Signification
Generally speaking; without going into specific details.
Contexte culturel
In Portuguese academic culture, starting a presentation with 'Em traços gerais' is seen as a sign of respect for the audience's time and intelligence. Brazilians often use 'em linhas gerais' as a slightly more rhythmic alternative, especially in business hubs like São Paulo. In formal administrative contexts in PALOP countries, this phrase is used to summarize official decrees or public notices. In the Lusophone startup world, this phrase is used to 'pitch' an idea quickly to investors.
The 'Meeting Saver'
If you are asked a question you don't know the full answer to, start with 'Em traços gerais...' to give yourself time to think while providing a high-level response.
Don't Overuse
Using it too often in one conversation can make you sound like you are avoiding the truth or lack deep knowledge.
Signification
Generally speaking; without going into specific details.
The 'Meeting Saver'
If you are asked a question you don't know the full answer to, start with 'Em traços gerais...' to give yourself time to think while providing a high-level response.
Don't Overuse
Using it too often in one conversation can make you sound like you are avoiding the truth or lack deep knowledge.
Register Awareness
In Portugal, using this phrase with an older person or a superior shows a high level of linguistic respect.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
O diretor explicou o novo regulamento em ______ ______.
The phrase is fixed as 'em traços gerais'.
Which of these is a formal synonym for 'em traços gerais'?
Se quiser ser mais formal num contexto jurídico, pode usar:
'Grosso modo' is a Latinism used in formal Portuguese to mean 'roughly' or 'in general terms'.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
A: 'Podes dar-me os detalhes do contrato?' B: 'Agora não tenho tempo, mas posso dizer-te...'
This correctly uses the phrase to offer a summary when time is limited.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate context.
Em que situação é mais provável ouvir 'em traços gerais'?
It is a formal/neutral phrase used for summarizing information for the public.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesO diretor explicou o novo regulamento em ______ ______.
The phrase is fixed as 'em traços gerais'.
Se quiser ser mais formal num contexto jurídico, pode usar:
'Grosso modo' is a Latinism used in formal Portuguese to mean 'roughly' or 'in general terms'.
A: 'Podes dar-me os detalhes do contrato?' B: 'Agora não tenho tempo, mas posso dizer-te...'
This correctly uses the phrase to offer a summary when time is limited.
Em que situação é mais provável ouvir 'em traços gerais'?
It is a formal/neutral phrase used for summarizing information for the public.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsSort of, but 'basically' is usually translated as 'basicamente'. 'Em traços gerais' is more formal and implies a structured summary rather than just a simple version.
Yes, but only if the context is somewhat serious or professional. For a casual 'What's up?', it's too formal.
No. It is a fixed expression. You never say 'em traças gerais'.
Brazilians use 'em linhas gerais' very frequently, though 'em traços gerais' is also perfectly understood.
Yes, authors use it to summarize character traits or historical backgrounds quickly.
No, that's not a standard phrase. Use 'em detalhe' or 'pormenorizadamente'.
It's very common in both, especially in formal speech (presentations) and non-fiction writing.
Not at all. It sounds educated and professional.
In Portugal, it's a 'sh' sound. In Brazil, it's usually an 's' sound.
Yes, to describe their personality or appearance in a summary way. 'Em traços gerais, ele é uma pessoa calma.'
Expressions liées
Em linhas gerais
synonymIn general lines.
Grosso modo
similarRoughly speaking.
Pormenorizadamente
contrastIn great detail.
Em suma
builds onIn short / In summary.
