Signification
To speak to someone directly, often in a formal or public manner.
Contexte culturel
In Brazilian corporate culture, 'dirigir a palavra' is often used to show respect to 'autoridades' (authorities). It's a way to navigate the 'cordialidade' (cordiality) while maintaining professional distance. Portugal has a more traditional view of social hierarchy. Using this phrase is common in news and formal literature to describe interactions between different social classes. In Angolan formal discourse, especially in political or academic settings, the phrase is used to maintain a high level of 'respeito' and 'protocolo'. Similar to other Lusophone African countries, it is used in official media to describe government officials addressing the public.
Master the Negative
Use 'não me dirigiu a palavra' to sound like a native when describing someone who is ignoring you. It's much more evocative than 'não falou comigo'.
Watch the Preposition
Always use 'a'. Using 'com' or 'para' is the most common sign of a non-native speaker.
Signification
To speak to someone directly, often in a formal or public manner.
Master the Negative
Use 'não me dirigiu a palavra' to sound like a native when describing someone who is ignoring you. It's much more evocative than 'não falou comigo'.
Watch the Preposition
Always use 'a'. Using 'com' or 'para' is the most common sign of a non-native speaker.
Titles Matter
When directing the word to someone in Portugal, always include their title (e.g., 'Dirigir a palavra ao Senhor Engenheiro').
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition and article (crase if necessary).
O orador dirigiu a palavra _______ (the) mulheres presentes.
Dirigir a palavra requires 'a'. Since 'mulheres' is feminine plural, a + as = às.
Which sentence uses the phrase in a natural, formal way?
Choose the best option:
This phrase is best suited for formal, human-to-human (or group) interactions.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the phrase.
Ana: 'O que aconteceu entre você e o Paulo?' Beto: 'Não sei, ele está bravo e desde ontem não _______.'
In the negative, 'não me dirigiu a palavra' is the standard way to say someone isn't speaking to you.
Match the context to the most likely use of 'dirigir a palavra'.
Context: A formal award ceremony.
An award ceremony is a formal event where 'dirigir a palavra' is highly appropriate.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesO orador dirigiu a palavra _______ (the) mulheres presentes.
Dirigir a palavra requires 'a'. Since 'mulheres' is feminine plural, a + as = às.
Choose the best option:
This phrase is best suited for formal, human-to-human (or group) interactions.
Ana: 'O que aconteceu entre você e o Paulo?' Beto: 'Não sei, ele está bravo e desde ontem não _______.'
In the negative, 'não me dirigiu a palavra' is the standard way to say someone isn't speaking to you.
Context: A formal award ceremony.
An award ceremony is a formal event where 'dirigir a palavra' is highly appropriate.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsOnly if you are being sarcastic or joking about being very formal. Otherwise, it sounds too stiff.
Almost. 'Dirigir-se a' is more common and can also mean moving toward someone. 'Dirigir a palavra' is specifically about speaking.
It's the 'crase'. If you address a feminine noun (like 'diretora'), the preposition 'a' and the article 'a' merge into 'à'.
Yes, it is common in both, though the pronoun placement might change (e.g., 'me dirigiu' vs 'dirigiu-me').
Expressions liées
Tomar a palavra
similarTo start speaking in a formal setting.
Passar a palavra
builds onTo give someone else the turn to speak.
Faltar com a palavra
contrastTo break a promise.
Dirigir-se a
similarTo go toward or address someone.
