alheio en 30 secondes
- Belonging to others.
- Unaware or indifferent.
- Requires preposition 'a'.
- Changes to alheia/alheios.
The Portuguese adjective alheio is a multifaceted word that primarily describes something belonging to another person or something that is foreign to a specific context. At its core, it translates to 'someone else's' or 'not one's own.' However, its usage extends far beyond simple possession into the realms of psychology, social behavior, and legal terminology. Understanding alheio is crucial for reaching a B1 level of proficiency because it allows speakers to discuss boundaries, empathy, and social awareness with precision.
- Possessive Usage
- In its most literal sense, it refers to property or rights. For example, 'o bem alheio' refers to property that does not belong to you. This is common in legal contexts or moral discussions about respecting others' boundaries.
- Psychological Usage
- When applied to a person's mental state, being 'alheio a' something means being unaware, indifferent, or detached. If someone is 'alheio à realidade,' they are out of touch with reality.
Não devemos cobiçar o que é alheio.
The word is frequently used in formal writing and literature to describe a sense of alienation. In modern European and Brazilian Portuguese, you will hear it in news reports concerning 'interferência alheia' (outside interference) or in daily conversations about not getting involved in 'problemas alheios' (other people's problems). It carries a weight of formality but is indispensable for expressing the concept of 'the other.'
Ele parecia alheio a toda a confusão ao seu redor.
- Social Context
- Culturally, there is a strong emphasis in Lusophone countries on respecting 'o alheio.' This word is often the centerpiece of proverbs and ethical advice regarding privacy and communal living.
A opinião alheia não deve ditar as suas escolhas de vida.
In more advanced contexts, 'alheio' can represent the philosophical 'Other.' It describes anything that is external to the self or the subject. This makes it a key term in sociological and philosophical texts translated into or written in Portuguese. Whether you are talking about someone's car, someone's business, or someone's suffering, 'alheio' provides the necessary distance between the subject and the object of discussion.
O sucesso alheio muitas vezes provoca inveja nos outros.
- Prepositional Nuance
- Using 'alheio a' vs 'alheio de'. While 'a' is much more common in modern Portuguese, 'de' can occasionally be found in older literature to signify 'deprived of' or 'distant from'.
Ela vivia alheia às notícias do mundo exterior.
Using alheio correctly requires attention to its grammatical role as an adjective and its requirement for specific prepositions when describing states of mind. It must agree in gender (alheio/alheia) and number (alheios/alheias) with the noun it qualifies. When it functions as a noun (substantivizado), it is usually preceded by a masculine article: 'o alheio' (that which belongs to others).
- As a Direct Adjective
- Modify nouns directly to indicate ownership by others. 'Dinheiro alheio' (other people's money), 'vontade alheia' (someone else's will), 'sofrimento alheio' (others' suffering).
Devemos respeitar o espaço alheio no transporte público.
One of the most common sentence structures involves the verb 'estar' (to be) to describe someone's mental state. 'Estar alheio a' indicates a lack of awareness or interest. This is a very common way to describe someone who is daydreaming, distracted, or simply uninformed about a specific topic. It can be used both critically and descriptively.
O cientista estava tão focado que ficou alheio ao barulho lá fora.
- In Legal and Formal Contexts
- 'Alheio' is used to describe factors outside of a contract or a person's control. 'Motivos alheios à nossa vontade' is a standard phrase used by companies to explain delays or cancellations (reasons beyond our control).
O voo foi cancelado por motivos alheios à companhia aérea.
In literary Portuguese, authors use 'alheio' to evoke a sense of existential distance. A character might feel 'alheio a si mesmo' (estranged from themselves), suggesting a deep psychological crisis or a moment of dissociation. This use is more abstract but highly evocative. When you use 'alheio' in this way, you move from simple B1 communication into the expressive territory of B2 and C1.
Não podemos permanecer alheios às injustiças sociais.
- Comparative Use
- Comparing 'alheio' with 'estranho'. While 'estranho' means strange or weird, 'alheio' specifically focuses on the lack of belonging or connection.
A cultura deles era totalmente alheia aos nossos costumes.
Finally, remember that 'alheio' can be a noun in the phrase 'o alheio'. This is a collective term for everything that belongs to others. In religious and ethical teachings, 'não desejar o alheio' (not desiring what belongs to others) is a fundamental tenet. This versatility makes it one of the most useful adjectives in the Portuguese language for describing the boundaries between the self and the world.
The word alheio is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking societies, appearing in both official documents and emotional daily exchanges. If you are in Portugal or Brazil, you will encounter it in several specific contexts. One of the most common places is in the news. Journalists often use 'alheio' to describe external influences on the economy or politics, such as 'fatores alheios ao mercado nacional' (factors foreign to the national market).
- At the Airport or Train Station
- You will hear announcements about service disruptions caused by 'motivos alheios à nossa empresa' (reasons beyond our company's control). This is the standard polite way to say it's not their fault.
O atraso deveu-se a problemas alheios à gestão da CP.
In social settings, the word appears when people discuss etiquette and gossip. A common reprimand for children (and nosy adults) is 'não te metas em assuntos alheios' (don't meddle in other people's business). This highlights the cultural value of privacy. You will also hear it in romantic or dramatic contexts, like in 'telenovelas,' where a character might complain that their partner is 'alheio aos meus sentimentos' (indifferent to my feelings).
Ele vive num mundo alheio, sem se preocupar com ninguém.
- In Literature and Music
- Portuguese Fado and Brazilian MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) often use 'alheio' to describe longing or the feeling of being a stranger in one's own land. It adds a poetic layer to the lyrics.
A letra da música fala de um amor alheio que nunca pôde ser alcançado.
In professional environments, 'alheio' is used in legal warnings. Signs might read 'proibida a entrada a pessoas alheias ao serviço' (entry prohibited to persons not related to the service/unauthorized personnel). This is a formal way of saying 'Staff Only.' You'll see this in hospitals, factories, and office buildings. Understanding this word helps you navigate public spaces safely and correctly.
É proibido o uso de telemóvel para fins alheios ao trabalho.
- In Psychological Discussions
- Psychologists in Brazil and Portugal use 'alheamento' (the noun form) to describe dissociation or social withdrawal. You might hear this in podcasts or health-related videos.
O paciente demonstrava um comportamento alheio durante a terapia.
Finally, when reading Portuguese philosophy or sociology (like the works of José Saramago or Paulo Freire), 'alheio' is a central concept for discussing the 'Other' and how individuals relate to society. It is a word that bridges the gap between simple ownership and complex human relations.
The word alheio presents several challenges for English speakers because it doesn't have a single direct equivalent. English uses 'someone else's,' 'foreign,' 'unaware,' or 'indifferent' depending on the context, whereas Portuguese often uses alheio for all of these. One of the most frequent mistakes is using the English possessive structure ('s) which doesn't exist in Portuguese, and failing to substitute it with alheio when appropriate.
- Confusing with 'Estranho'
- Learners often use 'estranho' to mean 'foreign' or 'not mine.' While 'estranho' means 'strange' or 'weird,' 'alheio' means 'belonging to another.' If you say 'carro estranho,' you mean a weird car. If you say 'carro alheio,' you mean someone else's car.
Errado: Eu não gosto de mexer em coisas estranhas. (I don't like touching weird things.)
Correto: Eu não gosto de mexer em coisas alheias. (I don't like touching other people's things.)
Another common error involves the preposition. Many learners forget that when describing a state of being unaware, alheio almost always requires the preposition a. Using 'de' or 'com' is a common interference from other languages or incorrect logic. 'Alheio a' is the standard construction for 'unaware of' or 'indifferent to.'
Errado: Ele estava alheio do problema.
Correto: Ele estava alheio ao problema.
- Overusing 'De Outro'
- While 'de outra pessoa' is correct, using 'alheio' is often more natural and sophisticated in many contexts. Relying only on 'de outro' can make your Portuguese sound repetitive and basic.
Básico: Não use o telefone de outra pessoa.
Natural: Não use o telefone alheio.
Misunderstanding the noun form 'o alheio' is also frequent. Learners might try to say 'as coisas alheias' every time, but in many idiomatic expressions, simply 'o alheio' is used as an abstract noun meaning 'others' property.' For example, the commandment 'não cobiçarás o alheio' is a fixed phrase. Trying to add 'coisas' or 'bens' here makes it less idiomatic.
Errado: Ele é muito alheio, não sabe nada de política.
Melhor: Ele é muito alienado, não sabe nada de política. (Use 'alienado' for systematic lack of awareness.)
- Pluralization Errors
- Remember that when modifying a plural noun, 'alheio' must become 'alheios' or 'alheias'. Example: 'interesses alheios' (others' interests).
Ele sempre se preocupa com os interesses alheios.
Finally, avoid using 'alheio' to mean 'alien' in the sense of 'extraterrestrial.' For that, use 'extraterrestre' or 'alienígena.' Using 'alheio' in a science fiction context would likely be misinterpreted as 'belonging to someone else' rather than 'from another planet.'
To truly master alheio, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Portuguese has a rich vocabulary for describing ownership, distance, and awareness. Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you might choose a different word to sound more precise or more informal.
- Alheio vs. Estrangeiro
- 'Estrangeiro' refers specifically to something from another country or nation. 'Alheio' is broader; it refers to anything that is not yours or not part of the current context. A person can be 'alheia' to a conversation without being an 'estrangeira'.
- Alheio vs. Distante
- 'Distante' means physically or emotionally far away. While someone who is 'alheio' is often 'distante,' 'alheio' specifically emphasizes the lack of connection or awareness of the immediate surroundings.
Ele estava distante (far away), mas não totalmente alheio (unaware) ao que dizíamos.
Another set of alternatives includes words like 'indiferente' and 'desatento.' 'Indiferente' implies a choice or a personality trait where someone doesn't care. 'Alheio' can be more passive—someone might be 'alheio' simply because they are focused on something else, not necessarily because they don't care. 'Desatento' is much more informal and specifically means 'not paying attention' (distracted).
Estes são fatores extrínsecos ao nosso projeto inicial.
- Alheio vs. Desconhecido
- 'Desconhecido' means unknown. You can use 'pessoa alheia' to mean someone who doesn't belong here (like an outsider), while 'pessoa desconhecida' just means you haven't met them before.
Não podemos permitir que pessoas alheias à família tomem essa decisão.
In terms of possession, 'de terceiros' is a common legal alternative. Banks and insurance companies often use 'danos a terceiros' (damages to third parties) instead of 'danos alheios.' However, in everyday speech, 'alheio' remains the more versatile and natural choice for expressing the general concept of 'others.'
A empresa não se responsabiliza por objetos de terceiros.
- Alheado
- This is the past participle of 'alhear' (to alienate). It is often used as an adjective to describe someone who is currently in a state of being distracted or disconnected. It is very close to 'alheio' but focuses more on the process of having become detached.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The English word 'alien' shares the same Latin root as 'alheio'. While 'alien' in English often means space creatures, 'alheio' in Portuguese keeps the older sense of 'someone else's property'.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing 'lh' as 'l' or 'y'. It must be the palatal 'lh'.
- Pronouncing the final 'o' as a strong 'oh' instead of 'oo'.
Niveau de difficulté
Common in news and literature, easy to recognize but has multiple meanings.
Requires correct gender/number agreement and preposition 'a'.
The 'lh' sound and the 'eio' diphthong can be tricky for English speakers.
Usually clear, but can be confused with 'alheado' in fast speech.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Adjective Agreement
A casa (fem) alheia; Os livros (masc pl) alheios.
Prepositional Government
Alheio + a (Ele está alheio à situação).
Contractions
Alheio + ao (masc), Alheio + à (fem).
Substantivization
'O alheio' acts as a noun meaning 'that which belongs to others'.
Placement of Adjectives
Usually follows the noun (vida alheia), but can precede for poetic effect.
Exemples par niveau
Não toque no que é alheio.
Don't touch what belongs to others.
'O que é alheio' uses the masculine singular form as a generic noun.
Este é um carro alheio.
This is someone else's car.
'Alheio' agrees with the masculine singular noun 'carro'.
Eu respeito o espaço alheio.
I respect other people's space.
Simple SVO structure with 'alheio' as an adjective.
Não use o cartão alheio.
Don't use someone else's card.
Negative imperative 'não use'.
A casa alheia é bonita.
The other person's house is beautiful.
'Alheia' agrees with the feminine singular noun 'casa'.
Os livros alheios estão na mesa.
The other people's books are on the table.
'Alheios' agrees with the masculine plural noun 'livros'.
Ela não quer o bem alheio.
She doesn't want other people's property.
'O bem alheio' is a common phrase for property.
Sempre peça permissão para usar o que é alheio.
Always ask permission to use what belongs to others.
'O que é alheio' functions as a substantive phrase.
Não devemos falar da vida alheia.
We shouldn't talk about other people's lives.
'Vida alheia' is a common expression for gossip.
Ele sempre ajuda nos problemas alheios.
He always helps with other people's problems.
Plural agreement: 'problemas alheios'.
É feio mexer na mala alheia.
It's rude to go through someone else's suitcase.
'É feio' + infinitive structure.
Eles respeitam a opinião alheia.
They respect other people's opinions.
'Opinião alheia' is feminine singular.
Não pegue as chaves alheias.
Don't take other people's keys.
Plural feminine agreement: 'chaves alheias'.
O sucesso alheio não me incomoda.
Other people's success doesn't bother me.
'Sucesso' is masculine singular.
Precisamos de autorização para entrar em terreno alheio.
We need authorization to enter someone else's land.
'Terreno alheio' is a formal way to say someone else's land.
Ela nunca usa o computador alheio sem avisar.
She never uses someone else's computer without letting them know.
Adverb 'nunca' placed before the verb.
Ele parecia alheio a tudo o que acontecia.
He seemed unaware of everything that was happening.
'Alheio a' indicates lack of awareness.
O voo atrasou por motivos alheios à nossa vontade.
The flight was delayed for reasons beyond our control.
'Alheios à nossa vontade' is a standard formal phrase.
Ela estava alheia às críticas dos colegas.
She was indifferent to her colleagues' criticisms.
'Às críticas' shows the contraction of 'a' + 'as'.
Não podemos ficar alheios ao sofrimento do mundo.
We cannot remain indifferent to the world's suffering.
'Ficar alheio a' means to remain indifferent.
Muitos jovens estão alheios à política atual.
Many young people are unaware of current politics.
Plural masculine agreement.
O artista vivia num mundo alheio à realidade.
The artist lived in a world detached from reality.
'Alheio à realidade' is a common idiomatic use.
Ele agiu de forma alheia aos nossos conselhos.
He acted in a way that ignored our advice.
'De forma alheia a' means ignoring or being detached from.
Sinto-me alheio a esta conversa.
I feel left out of this conversation.
Reflexive verb 'sentir-se'.
A empresa foi afetada por fatores alheios ao mercado.
The company was affected by factors external to the market.
'Fatores alheios ao' is common in economic contexts.
É proibida a entrada de pessoas alheias ao serviço.
Entry is prohibited for persons not related to the service.
Formal sign language.
O juiz deve ser alheio aos interesses das partes.
The judge must be independent of the parties' interests.
'Alheio aos interesses' implies impartiality.
Ela demonstrou um total alheamento em relação ao projeto.
She demonstrated a total detachment regarding the project.
Using the noun form 'alheamento'.
O crime foi cometido por um agente alheio à organização.
The crime was committed by an agent outside the organization.
'Agente alheio' means an outsider.
Eles vivem alheios às mudanças tecnológicas.
They live unaware of technological changes.
Plural agreement and contraction 'às'.
A decisão foi tomada sem interferência alheia.
The decision was made without outside interference.
'Interferência alheia' is a common formal collocation.
Não se deixe influenciar pela vontade alheia.
Don't let yourself be influenced by the will of others.
'Vontade alheia' refers to someone else's desires.
A sua conduta era inteiramente alheia aos padrões da época.
His conduct was entirely foreign to the standards of the time.
'Alheia aos padrões' refers to non-conformity.
O poeta sentia-se um ser alheio no meio da multidão.
The poet felt like an alien being in the middle of the crowd.
Existential use of 'alheio'.
Tais argumentos são alheios à matéria em discussão.
Such arguments are irrelevant to the matter under discussion.
'Alheio à matéria' means irrelevant in legal/academic terms.
A alma permanecia alheia às dores do corpo.
The soul remained detached from the body's pains.
Literary/philosophical usage.
A legislação protege o património alheio contra danos.
Legislation protects others' assets against damage.
'Património alheio' is formal legal terminology.
Vivia num estado de alheamento quase místico.
He lived in a state of almost mystical detachment.
'Alheamento' as a psychological/spiritual state.
É necessário discernir o que é próprio do que é alheio.
It is necessary to discern what is one's own from what belongs to others.
'Próprio' vs 'Alheio' as antonyms.
O texto é alheio a qualquer intenção satírica.
The text is devoid of any satirical intention.
'Alheio a' meaning 'lacking' or 'without'.
O réu manteve-se alheio à leitura da sentença.
The defendant remained indifferent to the reading of the sentence.
Indicates emotional detachment in a grave situation.
A narrativa explora a dialética entre o eu e o alheio.
The narrative explores the dialectic between the self and the other.
'O alheio' used as a philosophical category.
Trata-se de uma questão alheia à competência deste tribunal.
It is a matter outside the jurisdiction of this court.
'Alheio à competência' is a technical legal phrase.
A sua prosa é alheia a artifícios retóricos desnecessários.
His prose is free from unnecessary rhetorical devices.
'Alheia a' used to describe a stylistic quality (purity).
O conceito de 'alheação' é central na obra do autor.
The concept of 'alienation' is central to the author's work.
Using 'alheação' as a synonym for Marxist or psychological alienation.
Persiste um sentimento alheio que permeia a sua existência.
A feeling of estrangement persists, permeating his existence.
'Alheio' as an existential quality.
A prova foi considerada alheia aos autos do processo.
The evidence was considered irrelevant to the case files.
'Alheia aos autos' is a highly specific legal term.
Ela agia como se fosse alheia de toda a culpa.
She acted as if she were free of all guilt.
'Alheia de' is a classical construction meaning 'free from'.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— In someone else's house; behaving as a guest.
Em casa alheia, cumprem-se as regras do dono.
— To stick one's nose into other people's business.
Pare de meter o bedelho em assunto alheio!
— A very informal/crude way to say people don't care about others' pain.
Ele não se importa porque pimenta no cu alheio é refresco.
— To mind other people's business (usually gossiping).
Ela passa o dia a cuidar da vida alheia.
— Due to reasons beyond our control.
O concerto foi adiado por motivos alheios à nossa vontade.
— Unauthorized personnel/people not involved.
A entrada é proibida a pessoas alheias ao serviço.
Souvent confondu avec
'Estranho' means weird or unknown, while 'alheio' means belonging to another.
'Outro' is just 'other', 'alheio' is specifically 'someone else's'.
'Alienado' is a stronger, often negative term for being out of touch.
Expressions idiomatiques
— To be completely distracted or unaware (similar to being alheio).
Ele vive no mundo da lua, está sempre alheio.
informal— To shrug, showing indifference (an action of someone who is alheio).
Ele apenas deu de ombros, alheio ao problema.
neutral— To turn a deaf ear (deliberately being alheio).
Fez ouvidos de mercador, alheio aos meus apelos.
informal— To wash one's hands of a situation (becoming alheio to responsibility).
Lavou as mãos, ficando alheio ao conflito.
neutral— To not be one's thing (being alheio to an interest).
Política não é a minha praia, sou alheio a isso.
slang— To miss something completely or be unaware.
A oportunidade passou-lhe ao lado, pois estava alheio.
neutral— To be in another state of mind/distracted.
Desculpa, estava noutra, totalmente alheio.
slang— To be surprised (the end of being alheio).
Caiu das nuvens quando percebeu a verdade.
neutralFacile à confondre
They sound very similar and have overlapping meanings.
'Alheio' is a general adjective; 'alheado' is a participle focusing on the state of having become detached.
Ele estava alheio (unaware); Ele vive alheado (lives in a state of detachment).
Noun vs Adjective.
'Alheio' is the quality; 'alheamento' is the noun representing the state.
Seu alheamento era visível.
Both can mean 'foreign'.
'Estrangeiro' is about nationality; 'alheio' is about ownership or context.
Sou estrangeiro (from another country); Este assunto é alheio a mim (not my business).
Both mean 'outside'.
'Exterior' is physical/spatial; 'alheio' is relational/possessive.
O muro exterior; Fatores alheios.
Both describe lack of attention.
'Desatento' is a simple lack of focus; 'alheio' suggests a deeper distance or lack of connection.
O motorista estava desatento.
Structures de phrases
Não [verbo] o/a [substantivo] alheio/a.
Não use o carro alheio.
É [adjetivo] [verbo] a vida alheia.
É errado criticar a vida alheia.
[Sujeito] está alheio a [algo].
Maria está alheia ao problema.
Por motivos alheios a [nós], [evento].
Por motivos alheios à empresa, o serviço parou.
Não se deve [verbo] o que é alheio.
Não se deve cobiçar o que é alheio.
Um sentimento alheio a [si mesmo].
Sentia-se alheio a si mesmo naquele momento.
[Substantivo] alheio aos autos.
Documento alheio aos autos do processo.
A dialética entre o eu e o alheio.
A obra foca no eu e no alheio.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
High in written and formal Portuguese; medium in daily speech.
-
Using 'estranho' for 'someone else's car'.
→
carro alheio
'Estranho' means weird; 'alheio' means belonging to another.
-
Saying 'alheio do problema'.
→
alheio ao problema
The adjective 'alheio' (unaware) requires the preposition 'a'.
-
Forgetting gender agreement: 'vontade alheio'.
→
vontade alheia
'Vontade' is feminine, so 'alheio' must become 'alheia'.
-
Using 'alheio' for a space alien.
→
alienígena / extraterrestre
'Alheio' does not mean a biological alien from space.
-
Confusing 'alheio' with 'alheio-a-si'.
→
alheio a si (mesmo)
While 'alheio' is general, 'alheio a si' is a specific psychological state of being detached from oneself.
Astuces
Agreement is Key
Always match 'alheio' with the noun it modifies. 'Interesses alheios' (masculine plural) and 'opiniões alheias' (feminine plural).
Use in Formal Settings
In professional writing, 'alheio' is much better than 'de outros'. It shows a higher command of the language.
The 'lh' Sound
Don't pronounce it like a 'j' or a simple 'l'. It's a distinct sound that requires practice to sound native.
Cultural Boundary
Use 'alheio' when discussing privacy. It carries a sense of 'mind your own business' in a polite way.
Legal Phrases
Memorize 'danos a terceiros' and 'pessoas alheias ao serviço' for business and legal contexts.
Listen for Prepositions
The preposition 'a' (often contracted to 'ao' or 'à') is a huge clue that 'alheio' is being used to mean 'unaware'.
Polite Distraction
If you didn't hear someone, you can say 'Desculpe, estava um pouco alheio' to admit you were distracted.
Gossip Phrase
'Cuidar da vida alheia' is a very common way to talk about gossiping. Use it to describe busybodies.
Literary Depth
In books, 'alheio' often describes a character's internal isolation. Look for it in existentialist Portuguese literature.
Alien Association
Link 'alheio' to 'alien' to remember it means 'foreign' or 'someone else's'.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of the English word 'ALIE-n'. Just like an alien is from another world, 'ALHEIO' is from another person or context.
Association visuelle
Imagine a fence separating two gardens. Everything on the other side is 'alheio' to you.
Word Web
Défi
Try to use 'alheio' three times today: once for property, once for a feeling, and once for being distracted.
Origine du mot
From the Latin 'alienus' (belonging to another).
Sens originel : Foreign, strange, or belonging to someone else.
Romance (Indo-European).Contexte culturel
Avoid calling a person 'um alheio' directly as it is grammatically awkward; use it as an adjective 'ele é alheio' or 'pessoa alheia'.
English speakers often use 'other people's' which is more informal than 'alheio'. In legal English, 'third-party' is the closest equivalent to some uses of 'alheio'.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Property and Law
- bem alheio
- património alheio
- uso alheio
- propriedade alheia
Social Interaction
- vida alheia
- opinião alheia
- vontade alheia
- assuntos alheios
Psychology/State of Mind
- estar alheio a
- permanecer alheio
- alheio à realidade
- sentir-se alheio
Formal/Business
- motivos alheios
- fatores alheios
- interferência alheia
- pessoas alheias ao serviço
Ethics/Religion
- respeitar o alheio
- não desejar o alheio
- sofrimento alheio
- dor alheia
Amorces de conversation
"Você acha que as pessoas hoje em dia estão mais alheias à política?"
"É difícil para você ignorar a opinião alheia?"
"Você já se sentiu alheio em uma conversa de grupo?"
"Como você reage quando alguém se mete em assuntos alheios?"
"Você acha importante respeitar o espaço alheio no trabalho?"
Sujets d'écriture
Escreve sobre uma vez em que estiveste alheio a um grande acontecimento.
Por que é que algumas pessoas se preocupam tanto com a vida alheia?
Descreve a importância de respeitar o que é alheio na tua cultura.
Como é que te sentes quando estás alheio à realidade por causa de um livro ou filme?
Reflete sobre a frase: 'O sucesso alheio não deve ser motivo de inveja'.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, while that is its primary meaning for property, it also describes being unaware, indifferent, or foreign to a situation. For example, 'alheio à conversa' means 'unaware of the conversation.'
It is more formal than saying 'de outra pessoa,' but it is very common in everyday speech, news, and literature. It is considered standard, educated Portuguese.
Simply change the ending to 'a'. For example: 'vontade alheia' (someone else's will) or 'coisas alheias' (other people's things).
'Alheio a' is the standard modern form for 'unaware of.' 'Alheio de' is rarer and usually means 'deprived of' or 'free from' in literary contexts.
Yes, in the phrase 'o alheio,' it means 'others' property' or 'the other.' Example: 'Respeitar o alheio.'
Yes, they share the Latin root 'alienus.' However, 'alheio' is never used to mean 'extraterrestrial' in Portuguese.
Use 'alienado' for a systematic lack of awareness, often in political or mental health contexts. Use 'alheio' for general distraction or property.
It is a formal way of saying 'reasons beyond our control,' often used by companies for delays or cancellations.
Yes, it means an outsider or someone not involved in a particular matter.
It is a palatal sound. Press the middle of your tongue against your hard palate. It sounds similar to the 'lli' in 'million'.
Teste-toi 180 questions
Translate: 'Don't touch other people's things.'
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Write a sentence using 'alheio à realidade'.
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Translate: 'He was unaware of the noise.'
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Write a formal sentence using 'motivos alheios'.
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Describe a person who is 'alheio' at a party.
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Translate: 'I respect other people's opinions.'
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Write a sentence using 'alheia' (feminine).
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Explain the meaning of 'o alheio' in your own words (in Portuguese).
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Translate: 'Unauthorized personnel are not allowed.' (using alheio)
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Write a short dialogue where someone is gossiping about 'vida alheia'.
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Translate: 'She lives in her own world, detached from everyone.'
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Write a sentence about respecting 'o bem alheio'.
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Translate: 'The project was affected by outside interference.'
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Use 'alheio' to describe a distracted student.
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Translate: 'Don't let others' opinions change you.'
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Write a sentence using 'alheios' (masculine plural).
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Translate: 'He was indifferent to the pain of others.'
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Write a sentence about 'vontade alheia'.
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Translate: 'It is a matter foreign to this discussion.'
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Write a sentence about a character feeling 'alheio a si mesmo'.
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Pronuncie a palavra 'alheio' três vezes.
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Diga a frase: 'Eu respeito o espaço alheio.'
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Explique o que significa 'estar alheio' em voz alta.
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Diga: 'Não te metas na vida alheia.'
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Pratique a frase formal: 'Motivos alheios à nossa vontade.'
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Diga: 'Ele estava alheio à conversa.'
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Use 'alheio' para descrever uma situação de distração que você teve.
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Diga: 'É proibida a entrada a pessoas alheias.'
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Explique a diferença entre 'estranho' e 'alheio'.
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Diga: 'O sucesso alheio é inspirador.'
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Diga: 'Ela vive alheia à realidade.'
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Pronuncie 'alheamento' corretamente.
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Diga: 'Não cobiçarás o bem alheio.'
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Diga: 'Interesses alheios influenciaram a decisão.'
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Descreva um objeto 'alheio' que você está vendo agora.
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Diga: 'Sinto-me um pouco alheio hoje.'
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Diga: 'A opinião alheia não me define.'
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Pratique o som 'lh' com a palavra 'alheio'.
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Diga: 'O património alheio deve ser preservado.'
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Diga: 'Vontade alheia não é lei.'
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Ouça e escreva: 'Não mexa no que é alheio.'
Ouça e identifique se a pessoa está falando de propriedade ou distração: 'Ele estava alheio ao barulho.'
Ouça e escreva: 'Vida alheia.'
Ouça e complete: 'Por motivos ______ à nossa vontade...'
Ouça e escreva: 'Alheio à realidade.'
Identifique o gênero em: 'vontade alheia'.
Ouça e escreva: 'Respeite o alheio.'
Ouça e escreva: 'Pessoas alheias ao serviço.'
Ouça e identifique o número: 'interesses alheios'.
Ouça e escreva: 'Sentir-se alheio.'
Ouça e complete: 'O sucesso ______.'
Ouça e escreva: 'Opinião alheia.'
Ouça e identifique a preposição usada com 'alheio'.
Ouça e escreva: 'Bens alheios.'
Ouça e escreva: 'Alheamento total.'
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
'Alheio' is the essential Portuguese word for 'someone else's' or 'unaware.' Use it to respect boundaries or describe distraction. Example: 'Não mexa no que é alheio' (Don't touch what isn't yours).
- Belonging to others.
- Unaware or indifferent.
- Requires preposition 'a'.
- Changes to alheia/alheios.
Agreement is Key
Always match 'alheio' with the noun it modifies. 'Interesses alheios' (masculine plural) and 'opiniões alheias' (feminine plural).
Use in Formal Settings
In professional writing, 'alheio' is much better than 'de outros'. It shows a higher command of the language.
The 'lh' Sound
Don't pronounce it like a 'j' or a simple 'l'. It's a distinct sound that requires practice to sound native.
Cultural Boundary
Use 'alheio' when discussing privacy. It carries a sense of 'mind your own business' in a polite way.
Contenu associé
Expressions liées
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à direita de
A2To the right side of something or someone.
à esquerda de
A2To the left side of something or someone.
a gás
B1Fonctionnant au gaz. Utilisé pour décrire des appareils comme les cuisinières ou les chauffages.
a minha
B1My (feminine singular possessive determiner).
a nossa
B1Notre (féminin singulier). C'est la nôtre.
a tua
B1Ton / ta (familier, féminin). 'C’est ta maison' se traduit par 'É a tua casa'.
abafado
A2L'air est étouffant dans cette petite pièce sans fenêtres.
abaixo de
A2Le chat est assis abaixo de la table.
abajur
A2Un abajur est une petite lampe de table avec un abat-jour.
abrir à chave
A2Ouvrir à clé. C'est l'action d'utiliser une clé pour déverrouiller une porte ou un coffre.
