Subvencionado en 30 segundos
- Subvencionado means subsidized. It describes things like transport or housing that are cheaper because the government or an organization pays part of the cost.
- It is a formal adjective that must agree in gender and number with the noun: subvencionado, subvencionada, subvencionados, or subvencionadas.
- Commonly used in news and politics, it highlights the role of the state in supporting essential services and cultural activities for the public good.
- It is a key term for anyone living in a Lusophone country, especially when dealing with public services, grants, or social programs.
The Portuguese word subvencionado is an adjective derived from the noun subvenção (subsidy). At its core, it describes something—a service, a product, an organization, or an activity—that receives financial assistance, typically from a government body, a public institution, or a non-profit organization. The primary purpose of such funding is to ensure that the cost of the service remains affordable for the general public or to promote an activity that is deemed socially, culturally, or economically beneficial but might not be profitable on its own in a free market. When you hear this word, think of 'financial cushioning' provided by the state to lower the barrier of entry for citizens.
- Economic Context
- In economics, a preço subvencionado is a price that does not reflect the actual production cost because the government pays for a portion of it. This is common in essential services like electricity, water, or basic food items in certain developing economies.
This term is ubiquitous in political and social discourse across the Lusophone world. In Portugal, you might hear it regarding the Passe Navegante (the public transport pass), which is heavily subsidized by the state to encourage ecological commuting. In Brazil, the term often appears in discussions about university research, agricultural credits, or social housing programs like Minha Casa, Minha Vida. It carries a formal and technical tone, yet it is essential for anyone living in a Portuguese-speaking country to understand how their taxes are being redistributed into the community.
O transporte público em Lisboa é altamente subvencionado pelo Estado para reduzir a poluição.
- Cultural Context
- The arts are frequently subvencionadas. Without state grants, many independent theaters or avant-garde film productions in Portugal or Brazil would struggle to exist, as their niche appeal doesn't always generate enough ticket revenue to cover production costs.
It is important to distinguish subvencionado from financiado (financed) or patrocinado (sponsored). While financiado implies a loan that might need to be repaid or simply the act of providing capital, and patrocinado usually refers to private corporate sponsorship for marketing purposes, subvencionado specifically implies a grant or a price reduction for the public good. It is a word that highlights the role of the state as a provider and stabilizer within the social fabric.
Muitos agricultores sobrevivem graças ao diesel subvencionado.
- Grammatical Agreement
- Because it is an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies: o projeto subvencionado (masculine singular), a escola subvencionada (feminine singular), os preços subvencionados (masculine plural), as rendas subvencionadas (feminine plural).
In summary, subvencionado is a pillar of the vocabulary related to public policy, economics, and social welfare. It describes the financial bridge between the cost of reality and the price of accessibility. Whether discussing the price of a metro ticket in Porto or a housing grant in Brasília, this word is your key to understanding how resources are allocated to support the population.
Using subvencionado correctly requires attention to the noun it is qualifying. It usually follows the noun, which is the standard position for adjectives in Portuguese. It is most commonly used in formal writing, news reports, and discussions about finance or government policy. Below, we explore various contexts where this word shines.
O governo anunciou um novo programa de habitação subvencionada para jovens casais.
In the sentence above, 'habitação' is a feminine singular noun, so the adjective becomes subvencionada. This specific phrase refers to social housing where the rent or purchase price is lowered through government grants. It is a very common topic in urban centers like Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro where the cost of living is high.
- The Passive Voice Connection
- Often, subvencionado functions as the past participle in a passive construction: 'O projeto foi subvencionado pela União Europeia.' (The project was subsidized by the European Union). This highlights the entity providing the funds.
When talking about products, particularly commodities, you will see it paired with 'preço'. For example: 'O preço do leite é subvencionado para garantir a segurança alimentar.' This implies that the consumer pays less than the market rate, and the producer receives the difference from the state. This is a crucial concept in international trade and agricultural policy discussions.
Estes medicamentos são subvencionados pelo sistema nacional de saúde.
Notice the plural agreement here: 'medicamentos' (masculine plural) leads to subvencionados. This is a frequent use case when discussing healthcare. In Portugal's SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) or Brazil's SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde), many high-cost drugs are subsidized so patients can access them at a fraction of the cost or even for free.
Another interesting use is in the context of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or cultural associations. You might say: 'A associação vive de eventos e de um pequeno espaço subvencionado pela prefeitura.' Here, it emphasizes that the physical location is provided at a lower cost or funded by the local government.
- Formal vs. Informal
- Formal: 'A produção cinematográfica nacional é subvencionada pelo ICA.'
Informal: 'O governo dá dinheiro para fazer filmes.'
Finally, remember that subvencionado implies a specific legal and financial mechanism. It’s not just 'free' (gratuito); it's 'subsidized' (someone else is paying the remainder). This distinction is vital for accurate communication in professional or academic Portuguese environments.
To hear subvencionado in the wild, you need to tune into specific frequencies of Portuguese life. It is not a word you would typically use to describe a gift from a friend, but it is a word you will encounter daily in the news, at work, or when dealing with bureaucracy. Let’s look at the most common 'habitats' for this term.
- The Evening News (Jornal da Noite/Jornal Nacional)
- Whenever the government announces the annual budget (Orçamento do Estado), this word becomes a star. Journalists will report on which sectors will be subvencionados in the coming year—usually energy, transport, and education. You will hear phrases like 'setores fortemente subvencionados' to describe areas receiving massive state aid.
In the academic world, if you are a student or a researcher in a Portuguese-speaking country, you will encounter this word constantly. Research grants (bolsas de investigação) are often part of a programa subvencionado. If you are attending a conference where the registration fee is lower than usual, it is likely because the event is subvencionado by a university or a foundation like the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian in Lisbon.
A minha investigação sobre energias renováveis é subvencionada por fundos europeus.
The agricultural sector is perhaps where the word is most historically significant. In rural Portugal or the vast farmlands of Brazil, farmers often discuss 'crédito subvencionado'. This refers to loans with interest rates lower than the market average, where the government pays the difference to the bank. It is a lifeline for many small-scale producers.
In the corporate world, employees might hear this word regarding their benefits. For instance, a company canteen (refeitório) might offer meals at a very low price. In this case, the HR department would describe it as a 'refeição subvencionada pela empresa'. It sounds more professional and precise than saying the company 'pays for part of the food'.
O museu oferece bilhetes subvencionados para estudantes e idosos.
Lastly, in the context of the European Union, the term is part of the technical jargon of 'Portuguese-Brussels' speak. Portugal receives billions in structural funds, and almost every major infrastructure project—from highways to high-speed internet in rural areas—is a projeto subvencionado. Understanding this word is therefore key to understanding the modern economic landscape of Portugal.
While subvencionado might look similar to English words like 'subventioned' (which is rare) or 'subsidized', learners often stumble over its spelling, agreement, and nuanced meaning. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.
- Spelling: The 'C' vs. 'S' Confusion
- A frequent error is spelling it as 'subvensionado' with an 's'. Remember that it comes from subvenção, which uses the 'ção' suffix (typical of nouns derived from Latin verbs in -venire). Always use the 'c'.
Another common mistake is confusing subvencionado with subestimado (underestimated). Because they both start with the prefix 'sub-', learners sometimes swap them in high-pressure speaking situations. Remember: Subvencionado is about money; Subestimado is about value/opinion.
Errado: O preço foi subestimado pelo governo. (Unless you mean they didn't guess the price correctly).
Correto: O preço foi subvencionado pelo governo. (The government paid part of it).
Confusing it with patrocinado is also common. While both involve receiving money, a patrocínio (sponsorship) usually requires something in return, like showing a logo (marketing). A subvenção is usually a grant for a social or public purpose. You wouldn't say the government 'sponsors' (patrocina) the price of bread; they 'subsidize' (subvenciona) it.
Finally, be careful with the preposition that follows. When indicating the source of the subsidy, we almost always use 'por' (or its contractions 'pelo', 'pela', 'pelos', 'pelas').
Example: 'Subvencionado pelo Estado' (Subsidized by the State). Using 'de' or 'com' in this specific context is usually incorrect or less natural.
- False Friend Alert: 'Subvention'
- In English, 'subvention' exists but is quite academic. Most English speakers say 'subsidized'. Don't try to force an English-sounding version like 'subsidized' into Portuguese as 'subsidizado' all the time. While 'subsidiado' exists and is a perfect synonym, 'subvencionado' is often preferred in formal Portuguese administrative contexts.
Portuguese offers several ways to describe financial support. Depending on the context—whether it's a government grant, a corporate sponsorship, or a simple discount—you might want to choose a different word to be more precise.
- Subsidiado
- Comparison: This is the closest synonym to subvencionado. In many contexts, they are interchangeable. However, subsidiado is slightly more common in Brazil when referring to industrial or economic subsidies, while subvencionado is very strong in Portugal for state-funded cultural and social projects.
- Patrocinado
- Comparison: Means 'sponsored'. Used when a brand (like Nike or Coca-Cola) gives money to an athlete or an event in exchange for advertising. Subvencionado never implies an advertising exchange.
O festival é patrocinado por um banco, mas as oficinas são subvencionadas pelo Ministério da Cultura.
- Financiado
- Comparison: A broader term meaning 'funded' or 'financed'. If you buy a car through a bank loan, it is financiado. If the government pays for your research, it is both financiado and subvencionado. Financiado is the 'how' (money was provided), subvencionado is the 'nature' (it was a grant/subsidy).
- Apoiado
- Comparison: Means 'supported'. This is a more general and slightly softer term. It can refer to financial support, but also moral or logistical support. 'Um projeto apoiado pela Câmara Municipal' might receive money, or just the use of a building for free.
When should you choose subvencionado? Use it when you want to sound authoritative, precise, and specifically refer to the economic mechanism of a subsidy. It’s the word of choice for economists, journalists, and policy-makers. If you’re just talking about a friend paying for your coffee, stick to 'Ele pagou para mim'!
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
The root 'venire' (to come) is the same as in 'adventure' or 'convene'. So, 'subvencionar' literally means 'to come up from under' to help someone stay afloat financially.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing the final 'o' as a full 'oh' (it should be more like 'oo').
- Forgetting the nasal sound on 'ven'.
- Pronouncing the 'c' as a 'k' (it must be an 's' sound).
Nivel de dificultad
Easy to recognize if you know 'subsidy'.
Requires correct spelling ('c' not 's') and agreement.
The nasal 'en' and the 'v' sound require practice.
Clear word, but can be fast in news reports.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Ejemplos por nivel
O leite é subvencionado pelo governo.
The milk is subsidized by the government.
Masculine singular agreement.
Este pão é muito barato porque é subvencionado.
This bread is very cheap because it is subsidized.
Use of 'porque' to explain the reason.
A escola tem almoço subvencionado.
The school has subsidized lunch.
Adjective modifying 'almoço'.
O transporte é subvencionado aqui?
Is the transport subsidized here?
Interrogative sentence.
Eu uso o passe subvencionado.
I use the subsidized pass.
Direct object with adjective.
A fruta é subvencionada no mercado.
The fruit is subsidized at the market.
Feminine singular agreement (a fruta).
Eles compram livros subvencionados.
They buy subsidized books.
Masculine plural agreement.
O curso de português é subvencionado.
The Portuguese course is subsidized.
Subject-adjective agreement.
O governo anunciou habitação subvencionada para todos.
The government announced subsidized housing for everyone.
Feminine singular agreement.
As passagens de comboio são subvencionadas no verão.
The train tickets are subsidized in the summer.
Feminine plural agreement.
Muitos artistas recebem um espaço subvencionado.
Many artists receive a subsidized space.
Masculine singular agreement.
O preço da eletricidade é subvencionado para famílias pobres.
The price of electricity is subsidized for poor families.
Prepositional phrase 'para famílias'.
Nós vivemos num bairro subvencionado pela prefeitura.
We live in a neighborhood subsidized by the city hall.
Contraction 'pela' (por + a).
O museu é subvencionado, por isso o bilhete é barato.
The museum is subsidized, so the ticket is cheap.
Conjunction 'por isso'.
Ela estuda numa universidade subvencionada pelo Estado.
She studies at a university subsidized by the State.
Adjective modifying 'universidade'.
Os agricultores precisam de fertilizantes subvencionados.
Farmers need subsidized fertilizers.
Masculine plural agreement.
O setor cultural é fortemente subvencionado em Portugal.
The cultural sector is heavily subsidized in Portugal.
Use of the adverb 'fortemente'.
Sem ser subvencionado, o projeto não seria viável.
Without being subsidized, the project would not be viable.
Conditional 'seria' and gerund 'ser'.
O governo decidiu que o gás deixará de ser subvencionado.
The government decided that gas will no longer be subsidized.
Future tense 'deixará'.
Muitas ONGs operam com fundos subvencionados pela UE.
Many NGOs operate with funds subsidized by the EU.
Acronym 'UE' (União Europeia).
É justo que o transporte público seja subvencionado?
Is it fair that public transport is subsidized?
Subjunctive 'seja' after 'é justo que'.
O preço subvencionado do pão ajuda a controlar a inflação.
The subsidized price of bread helps control inflation.
Infinitive 'controlar'.
Eles criaram uma cooperativa subvencionada por doações.
They created a cooperative subsidized by donations.
Feminine singular agreement.
O cinema nacional é subvencionado para promover a língua.
National cinema is subsidized to promote the language.
Purpose clause 'para promover'.
A agricultura subvencionada gera debates sobre comércio livre.
Subsidized agriculture generates debates about free trade.
Subject-verb agreement.
O estado atual do sistema subvencionado é insustentável.
The current state of the subsidized system is unsustainable.
Adjective 'insustentável'.
As empresas subvencionadas têm uma vantagem competitiva.
Subsidized companies have a competitive advantage.
Feminine plural agreement.
O relatório critica o modo como o setor é subvencionado.
The report criticizes the way the sector is subsidized.
Relative clause 'como o setor é'.
Propuseram um modelo de ensino totalmente subvencionado.
They proposed a fully subsidized education model.
Preterite 'propuseram'.
A energia solar foi subvencionada durante a última década.
Solar energy was subsidized during the last decade.
Passive voice 'foi subvencionada'.
É necessário distinguir entre crédito subvencionado e ajuda direta.
It is necessary to distinguish between subsidized credit and direct aid.
Preposition 'entre'.
O festival de teatro, embora subvencionado, cobra entrada.
The theater festival, although subsidized, charges admission.
Concessive conjunction 'embora'.
A manutenção de serviços subvencionados exige rigor fiscal.
Maintaining subsidized services requires fiscal rigor.
Abstract noun 'manutenção'.
O impacto das tarifas subvencionadas no consumo é evidente.
The impact of subsidized tariffs on consumption is evident.
Noun phrase 'impacto das tarifas'.
Critica-se a falta de transparência nos projetos subvencionados.
The lack of transparency in subsidized projects is criticized.
Passive 'se' construction.
O setor ferroviário permanece subvencionado por razões estratégicas.
The railway sector remains subsidized for strategic reasons.
Verb 'permanecer'.
A transição energética depende de um mercado subvencionado.
The energy transition depends on a subsidized market.
Verb 'depender' + 'de'.
Questiona-se a equidade de um sistema tão subvencionado.
The equity of such a subsidized system is questioned.
Adverb 'tão' for emphasis.
A indústria naval foi subvencionada para evitar o colapso.
The shipbuilding industry was subsidized to avoid collapse.
Infinitive 'evitar'.
Muitos argumentam que o desporto de elite não deve ser subvencionado.
Many argue that elite sport should not be subsidized.
Modal verb 'deve'.
A arquitetura financeira dos setores subvencionados é complexa.
The financial architecture of subsidized sectors is complex.
Metaphorical use of 'arquitetura'.
Subjaz a esta política a ideia de um bem comum subvencionado.
Underlying this policy is the idea of a subsidized common good.
Verb 'subjaz' (to underlie).
O dumping social é frequentemente exacerbado por produtos subvencionados.
Social dumping is often exacerbated by subsidized products.
Past participle 'exacerbado'.
A perenidade de um modelo subvencionado depende da saúde pública das contas.
The longevity of a subsidized model depends on the health of public accounts.
Noun 'perenidade'.
Mitigar a pobreza através de preços subvencionados é uma estratégia clássica.
Mitigating poverty through subsidized prices is a classic strategy.
Infinitive 'mitigar'.
A UE impõe limites rigorosos à produção subvencionada dos Estados-membros.
The EU imposes strict limits on the subsidized production of member states.
Compound noun 'Estados-membros'.
O debate sobre o que deve ser subvencionado é inerentemente ideológico.
The debate over what should be subsidized is inherently ideological.
Adverb 'inerentemente'.
A volatilidade dos mercados pode comprometer programas subvencionados.
Market volatility can compromise subsidized programs.
Abstract noun 'volatilidade'.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— A specific government or institutional program providing aid.
Inscrevi-me num programa subvencionado.
— 100% of the cost is covered by grants.
O tratamento é totalmente subvencionado.
— An activity that receives funding.
A música é uma atividade subvencionada.
— Subsidized education (usually private schools receiving state money).
Existem colégios de ensino subvencionado.
— Subsidized meals, usually at work or school.
A empresa oferece refeições subvencionadas.
— A ticket sold at a lower price due to a subsidy.
Comprei um bilhete subvencionado para o concerto.
Modismos y expresiones
— To live off subsidies (often used pejoratively about industries that aren't self-sufficient).
Muitas empresas vivem à custa de subvenções.
informal/critical— Metaphor for always asking for subsidies/help.
O setor está sempre de mão estendida para o governo.
informal/critical— When subsidies are cut off.
O governo fechou a torneira dos projetos subvencionados.
informal— A project that consumes endless subsidies without results.
Aquele projeto subvencionado é um saco sem fundo.
informal— Money that comes easily, like some poorly managed subsidies.
Para eles, a subvenção é dinheiro caído do céu.
informal— To keep subsidizing something that should be reformed.
Subvencionar essa empresa é alimentar o vício.
critical— Providing subsidies instead of enabling independence.
O governo só dá o peixe com esse preço subvencionado.
proverbial— To stop a subsidy program completely to solve a budget issue.
Vão cortar o mal pela raiz e acabar com o transporte subvencionado.
informal— Trying to run a project when it is no longer subvencionado.
Sem ser subvencionado, estamos a tentar fazer omeletes sem ovos.
informal— When someone profits unfairly from a subsidized program.
Alguns empresários estão a encher os bolsos com dinheiro subvencionado.
informal/criticalFamilia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of a SUBmarine providing VENTilation and money to a drowning business. SUB-VEN-cionado.
Asociación visual
Imagine a government official handing a 'discount' sign to a bus driver. The bus is now 'subvencionado'.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to find one thing in your house or city that might be 'subvencionado' and say it out loud: 'O meu [thing] é subvencionado'.
Origen de la palabra
From the Latin 'subventio', which comes from 'subvenire'.
Significado original: To come to help; to assist.
Romance (Latin root).Contexto cultural
Be aware that discussing what should or shouldn't be 'subvencionado' can lead to heated political debates.
In the US, 'subsidized' often has a stigma in some circles, whereas in Portugal and much of Europe, it is generally viewed as a standard and positive function of the state.
Summary
The word 'subvencionado' is your go-to term for anything that receives financial aid from the state to remain affordable. Example: 'O passe de metro é subvencionado pelo Estado' (The metro pass is subsidized by the State).
- Subvencionado means subsidized. It describes things like transport or housing that are cheaper because the government or an organization pays part of the cost.
- It is a formal adjective that must agree in gender and number with the noun: subvencionado, subvencionada, subvencionados, or subvencionadas.
- Commonly used in news and politics, it highlights the role of the state in supporting essential services and cultural activities for the public good.
- It is a key term for anyone living in a Lusophone country, especially when dealing with public services, grants, or social programs.
Contenido relacionado
Esta palabra en otros idiomas
Más palabras de business
A seguir
A2A continuación; enseguida. Voy a comer y a continuación voy a dormir. Lea el texto a continuación.
ação
A2Una acción es una parte alícuota del capital social de una sociedad anónima.
acionista
B1Un accionista es una persona que posee acciones en una sociedad anónima.
Ações
A2Acciones de una empresa que representan propiedad. Los titulares de acciones suelen tener derecho a una parte de los activos y beneficios de la empresa proporcional a su tenencia.
Adaptável
A2Es una persona muy adaptable al cambio.
adiantamento
B2Un pago realizado antes de su vencimiento; un anticipo.
adiantar
A2Adelantar algo en el tiempo o avanzar en una tarea antes de lo previsto.
administrador
A2Un administrador es la persona responsable de dirigir una empresa o institución.
Administrativamente
A2Administrativamente. Por ejemplo: 'La empresa se organizó administrativamente.'
Adquirido
A2El coche fue adquirido en una subasta.
