Signification
To require giving up something valuable or desired.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'sacrifício' is often linked to the 'jeitinho brasileiro' in reverse—when the 'easy way' doesn't work, the 'batalhador' (struggler) takes over. It's a point of pride to say one's success 'exigiu muito sacrifício'. In Portugal, 'exigir sacrifícios' was the catchphrase of the 2011-2014 financial crisis. It is now often viewed with a bit of skepticism or 'saudade' for better times when such demands weren't constant. In these Lusophone African nations, the phrase is frequently used in the context of 'reconstrução nacional' (national reconstruction) following civil wars, emphasizing collective effort. The religious root of 'sacrifício' means that even in secular use, there is a moral weight to it. Making a sacrifice is seen as 'purifying' the goal or making the person more worthy of success.
Sound more native
Use 'exigir sacrifícios' in job interviews to show you understand the gravity of the role. It shows maturity and commitment.
Don't overdo it
If you use this for small things (like missing a TV show), you'll sound like a 'drama queen' (drama king/queen).
Signification
To require giving up something valuable or desired.
Sound more native
Use 'exigir sacrifícios' in job interviews to show you understand the gravity of the role. It shows maturity and commitment.
Don't overdo it
If you use this for small things (like missing a TV show), you'll sound like a 'drama queen' (drama king/queen).
Political sensitivity
In Portugal, be careful using this phrase when talking about the economy, as it can be a sensitive reminder of the austerity years.
Teste-toi
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta do verbo 'exigir' no presente do indicativo (atenção à ortografia!).
Eu _________ sacrifícios de mim mesmo para alcançar meus objetivos.
The 'eu' form of 'exigir' changes 'g' to 'j' to maintain the sound /ʒ/.
Qual frase usa a preposição correta?
O governo vai exigir sacrifícios...
We demand sacrifices 'from' someone, which in Portuguese is 'de' + article (dos).
Combine a frase com o contexto mais provável.
'Esta medalha de ouro exigiu sacrifícios que ninguém vê.'
The mention of a 'medalha de ouro' (gold medal) clearly points to a sports context.
Complete o diálogo de forma lógica e formal.
Chefe: 'O novo projeto é ambicioso.' Funcionário: 'Sim, e sabemos que ele _________.'
This is the most natural and professional way to acknowledge the difficulty of a project.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEu _________ sacrifícios de mim mesmo para alcançar meus objetivos.
The 'eu' form of 'exigir' changes 'g' to 'j' to maintain the sound /ʒ/.
O governo vai exigir sacrifícios...
We demand sacrifices 'from' someone, which in Portuguese is 'de' + article (dos).
'Esta medalha de ouro exigiu sacrifícios que ninguém vê.'
The mention of a 'medalha de ouro' (gold medal) clearly points to a sports context.
Chefe: 'O novo projeto é ambicioso.' Funcionário: 'Sim, e sabemos que ele _________.'
This is the most natural and professional way to acknowledge the difficulty of a project.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, if you are referring to one specific act. 'Exigir sacrifícios' (plural) is for a general situation or lifestyle.
It is 'exigir de alguém'. For example: 'Exijo sacrifícios de você.'
Yes, it is perfectly standard and common in both countries.
Yes, but 'demandar' is more formal and less common in daily speech.
The act of sacrifice is hard, but the context is often positive (achieving a great goal).
Expressions liées
Abrir mão de
similarTo give up something voluntarily.
Custar os olhos da cara
similarTo be extremely expensive (literally or figuratively).
Pagar o preço
similarTo pay the price for a choice.
Vale a pena
contrastIt's worth the effort/pain.
