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A2 noun 9 min de lectura

temperamento

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos temperamento en 30 segundos

Explicación temperamento in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'temperamento' as a word to describe people and animals. Think of it like the English word 'temperament.' You use it with the verb 'ter' (to have). For example, 'O gato tem um temperamento calmo' (The cat has a calm temperament). It is a masculine noun, so you always use 'o' or 'um' with it. At this stage, just focus on simple adjectives like 'bom' (good), 'mau' (bad), 'calmo' (calm), or 'forte' (strong). You might hear it when people talk about their families or their pets. It is a useful word because it helps you go beyond just saying someone is 'nice' or 'mean'; it describes how they naturally behave. Remember that it is a long word, but it sounds very similar to English, which makes it easier to remember. Just keep in mind that in Portuguese, the stress is on the 'men' syllable: tem-pe-ra-MEN-to.

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By the A2 level, you can start using 'temperamento' in more varied sentences. You should understand that it refers to a person's nature. You might use it to compare people, such as 'Eu tenho um temperamento diferente do meu irmão' (I have a different temperament than my brother). You will also notice it in descriptions of characters in stories or people in your workplace. At this level, you should be able to use adjectives like 'difícil' (difficult), 'dócil' (gentle), or 'agitado' (restless). It's important to remember that 'temperamento' is a noun, not an adjective. You don't say 'Eu sou temperamento,' you say 'Eu tenho um temperamento...' or 'O meu temperamento é...'. This distinction is key for correct grammar. You may also start to see it in the plural form, 'temperamentos', when talking about groups of people. It is a common word in daily life, especially when discussing why people act the way they do.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'temperamento' in more complex discussions about personality and behavior. You can start to distinguish it from 'humor' (mood) and 'personalidade' (personality). You might use it in professional contexts, like describing the 'temperamento' needed for a certain job. For example, 'Para ser médico, é preciso ter um temperamento equilibrado' (To be a doctor, one must have a balanced temperament). You will also encounter it in more formal writing, such as news articles or short stories. You should be able to use more specific adjectives like 'volúvel' (fickle), 'resiliente' (resilient), or 'melancólico' (melancholy). Understanding the cultural nuance—that 'temperamento forte' is often a polite way to say someone is stubborn—will help you navigate social situations better. You are now moving beyond simple descriptions to using the word to explain social dynamics and personal traits in more detail.

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At the B2 level, you can use 'temperamento' to discuss psychological concepts and more abstract ideas. You might participate in debates about 'natureza versus criação' (nature versus nurture) and use 'temperamento' to describe the 'nature' side of the argument. You should be familiar with the four classical temperaments (sanguíneo, colérico, melancólico, fleumático) as they are sometimes referenced in Portuguese literature and psychology. Your usage should be precise, using the word to denote innate traits rather than learned behaviors. You can also use it to describe the 'mood' of a piece of art or music in a sophisticated way. For example, 'O temperamento desta sinfonia é marcadamente dramático.' You should also be able to handle complex sentence structures, such as 'Apesar de possuir um temperamento naturalmente reservado, ele se esforça para ser comunicativo no trabalho.' At this stage, your vocabulary should include synonyms like 'índole' and 'feitio' and you should know when to choose one over the other.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of 'temperamento' and its various nuances in different registers. You can use it in academic, professional, and literary contexts with ease. You understand how the word functions in historical texts and how its meaning has evolved from the Latin 'temperamentum' (a mixing in proportions). You can discuss the 'temperamento' of an entire era or a national identity, such as the 'temperamento luso' (Portuguese temperament). You are capable of using the word in idiomatic expressions and understanding subtle euphemisms. Your writing should reflect a sophisticated grasp of the word, using it to build complex character profiles or to analyze social phenomena. You might use it in sentences like 'O temperamento artístico é frequentemente associado a uma sensibilidade exacerbada e a uma percepção singular da realidade.' You also understand the technical use of the word in music theory regarding tuning systems (temperamento igual).

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'temperamento' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You can use the word to articulate highly complex philosophical or psychological theories. You can analyze the etymological roots and the historical shift from the medical 'humors' to modern psychological temperament. You are comfortable using the word in any context, from a highly formal legal or medical document to a colloquial conversation filled with slang and regionalisms. You can use it to describe the most subtle shades of human nature and behavior. Your command of the word allows you to use it creatively in literature or poetry, playing with its meanings of balance, mixture, and innate nature. You understand the profound implications of 'temperamento' in the context of Portuguese and Brazilian history and how it has been used to describe the collective soul of the people. You can effortlessly switch between 'temperamento', 'índole', 'caráter', and 'psique' to convey exact meanings.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

temperamento en 30 segundos

Temperamento is a masculine noun meaning 'temperament' or 'innate nature'.
It refers to biological behavioral traits rather than learned personality aspects.
Commonly used with adjectives like 'forte' (strong), 'calmo' (calm), and 'difícil' (difficult).
Always use masculine articles (o, um) and ensure adjective agreement.

The Portuguese word temperamento is a foundational masculine noun used to describe the inherent nature of a person, animal, or even a collective group. While it is often used interchangeably with 'personalidade' (personality) in casual conversation, in a more precise linguistic and psychological context, temperamento refers specifically to those biological or innate predispositions that influence how an individual reacts to the environment. It is the 'raw material' of character. You will encounter this word frequently when discussing child development, pet behavior, or the core traits of a friend. For instance, a child might be described as having a 'temperamento dócil' (gentle temperament) from birth, suggesting that this trait is not just learned but part of their fundamental being. In Portuguese culture, discussing one's nature is common, and the word carries a weight of permanence; it is something you are born with and carry throughout your life.

Biological Basis: In scientific and medical Portuguese, temperamento is used to discuss the physiological aspects of behavior, often linked to the nervous system's reactivity.

Desde pequena, ela demonstrou um temperamento muito forte e independente.

Interpersonal Usage: When describing social compatibility, Portuguese speakers use this word to explain why two people might clash or get along perfectly based on their underlying natures.

O cavalo foi escolhido para a terapia por causa do seu temperamento calmo e previsível.

Psychological Context: In academic settings, it relates to the four classical temperaments: sanguíneo, colérico, melancólico, and fleumático.

Não é por mal, é apenas o temperamento dele que é um pouco explosivo.

Precisamos de alguém com um temperamento equilibrado para liderar esta equipe em crise.

O clima daquela região parece influenciar o temperamento alegre dos seus habitantes.

Beyond individuals, temperamento can describe the general 'mood' or 'vibe' of a piece of music, a work of art, or even a historical period, though this is less common than the personal application. It is a word that bridges the gap between biology and sociology, helping us categorize the diverse ways humans interact with the world around them. Whether you are reading a classic novel by Machado de Assis or Eça de Queirós, or simply chatting with a neighbor about their new puppy, temperamento provides the necessary vocabulary to discuss the essence of behavior.

Using temperamento correctly requires understanding its role as a masculine noun and the adjectives that typically accompany it. In Portuguese, adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun. Since temperamento is masculine singular, its adjectives will usually end in '-o' or remain neutral. Common pairings include 'temperamento forte' (strong temperament), 'temperamento dócil' (gentle temperament), 'temperamento instável' (unstable temperament), and 'temperamento artístico' (artistic temperament).

Descriptive Phrases: To say someone 'has' a certain temperament, use the verb 'ter'. Example: 'Ele tem um temperamento difícil.'

O artista era conhecido pelo seu temperamento melancólico e solitário.

Comparative Usage: When comparing two people, you might say their temperaments are 'opostos' (opposite) or 'compatíveis' (compatible).

Apesar do temperamento explosivo, ele tem um coração de ouro.

Professional Context: In job interviews or performance reviews, one might discuss 'temperamento profissional' to refer to how one handles stress.

É difícil lidar com o temperamento volúvel da chefia.

O temperamento calmo do cirurgião transmitia confiança a toda a equipe.

Cães de raças diferentes possuem temperamentos distintos que devem ser considerados antes da adoção.

You can also use the word to describe the 'temperament' of a musical scale in a more technical, albeit less common, sense. However, for 99% of your Portuguese interactions, focus on using it to describe people and animals. When you want to emphasize that a trait is deeply ingrained and not just a passing mood, temperamento is your best choice. It is also common to see it in the plural when discussing a group: 'Os temperamentos dos irmãos eram completamente diferentes.' This highlight the diversity of nature even within a single family unit.

In the Portuguese-speaking world, temperamento is not just a word for psychologists; it is a staple of daily life. You will hear it in the kitchen when a grandmother describes a stubborn grandchild, in the office when colleagues discuss a difficult boss, and on the news when analysts discuss the 'temperamento' of a political leader. It is a word that provides a polite way to discuss difficult personality traits without being overly aggressive. For example, saying someone has a 'temperamento forte' is often a euphemism for saying they are stubborn or difficult to manage.

Family Discussions: Parents often compare the temperaments of their children, noting who is 'mais calmo' or 'mais agitado'.

Ela puxou ao pai no temperamento; ambos são muito teimosos.

Veterinary and Pet Care: When adopting a pet, the shelter will always describe the animal's temperamento to ensure a good match with the owner.

O treinador avaliou o temperamento do cão antes de iniciar o adestramento.

Literature and Media: Soap operas (telenovelas) often use 'temperamento' to define the core conflict between protagonists and antagonists.

A personagem principal tem um temperamento indomável que cativa o público.

O debate político revelou o temperamento agressivo de alguns candidatos.

É preciso ter um temperamento resiliente para trabalhar em situações de emergência.

In the workplace, 'temperamento' is often discussed during team-building exercises. It is used to explain why certain people are more suited for creative tasks while others excel in analytical or high-pressure roles. In Portugal, you might hear it in the context of 'fado' music, where the singer's temperamento must match the soulful, melancholic nature of the genre. Essentially, anywhere human or animal nature is being analyzed or described, temperamento is the word of choice.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning Portuguese is confusing temperamento with 'humor' (mood) or 'gênio' (temper). While they are related, they are not identical. A 'mood' is temporary, while a 'temperament' is permanent. If someone is angry right now, they are 'de mau humor', but if they are generally an angry person, they have a 'temperamento colérico'. Another common error is using the feminine article 'a' because the word ends in 'o' but sounds like it could be abstract (often a trap for learners). Remember: o temperamento.

Gender Mismatch: Mistake: 'A temperamento'. Correction: 'O temperamento'. All words ending in '-mento' in Portuguese are masculine.

Errado: Eu gosto da sua temperamento. Correto: Eu gosto do seu temperamento.

Confusing with 'Gênio': 'Gênio' is often used for a quick-tempered nature, whereas 'temperamento' is broader.

Não confunda temperamento (natureza) com humor (estado momentâneo).

Translation Trap: English 'temper' (as in 'lose your temper') is usually 'perder a paciência' or 'irritar-se', not 'perder o temperamento'.

Ele perdeu a paciência (temper), mas o seu temperamento geral é calmo.

Cuidado para não usar 'temperamento' para descrever a temperatura da água!

O temperamento dele é difícil de lidar, mas ele é um bom profissional.

Furthermore, learners sometimes try to pluralize adjectives incorrectly when using 'temperamento'. If you are talking about the 'strong temperaments' of a group, it is 'temperamentos fortes'. Ensure that the adjective 'forte' changes to 'fortes' to match the plural noun. Lastly, avoid using 'temperamento' when you actually mean 'personalidade'. While personality includes learned behaviors and values, temperamento is strictly about the innate biological response. Using the right word shows a higher level of fluency and understanding of the Portuguese language.

To truly master Portuguese, you need to know the synonyms and related words for temperamento. Depending on the nuance you want to convey, words like 'índole', 'gênio', 'caráter', 'natureza', or 'feitio' might be more appropriate. Each of these words has a slightly different flavor. 'Índole' is very formal and often refers to a person's moral inclination. 'Gênio' is more colloquial and often refers to how easy or difficult someone is to deal with. 'Caráter' refers to moral strength and integrity.

Índole vs. Temperamento: Índole suggests a moral quality (good or bad), while temperamento is more about energy and reactivity levels.

Ele tem uma boa índole, apesar do seu temperamento explosivo.

Gênio (Colloquial): Commonly used in Brazil to say someone has a 'bad temper' (tem um gênio ruim).

Cada pessoa tem o seu feitio; não podemos mudar o temperamento de ninguém.

Natureza (Nature): Used when discussing the essence of someone: 'É da natureza dele ser assim.'

A natureza calma dela contrasta com o temperamento agitado do irmão.

O temperamento artístico muitas vezes exige momentos de solidão.

O carinho pode moldar o temperamento de um animal resgatado.

Understanding these synonyms allows you to describe people with more precision. If you want to emphasize that someone is naturally good-hearted, use 'índole'. If you want to complain about their moodiness, use 'gênio'. If you are writing a psychological profile, stick with 'temperamento'. By varying your vocabulary, you avoid repetition and sound more like a native speaker. In literature, you will see 'temperamento' used to describe the 'soul' of a landscape or a city, showing that this word can transcend individuals and describe the essential character of anything that feels alive or emotive.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The word is related to 'tempero' (seasoning) because both involve the idea of mixing things in the right proportions to achieve a desired result.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /tẽ.pɛ.ɾɐ.ˈmẽ.tu/

US /tẽ.pe.ɾa.ˈmẽ.tu/

The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable: 'men' (tem-pe-ra-MEN-to).

Rima con

sentimento movimento pensamento momento casamento alimento sofrimento conhecimento

Errores comunes

Stressing the first syllable like in the English word 'temperament'.
Failing to nasalize the 'em' in 'tem' and 'men'.
Pronouncing the final 'o' as a strong 'oh' instead of a soft 'u'.
Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' instead of a single-tap Portuguese 'r'.
Forgetting to pronounce the 'p' clearly.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'temperament'.

Escritura 3/5

Requires remembering the '-mento' masculine rule and adjective agreement.

Expresión oral 3/5

Nasal sounds and stress on 'men' can be tricky for beginners.

Escucha 2/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to identify in speech.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

pessoa animal forte calmo ter

Aprende después

personalidade caráter índole comportamento psicologia

Avanzado

sanguíneo colérico melancólico fleumático

Gramática que debes saber

Nouns ending in '-mento' are masculine.

O temperamento, o sentimento, o movimento.

Adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun.

Temperamento forte (singular), temperamentos fortes (plural).

The verb 'ter' is used to express possession of traits.

Eu tenho um temperamento calmo.

Definite articles are used before nouns in general statements.

O temperamento é importante.

Preposition 'de' combines with articles to show possession.

O temperamento do (de + o) meu pai.

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Ejemplos por nivel

O meu cão tem um temperamento muito dócil.

My dog has a very gentle temperament.

Use 'o meu' because 'temperamento' is masculine.

Ela tem um temperamento alegre.

She has a happy temperament.

'Alegre' is an adjective that doesn't change for gender.

O bebê tem um temperamento calmo.

The baby has a calm temperament.

'Bebê' is masculine, matching 'temperamento'.

Você tem um bom temperamento?

Do you have a good temperament?

'Bom' is the masculine form of 'good'.

O gato não tem um temperamento fácil.

The cat does not have an easy temperament.

'Fácil' is neutral for gender.

Eles têm temperamentos diferentes.

They have different temperaments.

Plural form of 'temperamento' is 'temperamentos'.

O temperamento dele é forte.

His temperament is strong.

'Dele' means 'his'.

Um temperamento tranquilo é bom.

A tranquil temperament is good.

'Tranquilo' matches the masculine 'temperamento'.

É difícil mudar o temperamento de uma pessoa.

It is difficult to change a person's temperament.

'Mudar' is the infinitive verb 'to change'.

O temperamento do meu pai é muito sério.

My father's temperament is very serious.

'Sério' is the masculine adjective.

Precisamos de um animal com temperamento estável.

We need an animal with a stable temperament.

'Estável' is an adjective for both genders.

O temperamento artístico dela é visível nas pinturas.

Her artistic temperament is visible in the paintings.

'Artístico' matches 'temperamento'.

Como é o temperamento da sua nova colega?

What is your new colleague's temperament like?

'Sua' refers to 'colega' (feminine here).

Ele herdou o temperamento explosivo do avô.

He inherited his grandfather's explosive temperament.

'Herdou' is the past tense of 'herdar'.

O temperamento dócil do cavalo ajudou as crianças.

The horse's gentle temperament helped the children.

'Dócil' means gentle or docile.

Eu gosto de pessoas com temperamento calmo.

I like people with a calm temperament.

Use 'com' to mean 'with'.

O temperamento melancólico dele reflete-se na sua música.

His melancholy temperament is reflected in his music.

'Reflete-se' is a pronominal verb.

Para este cargo, buscamos alguém com temperamento resiliente.

For this position, we are looking for someone with a resilient temperament.

'Buscamos' means 'we seek'.

O temperamento instável da economia preocupa os investidores.

The unstable temperament (nature) of the economy worries investors.

Here used metaphorically for 'nature'.

Ela tem um temperamento forte, mas é muito justa.

She has a strong temperament, but she is very fair.

'Justa' is the feminine adjective for 'fair'.

O temperamento dos habitantes locais é muito acolhedor.

The temperament of the local inhabitants is very welcoming.

'Acolhedor' means welcoming/hospitable.

É importante conhecer o temperamento da equipe antes de liderar.

It is important to know the team's temperament before leading.

'Conhecer' is 'to know/be familiar with'.

O temperamento solitário do escritor era famoso.

The writer's solitary temperament was famous.

'Solitário' means solitary or lonely.

Apesar do temperamento difícil, ele é um excelente amigo.

Despite the difficult temperament, he is an excellent friend.

'Apesar de' means 'despite'.

O temperamento colérico pode ser canalizado para a produtividade.

A choleric temperament can be channeled into productivity.

'Colérico' refers to one of the four humors.

A teoria dos quatro temperamentos ainda é discutida hoje.

The theory of the four temperaments is still discussed today.

'Discutida' is the past participle used as an adjective.

O temperamento fleumático ajuda a manter a calma em crises.

A phlegmatic temperament helps to stay calm in crises.

'Fleumático' means calm and unemotional.

Existe uma base biológica para o temperamento humano.

There is a biological basis for human temperament.

'Humano' matches 'temperamento'.

O temperamento artístico exige uma certa dose de sensibilidade.

An artistic temperament requires a certain amount of sensitivity.

'Dose' is feminine: 'uma certa dose'.

O temperamento volúvel daquela criança exige paciência extra.

That child's fickle temperament requires extra patience.

'Volúvel' means changeable or fickle.

O temperamento sanguíneo é caracterizado pelo otimismo.

A sanguine temperament is characterized by optimism.

'Sanguíneo' refers to the optimistic humor.

O temperamento de cada raça de cão deve ser respeitado.

The temperament of each dog breed should be respected.

'Respeitado' is the past participle.

O temperamento luso é frequentemente associado ao fado e à saudade.

The Portuguese temperament is often associated with fado and saudade.

'Luso' is a synonym for 'Portuguese'.

A obra reflete o temperamento inquieto do autor quinhentista.

The work reflects the restless temperament of the 16th-century author.

'Quinhentista' refers to the 1500s.

O temperamento igual é um sistema de afinação musical.

Equal temperament is a system of musical tuning.

A technical use of the word in music.

O temperamento indomável da protagonista desafia as normas sociais.

The protagonist's indomitable temperament challenges social norms.

'Indomável' means untamable.

Houve um choque de temperamentos durante a negociação diplomática.

There was a clash of temperaments during the diplomatic negotiation.

'Choque' means clash or collision.

O temperamento melancólico pode ser uma fonte de criatividade profunda.

A melancholy temperament can be a source of deep creativity.

'Fonte' means source.

A análise do temperamento é crucial na psicologia do desenvolvimento.

The analysis of temperament is crucial in developmental psychology.

'Desenvolvimento' means development.

O temperamento expansivo dele facilitava as relações públicas.

His expansive temperament facilitated public relations.

'Expansivo' means outgoing or sociable.

A dicotomia entre temperamento e caráter é central na ética clássica.

The dichotomy between temperament and character is central to classical ethics.

'Dicotomia' means a division into two parts.

O temperamento de uma nação é moldado por séculos de história.

A nation's temperament is shaped by centuries of history.

'Moldado' means shaped or molded.

A sutil modulação do temperamento na oratória pode mudar opiniões.

The subtle modulation of temperament in oratory can change opinions.

'Oratória' means public speaking.

O temperamento artístico muitas vezes flerta com a autodestruição.

The artistic temperament often flirts with self-destruction.

'Flerta' means flirts.

A resiliência é um traço que transcende o temperamento básico.

Resilience is a trait that transcends basic temperament.

'Transcende' means goes beyond.

O temperamento fleumático do estadista evitou a eclosão da guerra.

The statesman's phlegmatic temperament prevented the outbreak of war.

'Estadista' means statesman.

A plasticidade cerebral permite mitigar certos aspectos do temperamento.

Brain plasticity allows for the mitigation of certain aspects of temperament.

'Mitigar' means to lessen or mitigate.

O temperamento saturnino era um tema recorrente na poesia barroca.

The saturnine temperament was a recurrent theme in Baroque poetry.

'Saturnino' is a literary synonym for gloomy/melancholy.

Colocaciones comunes

temperamento forte

temperamento calmo

temperamento difícil

temperamento artístico

temperamento dócil

temperamento instável

temperamento explosivo

temperamento equilibrado

temperamento melancólico

temperamento dócil

Frases Comunes

Ter um temperamento de cão

— To have a very bad or aggressive temper. It is a common idiomatic expression.

Hoje o meu chefe está com um temperamento de cão!

Choque de temperamentos

— When two people's natures clash and they cannot get along. Often used in relationships.

O divórcio foi causado por um choque de temperamentos.

Temperamento de artista

— Used to describe someone who is sensitive, moody, or unconventional. Sometimes used as an excuse for bad behavior.

Ele não limpou a casa porque tem temperamento de artista.

De temperamento brando

— Someone who is mild-mannered and gentle. It is a very positive description.

A minha avó era uma mulher de temperamento brando.

Mudar o temperamento

— To change one's nature. Often used in the negative to say it's impossible.

Você não pode mudar o temperamento dele.

O temperamento da época

— The general mood or spirit of a historical period. A more abstract usage.

O temperamento da época era de grande otimismo.

Temperamento igual

— A technical term in music for a specific tuning system. Very specific context.

O piano está afinado em temperamento igual.

Agradar ao temperamento

— To suit someone's nature or preferences. Often used with things like hobbies.

A vida no campo agrada ao meu temperamento.

Temperamento rebelde

— A nature that resists authority or rules. Common for teenagers.

Ele sempre teve um temperamento rebelde na escola.

Controlar o temperamento

— To manage one's innate reactions or anger. A common self-improvement goal.

Ele está aprendendo a controlar o seu temperamento explosivo.

Se confunde a menudo con

temperamento vs temperatura

Temperature (weather/body). Do not use 'temperamento' for how hot or cold it is.

temperamento vs tempero

Seasoning/spice. Related root but completely different meaning.

temperamento vs temperança

Temperance/moderation. A virtue, not a general nature.

Modismos y expresiones

"Gênio de temperamento"

— A redundant but common way to emphasize a person's nature.

Ele tem um gênio de temperamento muito forte.

Colloquial

"Temperamento de fogo"

— Used for someone very passionate or quick to anger.

Ela tem um temperamento de fogo quando se trata de injustiça.

Literary

"Sem temperamento"

— Describes someone who lacks personality or drive; bland.

O novo ator é um pouco sem temperamento.

Neutral

"Temperamento de ferro"

— Describes someone with an unbreakable or very disciplined nature.

O atleta possui um temperamento de ferro.

Formal

"Temperamento de gelo"

— Describes someone who is cold, unemotional, or very detached.

A espiã tinha um temperamento de gelo.

Literary

"Temperamento de mel"

— Someone who is extremely sweet and kind. Very positive.

A criança tem um temperamento de mel.

Informal

"Temperamento de vento"

— Someone whose nature changes quickly and unpredictably.

Não confie nele, ele tem temperamento de vento.

Poetic

"Temperamento de chumbo"

— Describes someone who is heavy, slow, or very serious.

O velho juiz tinha um temperamento de chumbo.

Literary

"Temperamento de ouro"

— A person with a perfect, valuable, and kind nature.

O meu marido tem um temperamento de ouro.

Informal

"Temperamento de rocha"

— Someone who is solid, dependable, and unchanging.

Ela é o temperamento de rocha da nossa família.

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

temperamento vs humor

Both relate to how a person feels/acts.

Humor is temporary (mood); temperamento is permanent (nature).

Ele está de mau humor hoje, mas o seu temperamento é calmo.

temperamento vs personalidade

Often used as synonyms.

Personalidade includes learned traits; temperamento is the biological base.

A educação moldou a sua personalidade, mas não o seu temperamento.

temperamento vs caráter

Both describe a person's essence.

Caráter involves moral choices and integrity; temperamento is emotional reactivity.

Ele tem um temperamento explosivo, mas um caráter honesto.

temperamento vs gênio

Commonly used for 'temper'.

Gênio is more colloquial and often implies being stubborn or angry.

Ela tem um gênio difícil de aguentar.

temperamento vs índole

Very similar in meaning.

Índole is more formal and usually has a moral connotation (good/bad).

É um jovem de boa índole e temperamento tranquilo.

Patrones de oraciones

O [noun] tem um temperamento [adjective].

O gato tem um temperamento calmo.

O temperamento de [person] é [adjective].

O temperamento da minha mãe é alegre.

Apesar do temperamento [adjective], [clause].

Apesar do temperamento difícil, ele é um bom homem.

É preciso ter um temperamento [adjective] para [verb].

É preciso ter um temperamento resiliente para ser bombeiro.

[Person] herdou o temperamento [adjective] de [person].

Ela herdou o temperamento artístico do avô.

O temperamento [adjective] reflete-se em [noun].

O temperamento melancólico reflete-se na sua obra.

Houve um choque de temperamentos entre [person] e [person].

Houve um choque de temperamentos entre os dois sócios.

A análise do temperamento revela [abstract noun].

A análise do temperamento revela a complexidade da alma humana.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

temperança

temperatura

tempero

temperagem

Verbos

temperar

destemperar

atempelar

Adjetivos

temperamental

temperado

destemperado

Relacionado

personalidade

caráter

índole

psique

natureza

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high in both written and spoken Portuguese.

Errores comunes

A temperamento → O temperamento
Learners often think abstract nouns are feminine, but '-mento' words are always masculine.
Ele perdeu o temperamento. → Ele perdeu a paciência.
In English you 'lose your temper', but in Portuguese you 'lose your patience'.
Temperamento de água → Temperatura da água
Confusing 'temperamento' (nature) with 'temperatura' (heat/cold).
Temperamentos forte → Temperamentos fortes
Failing to pluralize the adjective to match the plural noun.
Eu sou um temperamento calmo. → Eu tenho um temperamento calmo.
You 'have' a temperament, you are not 'a' temperament.

Consejos

Masculine Rule

Remember that '-mento' words are always masculine. This applies to hundreds of words in Portuguese, so it's a great rule to learn early.

Euphemisms

Use 'temperamento forte' if you want to be diplomatic about someone being difficult. It sounds much nicer than calling them 'teimoso' (stubborn).

The Nasal 'M'

The 'm' in 'temperamento' isn't fully pronounced like in English. It mostly serves to nasalize the preceding vowel. Try saying 'ten-pe-ra-men-to' with a nasal tone.

Animal Traits

When looking at pet adoption sites in Portugal or Brazil, look for the 'temperamento' section to see if the animal is 'dócil' or 'ativo'.

Character Analysis

When reading Portuguese literature, authors often spend time describing a character's temperamento to set the stage for their future actions.

Stress the Right Syllable

The stress is on 'MEN'. If you stress the beginning of the word, native speakers might struggle to understand you quickly.

Adjective Agreement

Always check your adjectives. If you use the plural 'temperamentos', make sure the adjective is also plural: 'temperamentos variados'.

Not Just Humans

Don't be afraid to use 'temperamento' for abstract things like 'the temperament of the market' or 'the temperament of the city'.

Cognate Advantage

Use the fact that it looks like 'temperament' to your advantage, but don't let the English meaning of 'temper' (anger) limit your Portuguese usage.

Telenovelas

Watch Brazilian soap operas and listen for when characters discuss each other's 'temperamento'. It's a key part of the drama!

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'temperament' in English, but add 'o' at the end. Remember that 'mento' words are always masculine, like a 'man' (masculine).

Asociación visual

Imagine a scientist mixing different colored liquids in a flask to create a person's nature. The 'mixture' is the temperamento.

Word Web

natureza índole gênio comportamento personalidade biologia reação emoção

Desafío

Try to describe three people you know using the word 'temperamento' and a different adjective for each one (e.g., forte, calmo, alegre).

Origen de la palabra

From the Latin 'temperamentum', which means 'a mixing in proportions' or 'a proper mixture'.

Significado original: In ancient medicine, it referred to the balance of the four bodily fluids (humors) that determined health and personality.

Romance (Latin root).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when describing someone's temperamento as 'difícil' or 'ruim' to their face, as it is a very personal critique of their nature.

In English, we often use 'temper' to mean anger, but in Portuguese, 'temperamento' is the whole nature, not just the anger part.

The theory of the four temperaments (Galen/Hippocrates) is often taught in Portuguese schools. Machado de Assis often analyzes the temperamento of his characters in his novels. Fernando Pessoa's heteronyms each have a distinct and well-defined temperamento.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Family and Friends

Ele tem o temperamento da mãe.
Nossos temperamentos não combinam.
Ela sempre teve um temperamento alegre.
É o temperamento dele, não leve para o lado pessoal.

Workplace

Precisamos de alguém com temperamento resiliente.
O temperamento do chefe é um pouco difícil.
Ela lida bem com temperamentos diferentes na equipe.
O temperamento profissional dele é exemplar.

Pet Ownership

Qual é o temperamento desta raça?
O cão tem um temperamento dócil.
Procuro um gato com temperamento calmo.
O temperamento do animal mudou após o acidente.

Psychology/Education

O temperamento infantil é um tema importante.
Existem quatro tipos básicos de temperamento.
O temperamento é inato ou adquirido?
A escola deve respeitar o temperamento de cada aluno.

Art and Music

O temperamento da obra é sombrio.
Ele tem um verdadeiro temperamento artístico.
A música reflete o temperamento do compositor.
O piano precisa de um novo temperamento (tuning).

Inicios de conversación

"Você acha que o temperamento muda com a idade?"

"Como você descreveria o seu próprio temperamento?"

"Você prefere conviver com pessoas de temperamento calmo ou agitado?"

"O temperamento dos seus pais é parecido com o seu?"

"Você acha que o temperamento dos animais depende da raça?"

Temas para diario

Descreva uma situação em que o seu temperamento ajudou você a resolver um problema.

Reflita sobre as diferenças de temperamento entre você e o seu melhor amigo.

Como o seu temperamento influencia as suas escolhas profissionais?

Escreva sobre um personagem de um livro que tem um temperamento marcante.

Você acredita que é possível controlar totalmente o nosso temperamento?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is masculine. All Portuguese words ending in '-mento' are masculine. You should say 'o temperamento' and 'um temperamento'.

It literally means 'strong temperament,' but it is often used as a polite way to say someone is stubborn, difficult, or has a dominant personality.

No. For weather, you must use 'temperatura'. For example: 'A temperatura está alta hoje' (The temperature is high today).

Temperamento is the innate, biological part of you. Personalidade is the broader sum of your temperament plus your learned behaviors and experiences.

You don't use 'temperamento'. You say 'perder a paciência' or 'perder as estribeiras' (informal).

Yes, it is very common to use it to describe the nature of dogs, horses, and other animals.

They are sanguíneo (sanguine), colérico (choleric), melancólico (melancholic), and fleumático (phlegmatic).

Yes, the plural is 'temperamentos'. For example: 'Eles têm temperamentos opostos'.

Yes, 'temperamento igual' refers to equal temperament, a system of tuning instruments.

Yes, it is a very common and essential word for any Portuguese learner at the A2 level and above.

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