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B1 noun #10,000 más común 8 min de lectura

propinas

Top 10,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos propinas en 30 segundos

Explicación propinas in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'propinas' means 'school money' or 'tuition fees' in Portugal. It is the money you pay to the university so you can study. You will see this word if you look at university websites in Portugal. Just remember: Pagar (to pay) + Propinas. Example: 'Eu pago as propinas.' (I pay the fees). Do not use this word in Brazil for school; use 'mensalidade' instead. In Portugal, it is a very important word for students. It is always feminine (as propinas).

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At the A2 level, you should understand that 'propinas' is specifically for higher education (universities) in Portugal. You might use it in sentences about your daily life if you are a student. You should know common verbs that go with it, like 'pagar' (to pay) and 'dever' (to owe). You should also recognize the plural form. You might hear: 'As propinas são caras' (The tuition fees are expensive). It is useful to know that in Portugal, public universities have 'propinas', while private schools usually call the monthly payment 'mensalidade'.

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At the B1 level, you need to understand the social and administrative context of 'propinas'. In Portugal, this word is the official term for university tuition. You should be able to discuss the cost of education using this word. You should also be aware of the 'false friend' situation: in Brazil, 'propina' means a bribe. This is a crucial distinction for B1 learners to avoid social embarrassment. You should be comfortable using the word in phrases like 'isenção de propinas' (fee waiver) or 'pagar em prestações' (pay in installments). You will see this word in news articles about Portuguese education and student protests.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'propinas' in more complex discussions about education policy and student rights in Portugal. You should understand terms like 'propinas de estudante internacional' and how they differ from regular fees. You should be able to read administrative documents from a university (like a 'Regulamento de Propinas') and understand the deadlines and consequences of non-payment. You should also be able to explain the linguistic difference between Portugal and Brazil regarding this word to others, showing a deep cultural and linguistic awareness.

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At the C1 level, you should understand the historical evolution of the word 'propinas' and its nuanced use in legal and academic registers. You should be able to follow high-level debates about the 'fim das propinas' (abolition of tuition fees) in the Portuguese Parliament or in academic journals. You should recognize that while 'propinas' is the standard term, synonyms like 'taxas de frequência' might appear in very formal legislation. You should also be aware of the word's usage in other Lusophone countries and how it might lean more towards the Portuguese or Brazilian meaning depending on the local legal system.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 'propinas'. You understand its etymological roots in Latin 'propinare' and how it shifted from a voluntary gratuity to a mandatory state-regulated fee. You can navigate the most complex bureaucratic situations involving university finances in Portugal without hesitation. You are fully aware of the sociopolitical weight the word carries in Portugal, including its role in the history of student movements since the 1960s. You can use the word with perfect precision in academic writing, legal analysis, or casual conversation, always adjusting for the regional variety of Portuguese you are speaking.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

propinas en 30 segundos

In Portugal, 'propinas' means university tuition fees.
It is a feminine plural noun (as propinas).
In Brazil, 'propina' means a bribe (suborno).
It is a formal term used by schools and the government.

The word propinas is a fascinating example of how Portuguese can diverge significantly between its European and Brazilian variants. In Portugal (PT-PT), propinas refers specifically to the tuition fees paid by students to attend a university or polytechnic institute. It is the standard, official term used by the Ministry of Education and all academic institutions. When a student in Lisbon says they need to pay their propinas, they are talking about their legitimate educational costs. However, a massive warning is required for those traveling to Brazil: in PT-BR, propina (usually singular) is the word for a bribe or a kickback. Using this word in a Brazilian school context could lead to severe misunderstandings involving the police rather than the registrar's office!

Etymological Root: Derived from the Latin 'propinare', which meant to give a drink or a gift. Over centuries, it shifted from a small gratuity to a formal fee.
Register: In Portugal, it is a formal, administrative term used in legal documents and university portals.

O governo decidiu congelar o valor das propinas para o próximo ano letivo para ajudar as famílias.

Translation: The government decided to freeze the value of tuition fees for the next academic year to help families.

Historically, the term was used for small payments made to examiners or for administrative processing. In the modern Portuguese Republic, it has become a central point of political debate. Every year, student unions (Associações de Estudantes) organize protests against the 'valor das propinas', arguing that public higher education should be free (ensino gratuito). This makes the word highly charged in political discourse. You will see it on posters, in news headlines regarding the state budget (Orçamento do Estado), and on every university's 'Secretaria' website. It is important to note that while 'mensalidade' is used for private schools or monthly gym fees, 'propinas' is the exclusive term for university-level tuition.

Muitos alunos trabalham em part-time apenas para conseguir pagar as suas propinas.

Contextual Usage: Used when discussing scholarships (bolsas de estudo), university enrollment (matrícula), and academic debt.

Using propinas correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as a feminine plural noun. It typically follows verbs of payment like 'pagar' (to pay), 'liquidar' (to settle), or 'dever' (to owe). In academic contexts, it is often paired with adjectives like 'anuais' (annual) or 'em atraso' (overdue). When talking about the amount, we use 'o valor das propinas'. For example, 'O valor das propinas em Portugal é regulado por lei' (The amount of tuition fees in Portugal is regulated by law).

Se não pagares as propinas até ao final do mês, não poderás inscrever-te nos exames.

Translation: If you don't pay the tuition fees by the end of the month, you won't be able to register for exams.

Another common structure is 'isenção de propinas', which means 'tuition fee waiver'. This is vital for students applying for social support. 'Candidatei-me a uma bolsa para obter isenção de propinas' (I applied for a scholarship to get a tuition waiver). You might also encounter the term in the context of 'propinas de doutoramento' (PhD fees) or 'propinas de mestrado' (Master's fees), which are usually significantly higher than undergraduate fees.

Verb Collocations: Pagar (to pay), Cobrar (to charge), Aumentar (to increase), Reduzir (to reduce), Abolir (to abolish).

As propinas do mestrado são pagas em dez prestações mensais.

In formal writing, such as a university contract, you will see 'regulamento de propinas'. This document outlines the deadlines and penalties for late payment. If you are a foreign student, you will hear about 'propinas para estudantes internacionais', which are often 3 to 5 times higher than those for national or EU students. This distinction is crucial for anyone planning to study in Portugal. You might say, 'Como sou brasileiro, tenho de pagar a propina de estudante internacional, a menos que tenha estatuto de igualdade' (Since I am Brazilian, I have to pay the international student fee unless I have equality status).

You will primarily hear propinas in university corridors, administrative offices (Secretarias), and student meetings in Portugal. It is the word of the hour every September when enrollment begins. If you walk past a Portuguese university like the University of Coimbra or the University of Lisbon during a period of political tension, you will likely see banners saying 'Fim às Propinas!' (End Tuition Fees!). This is a staple of student activism in the country.

Ouviste dizer que as propinas vão baixar no próximo ano?

Translation: Did you hear that tuition fees are going to decrease next year?

On the news (RTP, SIC, TVI), journalists use the word when interviewing the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education. They discuss 'o financiamento do ensino superior' (higher education funding) and how 'as propinas' contribute to the university budgets. In a more personal setting, parents often discuss the burden of paying their children's propinas alongside rent (renda) and books (livros). It is a word that signifies a major transition into adulthood and financial responsibility for many young Portuguese people.

News Context: Often appears in headlines about 'crise no ensino' (education crisis) or 'sucesso académico' (academic success).

A secretaria enviou um e-mail sobre o prazo das propinas.

Finally, you will find it in the 'Guia do Aluno' (Student Guide) provided by every institution. It is usually listed under 'Informação Financeira'. When checking your 'Área de Aluno' online, there will be a specific tab labeled 'Propinas' where you can generate a 'Referência Multibanco' (ATM reference) to make the payment. In Portugal, almost all propinas are paid via the Multibanco system or home banking, making 'referência para propinas' a very common phrase.

The most significant mistake is the geographic one. If you use propinas in Brazil to mean 'tuition', people will think you are trying to pay a bribe to get into the university. In Brazil, use mensalidade. Conversely, in Portugal, while mensalidade is understood, it sounds less professional for university fees; propinas is the technical term. Another mistake is confusing propinas with 'gorjetas' (tips). Because the English word 'gratuity' can sometimes relate to 'propina' in its archaic sense, some learners mistakenly use it for a tip at a restaurant. Never tip a waiter with a 'propina'—that would be 'gorjeta'.

Errado: Deixei uma propina ao empregado de mesa. (Incorrect usage for tip)

Correct: Deixei uma gorjeta ao empregado de mesa.

Grammatically, learners often forget that propinas is plural. While you can say 'a propina deste mês' (this month's fee), it is much more common to speak of them in the plural when referring to the cost of the course. Also, avoid using the verb 'fazer' (to do) with propinas. You 'pagas' (pay) or 'liquidas' (settle) propinas, you don't 'fazes' them. Another common error is using 'taxas' interchangeably with 'propinas'. While 'propinas' are a type of 'taxa' (fee), 'taxas' is more general (like 'taxas de inscrição' - registration fees). 'Propinas' is specific to the tuition itself.

False Friend Alert: English 'Propine' is an obsolete word for a gift. Do not assume 'propina' means a gift in modern Portuguese.

Lastly, some students confuse 'propinas' with 'bolsas' (scholarships). A 'bolsa' is money you *receive* to study, while 'propinas' is money you *pay*. You might use your 'bolsa' to pay your 'propinas'. 'A minha bolsa não chega para pagar as propinas' (My scholarship isn't enough to pay the tuition fees). Keeping these financial terms distinct is essential for navigating the academic system in Portugal.

There are several words related to payments in an educational or general context that you should know to avoid confusion. The most common alternative is mensalidade. This refers to any monthly payment, such as for a private school, a gym, or a streaming service. While 'propinas' can be paid monthly, 'mensalidade' is the broader term. In private universities in Portugal, both terms are used, but 'mensalidade' is more frequent there, whereas 'propinas' is the standard for public universities.

Propinas vs. Mensalidade: Propinas: Public University Fees (PT-PT). Mensalidade: Monthly installments for private services/schools.
Propinas vs. Taxas: Taxas: General administrative fees (registration, certificates). Propinas: The specific cost of instruction.
Propinas vs. Suborno: Suborno: The universal word for 'bribe'. In Brazil, 'propina' is a synonym for 'suborno'.

Another related word is custos de escolaridade (schooling costs), which is a more formal and encompassing term including books and materials. Emolumentos is a very formal term used for fees paid for official documents, like getting your diploma printed. If you hear someone say 'prestações', they are referring to 'installments'. Since most students cannot pay the full 'propinas' at once, they pay in 'prestações mensais'.

A mensalidade do colégio privado é muito superior à propina da universidade pública.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The word shifted from a friendly drink to a tip, then to a formal fee in Portugal, but in Brazil, it took a dark turn toward corruption.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /pɾu.ˈpi.nɐʃ/

US /pɾo.ˈpi.nas/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable: pro-PI-nas.

Rima con

meninas cortinas ruínas doutrinas inas latinas divinas esquinas

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'o' like 'aw' (it should be closed /u/ in PT-PT).
Stress on the first syllable.
Pronouncing the final 's' as 'z' in PT-PT (it should be 'sh').
Confusing the PT-PT and PT-BR vowel reductions.
Misplacing the stress in the singular form 'propina'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

Easy to find in academic and news texts in Portugal.

Escritura 4/5

Requires remembering plural and feminine agreement.

Expresión oral 5/5

The PT-PT pronunciation of 'o' as 'u' is tricky for beginners.

Escucha 4/5

Can be confused with other 'p' words in fast speech.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

pagar dinheiro escola universidade estudante

Aprende después

bolsa de estudo matrícula licenciatura mestrado doutoramento

Avanzado

emolumentos taxas moderadoras fisco orçamento do estado

Gramática que debes saber

Feminine Plural Agreement

As propinas altas (The high fees).

Preposition 'de' for Origin

As propinas de Lisboa.

Contractions with 'de'

O valor das (de+as) propinas.

Future with 'ir'

Vou pagar as propinas.

Conditional with 'se'

Se pagares as propinas, podes estudar.

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Ejemplos por nivel

Eu pago as propinas amanhã.

I pay the tuition fees tomorrow.

Present tense of 'pagar'.

As propinas são baratas?

Are the tuition fees cheap?

Plural feminine adjective agreement.

Onde pago as propinas?

Where do I pay the tuition fees?

Interrogative sentence.

A propina é alta.

The tuition fee is high.

Singular usage for a specific fee.

Não tenho dinheiro para as propinas.

I don't have money for the tuition fees.

Negative sentence with 'ter'.

As propinas da universidade.

The university tuition fees.

Noun + preposition + noun.

Paga a tua propina.

Pay your tuition fee.

Imperative form.

As propinas em Portugal.

The tuition fees in Portugal.

Prepositional phrase.

Vou pagar as propinas por multibanco.

I'm going to pay the fees via ATM.

Future with 'ir'.

Ele ainda deve as propinas de Março.

He still owes the March tuition fees.

Verb 'dever' meaning to owe.

As propinas aumentaram este ano.

The tuition fees increased this year.

Past tense of 'aumentar'.

Preciso do recibo das propinas.

I need the tuition fee receipt.

Contraction 'das' (de + as).

As propinas são pagas em prestações.

The fees are paid in installments.

Passive voice.

A minha mãe ajuda-me com as propinas.

My mother helps me with the tuition fees.

Pronominal verb 'ajudar-me'.

Qual é o valor das propinas?

What is the amount of the tuition fees?

Interrogative 'qual'.

Tens de pagar as propinas a tempo.

You have to pay the tuition fees on time.

Periphrastic future 'tens de'.

Muitos estudantes protestam contra o valor das propinas.

Many students protest against the tuition fee amount.

Preposition 'contra' followed by noun phrase.

Se não pagares as propinas, não podes fazer exames.

If you don't pay the fees, you can't take exams.

Conditional sentence (if clause).

Consegui uma bolsa que cobre todas as propinas.

I got a scholarship that covers all the fees.

Relative clause with 'que'.

Em Portugal, as propinas são anuais.

In Portugal, tuition fees are annual.

Adjective 'anuais' qualifying 'propinas'.

O regulamento das propinas mudou recentemente.

The tuition fee regulation changed recently.

Compound noun phrase.

É possível pedir a isenção de propinas por carência económica.

It is possible to request a tuition waiver due to financial need.

Infinitive 'pedir' after 'é possível'.

As propinas de mestrado são mais caras que as de licenciatura.

Master's fees are more expensive than undergraduate ones.

Comparative of superiority.

Esqueci-me de pagar a última prestação das propinas.

I forgot to pay the last installment of the fees.

Pronominal verb 'esquecer-se de'.

A dívida das propinas pode impedir a emissão do diploma.

Tuition debt can prevent the issuance of the diploma.

Modal verb 'pode' + infinitive.

O governo anunciou uma redução gradual das propinas.

The government announced a gradual reduction of tuition fees.

Noun phrase with adjective 'gradual'.

Os estudantes internacionais pagam propinas diferenciadas.

International students pay differentiated tuition fees.

Adjective 'diferenciadas'.

O financiamento das universidades depende em parte das propinas.

University funding depends partly on tuition fees.

Verb 'depender de'.

Houve uma grande polémica sobre o aumento das propinas.

There was a big controversy about the tuition fee increase.

Impersonal verb 'haver' in the past.

O prazo para o pagamento das propinas foi alargado.

The deadline for the payment of tuition fees was extended.

Passive voice with 'ser' + participle.

A petição contra as propinas reuniu milhares de assinaturas.

The petition against tuition fees gathered thousands of signatures.

Prepositional phrase 'contra as propinas'.

As propinas servem para cobrir custos administrativos.

Tuition fees serve to cover administrative costs.

Verb 'servir para'.

O debate sobre a constitucionalidade das propinas é recorrente.

The debate on the constitutionality of tuition fees is recurrent.

Abstract noun 'constitucionalidade'.

A implementação de propinas no ensino público foi um marco político.

The implementation of tuition fees in public education was a political milestone.

Noun 'implementação'.

Argumenta-se que as propinas constituem uma barreira ao acesso ao ensino.

It is argued that tuition fees constitute a barrier to access to education.

Passive 'se' construction.

A receita proveniente das propinas é vital para a autonomia das faculdades.

Revenue from tuition fees is vital for the autonomy of colleges.

Adjective 'proveniente' + 'de'.

O regime jurídico das propinas sofreu várias alterações legislativas.

The legal regime of tuition fees has undergone several legislative changes.

Complex subject phrase.

A disparidade entre as propinas de instituições públicas e privadas é notória.

The disparity between fees in public and private institutions is notorious.

Noun 'disparidade'.

Muitos defendem a abolição total das propinas no primeiro ciclo.

Many advocate for the total abolition of tuition fees in the first cycle.

Noun 'abolição'.

A gestão das propinas em atraso exige um esforço administrativo considerável.

Managing overdue fees requires considerable administrative effort.

Gerund-like noun usage 'gestão'.

A problemática das propinas entronca na discussão sobre o Estado Social.

The issue of tuition fees is linked to the discussion on the Welfare State.

Verb 'entroncar' (to link/branch).

O montante das propinas é aferido anualmente em sede de orçamento.

The amount of tuition fees is assessed annually within the budget framework.

Passive voice with 'aferido' (assessed).

Subsiste a dúvida sobre a equidade do sistema de propinas vigente.

Doubt remains regarding the equity of the current tuition fee system.

Verb 'subsistir' (to remain/persist).

A indexação das propinas ao salário mínimo é uma proposta controversa.

Indexing tuition fees to the minimum wage is a controversial proposal.

Noun 'indexação'.

O impacto das propinas na mobilidade social é objeto de estudos sociológicos.

The impact of tuition fees on social mobility is the subject of sociological studies.

Prepositional phrase 'objeto de'.

As propinas são vistas como um mecanismo de co-pagamento do serviço público.

Tuition fees are seen as a mechanism for co-payment of the public service.

Noun 'co-pagamento'.

A inadimplência no pagamento das propinas acarreta sanções disciplinares.

Defaulting on tuition fee payments entails disciplinary sanctions.

Formal noun 'inadimplência'.

A arquitetura financeira do ensino superior ancora-se, em parte, nas propinas.

The financial architecture of higher education is anchored, in part, in tuition fees.

Reflexive verb 'ancorar-se'.

Colocaciones comunes

pagar propinas

valor das propinas

propinas em atraso

isenção de propinas

regulamento de propinas

propinas anuais

prestações de propinas

propinas de mestrado

redução de propinas

tabela de propinas

Frases Comunes

Estar em dia com as propinas

— To have all tuition payments up to date.

Estou em dia com as propinas, não devo nada.

Pagar as propinas de uma vez

— To pay the full annual tuition in a single payment.

Se pagares as propinas de uma vez, tens desconto.

Dívida de propinas

— Tuition debt.

A dívida de propinas impede a matrícula.

Prazo das propinas

— Tuition payment deadline.

O prazo das propinas termina hoje.

Referência para propinas

— Bank reference code for payment.

Onde encontro a referência para propinas?

Aumento das propinas

— Tuition hike.

Os alunos protestam contra o aumento das propinas.

Propinas de doutoramento

— PhD tuition fees.

As propinas de doutoramento são caríssimas.

Seguro escolar e propinas

— School insurance and tuition (often paid together).

Paguei o seguro e as propinas.

Recibo de propinas

— Tuition receipt.

Preciso do recibo de propinas para o IRS.

Fim das propinas

— The end of tuition fees (political slogan).

Eles lutam pelo fim das propinas.

Se confunde a menudo con

propinas vs gorjeta

Gorjeta is a tip for service; propina is tuition (PT) or bribe (BR).

propinas vs suborno

Suborno is the direct word for bribe in all variants; propina is only bribe in BR.

propinas vs taxa

Taxa is any fee; propina is specifically for tuition.

Modismos y expresiones

"Pagar as propinas com o suor da testa"

— To work very hard to afford tuition.

Ele paga as propinas com o suor da testa.

informal

"Estar enterrado em propinas"

— To be overwhelmed by tuition debt.

Estou enterrado em propinas este ano.

informal

"Propina de entrada"

— Rare/archaic: an entry fee or initial bribe (Brazil context).

Pediram uma propina de entrada.

slang/Brazil

"Viver à custa das propinas"

— For an institution to survive solely on student fees.

A faculdade vive à custa das propinas.

neutral

"Cair a propina"

— The date when the tuition payment is due/deducted.

Amanhã cai a propina na conta.

informal

"Limpar as propinas"

— To pay off all remaining tuition debt.

Finalmente limpei as propinas.

informal

"Propinas de sangue"

— Metaphor for very high, unfair costs.

Estas propinas de sangue são um roubo.

informal/dramatic

"Dar a propina"

— In Brazil: to give a bribe.

Ele deu a propina ao guarda.

slang/Brazil

"Bolsa-propina"

— A scholarship specifically for tuition.

Recebi uma bolsa-propina.

neutral

"Fugir às propinas"

— To try to avoid paying tuition.

Não podes fugir às propinas para sempre.

informal

Fácil de confundir

propinas vs Mensalidade

Both involve paying for education.

Mensalidade is for private/monthly; Propinas is for public/university (PT).

Pago a mensalidade do colégio e as propinas da faculdade.

propinas vs Bolsa

Both are financial university terms.

Bolsa is money you get; Propina is money you give.

Uso a bolsa para pagar a propina.

propinas vs Matrícula

Both are paid at the start of the year.

Matrícula is the registration act/fee; Propina is the tuition fee.

Paguei a matrícula e a primeira propina.

propinas vs Emolumento

Both are university fees.

Emolumento is for documents; Propina is for classes.

Paguei o emolumento para pedir o histórico.

propinas vs Gratificação

Similar etymological root.

Gratificação is a bonus or reward; Propina is a mandatory fee.

Recebi uma gratificação no trabalho.

Patrones de oraciones

Eu pago [propinas].

Eu pago as propinas.

Tenho de pagar [propinas].

Tenho de pagar as propinas amanhã.

As propinas são [adjetivo].

As propinas são muito elevadas.

Pagar em [número] prestações.

Paguei em dez prestações.

O valor das propinas [verbo].

O valor das propinas baixou.

Isenção de [propinas].

Consegui isenção de propinas.

A abolição das [propinas].

A abolição das propinas é um tema quente.

O sistema de [propinas] vigente.

O sistema de propinas vigente é injusto.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

propina

propinagem (rare/Brazil)

Verbos

propinas (verb form of propinar - rare)

Adjetivos

propinário (rare/legal)

Relacionado

mensalidade

taxa

suborno

gorjeta

matrícula

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very common in Portugal during the academic year.

Errores comunes

Using 'propinas' to mean 'tips' in a restaurant. → gorjetas
While 'propina' once meant a small gift, it is never used for tipping waitstaff today.
Using 'propinas' for school fees in Brazil. → mensalidades
In Brazil, this implies you are bribing the school.
Saying 'O propina'. → A propina
The word is feminine.
Confusing 'propinas' with 'bolsas'. → bolsas (for receiving money)
Propinas is the debt; bolsas is the aid.
Using 'fazer propinas'. → pagar propinas
You don't 'do' fees; you pay them.

Consejos

Know your audience

Always check if you are speaking to a Portuguese person or a Brazilian before using this word. The meaning changes from 'student' to 'criminal' across the Atlantic.

Pronunciation matters

In Portugal, the first 'o' is very quiet, almost like a 'u'. Practice saying 'pru-pina' to sound more native.

Check the 'Secretaria'

If you are a student in Portugal, the word 'propinas' will be your most important word in the 'Secretaria Virtual'.

Prestações

Most students pay in 'prestações' (installments). Ask: 'Posso pagar as propinas em prestações?'

Synonym use

Use 'mensalidade' for your gym or Netflix, but 'propinas' for your University of Porto fees.

Bribe alert

In Brazil, 'propina' is what politicians get caught with in suitcases. Use 'suborno' if you want to be clear about the crime.

International Status

If you are from a Portuguese-speaking country (CPLP), you might get a discount on the international 'propinas'.

Gender check

It's always feminine: 'A propina', 'As propinas'. Never 'O propina'.

Political weight

The word is a symbol of the fight for free education in Portugal. Use it with respect for its history.

Asking for help

If you can't pay, look for 'Serviços de Ação Social' (SAS) and ask about 'bolsas' for your 'propinas'.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'PRO-fees' for 'PRO-pinas' in Portugal. You are a PRO student paying your fees.

Asociación visual

Imagine a student in Portugal handing a coin to a professor (legit) vs. a person in Brazil handing a bag of money under a table (illegal).

Word Web

Universidade Dinheiro Pagamento Estudante Portugal Educação Bolsa Secretaria

Desafío

Try to write a sentence using 'propinas' (fees) and 'gorjeta' (tip) to see the difference in usage.

Origen de la palabra

From the Latin 'propinare', which comes from the Greek 'propínein' (to drink to someone's health).

Significado original: Originally meant to offer a drink or a small gift as a token of appreciation.

Romance (Latin root).

Contexto cultural

Be extremely careful using this word in Brazil. It is not a neutral word there.

Think of 'Tuition' in the UK vs 'Tuition' in the US; the concepts are similar, but the cost and social perception vary wildly.

The movie 'A Gaiola Dourada' (references Portuguese immigrant life and costs). Portuguese news reports on 'congelamento de propinas'. Brazilian 'telenovelas' often feature 'propinas' in plots about corrupt politicians.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

University Enrollment

Qual é o valor?
Posso pagar em prestações?
Onde está a referência?
Quando é o prazo?

Student Protest

Abaixo as propinas!
Ensino gratuito!
Direito à educação
Não ao aumento!

Scholarship Application

Pedido de isenção
Carência económica
Apoio social
Cobertura de propinas

Bank/ATM

Pagamento de serviços
Referência multibanco
Entidade e montante
Confirmar pagamento

News/Politics

Orçamento para educação
Redução de taxas
Acesso ao ensino superior
Dívidas dos alunos

Inicios de conversación

"Já pagaste as tuas propinas este mês ou deixaste para a última?"

"Achas que o valor das propinas em Portugal é justo para os alunos?"

"Como é que os estudantes no teu país pagam a universidade?"

"Sabias que em alguns países não se pagam propinas nenhumas?"

"O que acontece se um aluno não conseguir pagar as propinas a tempo?"

Temas para diario

Escreve sobre as dificuldades financeiras que um estudante pode enfrentar com as propinas.

Deveria o ensino superior ser totalmente gratuito? Justifica a tua opinião.

Descreve o processo de inscrição numa universidade portuguesa e menciona as propinas.

Como te sentirias se tivesses de pagar propinas de estudante internacional?

Faz uma comparação entre o custo das propinas em Portugal e no teu país de origem.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, you should avoid it. In Brazil, 'propinas' means bribes. Use 'mensalidade' instead to avoid being misunderstood as someone involved in corruption.

In Portugal, you can use both, but 'propinas' (plural) is more common when talking about the total cost. 'A propina' refers to a single installment.

Usually via 'Multibanco' (ATM) or home banking using a specific 'entidade' and 'referência' provided by the university's online portal.

Compared to the US or UK, they are relatively low (around 700€/year for public undergrad), but for many Portuguese families, they are a significant expense.

No, 'propinas' only covers the right to attend classes and take exams. Books, housing, and food are separate costs.

You will likely be barred from registering for exams, and you won't be able to receive your diploma or official transcripts until the debt is cleared.

Some universities in Portugal offer a small discount (e.g., 2-5%) if you pay the full annual amount at the beginning of the year.

Yes, usually. Students from outside the EU/CPLP often pay a 'Propina de Estudante Internacional', which can be several thousand euros.

Refunds are very rare and usually only happen in specific cases of administrative error or if you withdraw within a very short window.

No, for primary or secondary school, people usually say 'mensalidade' (if private) or just talk about 'custos escolares'. 'Propinas' is for higher education.

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