ela está inativa na Receita Federal.

Finally, you will hear 'inativo' in the world of sports and gaming. If a professional athlete is injured and cannot play, the sports commentators might describe them as 'inativo para a próxima partida'. In online gaming, 'jogadores inativos' are those who are logged in but not currently playing (AFK - Away From Keyboard). This wide range of auditory contexts—from the serious tone of a doctor to the casual frustration of a gamer—makes 'inativo' a versatile tool for your listening comprehension. By recognizing it in these different settings, you begin to grasp the 'feeling' of the word beyond its dictionary definition.

One of the most frequent hurdles for English speakers learning Portuguese is the temptation to use inativo as a direct substitute for 'lazy'. While 'lazy' implies a personality trait or a temporary lack of motivation, 'inativo' is more about the objective state of not performing an action. If you tell a friend 'Você é muito inativo' (You are very inactive), it sounds like a clinical diagnosis of their lack of physical exercise rather than a playful jab at their laziness. For a casual 'you're lazy', use 'preguiçoso'. Understanding this distinction prevents social awkwardness and ensures your tone matches your intent.

Confusion with 'Desativado': A common error is confusing 'inativo' with 'desativado'. 'Desativado' (deactivated) implies a conscious action was taken to stop something from working. If you turn off an alarm, it is 'desativado'. If a bank account naturally stops being used, it is 'inativo'. Use 'inativo' for a state of being and 'desativado' for the result of an action.

Errado: O meu cartão de crédito foi inativo pelo banco.
Correto: O meu cartão de crédito foi desativado pelo banco.

Gender and Number Neglect: Because 'inactive' in English doesn't change, learners often forget to change 'inativo' to 'inativa' for feminine nouns. Saying 'uma conta inativo' is a classic A1/A2 mistake. Always pair the ending of the adjective with the noun's gender. 'A empresa (fem) está inativa (fem)'.

Errado: As funções do sistema estão inativo.
Correto: As funções do sistema estão inativas.

Another mistake involves the misplacement of the adjective. In English, we say 'inactive volcano'. In Portuguese, while 'inativo vulcão' is technically understandable, it sounds incredibly formal or poetic. The natural way is 'vulcão inativo'. Lastly, avoid using 'inativo' when you mean 'broken' (quebrado). A computer that won't turn on because the screen is smashed is 'quebrado'. A computer that is turned on but not running any programs might be 'inativo'. Precision in these choices will elevate your Portuguese from basic communication to meaningful fluency.

Exploring the synonyms and alternatives to inativo allows you to refine your expression and choose the word that fits the context perfectly. While 'inativo' is a broad, neutral term, other words carry specific connotations of laziness, physical stillness, or permanent cessation. Understanding these nuances is key to moving toward a B1 or B2 level of proficiency.

Sedentário vs. Inativo: 'Sedentário' (sedentary) is specifically used for lifestyles. It describes someone who sits a lot and doesn't exercise. 'Inativo' is broader; an athlete can be 'inativo' for a week due to injury, but they are not 'sedentário'. 'Sedentário' is a habit; 'inativo' is a state.

Parado vs. Inativo: 'Parado' literally means 'stopped' or 'still'. If a car is 'parado' at a red light, it is not 'inativo'—the engine is running, and the driver is ready. 'Inativo' suggests the system or function itself is not engaged. 'Parado' is about movement; 'inativo' is about function.

O trânsito está parado, mas o motorista não está inativo; ele está atento ao sinal.

Ocioso vs. Inativo: 'Ocioso' (idle) is often used for workers or machines that are available but have no work to do. A factory worker waiting for materials is 'ocioso'. 'Inativo' might mean the worker is not even at the factory. 'Ocioso' implies a waste of potential activity, whereas 'inativo' is a neutral description of the state.

As máquinas estão ociosas por falta de matéria-prima, não porque estão quebradas ou inativas.

Other alternatives include 'estagnado' (stagnant), used for economies or water that doesn't flow, and 'latente' (latent), used for qualities or diseases that exist but are not yet active or visible. By choosing 'estagnado' when talking about a career or 'latente' when talking about a talent, you provide much more detail than the simple 'inativo' ever could. Practice substituting these words in your writing to see how the meaning shifts and becomes more precise.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The word 'inativo' entered the Portuguese language around the 17th century, primarily in legal and scientific texts before becoming common in everyday speech.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /i.na.ˈti.vu/

US /i.na.ˈtʃi.vu/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable: i-na-TI-vo.

Rima con

ativo cativo motivo nativo passivo festivo esportivo objetivo

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the final 'o' as a strong 'oh' instead of a soft 'u'.
Missing the nasal quality of 'na' in some regional accents.
Forgetting to palatalize 'ti' to 'chee' in Brazil (though 'tee' is also correct).
Stressing the first syllable instead of the third.
Treating the 'i' as a short English 'i' (as in 'in') instead of a long 'ee'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to the English 'inactive'.

Escritura 3/5

Requires attention to gender and number agreement.

Expresión oral 3/5

Pronunciation of 'ti' and final 'o' can be tricky for beginners.

Escucha 2/5

Clear phonetic structure, usually easy to catch in speech.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

ativo ação estar ser conta

Aprende después

sedentário inatividade desativar ocioso inerte

Avanzado

estagnação quiescência letargia dormência paralisia

Gramática que debes saber

Adjective Agreement

O usuário inativo / A usuária inativa.

Ser vs Estar with Adjectives

Ele é inativo (habit) / Ele está inativo (temporary).

Prefix 'in-' for Negation

Ativo -> Inativo, Feliz -> Infeliz.

Pluralization of Adjectives ending in -o

Inativo -> Inativos.

Position of Adjectives

Usually follows the noun: 'Vulcão inativo'.

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Ejemplos por nivel

O meu telefone está inativo.

My phone is inactive.

Uses 'estar' for a temporary state.

Ele é um homem inativo.

He is an inactive man.

Uses 'ser' to describe a general habit.

A gata está inativa hoje.

The (female) cat is inactive today.

Feminine agreement: inativa.

O vulcão é inativo.

The volcano is inactive.

Adjective follows the noun.

Eles são estudantes inativos.

They are inactive students.

Plural agreement: inativos.

A conta está inativa.

The account is inactive.

Feminine singular agreement.

O robô está inativo agora.

The robot is inactive now.

Adverb 'agora' emphasizes the temporary state.

Nós não somos inativos.

We are not inactive.

Negation with 'não'.

Muitos usuários estão inativos no site.

Many users are inactive on the website.

Plural masculine agreement.

Você precisa ser menos inativo.

You need to be less inactive.

Use of 'ser' for a desired change in lifestyle.

A empresa está inativa há dois anos.

The company has been inactive for two years.

Use of 'há' to indicate duration.

O link está inativo, tente outro.

The link is inactive, try another.

Common tech context.

As máquinas velhas estão inativas.

The old machines are inactive.

Feminine plural agreement.

Ele ficou inativo por causa da gripe.

He became/stayed inactive because of the flu.

Verb 'ficar' shows a change of state.

O seu perfil está inativo.

Your profile is inactive.

Possessive 'seu' matches 'perfil'.

Não queremos um estilo de vida inativo.

We don't want an inactive lifestyle.

Adjective modifying 'estilo de vida'.

O governo quer ajudar os trabalhadores inativos.

The government wants to help inactive workers.

Refers to people not in the labor force.

Esta substância química permanece inativa em baixas temperaturas.

This chemical substance remains inactive at low temperatures.

Scientific context with 'permanecer'.

O projeto está inativo por falta de verbas.

The project is inactive due to lack of funds.

Explaining the cause of inactivity.

A conta bancária foi considerada inativa após um ano.

The bank account was considered inactive after a year.

Passive voice: 'foi considerada'.

Ela é uma sócia inativa na nossa empresa de moda.

She is an inactive partner in our fashion company.

Business term: 'sócia inativa'.

Muitas terras permanecem inativas nesta região rural.

Many lands remain inactive in this rural region.

Refers to land not being farmed.

O vírus inativo na vacina não causa a doença.

The inactive virus in the vaccine does not cause the disease.

Medical context: 'vírus inativo'.

O meu blog está inativo, mas pretendo voltar a escrever.

My blog is inactive, but I intend to start writing again.

Contrast using 'mas'.

A inatividade física contribui para diversas doenças crônicas.

Physical inactivity contributes to several chronic diseases.

Using the noun form 'inatividade'.

O capital inativo representa uma perda de oportunidade para o investidor.

Inactive capital represents a lost opportunity for the investor.

Economic term 'capital inativo'.

O vulcão, embora inativo, é monitorado constantemente por geólogos.

The volcano, although inactive, is constantly monitored by geologists.

Concessive clause with 'embora'.

As enzimas tornam-se inativas quando o pH é alterado.

Enzymes become inactive when the pH is altered.

Technical biological process.

O site foi retirado do ar após meses inativo.

The site was taken down after being inactive for months.

Adjective used as a state description.

A legislação prevê multas para empresas que permanecem inativas irregularmente.

The legislation provides for fines for companies that remain irregularly inactive.

Legal/Regulatory context.

O paciente tem um estilo de vida predominantemente inativo.

The patient has a predominantly inactive lifestyle.

Use of the adverb 'predominantemente'.

A conta do usuário foi marcada como inativa por segurança.

The user account was marked as inactive for security.

Passive construction with 'como'.

A melancolia pode deixar o indivíduo num estado inativo e contemplativo.

Melancholy can leave the individual in an inactive and contemplative state.

Psychological/Literary context.

O setor imobiliário permaneceu inativo durante o auge da crise financeira.

The real estate sector remained inactive during the height of the financial crisis.

Economic sector description.

A neutralização do reagente deixou o composto químico inativo.

The neutralization of the reagent left the chemical compound inactive.

Advanced chemical terminology.

Há uma vasta gama de talentos inativos que a sociedade falha em aproveitar.

There is a wide range of inactive talents that society fails to harness.

Metaphorical use of 'talentos inativos'.

O regime jurídico dos funcionários inativos sofreu alterações significativas.

The legal regime for inactive employees has undergone significant changes.

Formal administrative language.

O cérebro nunca está totalmente inativo, mesmo durante o sono profundo.

The brain is never totally inactive, even during deep sleep.

Scientific fact with 'totalmente'.

Sua conta está inativa, o que impossibilita a realização de novas transações.

Your account is inactive, which makes it impossible to carry out new transactions.

Relative clause 'o que impossibilita'.

A inércia burocrática mantém muitos processos inativos por décadas.

Bureaucratic inertia keeps many processes inactive for decades.

Abstract social critique.

A dialética entre o ser ativo e o ser inativo permeia a filosofia existencialista.

The dialectic between the active being and the inactive being permeates existentialist philosophy.

Philosophical discourse.

A suspensão da licença deixou o alvará de funcionamento inativo perante a lei.

The suspension of the license rendered the operating permit inactive before the law.

Highly formal legal phrasing.

O remanescente inativo da estrela tornou-se uma anã branca.

The inactive remnant of the star became a white dwarf.

Astrophysical terminology.

As cláusulas de inatividade protegem o investidor em casos de falência.

Inactivity clauses protect the investor in cases of bankruptcy.

Specific financial law terminology.

O autor explora a dicotomia entre a mente febril e o corpo inativo do protagonista.

The author explores the dichotomy between the protagonist's feverish mind and inactive body.

Literary analysis.

A reativação de vulcões outrora considerados inativos é um desafio para a vulcanologia moderna.

The reactivation of volcanoes once considered inactive is a challenge for modern volcanology.

Complex sentence with 'outrora'.

O montante inativo no fundo de reserva deve ser aplicado em títulos de baixo risco.

The inactive amount in the reserve fund must be invested in low-risk securities.

Advanced financial management.

A apatia política resulta num eleitorado inativo e desinformado.

Political apathy results in an inactive and uninformed electorate.

Socio-political analysis.

Sinónimos

parado sedentário ocioso inerte estagnado latente imóvel desativado

Antónimos

ativo dinâmico operante aceso

Colocaciones comunes

vulcão inativo

conta inativa

usuário inativo

estilo de vida inativo

sócio inativo

permanecer inativo

vírus inativo

totalmente inativo

fisicamente inativo

mercado inativo

Frases Comunes

Estado inativo

— A condition of not being active. Used in technical or medical contexts.

A máquina entrou em estado inativo para poupar energia.

Período inativo

— A specific timeframe during which no activity occurs.

Durante o período inativo, a empresa fez manutenções.

Membro inativo

— A person who belongs to a group but does not participate.

Ele ainda é um membro inativo do clube de xadrez.

Processo inativo

— A legal or computational process that is suspended.

O juiz arquivou o processo inativo por falta de provas.

Capital inativo

— Money that is not being invested or used to generate profit.

Não é bom ter capital inativo na conta corrente.

Servidor inativo

— A retired public servant or a computer server that is offline.

O pagamento dos servidores inativos foi atrasado.

Modo inativo

— A setting on a device that stops its main functions.

Coloque o seu celular em modo inativo durante a reunião.

Substância inativa

— A chemical or biological matter that does not react.

A substância inativa foi removida da fórmula.

Link inativo

— A hyperlink that no longer works or leads to a dead page.

Cliquei no link inativo e nada aconteceu.

Setor inativo

— A part of an economy or a disk drive that is not working.

O técnico encontrou um setor inativo no disco rígido.

Se confunde a menudo con

inativo vs preguiçoso

Preguiçoso is a personality trait (lazy); inativo is a physical or functional state.

inativo vs desativado

Desativado means 'turned off' by someone; inativo means 'not acting' naturally or by status.

inativo vs parado

Parado refers to lack of movement; inativo refers to lack of function.

Modismos y expresiones

"Estar no banco"

— To be inactive in a sports context, sitting on the bench.

O jogador está no banco há três jogos.

informal

"Ficar de braços cruzados"

— To remain inactive when action is needed; to do nothing.

Não podemos ficar de braços cruzados enquanto o problema cresce.

informal

"Em banho-maria"

— To keep something inactive or on hold for a long time.

O projeto está em banho-maria desde o ano passado.

informal

"Pisar no freio"

— To intentionally become inactive or slow down operations.

A empresa decidiu pisar no freio e ficar inativa por um mês.

informal

"Viver na sombra"

— To lead an inactive or hidden life, often relying on others.

Ele prefere viver na sombra como um sócio inativo.

informal

"Estar no limbo"

— To be in an inactive, uncertain state between two conditions.

O meu processo está no limbo, nem ativo nem cancelado.

informal

"Dormir no ponto"

— To be inactive or inattentive when an opportunity arises.

Não durma no ponto, senão a sua conta ficará inativa.

informal

"Fazer sala"

— To be physically present but inactive in terms of productive work.

Ele só fica na empresa fazendo sala, está totalmente inativo.

informal

"Estar em águas paradas"

— To be in a state of inactivity or lack of progress.

A nossa relação está em águas paradas, muito inativa.

informal

"Ver a banda passar"

— To watch things happen without taking an active part.

Ele apenas vê a banda passar, é um cidadão inativo.

informal

Fácil de confundir

inativo vs sedentário

Both relate to lack of activity.

Sedentário describes a habitual lifestyle of sitting. Inativo describes a current state of non-action.

Um atleta pode estar inativo por uma semana, mas ele não é sedentário.

inativo vs ocioso

Both mean not working.

Ocioso implies having nothing to do (idle). Inativo implies the state of not doing.

A fábrica está inativa (closed), mas os trabalhadores estão ociosos (waiting inside).

inativo vs estagnado

Both mean no progress.

Estagnado is used for flows (water, economy). Inativo is for functions or people.

O mercado está estagnado, por isso meu dinheiro está inativo.

inativo vs inerte

Both mean no reaction.

Inerte is a permanent physical property (like a rock). Inativo can be temporary.

A pedra é inerte; o vulcão está inativo.

inativo vs desocupado

Both mean not busy.

Desocupado usually refers to a person having free time or being unemployed.

Ele está desocupado hoje, mas não é um homem inativo.

Patrones de oraciones

[Noun] está inativo.

O computador está inativo.

Eu sou/estou [Adverb] inativo.

Eu estou muito inativo hoje.

Por causa de [Reason], o [Noun] ficou inativo.

Por causa da chuva, o aeroporto ficou inativo.

Apesar de ser [Adjective], o [Noun] permanece inativo.

Apesar de ser novo, o sistema permanece inativo.

O estado inativo de [Noun] decorre de [Cause].

O estado inativo da economia decorre da falta de investimentos.

Sob a ótica de [Perspective], o [Noun] é considerado inativo.

Sob a ótica jurídica, o contrato é considerado inativo.

Não deixe sua [Noun] inativa.

Não deixe sua mente inativa.

O [Noun] foi marcado como inativo.

O usuário foi marcado como inativo.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

inatividade (inactivity)

inativação (inactivation)

Verbos

inativar (to inactivate)

desativar (to deactivate)

Adjetivos

inativo (inactive)

ativo (active)

ativável (activatable)

Relacionado

ação

atividade

atuação

reativação

inércia

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in news, health, and tech; less common in casual street slang.

Errores comunes

Using 'inativo' for 'broken'. → Quebrado or Estragado.
If a car won't start because the engine is dead, it is 'estragado'. If the car is just sitting there not being used, it is 'inativo'.
Saying 'uma conta inativo'. → Uma conta inativa.
Adjectives must match the gender of the noun. 'Conta' is feminine.
Using 'inativo' to call someone lazy in a funny way. → Preguiçoso.
'Inativo' sounds like a clinical diagnosis. 'Preguiçoso' is the correct word for a lazy person.
Confusing 'inativo' with 'desativado'. → Desativado (for intentional action).
If you turn off a feature, it's 'desativado'. If it's just not doing anything, it's 'inativo'.
Pronouncing 'inativo' with stress on 'na'. → Stress on 'ti'.
Portuguese words ending in -o usually have the stress on the second-to-last syllable.

Consejos

Gender Match

Always check the noun. 'O perfil (masc) inativo' vs 'A conta (fem) inativa'. This is the most common mistake for English speakers.

Medical Context

When reading medical papers in Portuguese, 'inativo' refers to someone who doesn't meet exercise guidelines.

Digital Status

On social media, 'inativo' is the status for someone who hasn't posted or logged in for a long time.

Bank Accounts

Banks often charge 'taxas de inatividade' (inactivity fees). Keep your accounts active to avoid them!

Volcanoes

Use 'inativo' for dormant volcanoes. It's a great word for geography class.

Silent Partners

In business, use 'sócio inativo' to describe someone who only provides capital.

Stress the TI

The word is i-na-TI-vo. The third syllable is the strongest.

Use Parado for Casual

If you just want to say something isn't moving, 'parado' is more common in daily speech.

Formal Tone

'Inativo' is a great word to use in essays or formal emails to sound more sophisticated.

Cognate Power

Since it looks like 'inactive', focus your energy on learning the Portuguese pronunciation and gender rules.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of an 'IN-active' person who stays 'IN' the house all day. 'IN-ativo' is someone who is 'IN' and not 'OUT' doing things.

Asociación visual

Imagine a computer screen with a grayed-out icon and the word 'INATIVO' in red letters. This visual of a disabled function helps link the word to its meaning.

Word Web

Inatividade Vulcão Conta Bancária Sedentário Parado Desativar Ativo Usuário

Desafío

Try to find three things in your house right now that are 'inativos' (e.g., a broken toy, a dormant plant, an old battery) and describe them in Portuguese.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Latin 'inactivus', where 'in-' is a prefix of negation and 'activus' comes from 'actus', the past participle of 'agere' (to do or to drive).

Significado original: Not doing, not acting, or lacking the power of action.

Romance (Latin root).

Contexto cultural

Calling a person 'inativo' can sound clinical or judgmental if not used carefully; 'aposentado' is more respectful for retirees.

English speakers often use 'inactive' for health, but Portuguese uses 'inativo' much more frequently for legal and employment statuses.

The 'Estatuto do Idoso' in Brazil discusses the rights of 'inativos'. Scientific reports on the 'Vulcão das Sete Cidades' in the Azores often use 'inativo'. Banking regulations (BACEN) in Brazil define what constitutes a 'conta inativa'.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Banking and Finance

Reativar conta inativa
Taxa de inatividade
Saldo em conta inativa
Encerrar conta inativa

Health and Fitness

Combater o comportamento inativo
Paciente fisicamente inativo
Riscos de ser inativo
Sair do estado inativo

Technology and Software

Usuário inativo há 30 dias
Botão inativo
Serviço inativo no momento
Script inativo

Geology

Vulcão inativo há milênios
Sistema vulcânico inativo
Cratera de vulcão inativo
Zona sismicamente inativa

Employment and HR

Funcionário inativo
Lista de inativos
Benefícios para inativos
Trabalhador inativo

Inicios de conversación

"Você acha que as pessoas estão mais inativas hoje em dia por causa da tecnologia?"

"O que você faz para não ficar inativo durante o fim de semana?"

"Você já teve uma conta bancária que ficou inativa por muito tempo?"

"Qual é o perigo de um vulcão inativo voltar a ficar ativo?"

"Como podemos incentivar as crianças a serem menos inativas na escola?"

Temas para diario

Descreva um momento da sua vida em que você se sentiu fisicamente ou mentalmente inativo.

Quais são as vantagens e desvantagens de ser um 'sócio inativo' em um negócio?

Escreva sobre uma tecnologia ou aplicativo que você deixou inativo no seu celular recentemente.

Como a sociedade deve tratar os trabalhadores inativos e aposentados?

Reflexão: A inatividade é sempre algo negativo ou pode ser necessária para o descanso?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Not exactly. While an inactive person might be lazy, 'inativo' is a more formal and objective description of their physical state. Use 'preguiçoso' for 'lazy'.

It's close, but 'desligado' is 'off'. 'Inativo' means it's not performing tasks, even if it's technically powered on.

You say 'conta inativa'. Remember that 'conta' is feminine, so 'inativo' becomes 'inativa'.

It is a silent partner—someone who invests money in a company but does not participate in the daily operations or management.

Yes, 'vulcão inativo' is the standard term for a dormant or extinct volcano in Portuguese.

Yes, in a formal or administrative context, 'inativos' refers to retirees, especially in the public sector.

'Desativado' implies someone intentionally stopped the activity. 'Inativo' is the state of not being active, regardless of the cause.

Both are used. 'Ser' is for a permanent habit or natural state (vulcão); 'estar' is for a temporary condition (site/conta).

In Portugal, it's like 'tee'. In most of Brazil, it's like 'chee'.

Yes, 'link inativo' is very common for a link that doesn't work anymore.

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