At the A1 level, you should focus on 'responsabilidade' as a basic noun that means having a job or a duty. Think of it as 'something I must do'. You don't need to worry about complex legal meanings yet. Just remember that it is a feminine word (a responsabilidade) and that it is a long word to pronounce. You might use it to talk about simple things like 'A responsabilidade de limpar o quarto' (The responsibility of cleaning the room). At this stage, you are mostly learning to recognize the word when you hear it and understanding that it is a 'big' and 'important' word. You will likely use the adjective 'responsável' more often, as in 'Eu sou responsável' (I am responsible). Focus on the connection between having a pet or a chore and this word. It's a great word to practice your pronunciation because of its many syllables. Try breaking it down: res-pon-sa-bi-li-da-de. It sounds very similar to the English word, which makes it easier to remember the meaning, even if the spelling is a bit different with the '-dade' ending instead of '-ity'.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'responsabilidade' in more complete sentences. You should be able to say who has the responsibility for what using the preposition 'por'. For example, 'O pai tem a responsabilidade pelos filhos' (The father has the responsibility for the children). You are also learning to use it with common verbs like 'ter' (to have) and 'dar' (to give). You might hear a teacher say, 'Vou dar uma responsabilidade para você' (I'm going to give you a responsibility). You should also be aware of the plural form, 'responsabilidades', and use it to talk about your daily life or your job. 'Eu tenho muitas responsabilidades no meu novo emprego' (I have many responsibilities in my new job). At this level, you are moving beyond just recognizing the word to using it to describe your life and duties. You can also start to recognize the opposite word, 'irresponsabilidade', when someone does something wrong or careless. It's a good time to practice the 'bi-li-da-de' sound, which is common in many Portuguese nouns like 'possibilidade' or 'habilidade'.
As a B1 learner, you are expected to use 'responsabilidade' in a variety of contexts, including work, social life, and personal growth. You should understand the difference between 'ter responsabilidade' (to have responsibility) and 'assumir a responsabilidade' (to take/assume responsibility). This is the level where you start to discuss more abstract concepts, like 'responsabilidade social' (social responsibility) or 'responsabilidade ambiental' (environmental responsibility). You can use the word to express opinions about who should be accountable for certain problems in society. For example, 'O governo deve assumir a responsabilidade pela educação' (The government should take responsibility for education). You should also be comfortable with the preposition 'de' when followed by a verb: 'Temos a responsabilidade de proteger a natureza' (We have the responsibility to protect nature). Your vocabulary is expanding to include related terms like 'compromisso' and 'dever', and you can start to choose between them depending on how formal or serious you want to sound. You are also becoming more aware of the word's role in professional settings, such as job interviews or meetings.
At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'responsabilidade'. You can use it in formal debates, professional writing, and complex social interactions. You understand that the word can imply legal liability, moral duty, or professional accountability. You are comfortable using phrases like 'isentar-se de responsabilidade' (to exempt oneself from responsibility) or 'atribuir responsabilidade' (to attribute responsibility). You can discuss the 'ônus da responsabilidade' (the burden of responsibility) and how it affects leadership and decision-making. At this level, your use of the word is precise. You know when to use 'responsabilidade' versus 'obrigação' or 'incumbência'. You can write a formal letter or an essay discussing the 'responsabilidade civil' of a company after an accident. You also understand idiomatic expressions and the informal use of the word, like the Brazilian slang 'responsa'. Your pronunciation is fluid, and you can use the word in fast-paced conversations without hesitation. You are also able to recognize and use the word in various registers, from a legal document to a casual chat with friends about personal growth.
At the C1 level, you use 'responsabilidade' with the precision of a native speaker. You understand the philosophical and ethical depths of the word. You can engage in complex discussions about 'responsabilidade coletiva' versus 'responsabilidade individual'. You are familiar with the word's usage in classical literature, high-level journalism, and specialized fields like law or philosophy. You can use the word to articulate subtle points about accountability in systemic structures. For example, you might discuss the 'responsabilidade histórica' of a nation or the 'responsabilidade ética' of a scientist. You are adept at using the word in rhetorical structures to persuade or argue a point. Your writing is sophisticated, using 'responsabilidade' alongside a rich array of synonyms and related concepts to avoid repetition and add depth. You understand the historical etymology of the word and how it has evolved in the Portuguese-speaking world. You can also detect irony or sarcasm when the word is used in social commentary. Basically, the word is a versatile tool in your linguistic arsenal, used to navigate the most complex intellectual and professional environments.
At the C2 level, you have mastered 'responsabilidade' in all its dimensions. You can use it to explore the most profound aspects of human existence, ethics, and social organization. You are capable of interpreting and producing texts where 'responsabilidade' is a central theme, such as legal codes, philosophical treatises, or complex literary works. You understand the word's resonance in different Lusophone cultures—how 'responsabilidade' might be perceived slightly differently in a corporate environment in Luanda versus a family setting in rural Portugal. You can play with the word, using it in metaphors, wordplay, or highly specialized technical contexts. You are aware of the most obscure collocations and archaic uses of the word. Your command of the word is such that you can use it to define and redefine concepts of duty and accountability in your own professional or academic contributions. You are not just a user of the language but a master of its nuances, and 'responsabilidade' is a word you use with complete authority and stylistic flair, whether you are drafting a constitution or writing a masterpiece of fiction.

responsabilidade en 30 segundos

  • Responsabilidade is a feminine noun meaning responsibility or accountability, used in personal, professional, and legal contexts.
  • It is frequently paired with verbs like 'ter' (to have), 'assumir' (to take on), and 'atribuir' (to assign).
  • Common collocations include 'responsabilidade social', 'responsabilidade fiscal', and 'responsabilidade civil', covering social, financial, and legal duties.
  • Learners should remember the feminine gender ('a responsabilidade') and the preposition 'por' when identifying what someone is responsible for.

The Portuguese word responsabilidade is a cornerstone of both personal character and legal frameworks in Lusophone cultures. At its core, it translates directly to 'responsibility' in English, but its usage spans a vast spectrum from the mundane chores of daily life to the heavy weight of judicial accountability. It is a feminine noun, derived from the Latin responsus, the past participle of respondere (to respond), suggesting that to have responsibility is, fundamentally, to be in a position where one must 'answer' for something or someone.

Personal Duty
In a domestic or personal context, responsabilidade refers to the obligations one has toward family, pets, or self-care. It is often paired with the verb ter (to have) or assumir (to take on/assume).

Cuidar dos filhos é uma grande responsabilidade.

In professional settings, the word takes on a more structured meaning. It defines the scope of a job role or the liability a company holds toward its clients. You will frequently see it in job descriptions under the heading 'Responsabilidades do Cargo' (Job Responsibilities). Here, it implies a set of tasks that the employee is expected to manage autonomously and for which they will be evaluated.

Legal Liability
In the legal world, responsabilidade civil or responsabilidade criminal refers to the obligation to repair damage caused to others or to face punishment for an illegal act. It is the state of being legally answerable.

A empresa negou qualquer responsabilidade pelo acidente ocorrido na fábrica.

Socially, the term responsabilidade social has become increasingly common in Brazil and Portugal, referring to the ethical obligation of organizations and individuals to act for the benefit of society at large. This includes environmental protection, fair labor practices, and community engagement. It reflects a shift from individualistic views to a more collective understanding of duty.

Moral Weight
Beyond legalities, it touches on the 'peso' (weight) of one's choices. To act with responsabilidade is to act with maturity and foresight, considering the consequences of one's actions before they are taken.

Você já tem idade suficiente para assumir a responsabilidade pelas suas escolhas.

O governo tem a responsabilidade de garantir a saúde pública para todos os cidadãos.

Finally, the word is often used in the plural, responsabilidades, to describe the various duties a person manages simultaneously. For instance, a student might say they have many 'responsabilidades' during finals week, referring to studying, attending exams, and perhaps working a part-time job. It is a word that commands respect and implies a level of maturity (maturidade) and reliability (confiabilidade).

Com grandes poderes vêm grandes responsabilidades.

Using responsabilidade correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior and the common verbs it pairs with. As a feminine noun, it always takes feminine articles (a responsabilidade, uma responsabilidade) and adjectives (responsabilidade total, responsabilidade limitada). The most frequent sentence structure involves the verb ter (to have) or ser (to be).

With 'Ter' (To Have)
This is the most common way to express that someone is in charge of something. 'Eu tenho a responsabilidade de fechar a loja.'

Eles têm muita responsabilidade no trabalho, por isso estão sempre cansados.

When you want to describe the act of accepting a duty, use the verb assumir. This is a strong, formal verb often used in business or when someone admits to a mistake. Conversely, if you want to say someone is avoiding their duty, you use fugir da responsabilidade (to run away from responsibility) or esquivar-se da responsabilidade.

With 'Assumir' (To Assume/Take on)
'O diretor assumiu a responsabilidade pelo fracasso da campanha.'

É preciso ter coragem para assumir a responsabilidade dos seus atos.

Another important construction is atribuir responsabilidade (to attribute/assign responsibility). This is common in news reports or legal documents when determining who is to blame for an event. You might also hear eximir-se de responsabilidade, which means to free oneself from being held accountable.

With 'Atribuir' (To Assign)
'A polícia está tentando atribuir a responsabilidade pelo crime aos suspeitos detidos.'

Não podemos atribuir toda a responsabilidade ao sistema educacional.

In everyday conversation, you might use the phrase é sua responsabilidade (it is your responsibility) to remind someone of their duty. It can sound quite firm or even accusatory depending on the tone. To make it softer, you might say isso fica sob sua responsabilidade (this stays under your responsibility), which sounds more like a delegation of a task.

A organização do evento ficará sob a responsabilidade da equipe de marketing.

A responsabilidade ambiental deve ser uma prioridade para todas as indústrias modernas.

Finally, consider the prepositional phrases. You have responsibility de (of/to do something) or por (for something/someone). 'Tenho a responsabilidade de estudar' (I have the responsibility to study) vs 'Tenho a responsabilidade pelo meu irmão' (I have responsibility for my brother). Using the correct preposition ensures your sentence sounds natural and clear.

The word responsabilidade is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking societies, appearing in formal institutions and casual living rooms alike. If you turn on the news in Lisbon or São Paulo, you are almost guaranteed to hear it within the first ten minutes. It is a favorite of politicians, journalists, and corporate leaders who use it to discuss policy, scandals, and economic stability.

In the News
Journalists often use responsabilidade fiscal (fiscal responsibility) when discussing the government budget. This refers to the state's duty to manage public money without overspending.

O ministro enfatizou a importância da responsabilidade fiscal para o crescimento do país.

In the workplace, responsabilidade is the language of accountability. During performance reviews (avaliações de desempenho), a manager might praise an employee for their 'senso de responsabilidade' (sense of responsibility). In contracts, you will see sections titled 'Limitação de Responsabilidade' (Limitation of Liability), which is crucial for legal protection in business dealings.

At the Office
'Assumir a responsabilidade por um projeto' is a common phrase when someone steps up to lead a new initiative.

A descrição do cargo lista todas as responsabilidades diárias do novo funcionário.

At home, parents use the word to instill values in their children. A common phrase is 'Você precisa ter mais responsabilidade com seus estudos' (You need to have more responsibility with your studies). It is often linked to the transition from childhood to adulthood. In this context, it is synonymous with maturity and the ability to handle one's own affairs without constant supervision.

In Education
Teachers talk about responsabilidade acadêmica when discussing deadlines, plagiarism, and the student's role in their own learning process.

Ter um animal de estimação ensina as crianças sobre responsabilidade e cuidado.

You will also encounter it in the arts and philosophy. Brazilian MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) or Portuguese Fado might touch on the 'responsabilidade' of love or the burden of one's destiny. Philosophically, it is used to discuss free will—if we are free, we have the responsabilidade for our choices. This depth makes it a versatile word that transitions seamlessly from a legal brief to a poetic lyric.

A liberdade e a responsabilidade são dois lados da mesma moeda.

Ninguém pode fugir da sua responsabilidade perante a história.

Learning a long word like responsabilidade comes with several pitfalls, ranging from spelling errors to subtle grammatical missteps. Because it is so similar to the English 'responsibility', many learners assume they can use it exactly the same way, but there are nuances in Portuguese that can trip you up.

Gender Confusion
The most frequent mistake is getting the gender wrong. Words ending in -dade in Portuguese are almost always feminine. Learners often mistakenly use the masculine article 'o' because they don't see an 'a' at the end of the word. It is always a responsabilidade.

Errado: O responsabilidade é meu.
Correto: A responsabilidade é minha.

Spelling is another hurdle. The word has double 's' (respossabilidade is a common typo) and ends in -bilidade. English speakers often try to spell it with a 'y' at the end (responsability), which is incorrect in Portuguese. Remember the -dade suffix, which is the Portuguese equivalent of '-ity'.

Preposition Pitfalls
Learners often use the wrong preposition after the word. While in English we say 'responsibility to do something', in Portuguese we use de. For 'responsibility for something', we use por (which contracts to pelo/pela).

Errado: Responsabilidade para pagar.
Correto: Responsabilidade de pagar.

Confusion between the noun and the adjective is also common. You cannot say 'Eu sou responsabilidade'. You must say 'Eu sou responsável' (I am responsible) or 'Eu tenho a responsabilidade' (I have the responsibility). This distinction between the state of being and the quality of the person is vital for clear communication.

False Friends Context
Sometimes learners use responsabilidade when they actually mean 'culpa' (blame/guilt). While related, 'responsabilidade' is more neutral and formal, whereas 'culpa' is specifically about having done something wrong.

Não é minha culpa, mas é minha responsabilidade resolver o problema.

Ele evitou a responsabilidade ao não comparecer à reunião.

Finally, be careful with the plural form. In English, we often use 'responsibilities' to mean 'tasks'. In Portuguese, responsabilidades also means tasks, but it carries a heavier connotation of 'duties'. If you just mean 'things I have to do', you might prefer 'tarefas' or 'afazeres' to sound more natural in a casual context.

While responsabilidade is a very versatile word, Portuguese offers several alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Choosing the right synonym can make your speech sound more sophisticated and precise, especially in professional or academic writing.

Compromisso vs. Responsabilidade
Compromisso usually refers to a commitment, an appointment, or an agreement. While responsabilidade is the state of being accountable, compromisso is the act of promising to do something. 'Tenho um compromisso às 14h' (I have an appointment at 2 PM).

Assumir um compromisso exige muita responsabilidade.

Another strong alternative is dever (duty). This word has a more moral or legal imperative. If responsabilidade is the accountability, dever is the specific action you are required to perform. 'É meu dever proteger minha família' (It is my duty to protect my family).

Obrigação vs. Responsabilidade
Obrigação (obligation) is often used when the duty is forced or mandatory, perhaps by law or a contract. Responsabilidade can be self-imposed or internal, but obrigação often feels like an external pressure. 'Pagar impostos é uma obrigação.'

Ele cumpre suas obrigações, mas sem nenhum senso de responsabilidade.

In a legal or highly formal context, you might encounter sujeição (subjection) or ônus (burden). Ônus is particularly common in the phrase 'ônus da prova' (burden of proof). While these aren't direct synonyms for every situation, they overlap in the field of legal accountability.

Incumbência vs. Responsabilidade
Incumbência is a specific task assigned to someone. 'Recebi a incumbência de organizar a festa.' It is more specific and less abstract than responsabilidade.

A responsabilidade final é do gerente, apesar das incumbências divididas.

Sua responsabilidade perante o grupo é inquestionável.

Lastly, consider cargo or função when talking about professional roles. While these mean 'position' or 'function', they are often used interchangeably with responsibilities in a workplace context. 'Qual é a sua função na empresa?' (What is your function/responsibility in the company?). Understanding these subtle differences will help you navigate different social and professional levels in Portuguese.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The suffix '-dade' is the direct descendant of the Latin '-tatem', which is why so many English words ending in '-ity' have Portuguese counterparts ending in '-dade'.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ʁɛs.põ.sa.bi.li.ˈda.dʒi/
US /ɾɛʃ.põ.sɐ.bi.li.ˈda.ðɨ/
The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable 'da'.
Rima con
felicidade cidade verdade liberdade amizade vontade saudade qualidade
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing it like the English 'responsibility' with an 'ity' ending.
  • Forgetting to nasalize the 'on' sound.
  • Missing the 'i' in the middle of the word.
  • Pronouncing the 'r' as a hard English 'r' instead of the Portuguese 'r'.
  • Treating it as a masculine noun.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate, but long to read.

Escritura 3/5

Spelling the '-bilidade' ending correctly requires practice.

Expresión oral 4/5

Seven syllables make it a bit of a tongue-twister for beginners.

Escucha 2/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to pick out in speech.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

Responder Resposta Dever Pessoa Trabalho

Aprende después

Compromisso Obrigação Consequência Maturidade Ética

Avanzado

Fiduciário Imputabilidade Solidariedade Jurisprudência Ontologia

Gramática que debes saber

Nouns ending in -dade are feminine.

A responsabilidade, a felicidade, a verdade.

Use 'por' (pelo/pela) to indicate the object of responsibility.

Responsável pelo projeto.

Use 'de' to indicate the action one is responsible for.

A responsabilidade de estudar.

The adjective 'responsável' changes gender/number like other -el adjectives.

Ele é responsável, eles são responsáveis.

Verbs like 'assumir' and 'atribuir' are transitive and take 'responsabilidade' as a direct object.

Eu assumi a responsabilidade.

Ejemplos por nivel

1

Eu tenho a responsabilidade de limpar a casa.

I have the responsibility of cleaning the house.

Uses 'ter a responsabilidade de' + infinitive.

2

A responsabilidade é grande.

The responsibility is big.

Simple subject + verb + adjective.

3

Cuidar do cão é minha responsabilidade.

Taking care of the dog is my responsibility.

Infinitive phrase as subject.

4

Ela não tem responsabilidade.

She has no responsibility.

Negative form with 'ter'.

5

Qual é a sua responsabilidade?

What is your responsibility?

Interrogative sentence.

6

A responsabilidade de estudar é sua.

The responsibility to study is yours.

Possessive pronoun 'sua' matching feminine noun.

7

É uma responsabilidade pequena.

It is a small responsibility.

Indefinite article 'uma' + noun + adjective.

8

Nós temos responsabilidades na escola.

We have responsibilities at school.

Plural form 'responsabilidades'.

1

Ele assumiu a responsabilidade pelo erro.

He took responsibility for the mistake.

Verb 'assumir' + 'pelo' (por + o).

2

Você tem muita responsabilidade no trabalho?

Do you have much responsibility at work?

Quantifier 'muita' matching feminine noun.

3

A responsabilidade de cozinhar é do meu pai.

The responsibility of cooking is my father's.

Possessive 'do meu pai'.

4

Não fuja da sua responsabilidade.

Don't run away from your responsibility.

Imperative 'não fuja' + 'da' (de + a).

5

Eles dividem as responsabilidades da casa.

They share the responsibilities of the house.

Verb 'dividir' with plural noun.

6

Ter um carro traz muita responsabilidade.

Having a car brings much responsibility.

Verb 'trazer' (to bring).

7

A responsabilidade social é importante hoje.

Social responsibility is important today.

Compound concept 'responsabilidade social'.

8

Quem tem a responsabilidade de fechar a porta?

Who has the responsibility to close the door?

Interrogative with 'quem'.

1

A empresa tem responsabilidade ambiental.

The company has environmental responsibility.

Adjective 'ambiental' modifying the noun.

2

É preciso agir com responsabilidade sempre.

It is necessary to always act with responsibility.

Adverbial phrase 'com responsabilidade'.

3

O gerente delegou as responsabilidades para a equipe.

The manager delegated the responsibilities to the team.

Verb 'delegar' (to delegate).

4

Ela assumiu a responsabilidade de liderar o projeto.

She took on the responsibility of leading the project.

Assumir a responsabilidade de + infinitive.

5

Sinto o peso da responsabilidade nos meus ombros.

I feel the weight of responsibility on my shoulders.

Metaphorical use of 'peso' (weight).

6

A responsabilidade civil é um tema complexo.

Civil liability is a complex theme.

Specific legal term 'responsabilidade civil'.

7

Não podemos ignorar nossa responsabilidade com o futuro.

We cannot ignore our responsibility to the future.

Preposition 'com' used for 'to/with'.

8

Ele demonstrou um grande senso de responsabilidade.

He showed a great sense of responsibility.

Phrase 'senso de responsabilidade'.

1

O tribunal atribuiu a responsabilidade total ao motorista.

The court attributed total responsibility to the driver.

Verb 'atribuir' + 'ao' (a + o).

2

A isenção de responsabilidade está prevista no contrato.

The exemption from liability is provided for in the contract.

Noun 'isenção' (exemption).

3

Assumir cargos de liderança exige alta responsabilidade.

Taking on leadership roles requires high responsibility.

Gerund-like infinitive 'Assumir' as subject.

4

A responsabilidade fiscal é essencial para a estabilidade econômica.

Fiscal responsibility is essential for economic stability.

Economic term 'responsabilidade fiscal'.

5

Eles tentaram se esquivar da responsabilidade pelo ocorrido.

They tried to dodge responsibility for what happened.

Reflexive verb 'esquivar-se'.

6

A responsabilidade parental não termina aos dezoito anos.

Parental responsibility does not end at eighteen.

Adjective 'parental'.

7

O autor reivindica a responsabilidade intelectual da obra.

The author claims intellectual responsibility for the work.

Term 'responsabilidade intelectual'.

8

Houve uma falha na cadeia de responsabilidade da empresa.

There was a failure in the company's chain of responsibility.

Phrase 'cadeia de responsabilidade'.

1

A responsabilidade ética do cientista é um debate perene.

The ethical responsibility of the scientist is a perennial debate.

Abstract philosophical context.

2

É imperativo que assumamos nossa responsabilidade histórica.

It is imperative that we assume our historical responsibility.

Subjunctive mood 'assumamos'.

3

A diluição da responsabilidade em grandes burocracias é perigosa.

The dilution of responsibility in large bureaucracies is dangerous.

Complex noun phrase 'diluição da responsabilidade'.

4

O réu foi eximido de qualquer responsabilidade criminal.

The defendant was cleared of any criminal responsibility.

Passive voice 'foi eximido'.

5

A responsabilidade subjetiva foca na intenção do agente.

Subjective responsibility focuses on the agent's intention.

Legal/Philosophical term 'responsabilidade subjetiva'.

6

A questão da responsabilidade moral precede a legalidade.

The question of moral responsibility precedes legality.

Verb 'preceder' (to precede).

7

A responsabilidade solidária implica que todos respondem pelo todo.

Joint responsibility implies that everyone answers for the whole.

Legal term 'responsabilidade solidária'.

8

Não se pode dissociar liberdade de responsabilidade.

One cannot dissociate freedom from responsibility.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

1

A ontologia da responsabilidade permeia a obra de Levinas.

The ontology of responsibility permeates Levinas's work.

Highly academic terminology.

2

A responsabilidade objetiva prescinde da comprovação de culpa.

Strict liability dispenses with the proof of fault.

Technical legal term 'responsabilidade objetiva'.

3

O conceito de responsabilidade é intrínseco à condição humana.

The concept of responsibility is intrinsic to the human condition.

Adjective 'intrínseco' (intrinsic).

4

A responsabilidade intergeracional exige a preservação do planeta.

Intergenerational responsibility demands the preservation of the planet.

Complex adjective 'intergeracional'.

5

A responsabilidade fiduciária impõe um dever de lealdade estrito.

Fiduciary responsibility imposes a strict duty of loyalty.

Specialized financial/legal term.

6

A assunção plena da responsabilidade é o ápice da maturidade.

The full assumption of responsibility is the pinnacle of maturity.

Noun 'assunção' (act of assuming).

7

A responsabilidade estatal é acionada em casos de omissão.

State responsibility is triggered in cases of omission.

Administrative law context.

8

A dialética entre poder e responsabilidade molda as civilizações.

The dialectic between power and responsibility shapes civilizations.

Philosophical 'dialética'.

Colocaciones comunes

Responsabilidade social
Responsabilidade civil
Responsabilidade fiscal
Assumir a responsabilidade
Ter responsabilidade
Senso de responsabilidade
Fugir da responsabilidade
Atribuir responsabilidade
Responsabilidade limitada
Isenção de responsabilidade

Frases Comunes

Sob minha responsabilidade

— When something is under your care or you are in charge of it.

O projeto está sob minha responsabilidade.

Fora da minha responsabilidade

— When something is not your duty or you are not accountable for it.

Isso está fora da minha responsabilidade.

Muita responsabilidade

— A heavy burden or a lot of duties.

Ser pai é muita responsabilidade.

Falta de responsabilidade

— Lacking accountability or being careless.

Sua falta de responsabilidade nos prejudicou.

Dividir responsabilidades

— To share duties with others.

Precisamos dividir as responsabilidades da equipe.

Responsabilidade total

— Complete accountability for an outcome.

Eu aceito a responsabilidade total pelo que aconteceu.

Cargo de responsabilidade

— A high-level position in a company.

Ela ocupa um cargo de grande responsabilidade.

Responsabilidade ambiental

— Duty to protect the environment.

A responsabilidade ambiental é de todos nós.

Responsabilidade parental

— The legal and moral duties of a parent.

A responsabilidade parental é vital para a criança.

Chamar a responsabilidade

— To step up and take charge of a situation.

O capitão chamou a responsabilidade para si no jogo.

Se confunde a menudo con

responsabilidade vs Culpa

Responsabilidade is about accountability; Culpa is about being the cause of a negative event or feeling guilty.

responsabilidade vs Dever

Responsabilidade is the state of being answerable; Dever is the specific action required.

responsabilidade vs Obrigação

Responsabilidade can be internal/moral; Obrigação is usually external/mandatory.

Modismos y expresiones

"Comer o pão que o diabo amassou"

— To go through great difficulties or heavy responsibilities.

Ele comeu o pão que o diabo amassou para assumir essa responsabilidade.

Informal
"Dar a cara a tapa"

— To take responsibility and face the consequences/criticism.

Ele deu a cara a tapa e assumiu a responsabilidade pelo erro.

Informal
"Pagar o pato"

— To take the blame or responsibility for something you didn't do.

Eu não vou pagar o pato pela sua falta de responsabilidade.

Informal
"Segurar o rojão"

— To handle a difficult situation or heavy responsibility alone.

Sobrou para mim segurar o rojão e a responsabilidade de tudo.

Informal
"Ter as costas largas"

— To be able to handle a lot of responsibility or criticism.

O gerente tem as costas largas para aguentar essa responsabilidade.

Informal
"Lavar as mãos"

— To refuse to take responsibility for something.

Ele lavou as mãos e disse que a responsabilidade não era dele.

Neutral
"Pôr a mão no fogo"

— To take full responsibility for someone else's character.

Eu ponho a mão no fogo pela responsabilidade dele.

Informal
"Tirar o corpo fora"

— To avoid responsibility or involvement in a problem.

Na hora do problema, ele tirou o corpo fora da responsabilidade.

Informal
"Bater no peito"

— To proudly take responsibility for something.

Ele bateu no peito e assumiu a responsabilidade da liderança.

Informal
"Passar a bola"

— To pass the responsibility to someone else.

Não passe a bola, a responsabilidade é sua!

Informal

Fácil de confundir

responsabilidade vs Responsável

It's the adjective form.

Responsabilidade is the noun (the thing); Responsável is the adjective (the person).

Eu sou responsável (adj) e tenho muita responsabilidade (noun).

responsabilidade vs Resposta

They share the same root.

Resposta is an answer to a question; Responsabilidade is the duty to answer for actions.

Sua resposta foi boa, mas você não assumiu sua responsabilidade.

responsabilidade vs Responsabilizar

It's the verb form.

Responsabilidade is the concept; Responsabilizar is the act of making someone accountable.

Vou responsabilizar a empresa por este erro.

responsabilidade vs Corresponsabilidade

It's a variation.

Responsabilidade is individual; Corresponsabilidade is shared among multiple people.

Há uma corresponsabilidade entre pais e escola.

responsabilidade vs Irresponsabilidade

It's the antonym.

Responsabilidade is a virtue; Irresponsabilidade is a flaw/lack of care.

Sua irresponsabilidade causou o acidente.

Patrones de oraciones

A1

A responsabilidade é [adjective].

A responsabilidade é grande.

A2

[Person] tem a responsabilidade de [verb].

Maria tem a responsabilidade de cozinhar.

B1

Assumir a responsabilidade por [noun].

Eu assumo a responsabilidade pelo atraso.

B2

Atribuir a responsabilidade a [person/entity].

Atribuíram a responsabilidade à diretoria.

C1

Isentar [person] de responsabilidade [adjective].

O juiz isentou o réu de responsabilidade criminal.

C2

A responsabilidade [adjective] prescinde de [noun].

A responsabilidade objetiva prescinde de culpa.

B1

Agir com responsabilidade.

Precisamos agir com responsabilidade ambiental.

B2

Sob a responsabilidade de [person].

O evento está sob a responsabilidade de João.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

responsabilidade
irresponsabilidade
corresponsabilidade

Verbos

responsabilizar
corresponsabilizar

Adjetivos

responsável
irresponsável
corresponsável

Relacionado

resposta
responsivo
correspondência
responder
responsório

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely high in news, business, and daily life.

Errores comunes
  • O responsabilidade A responsabilidade

    The word is feminine because it ends in -dade. Never use the masculine article 'o'.

  • Responsabilidade para fazer Responsabilidade de fazer

    Use the preposition 'de' when followed by an infinitive verb to describe the duty.

  • Responsabilidade por o erro Responsabilidade pelo erro

    Always contract 'por' + 'o' into 'pelo'. It sounds much more natural.

  • Eu sou responsabilidade Eu sou responsável

    Don't confuse the noun (responsibility) with the adjective (responsible).

  • Responsability Responsabilidade

    Don't use the English spelling. Remember the '-dade' ending in Portuguese.

Consejos

Gender Rule

Always remember that 'responsabilidade' is feminine. Use 'a', 'esta', or 'minha' with it. This is a common mistake for English speakers who don't have gendered nouns. Practice saying 'a responsabilidade' ten times to build muscle memory.

Cognate Advantage

Since 'responsabilidade' is a cognate of 'responsibility', you already know the meaning! Use this to your advantage to build confidence. Just focus on the Portuguese pronunciation and the '-dade' ending instead of the English '-ity'.

Syllable Breakdown

Break the word into chunks: RES-PON-SA-BI-LI-DA-DE. Portuguese speakers value clear vowels. Make sure the 'i' in 'bi' and 'li' is heard clearly. This will make you sound much more like a native speaker and less like you are translating from English.

Job Interviews

In a job interview, use the phrase 'Eu busco novos desafios e mais responsabilidade'. This shows ambition and maturity. Employers in Brazil and Portugal highly value candidates who use this word correctly to describe their career goals.

Accepting Blame

If you make a mistake, saying 'Eu assumo a responsabilidade' is much more respected than making excuses. It shows 'caráter' (character). In Lusophone cultures, taking responsibility is a key part of being considered a 'pessoa séria' (a serious/reliable person).

Formal Suffixes

The suffix '-dade' is used for many abstract qualities. If you learn 'responsabilidade', you can easily learn 'felicidade' (happiness), 'liberdade' (freedom), and 'qualidade' (quality). They all follow the same feminine gender and plural rules.

News Watching

Watch the news to hear 'responsabilidade fiscal'. It's a very common phrase in Portuguese-language media. Hearing it in context will help you understand how the word is used to discuss government and economic stability.

Informal Use

In Brazil, use 'responsa' with friends. 'Essa festa é de responsa!' means the party is really good or well-organized. It's a fun way to use a serious word in a casual context. Just remember to only use it in very informal situations.

Contract Reading

When reading a contract, look for the word 'responsabilidade'. It usually defines what you are liable for. Understanding this word is crucial for protecting yourself legally in a Portuguese-speaking country. Always check the 'limitação de responsabilidade' clause.

Environmental Context

Use 'responsabilidade ambiental' when talking about green issues. It's a very current and respected topic. Showing that you care about the environment using the correct Portuguese terminology will help you connect with locals on important global issues.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Response-Ability'. It is your 'ability' to 'respond' to a situation. In Portuguese, just swap 'ity' for 'dade'.

Asociación visual

Imagine a person holding a heavy but golden key. The key represents the power (ability) and the weight (responsibility) of their role.

Word Web

Dever Culpa Trabalho Maturidade Liderança Ética Lei Cuidado

Desafío

Try to use 'responsabilidade' in three different sentences today: one about your job, one about your home life, and one about a social issue.

Origen de la palabra

From the Latin 'responsabilitas', which comes from 'responsus', the past participle of 'respondere' (to respond or answer).

Significado original: The state of being able to answer for one's actions.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Contexto cultural

Be careful not to confuse 'responsabilidade' with 'culpa' (blame) in sensitive situations, as 'responsabilidade' is more professional and less accusatory.

English speakers often use 'responsibility' for both the task and the accountability. Portuguese distinguishes slightly more between 'tarefa' (task) and 'responsabilidade' (accountability).

The phrase 'Com grandes poderes vêm grandes responsabilidades' (With great power comes great responsibility) is widely known in Brazil from Spider-Man. The 'Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal' is a famous and important Brazilian law from 2000. Philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre's ideas on responsibility are frequently studied in Portuguese universities.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Workplace

  • Minhas responsabilidades incluem...
  • Assumir a liderança e a responsabilidade.
  • Delegar responsabilidades para a equipe.
  • Descrição das responsabilidades do cargo.

Legal

  • Responsabilidade civil e criminal.
  • Isenção de responsabilidade.
  • Atribuir responsabilidade ao réu.
  • Cláusula de responsabilidade limitada.

Family

  • Responsabilidade parental.
  • Dividir as responsabilidades da casa.
  • Ensinar responsabilidade aos filhos.
  • É sua responsabilidade arrumar o quarto.

Social/Environmental

  • Responsabilidade social corporativa.
  • Nossa responsabilidade com o planeta.
  • Ações de responsabilidade ambiental.
  • Senso de responsabilidade coletiva.

Personal Growth

  • Assumir a responsabilidade pela própria vida.
  • Ter maturidade e responsabilidade.
  • Fugir das suas responsabilidades.
  • O peso da responsabilidade.

Inicios de conversación

"Você acha que as pessoas hoje têm menos responsabilidade do que antigamente?"

"Qual é a maior responsabilidade que você já teve na sua vida profissional?"

"Como podemos ensinar as crianças a terem mais senso de responsabilidade?"

"Você prefere trabalhar em um cargo com muita ou pouca responsabilidade?"

"Qual é a responsabilidade do governo em relação às mudanças climáticas?"

Temas para diario

Reflita sobre uma vez em que você teve que assumir a responsabilidade por um erro difícil.

Quais são as três principais responsabilidades que você tem no momento e como você as gerencia?

Como o conceito de responsabilidade mudou para você desde que você era criança?

Descreva uma pessoa que você admira pelo seu senso de responsabilidade e por quê.

O que significa para você ter 'responsabilidade social' no mundo de hoje?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is always feminine. In Portuguese, nouns ending in '-dade' are almost exclusively feminine. You should use feminine articles like 'a' or 'uma' and feminine adjectives like 'grande' or 'total'. For example, 'a responsabilidade total'. This is a common rule for abstract nouns in Portuguese.

You say 'Eu sou responsável por...'. Note that 'responsável' is the adjective form. If you want to use the noun, you say 'Eu tenho a responsabilidade por...'. Both are correct, but the adjective form is more common in daily speech. Remember to contract 'por' with the article (pelo, pela, pelos, pelas).

It is a legal term meaning 'civil liability'. It refers to the legal obligation of a person or entity to compensate for damages caused to someone else. It is a very common term in insurance, law, and business. For example, if you crash your car, you have 'responsabilidade civil' for the damage.

Yes, but it is more formal and less emotional than 'culpa'. If you say 'A responsabilidade é minha', it sounds like you are professionally accepting accountability. If you say 'A culpa é minha', it sounds like you are admitting a personal mistake or feeling guilty. Use 'responsabilidade' in professional settings.

It means 'to take responsibility' or 'to step up'. It is used when someone decides to be in charge of a situation or when they admit they are accountable for an outcome, whether good or bad. It is considered a very positive trait in leaders and mature individuals.

In Brazil, young people often use the word 'responsa'. For example, 'Aquele cara é de responsa' means 'That guy is reliable/trustworthy'. It is very informal and used mostly in urban settings. You wouldn't use it in a business meeting, but you might hear it in a song or on the street.

It is pronounced 'bee-lee-dah-djee' in Brazil or 'bee-lee-dah-duh' in Portugal. The 'i' sounds are short and clear. It's important to pronounce every syllable because Portuguese is a syllable-timed language. Don't rush through the middle of the word, or it will be hard to understand.

The plural is 'responsabilidades'. You use it when talking about multiple duties or tasks. For example, 'Eu tenho muitas responsabilidades no meu trabalho'. It follows the standard rule for nouns ending in 'e', where you just add an 's' at the end.

It refers to 'social responsibility', the idea that companies and individuals should act in a way that benefits society and the environment. It is a major topic in Brazilian and Portuguese business circles. Many companies have a 'departamento de responsabilidade social' to manage their charity and environmental work.

While similar, 'responsabilidade' is the state of being accountable, while 'dever' is the specific task or obligation. You have the 'responsabilidade' (accountability) to fulfill your 'dever' (duty). 'Dever' often has a stronger moral or legal 'must' attached to it, while 'responsabilidade' is broader.

Ponte a prueba 191 preguntas

writing

Escreva uma frase sobre suas responsabilidades no trabalho.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Explique o que é 'responsabilidade social' com suas palavras.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Crie uma frase usando o verbo 'assumir' e 'responsabilidade'.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Como você ensinaria responsabilidade a uma criança?

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Escreva um pequeno parágrafo sobre a importância da responsabilidade fiscal.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Descreva uma situação onde alguém fugiu da responsabilidade.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Quais são as responsabilidades de um bom cidadão?

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Escreva uma frase formal usando 'atribuir responsabilidade'.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

O que significa 'responsabilidade ambiental' para você?

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
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Crie um diálogo curto entre um chefe e um funcionário sobre uma tarefa.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Escreva sobre o peso da responsabilidade em cargos de liderança.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
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Traduza: 'It is my responsibility to protect you.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Escreva uma frase usando a gíria 'responsa'.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
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Qual é a diferença entre responsabilidade e culpa?

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
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Escreva sobre uma responsabilidade que você gosta de ter.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
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Crie uma frase com 'sob a responsabilidade de'.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

O que você acha da responsabilidade dos influenciadores digitais?

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Escreva uma frase sobre responsabilidade parental.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Traduza: 'We share the responsibilities of the project.'

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Escreva uma frase formal sobre isenção de responsabilidade.

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

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Pronuncie a palavra 'responsabilidade' lentamente.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Diga: 'Eu assumo a responsabilidade'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Diga: 'A responsabilidade é minha'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Diga: 'Temos muitas responsabilidades'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Explique oralmente o que você faz no seu trabalho.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Diga: 'Responsabilidade social é importante'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Diga: 'Não fuja da sua responsabilidade'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Diga: 'Sob minha responsabilidade'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Diga: 'Responsabilidade ambiental'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Diga: 'Senso de responsabilidade'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Diga: 'Responsabilidade civil'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Diga: 'Responsabilidade fiscal'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Diga: 'Cargo de responsabilidade'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Diga: 'Isenção de responsabilidade'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Diga: 'Responsabilidade parental'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Diga: 'Dividir responsabilidades'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Diga: 'Assumir a responsabilidade pelo erro'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Diga: 'A responsabilidade de estudar'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Diga: 'Responsabilidade total'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Diga a gíria: 'Isso é de responsa'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Ouça e escreva a palavra: 'Responsabilidade'.

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

Ouça a frase e identifique o gênero: 'A responsabilidade é dela'.

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

Ouça e complete: 'Ele assumiu a ________'.

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

Ouça e identifique o número de sílabas em 'responsabilidade'.

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

Ouça e escreva: 'Responsabilidade social'.

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

Ouça e escreva: 'Responsabilidade fiscal'.

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

Ouça e escreva: 'Responsabilidade civil'.

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

Ouça a frase: 'Não fuja da responsabilidade'. O que a pessoa deve fazer?

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

Ouça e escreva: 'Senso de responsabilidade'.

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

Ouça e escreva: 'Cargo de responsabilidade'.

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

Ouça e escreva: 'Isenção de responsabilidade'.

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

Ouça e escreva: 'Responsabilidade parental'.

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

Ouça e escreva: 'Responsabilidade ambiental'.

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

Ouça e escreva: 'Assumir a responsabilidade'.

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

Ouça e escreva: 'Sob minha responsabilidade'.

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

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