At the A1 level, 'opinião' is one of the first abstract nouns you will learn. It is used in very simple structures to express basic likes, dislikes, and thoughts. You will mostly use it with the verb 'ter' (to have) or in the phrase 'na minha opinião'. At this stage, the focus is on recognizing the word and knowing it is feminine. You might say 'Eu tenho uma opinião' or 'Na minha opinião, o café é bom'. It's about personal, immediate thoughts without complex justification. You should practice the nasal pronunciation of the '-ão' ending, as it is a signature sound of the Portuguese language. Even at this beginner level, understanding that an 'opinião' is personal helps you engage in basic social interactions where people share their preferences about food, weather, or simple activities.
At the A2 level, you begin to expand how you use 'opinião' by incorporating more verbs and simple adjectives. You might start asking others for their views using 'Qual é a sua opinião?' and responding with slightly more detail. You will learn to use 'sobre' to specify the topic of the opinion. Adjectives like 'boa', 'má', 'importante', or 'diferente' become common. You also start to understand the plural form 'opiniões' and how it changes the sentence structure. For example, 'Eles têm opiniões diferentes'. You might also encounter the word in simple reading texts or news headlines. The goal at A2 is to move beyond just stating an opinion to participating in a very basic exchange of ideas with others.
At the B1 level, 'opinião' becomes a tool for more sustained conversation and debate. You are expected to not only give your opinion but also to provide reasons for it using 'porque' or 'já que'. You will use a wider variety of verbs like 'expressar', 'defender', or 'mudar'. You start to distinguish between 'na minha opinião' and 'do meu ponto de vista'. You will also encounter the concept of 'opinião pública' in news articles. Your ability to handle the feminine gender and the plural 'opiniões' should be consistent. You might say, 'Eu mudei de opinião porque recebi novas informações'. At this stage, you are also learning to agree or disagree politely with someone else's 'opinião' using phrases like 'Concordo com a sua opinião' or 'Tenho uma opinião diferente'.
At the B2 level, you use 'opinião' with nuance and precision. You can discuss complex topics like politics, ethics, or social issues, and you can handle 'opiniões' that are nuanced or conflicting. You will use advanced collocations like 'opinião fundamentada' (well-founded opinion) or 'divergência de opiniões' (divergence of opinions). You are comfortable using the word in formal writing, such as essays or reports, where you might use 'parecer' as a synonym in professional contexts. You can also understand and use idiomatic expressions or more formal structures like 'Em que pese a sua opinião...' (Despite your opinion...). At B2, you are expected to follow a fast-paced discussion where multiple 'opiniões' are being exchanged and to synthesize these views in your own words.
At the C1 level, your use of 'opinião' is sophisticated and context-aware. You understand the subtle differences between 'opinião', 'juízo', 'parecer', and 'posicionamento'. You can use the word to discuss abstract concepts like the 'formação da opinião' (opinion formation) or the influence of the media on 'opinião pública'. In professional or academic settings, you can issue a formal 'opinião' or 'parecer' that is structured and authoritative. You are also sensitive to the rhetorical use of the word—how someone might use 'é apenas a minha opinião' to soften a critique or 'é uma opinião unânime' to build consensus. Your mastery of the word includes its use in complex grammatical structures and high-level vocabulary environments.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'opinião' and all its connotations. You can engage in philosophical debates about the nature of 'opinião' versus 'conhecimento' (doxa vs. episteme). You understand the historical and cultural weight of the word in Portuguese literature and political discourse. You can use it with absolute precision in any register, from the most informal slang to the most formal legal or academic language. You are also aware of the most subtle idiomatic uses and can play with the word's meaning in creative writing or oratory. At this level, 'opinião' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a concept you can manipulate to express the finest shades of human thought and social interaction.

opinião en 30 segundos

  • Opinião is a feminine noun meaning 'opinion' or 'viewpoint'.
  • Commonly used in the phrase 'na minha opinião' (in my opinion).
  • The plural form is 'opiniões', following a common Portuguese pattern.
  • It is used in both casual conversations and formal professional contexts.

The word opinião is a fundamental pillar of human communication in Portuguese. At its core, it represents a subjective judgment, a viewpoint, or a belief that is not necessarily based on absolute proof or certainty. It is the internal lens through which an individual perceives and evaluates the world around them. Unlike a 'fact' (fato), which is objective and verifiable, an opinião is inherently personal and varies from person to person.

Grammatical Gender
Feminine (a opinião, as opiniões). This is crucial for adjective agreement.

Respeito a sua opinião, mesmo que não concorde com ela.

In a broader sense, opinião can also refer to the collective sentiment of a group, often termed 'opinião pública' (public opinion). This usage shifts the focus from the individual to the societal, reflecting the dominant trends and beliefs within a community or nation. Understanding this word requires recognizing that it carries weight in both casual conversations and formal debates.

Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'opinio', meaning belief or expectation.

A opinião do especialista foi decisiva para o projeto.

When you express an opinião, you are sharing a part of your identity. In Portuguese culture, sharing opinions is a social lubricant, often done over coffee or during long meals. It is not just about the information shared, but about the connection established through the exchange of ideas.

Plural Form
Opiniões. Note the change from '-ão' to '-ões'.

Existem muitas opiniões divergentes sobre este assunto.

Na minha opinião, este é o melhor caminho a seguir.

Qual é a sua opinião sincera sobre o novo restaurante?

Using opinião correctly involves mastering specific prepositions and verbs. The most common way to introduce your viewpoint is the phrase 'Na minha opinião' (In my opinion). It is a versatile phrase used in both formal and informal contexts. You can also use 'Em minha opinião', though it sounds slightly more formal and is less common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese.

Common Verbs
Dar (to give), Ter (to have), Mudar (to change), Expressar (to express), Pedir (to ask for).

Ele deu uma opinião muito polêmica durante a reunião.

When asking for someone's view, you typically use the verb 'pedir' or simply ask 'Qual é a sua opinião?'. If you want to specify what the opinion is about, use the preposition 'sobre' (about). For example, 'opinião sobre o filme' or 'opinião sobre a política'.

Prepositions
Sobre (about), De (of/from), Contra (against), A favor de (in favor of).

Eu mudei de opinião depois de ler o livro.

Adjectives often accompany opinião to add nuance. You might have a 'opinião forte' (strong opinion), a 'opinião formada' (settled opinion), or a 'opinião pública' (public opinion). Because the word is feminine, the adjectives must also be feminine where applicable (e.g., 'opinião própria').

Collocations
Liberdade de opinião (freedom of opinion), troca de opiniões (exchange of opinions).

A liberdade de opinião é um direito fundamental.

Não tenho uma opinião formada sobre esse assunto ainda.

Gostaria de ouvir a sua opinião antes de decidir.

You will encounter opinião in almost every facet of Portuguese-speaking life. In the media, 'artigos de opinião' (opinion pieces) are a staple of newspapers like *Folha de S.Paulo* or *Público*. On television, news anchors often ask commentators for their 'opinião' on current events. In the digital age, social media platforms are essentially massive engines for the exchange of opiniões.

Media Contexts
Talk shows, podcasts, editorials, and review sections (books, movies, tech).

O colunista escreveu uma opinião contundente sobre a economia.

In professional environments, 'opinião' is used to solicit feedback. A manager might say, 'Quero a sua opinião sobre o novo fluxo de trabalho'. In academic settings, students are often asked to justify their 'opinião' based on evidence. In legal contexts, a 'parecer' is a formal 'opinião' issued by a lawyer or a judge.

Professional Use
Performance reviews, strategy meetings, and customer feedback surveys.

A opinião pública está dividida quanto à nova lei.

In casual settings, such as at a 'boteco' in Rio or a 'café' in Lisbon, 'opinião' is the currency of conversation. Whether discussing football (futebol), politics, or the weather, everyone has an opinião. Phrases like 'Se quer saber a minha opinião...' (If you want to know my opinion...) are common conversation starters.

Everyday Phrases
'Dar um pitaco' (slang for giving an unsolicited opinion), 'Não pedi sua opinião' (I didn't ask for your opinion).

Na opinião dele, o time jogou muito mal ontem.

Sua opinião é muito importante para nós.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is getting the gender of opinião wrong. Because it ends in '-ão', some learners mistakenly assume it is masculine (like 'o pão' or 'o avião'). However, opinião is feminine: a opinião. This affects every adjective and article connected to it.

Gender Error
Incorrect: 'O meu opinião'. Correct: 'A minha opinião'.

Esta é a minha opinião sincera, não a dele.

Another mistake involves the pluralization. The plural of opinião is opiniões, not 'opiniãos'. This is a common pattern for words ending in '-ião' (like 'região' -> 'regiões'), but it can still trip up beginners who try to apply a universal '-s' rule.

Pluralization Error
Incorrect: 'Muitas opiniãos'. Correct: 'Muitas opiniões'.

Respeitamos todas as opiniões aqui.

Learners also struggle with the preposition. While in English we say 'opinion on' or 'opinion about', in Portuguese, 'sobre' is the most natural choice. Using 'de' (e.g., 'opinião de algo') can sometimes sound like the opinion *belongs* to the thing rather than being *about* the thing.

Preposition Pitfall
Avoid: 'Opinião em...'. Use: 'Opinião sobre...'.

Qual é a sua opinião sobre a nova política da empresa?

Não confunda opinião com fato.

Ele tem uma opinião muito forte sobre isso.

While opinião is the most common term, Portuguese offers several synonyms that provide different shades of meaning. Understanding these can elevate your fluency and allow you to be more precise in your expression.

Ponto de Vista
Literally 'point of view'. It emphasizes the perspective from which someone sees a situation.

Do meu ponto de vista, a opinião dele está equivocada.

Parecer is a more formal synonym, often used in professional, legal, or technical contexts. It implies a reasoned judgment or an official stance. Juízo, on the other hand, relates to the faculty of judging or a specific moral assessment.

Parecer vs. Opinião
Opinião is personal/subjective; Parecer is professional/formal.

O advogado emitiu um parecer favorável, mudando a opinião do juiz.

Finally, Visão (vision/view) can be used metaphorically to describe a comprehensive understanding or a philosophical stance. For example, 'uma visão de mundo' (a worldview) is more encompassing than a simple 'opinião'.

Comparison Table
Opinião (General) | Parecer (Formal) | Ponto de Vista (Perspective) | Juízo (Moral/Logical).

Cada um tem o seu juízo de valor e a sua própria opinião.

Qual é o seu posicionamento ou opinião sobre o caso?

Não confunda uma opinião passageira com uma convicção profunda.

How Formal Is It?

Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

Nasalization of '-ão'

Pluralization of '-ão' to '-ões'

Feminine noun endings

Prepositional use of 'sobre'

Possessive adjective agreement

Ejemplos por nivel

1

Qual é a sua opinião?

What is your opinion?

Simple question with 'ser'.

2

Na minha opinião, o café está frio.

In my opinion, the coffee is cold.

Using 'na minha opinião' as an introductory phrase.

3

Eu tenho uma opinião sobre isso.

I have an opinion about that.

Verb 'ter' + feminine noun.

4

A sua opinião é importante.

Your opinion is important.

Subject-adjective agreement (feminine).

5

Ela não deu a opinião dela.

She didn't give her opinion.

Negative sentence with possessive.

6

Esta é a minha opinião.

This is my opinion.

Demonstrative pronoun agreement.

7

Você tem uma opinião?

Do you have an opinion?

Direct question.

8

A opinião dele é boa.

His opinion is good.

Possessive 'dele' follows the noun.

1

Eu quero saber a sua opinião sobre o livro.

I want to know your opinion about the book.

Using 'sobre' for the topic.

2

Eles têm opiniões muito diferentes.

They have very different opinions.

Plural form 'opiniões'.

3

Não tenho uma opinião formada ainda.

I don't have a settled opinion yet.

Adjective 'formada' modifying 'opinião'.

4

Você pode dar a sua opinião agora?

Can you give your opinion now?

Modal verb 'poder' + 'dar'.

5

A opinião pública mudou rápido.

Public opinion changed fast.

Compound noun 'opinião pública'.

6

Respeito a sua opinião, mas discordo.

I respect your opinion, but I disagree.

Conjunction 'mas' for contrast.

7

Qual opinião você prefere?

Which opinion do you prefer?

Interrogative 'qual' without article.

8

Ela mudou de opinião ontem.

She changed her mind (opinion) yesterday.

Phrase 'mudar de opinião'.

1

É difícil expressar uma opinião em público.

It is difficult to express an opinion in public.

Infinitive 'expressar'.

2

Na minha opinião, deveríamos viajar amanhã.

In my opinion, we should travel tomorrow.

Conditional 'deveríamos'.

3

Ele sempre pede a minha opinião antes de comprar algo.

He always asks for my opinion before buying something.

Verb 'pedir' + preposition 'antes de'.

4

As opiniões dos especialistas são variadas.

The experts' opinions are varied.

Plural agreement with 'variadas'.

5

Não baseie sua opinião apenas em boatos.

Don't base your opinion only on rumors.

Imperative 'baseie'.

6

A liberdade de opinião é essencial para a democracia.

Freedom of opinion is essential for democracy.

Abstract concept usage.

7

Gostaria de ouvir uma segunda opinião médica.

I would like to hear a second medical opinion.

Specific context: medical.

8

Sua opinião coincide com a minha.

Your opinion coincides with mine.

Verb 'coincidir'.

1

A opinião dele foi fundamentada em dados reais.

His opinion was based on real data.

Passive voice with 'fundamentada'.

2

Houve uma grande divergência de opiniões na reunião.

There was a great divergence of opinions in the meeting.

Noun 'divergência'.

3

Ela é uma pessoa de opiniões fortes e decididas.

She is a person of strong and decisive opinions.

Adjectives in the plural.

4

A pesquisa reflete a opinião da maioria dos cidadãos.

The survey reflects the opinion of the majority of citizens.

Verb 'refletir'.

5

Não podemos ignorar a opinião dos clientes.

We cannot ignore the customers' opinion.

Infinitive 'ignorar'.

6

Ele emitiu uma opinião polêmica nas redes sociais.

He issued a controversial opinion on social media.

Verb 'emitir'.

7

A minha opinião sobre o assunto permanece a mesma.

My opinion on the subject remains the same.

Verb 'permanecer'.

8

Trocar opiniões é a melhor forma de aprender.

Exchanging opinions is the best way to learn.

Gerund-like use of infinitive 'trocar'.

1

O artigo de opinião questiona as políticas atuais.

The opinion piece questions current policies.

Compound noun 'artigo de opinião'.

2

É imperativo que respeitemos a pluralidade de opiniões.

It is imperative that we respect the plurality of opinions.

Subjunctive 'respeitemos'.

3

Sua opinião carece de embasamento teórico.

Your opinion lacks theoretical grounding.

Verb 'carecer' + 'de'.

4

A formação da opinião pública é um processo complexo.

The formation of public opinion is a complex process.

Abstract noun phrase.

5

Ele se absteve de dar sua opinião sobre o veredito.

He refrained from giving his opinion on the verdict.

Reflexive verb 'abster-se'.

6

As opiniões aqui expressas são de inteira responsabilidade dos autores.

The opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the authors.

Past participle 'expressas' as adjective.

7

A opinião prevalecente na época era muito diferente.

The prevailing opinion at the time was very different.

Adjective 'prevalecente'.

8

Não se deve confundir opinião com convicção dogmática.

One should not confuse opinion with dogmatic conviction.

Impersonal 'se'.

1

A dicotomia entre opinião e verdade é um tema clássico da filosofia.

The dichotomy between opinion and truth is a classic theme of philosophy.

High-level vocabulary 'dicotomia'.

2

O autor tece críticas contundentes à manipulação da opinião.

The author weaves sharp criticisms of the manipulation of opinion.

Idiomatic verb 'tecer críticas'.

3

Sua opinião, conquanto válida, ignora as nuances do caso.

Your opinion, although valid, ignores the nuances of the case.

Conjunction 'conquanto'.

4

A volatilidade da opinião pública desafia os governantes.

The volatility of public opinion challenges rulers.

Noun 'volatilidade'.

5

O parecer jurídico sobrepõe-se à mera opinião pessoal.

The legal opinion overrides mere personal opinion.

Pronominal verb 'sobrepor-se'.

6

Raras são as opiniões que resistem ao escrutínio do tempo.

Rare are the opinions that withstand the scrutiny of time.

Inverted sentence structure.

7

A intersubjetividade das opiniões constrói a realidade social.

The intersubjectivity of opinions constructs social reality.

Academic term 'intersubjetividade'.

8

Ele articulou sua opinião com uma eloquência ímpar.

He articulated his opinion with unparalleled eloquence.

Adjective 'ímpar'.

Colocaciones comunes

dar uma opinião
pedir uma opinião
mudar de opinião
opinião pública
opinião formada
opinião própria
liberdade de opinião
troca de opiniões
artigo de opinião
segunda opinião

Se confunde a menudo con

opinião vs opção

opinião vs oposição

opinião vs oração

Fácil de confundir

opinião vs opção

A choice between alternatives.

opinião vs parecer

A formal or professional opinion.

opinião vs juízo

A moral or logical judgment.

opinião vs fato

Something that is objectively true.

opinião vs crença

A deeply held belief, often religious.

Patrones de oraciones

Cómo usarlo

nuance

Don't confuse 'opinião' (thought) with 'opção' (choice).

regional

In Brazil, 'opinião' is used very freely; in Portugal, it can be slightly more reserved in formal settings.

Errores comunes
  • Saying 'o opinião' (it's feminine).
  • Pluralizing as 'opiniãos' (it's opiniões).
  • Using 'opinião em' instead of 'opinião sobre'.
  • Confusing 'opinião' with 'opção'.
  • Forgetting the nasal tilde (~) on the 'a'.

Consejos

Gender Check

Always pair 'opinião' with feminine adjectives. Say 'opinião própria', not 'opinião próprio'.

Nasal 'ão'

Practice the nasal sound by holding your nose; if the sound changes, you're doing it right!

Synonym Variety

Use 'ponto de vista' to sound more sophisticated in your conversations.

Politeness

Start with 'Respeito a sua opinião' before disagreeing to remain polite in Portuguese culture.

Editorial Style

When writing an essay, use 'opinião' to introduce your thesis statement clearly.

Context Clues

If you hear 'sobre' after 'opinião', get ready to hear the topic being discussed.

Pitaco

In Brazil, use 'dar um pitaco' for a casual, lighthearted opinion.

Plural Rules

Remember '-ão' to '-ões' for the CELPE-Bras or CAPLE exams; it's a frequent testing point.

Parecer

In a business meeting, ask for a 'parecer' if you want a professional, technical judgment.

Visual Link

Visualize a 'pin' (from o-PIN-ião) pinning a thought bubble to a board.

Memorízalo

Origen de la palabra

Latin

Contexto cultural

Brazilians often use 'pitaco' for a casual, sometimes unasked-for opinion.

Portuguese speakers may use 'parecer' more frequently in formal bureaucratic contexts.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"Qual é a sua opinião sobre o clima hoje?"

"Você tem uma opinião formada sobre o novo filme?"

"Na sua opinião, qual é o melhor restaurante da cidade?"

"Eu gostaria de ouvir a sua opinião sobre este projeto."

"Você mudou de opinião sobre aquele assunto?"

Temas para diario

Escreva sobre uma opinião que você mudou recentemente.

Qual é a sua opinião sobre a importância de aprender línguas?

Descreva uma situação onde sua opinião foi ignorada.

Como a opinião pública afeta as suas decisões?

Você acha que é importante ter uma opinião sobre tudo?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is feminine. You should always say 'a opinião' or 'uma opinião'. This is a common mistake because many words ending in '-ão' are masculine, but this one is an exception.

The most common way is 'Na minha opinião'. In more formal writing, you can use 'Em minha opinião'. In casual Brazilian Portuguese, people often say 'Para mim'.

The plural is 'opiniões'. This follows the rule where many '-ão' words change to '-ões' in the plural, like 'coração' to 'corações'.

Yes, you can say 'uma segunda opinião médica'. However, for a formal report, a doctor might use the word 'parecer'.

Usually 'sobre'. For example: 'Qual é a sua opinião sobre o governo?'. You can also use 'de' in some contexts, but 'sobre' is safer and more common.

Yes, it is used exactly the same way in all Portuguese-speaking countries. It is a universal word in the Lusophone world.

It means 'public opinion'. It refers to the collective beliefs or views of the general population on a specific issue.

You say 'Eu mudei de opinião'. It literally means 'I changed of opinion'.

It is neutral. It can be used in a casual chat with friends or in a formal newspaper article. Context determines the register.

It is an 'opinion piece' or 'editorial' found in newspapers where the author expresses their personal view on a topic.

Ponte a prueba 30 preguntas

writing

Escreva uma frase usando 'na minha opinião'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Dê sua opinião sobre o clima hoje.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Explique por que você mudou de opinião sobre algo.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'Esta é a minha opinião'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Ouça e escreva a palavra: [opinião]

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

/ 30 correct

Perfect score!

¿Te ha servido?
¡No hay comentarios todavía. Sé el primero en compartir tus ideas!