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A2 noun 11 min de lecture

competentemente

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces competentemente en 30 secondes

Explication competentemente in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'competentemente' might seem a bit long and complex, but its core meaning is simple: doing something 'well' or 'right.' At this stage, you are just starting to learn how to describe actions. Instead of just saying 'I work' (Eu trabalho), you can start saying 'I work well' (Eu trabalho bem). 'Competentemente' is like a more grown-up version of 'bem.' It helps you talk about school or small jobs. You don't need to use it in every sentence, but recognizing it will help you understand when a teacher or a boss is happy with your work. Focus on the '-mente' ending, which is like the '-ly' in English words like 'happily' or 'slowly.' This is your first step into the world of Portuguese adverbs. You can think of it as a way to show respect for the work being done. For example, if you see someone fixing a bike and they do a good job, you could say they are working 'competentemente.' It's a big word, but it just means 'with skill.' Take it slow, pronounce each syllable (com-pe-ten-te-men-te), and you will sound very smart even at the A1 level! The most important thing at this level is to understand that 'competentemente' describes *how* someone does something, not the person themselves. If you can remember that, you've already mastered a key part of Portuguese grammar.

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At the A2 level, you are moving beyond the most basic vocabulary and starting to use more specific words to describe your daily life and work. 'Competentemente' is a perfect word for this stage because it allows you to give more professional feedback. Instead of just saying a meal was 'good,' you can describe how a chef prepared it 'competentemente.' This shows you understand that cooking requires skill. You will also start to notice this word in simple news articles or professional emails. At A2, you should practice placing 'competentemente' after the verb. For example: 'Ela fala português competentemente' (She speaks Portuguese competently). This level is also where you learn that 'competentemente' does not change. Whether you are talking about yourself, your friends, or a group of people, the word stays exactly the same. This is a relief for many students who are struggling with gender and number agreement in other parts of the language! You can use this word to talk about your hobbies, your studies, or your part-time job. It's a great way to boost your 'professional' vocabulary. Try using it in your next writing exercise when you have to describe a person's job or a task you completed. It will make your Portuguese sound much more polished and precise than just using 'bem' all the time.

For B1 learners, 'competentemente' becomes a tool for nuanced communication. At this intermediate stage, you are expected to handle more complex situations, such as job interviews or workplace discussions. Using 'competentemente' shows a higher level of linguistic sophistication. You can use it to distinguish between someone who is just 'nice' and someone who is actually 'good at their job.' In a B1 context, you might use it in the passive voice or with more complex verb tenses: 'O relatório foi competentemente redigido' (The report was competently written). You should also start to understand the social weight of the word. In Lusophone cultures, calling someone 'competente' or saying they act 'competentemente' is a serious form of praise. It implies reliability and professionalism. You can also start using the negative form 'incompetentemente' to express dissatisfaction, though you should be careful as it is quite a strong word. At B1, you are also learning to connect ideas. You might use 'competentemente' alongside other adverbs: 'Ele resolveu o problema rápida e competentemente.' Notice how only the last word gets the '-mente' ending! This is a classic B1 grammar point that will make you sound very native. Practice using this word to describe the people you admire in your professional life, and you'll find it opens up new ways to express your thoughts clearly and effectively.

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At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'competentemente' in a variety of formal and semi-formal contexts. You understand that this word is part of a larger word family (competência, competir, competente) and can use them interchangeably to vary your speech. At this level, you can use 'competentemente' to discuss abstract concepts or complex professional scenarios. For example, you might analyze a political decision and say it was 'competentemente executada, mas moralmente questionável' (competently executed, but morally questionable). You are now able to add layers of meaning to your sentences. You should also be aware of the stylistic choices involving this word. A B2 speaker knows that while 'competentemente' is a great word, overusing long adverbs can make writing feel heavy. You might choose to replace it with 'com competência' or 'de forma competente' to vary your sentence structure and maintain a good flow. You will also encounter this word in more sophisticated literature and high-level journalism. When you read it, you should be able to pick up on the tone—is the author being purely descriptive, or is there a hint of irony? For instance, describing a villain in a book as acting 'competentemente' adds a layer of danger to their character. At B2, your goal is to use 'competentemente' not just correctly, but with style and purpose.

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As a C1 learner, you use 'competentemente' with total precision and an understanding of its legal and technical implications. You are likely using this word in professional reports, academic papers, or high-level business negotiations. At this level, you understand that 'competentemente' can have specific legal meanings, such as acting within the bounds of one's authority ('o tribunal agiu competentemente'). You can also use the word to critique the finer points of a performance or a process. For example, in a C1 level discussion about art, you might argue that a director 'dirigiu competentemente os atores, mas falhou em capturar a essência da obra original.' Here, you are using the word to set a baseline of technical skill before moving on to more subjective critiques. You are also a master of adverbial placement, using 'competentemente' at the beginning of sentences for emphasis or embedding it within complex clauses. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word, which gives you a deeper appreciation for its use in different Lusophone countries. You might notice that in Portugal, the word can sometimes carry a slightly more formal, almost bureaucratic weight, whereas in Brazil, it might be used more broadly in professional praise. Your use of 'competentemente' is now a reflection of your near-native command of the language's formal registers.

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At the C2 level, 'competentemente' is just one of many tools in your vast linguistic arsenal. You use it with the effortless grace of a native speaker, often in contexts where you are analyzing the very nature of competence itself. You might use it in philosophical debates or in-depth sociological analyses. For instance, you could discuss how a society is 'competentemente organizada' but lacks social cohesion. At this level, you are sensitive to the rhythmic and phonetic qualities of the word. You know how its six syllables can be used to create a specific cadence in a speech or a piece of formal writing. You also understand the most subtle synonyms and can choose 'competentemente' over 'proficientemente' or 'habilmente' based on the tiniest differences in meaning. You might use it in a self-deprecating way or with high irony in a sophisticated social setting. Your mastery of the word includes knowing when *not* to use it—recognizing those moments where a simpler word would be more powerful, or where a more obscure technical term is required. For a C2 speaker, 'competentemente' is not just a word to be learned; it is a thread in the complex tapestry of the Portuguese language that you can weave into your communication with absolute confidence and skill.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

competentemente en 30 secondes

Competentemente means 'competently' or 'skillfully' in Portuguese.
It is an adverb used to describe how an action is performed.
Commonly used in professional, academic, and legal settings.
It is formed from the adjective 'competente' plus the suffix '-mente'.

The Portuguese word competentemente is a versatile adverb that captures the essence of doing something with skill, efficiency, and adequacy. Derived from the adjective competente and the suffix -mente (equivalent to the English '-ly'), it literally translates to 'competently.' While it might seem like a formal word, it is deeply embedded in both professional and everyday Portuguese life, used to describe actions that meet a high standard of performance. In the Lusophone world, where bureaucracy and social hierarchies can sometimes be complex, being described as someone who acts competentemente is a significant compliment, suggesting not just intelligence, but the practical application of knowledge to achieve results.

Professional Context: It is most frequently used in job evaluations, resumes, and workplace feedback to describe how a task was performed. If a manager says you handled a crisis competentemente, it means you showed poise and technical skill.

A engenheira geriu o projeto competentemente, terminando antes do prazo.

Beyond the office, the word appears in sports commentary, artistic critiques, and even in legal documents. In sports, a defender who plays competentemente is one who makes no errors and keeps the opponent at bay. In law, it refers to the exercise of duties within one's legal authority. It is a word of validation. When you use it, you are focusing on the manner of the action rather than the person themselves. It is the bridge between having a talent and proving it through action.

Social Nuance: Using this word in a social setting can sometimes sound a bit stiff or overly formal. If you want to say a friend cooked a great meal, you might say they cooked 'muito bem' instead. Save 'competentemente' for when you want to emphasize the skill or the standard met.

O cirurgião operou competentemente, garantindo a segurança do paciente.

In terms of frequency, you will find this word more often in written Portuguese—newspapers, academic journals, and business reports—than in casual street slang. However, understanding it is crucial for A2 learners because it introduces the concept of adverbial construction, which is a cornerstone of moving from basic sentences to more descriptive and professional communication. It allows you to move past simple adjectives like 'good' or 'bad' and describe the quality of an effort with precision.

Ela respondeu às perguntas competentemente durante a entrevista.

Comparison: While 'bem' means 'well', 'competentemente' adds a layer of 'according to requirements' or 'with the necessary expertise'. It's the difference between a child drawing 'well' and an architect drawing 'competently'.

O advogado defendeu o caso competentemente no tribunal.

Eles organizaram o evento competentemente, sem qualquer falha.

Using competentemente in a sentence requires an understanding of where adverbs typically sit in Portuguese. Usually, it follows the verb it modifies. For example, in 'Ele trabalha competentemente' (He works competently), the adverb clarifies the manner of the working. Because it is a long word (six syllables!), it often carries a rhythmic weight in a sentence, drawing attention to the quality being described. It is essential to remember that since it is an adverb, it never changes for gender or number. Whether you are talking about one man, ten women, or a whole company, the word remains competentemente.

Standard Placement: In most declarative sentences, place the adverb immediately after the main verb. Example: 'O técnico reparou o computador competentemente.'

A equipa de resgate agiu competentemente sob pressão.

You can also use it to modify adjectives, though this is less common than modifying verbs. For instance, 'um trabalho competentemente executado' (a competently executed job). Here, it precedes the participle or adjective. This structure is very common in formal reports or academic writing. It provides a level of precision that 'muito bem' simply lacks. It suggests that the execution met a specific set of professional criteria or expectations.

Emphatic Placement: Placing the adverb at the beginning of a sentence shifts the focus to the manner of the action. 'Competentemente, o governo resolveu a crise.' This emphasizes that the *way* it was solved was competent.

O professor explicou a matéria competentemente aos alunos.

In negative sentences, 'competentemente' usually stays after the verb. 'Ele não desempenhou a função competentemente' (He didn't perform the role competently). This is a polite way to offer criticism, focusing on the performance rather than attacking the person's character. It is a nuanced tool for professional communication where clarity and tact are required simultaneously.

A secretária organizou os arquivos competentemente.

O chef preparou o jantar competentemente para os convidados.

Questions: In questions, the adverb stays after the verb: 'Ele agiu competentemente?' (Did he act competently?). It asks for an evaluation of the skill level involved.

O motorista conduziu o autocarro competentemente pela serra.

O músico tocou a peça competentemente no concerto.

You are most likely to encounter competentemente in environments where performance is being analyzed or reported. Imagine yourself in a Portuguese office during an annual review. Your boss might say, 'Você tem trabalhado competentemente este ano' (You have worked competently this year). It’s the kind of word that appears in LinkedIn recommendations or formal letters of reference. It signals a level of professional respect and acknowledgment of one's capabilities.

In the News: Journalists use it to describe the actions of public figures or institutions. You might read: 'A polícia lidou competentemente com o protesto' (The police handled the protest competently). It's a neutral, objective way to report on the quality of an intervention.

O governo geriu a economia competentemente durante a crise.

In academic settings, professors use it when grading or discussing research. A thesis might be described as 'competentemente fundamentada' (competently grounded). This implies that the student has followed all the necessary methodological steps and has a solid grasp of the subject matter. It's a high bar for students, as it denotes more than just 'good' work—it denotes 'professional-grade' work.

Art and Culture: Critics use it to describe performances that are technically sound but perhaps lack 'soul' or 'flair'. A pianist might play a piece 'competentemente'—they didn't miss a note, but they might not have moved the audience to tears.

O ator desempenhou o papel competentemente, apesar do guião fraco.

You will also hear it in legal and administrative contexts. If a notary or a lawyer is describing the fulfillment of a contract, they will use this adverb to confirm that all duties were discharged 'competentemente'. It carries legal weight, implying that the standard of care required by law was met. This makes it a frequent word in contracts and official government communications.

A auditoria foi realizada competentemente por uma empresa externa.

O guarda vigiou o edifício competentemente durante a noite.

Sports Commentary: Listen for it during football matches. A goalkeeper who saves a difficult shot might be said to have 'intervido competentemente' (intervened competently).

O piloto conduziu o carro competentemente sob a chuva forte.

A equipa médica tratou o ferido competentemente na ambulância.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using the adjective competente when they should use the adverb competentemente. Remember: adjectives describe things or people (nouns), while adverbs describe actions (verbs). If you say 'Ele trabalha competente,' it sounds like 'He works competent' in English—grammatically incorrect and jarring. You must add the -mente suffix to describe the work itself.

The 'Mente' Overload: As mentioned before, if you have a list of adverbs, don't repeat '-mente'. Saying 'Ele agiu competentemente e rapidamente' is technically correct but considered poor style. Instead, say 'Ele agiu competente e rapidamente'. This is a common trap for learners who are trying to be precise but end up sounding repetitive.

Errado: Ele resolveu o problema competente. Correto: Ele resolveu o problema competentemente.

Another mistake is confusing competentemente with bem (well). While they are related, they are not always interchangeable. Bem is general; competentemente specifically implies skill and fulfillment of duty. If you tell a child they cleaned their room 'competentemente', it sounds hilarious because the word is too professional for the context. Use 'bem' for simple, everyday tasks and 'competentemente' for tasks that require a specific skill set.

Spelling Errors: Watch out for the double 'm' in English 'competently'. In Portuguese, there is only one 'm', and it's in the suffix '-mente'. Spelling it with double 'm' is a common 'false friend' spelling mistake.

Errado: Ele agiu competentimente. Correto: Ele agiu competentemente.

Learners also struggle with the intensity. Since it's a long, formal word, adding 'muito' (very) before it can make the sentence feel extremely heavy. 'Ele trabalhou muito competentemente' is grammatically fine but stylistically clunky. Usually, the word 'competentemente' is strong enough on its own to convey high quality without needing further intensifiers.

O arquiteto desenhou o plano competentemente.

A enfermeira cuidou do paciente competentemente.

Agreement: Never try to make 'competentemente' plural or feminine. Adverbs are immutable. 'Elas trabalharam competentemente' is correct. 'Elas trabalharam competentementes' is a common error for those over-applying agreement rules.

Os operários construíram o muro competentemente.

O tradutor verteu o texto competentemente para o inglês.

To expand your Portuguese vocabulary, it's helpful to know words that occupy the same semantic space as competentemente. Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you might choose a different adverb. For example, if you want to emphasize efficiency, you might use eficazmente. If you want to emphasize technical mastery, habilmente is a great choice. Understanding these subtle differences will help you sound more like a native speaker and less like a textbook.

Habilmente vs. Competentemente: 'Habilmente' (skillfully) implies a level of dexterity or cleverness. A magician acts 'habilmente'. 'Competentemente' implies meeting a standard or duty. A tax accountant acts 'competentemente'.

O carpinteiro trabalhou habilmente na madeira.

Another alternative is proficientemente. This is very similar to 'competently' but often specifically refers to language skills or a high level of technical training. If you speak Portuguese 'proficientemente', you are at a C1 or C2 level. If you do it 'competentemente', you might be at a B1 or B2 level—you get the job done, but you might not have that extra layer of mastery. Then there is eficazmente (effectively), which focuses entirely on the result. You can do something 'competentemente' but fail to be 'eficaz' if the circumstances are against you.

Adequadamente: This means 'adequately'. It is slightly weaker than 'competentemente'. If someone does a job 'adequadamente', they did just enough. If they did it 'competentemente', they did it well and with skill.

O relatório foi adequadamente preparado para a reunião.

For the opposite, the most direct antonym is incompetentemente. This is a very strong word and can be seen as an insult. It's often better to say 'não agiu competentemente' to be slightly more polite. Other antonyms include mal (badly) or desajeitadamente (clumsily). Choosing the right alternative depends on whether you want to criticize the person's character, their skill level, or just the physical awkwardness of their action.

O projeto foi incompetentemente gerido pela antiga equipa.

Ela dançou desajeitadamente na sua primeira aula.

Brilhantemente: If 'competentemente' is the baseline for professional work, 'brilhantemente' (brilliantly) is the level above. It implies not just skill, but exceptional talent and inspiration.

O cientista resolveu o enigma brilhantemente.

A conferência foi competentemente moderada pelo jornalista.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The suffix '-mente' was originally a separate noun in Latin. Over time, it fused with adjectives to create adverbs in all Romance languages.

Guide de prononciation

UK /kõ.pɨ.tẽ.tɨ.ˈmẽ.tɨ/

US /kõ.pe.tẽ.tʃi.ˈmẽ.tʃi/

The primary stress is on the 'MEN' syllable (the penultimate syllable).

Rime avec

rapidamente felizmente infelizmente certamente claramente livremente fortemente gentilmente

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it like English 'competent-ly' without the 'e' in the middle.
Stressing the 'ten' syllable instead of the 'men' syllable.
Forgetting the nasal sounds in 'com' and 'ten'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

The word is long but easy to recognize due to its similarity to English.

Écriture 4/5

Requires correct spelling of the '-mente' suffix and vowel placement.

Expression orale 5/5

Six syllables and nasal sounds make it a challenge for beginners to say quickly.

Écoute 3/5

Distinctive rhythmic pattern makes it easy to pick out in a sentence.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

bem bom trabalho fazer competente

Apprends ensuite

proficientemente eficazmente habilmente competência desempenho

Avancé

jurisdição metodologia fundamentação primorosamente irrepreensivelmente

Grammaire à connaître

Adverb Formation with -mente

Feliz -> Felizmente; Competente -> Competentemente.

Adverb List rule

Ele agiu calma e competentemente (not calmamente e competentemente).

Adverb Placement

Ele trabalha competentemente (follows the verb).

Immutable Adverbs

Elas trabalham competentemente (no gender/number change).

Nasal Vowels

The 'com' and 'ten' in competentemente are nasalized.

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Exemples par niveau

Ele faz o trabalho competentemente.

He does the work competently.

The adverb follows the verb 'faz'.

Ela estuda competentemente todos os dias.

She studies competently every day.

Describes the manner of studying.

O cozinheiro prepara a sopa competentemente.

The cook prepares the soup competently.

Simple present tense with adverb.

Eles jogam futebol competentemente.

They play football competently.

Plural subject, but adverb doesn't change.

Você escreve competentemente em português.

You write competently in Portuguese.

Direct compliment using the adverb.

O guia explica o museu competentemente.

The guide explains the museum competently.

Focuses on the quality of the explanation.

A médica ajuda o paciente competentemente.

The doctor helps the patient competently.

Professional context for the adverb.

Nós limpamos a casa competentemente.

We clean the house competently.

Describes a completed or ongoing task.

O mecânico reparou o meu carro competentemente.

The mechanic repaired my car competently.

Past tense 'reparou' modified by adverb.

Ela geriu o pequeno negócio competentemente.

She managed the small business competently.

Business context for A2 level.

O professor ensinou a lição competentemente.

The teacher taught the lesson competently.

Standard educational usage.

Eles organizaram a festa competentemente.

They organized the party competently.

Task-oriented description.

O funcionário atendeu o cliente competentemente.

The employee assisted the customer competently.

Customer service vocabulary.

A secretária redigiu a carta competentemente.

The secretary wrote the letter competently.

Office task description.

O motorista conduziu o grupo competentemente.

The driver drove the group competently.

Safety and skill combined.

A equipa resolveu o problema competentemente.

The team solved the problem competently.

Teamwork evaluation.

O advogado defendeu o seu cliente competentemente no tribunal.

The lawyer defended his client competently in court.

Formal legal context.

A empresa tem sido competentemente gerida nos últimos anos.

The company has been competently managed in recent years.

Passive voice with compound tense.

Ela desempenhou as suas funções competentemente e com dedicação.

She performed her duties competently and with dedication.

Combining adverb with a prepositional phrase.

O cirurgião operou o paciente competentemente, apesar das complicações.

The surgeon operated on the patient competently, despite the complications.

Medical context with a concessive clause.

O projeto foi competentemente fundamentado em dados reais.

The project was competently grounded in real data.

Modifying a participle (fundamentado).

Eles lidaram competentemente com a crise financeira.

They dealt competently with the financial crisis.

Abstract problem-solving.

O tradutor verteu o livro competentemente para a língua materna.

The translator translated the book competently into the mother tongue.

Skill-specific adverb usage.

A conferência foi competentemente moderada pelo jornalista convidado.

The conference was competently moderated by the guest journalist.

Media and events context.

Embora fosse jovem, ele liderou a equipa competentemente.

Although he was young, he led the team competently.

Contrastive sentence structure.

O governo agiu competentemente ao implementar as novas medidas.

The government acted competently by implementing the new measures.

Gerund construction for explanation.

A auditoria externa confirmou que as contas foram competentemente geridas.

The external audit confirmed that the accounts were competently managed.

Indirect speech with 'que'.

É essencial que todos os funcionários trabalhem competentemente.

It is essential that all employees work competently.

Subjunctive mood after 'é essencial que'.

O arquiteto integrou competentemente o novo edifício na paisagem urbana.

The architect competently integrated the new building into the urban landscape.

Specific professional achievement.

A peça foi competentemente encenada, cativando o público do início ao fim.

The play was competently staged, captivating the audience from start to finish.

Artistic critique using adverb.

O software foi competentemente testado antes do seu lançamento oficial.

The software was competently tested before its official launch.

Technical/IT context.

Ela refutou competentemente todos os argumentos do seu opositor.

She competently refuted all of her opponent's arguments.

Intellectual competence.

Competentemente, o diretor evitou o que poderia ter sido um desastre mediático.

Competently, the director avoided what could have been a media disaster.

Adverb at the beginning for emphasis.

A tese está competentemente estruturada, demonstrando um domínio profundo do tema.

The thesis is competently structured, demonstrating a deep mastery of the subject.

High-level academic evaluation.

O tribunal considerou que o arguido não fora competentemente assistido pela defesa.

The court considered that the defendant had not been competently assisted by the defense.

Pluperfect tense (fora) in a legal context.

A diplomacia portuguesa mediou competentemente o conflito entre as duas nações.

Portuguese diplomacy competently mediated the conflict between the two nations.

Geopolitical context.

O autor utiliza competentemente diversas metáforas para descrever a condição humana.

The author competently uses various metaphors to describe the human condition.

Literary analysis.

A herança foi competentemente partilhada entre todos os herdeiros legítimos.

The inheritance was competently divided among all the legitimate heirs.

Legal/Financial precision.

O sistema de segurança reagiu competentemente à tentativa de intrusão.

The security system reacted competently to the intrusion attempt.

Technological performance.

A equipa de arqueólogos escavou competentemente o sítio histórico.

The team of archaeologists competently excavated the historical site.

Specialized scientific work.

A complexidade da burocracia estatal foi competentemente navegada pelo consultor.

The complexity of the state bureaucracy was competently navigated by the consultant.

Metaphorical use of 'navegada'.

O ensaio articula competentemente as tensões entre a tradição e a modernidade.

The essay competently articulates the tensions between tradition and modernity.

Sophisticated academic vocabulary.

Raramente um ator tão jovem consegue interpretar competentemente um papel tão denso.

Rarely can such a young actor competently interpret such a dense role.

Negative adverbial inversion (Raramente...).

A política monetária foi competentemente ajustada para conter a inflação galopante.

Monetary policy was competently adjusted to contain galloping inflation.

Economic/Political mastery.

O curador organizou competentemente a exposição, criando um diálogo entre as obras.

The curator competently organized the exhibition, creating a dialogue between the works.

Conceptual professional work.

A empresa soube competentemente antecipar as mudanças disruptivas no mercado.

The company knew how to competently anticipate disruptive changes in the market.

Strategic business usage.

O texto foi competentemente editado, eliminando todas as redundâncias desnecessárias.

The text was competently edited, eliminating all unnecessary redundancies.

Focus on linguistic precision.

A crise humanitária exigia uma resposta que fosse competentemente coordenada.

The humanitarian crisis required a response that was competently coordinated.

Subjunctive mood in a relative clause.

Collocations courantes

gerir competentemente

agir competentemente

resolver competentemente

desempenhar competentemente

executar competentemente

explicar competentemente

defender competentemente

organizar competentemente

liderar competentemente

trabalhar competentemente

Phrases Courantes

fazer as coisas competentemente

— To do things in a professional and skilled way.

Ela sempre faz as coisas competentemente.

lidar competentemente com

— To handle a situation or person with skill.

Ele lidou competentemente com a reclamação.

ser competentemente assistido

— To receive professional help or guidance.

O paciente foi competentemente assistido.

preparar competentemente

— To get something ready with professional care.

O dossiê foi competentemente preparado.

responder competentemente

— To give a skillful answer or reaction.

O sistema respondeu competentemente ao ataque.

exercer competentemente

— To carry out a role or power with skill.

Ele exerce competentemente o cargo de diretor.

fundamentar competentemente

— To base an argument on solid evidence.

O juiz fundamentou competentemente a sua decisão.

intervir competentemente

— To step in and help skillfully.

A equipa médica interveio competentemente.

analisar competentemente

— To examine something with professional expertise.

Os dados foram competentemente analisados.

conduzir competentemente

— To drive or lead something skillfully.

Ela conduziu competentemente as negociações.

Souvent confondu avec

competentemente vs competente

Competente is an adjective (describes a person); competentemente is an adverb (describes an action).

competentemente vs competência

Competência is a noun (the quality of being competent).

competentemente vs completamente

Completamente means 'completely', not 'competently'. They sound similar but are very different!

Expressions idiomatiques

"com pés e cabeça"

— Something done logically and competently.

O projeto foi feito com pés e cabeça.

informal

"mãos à obra"

— To start working competently and immediately.

Temos muito para fazer, mãos à obra!

neutral

"dar conta do recado"

— To handle a task competently.

Não te preocupes, ele dá conta do recado.

informal

"vestir a camisola"

— To work competently and with dedication for a cause/company.

Ele veste a camisola e trabalha competentemente.

informal

"fazer jus a"

— To act competently in a way that honors a reputation.

Ele fez jus ao cargo e agiu competentemente.

formal

"ter mão para a coisa"

— To have a natural knack for doing something competently.

Ela tem mão para a jardinagem.

informal

"ser pau para toda a obra"

— To be able to do many different tasks competently.

O João é pau para toda a obra na oficina.

informal

"estar à altura"

— To be competent enough for a challenge.

Ela esteve à altura do desafio.

neutral

"fazer por onde"

— To act in a way that competently earns a result.

Ele fez por onde para conseguir a promoção.

informal

"pôr os pontos nos is"

— To clarify things competently and precisely.

O diretor pôs os pontos nos is na reunião.

informal

Facile à confondre

competentemente vs completamente

They share the same prefix 'com-' and suffix '-mente'.

Completamente refers to the degree of an action (100%), while competentemente refers to the quality/skill of an action.

Estou completamente cansado (I am completely tired) vs. Ele agiu competentemente (He acted competently).

competentemente vs constantemente

Similar length and rhythmic structure.

Constantemente refers to frequency (all the time), while competentemente refers to skill.

Ele estuda constantemente (He studies all the time).

competentemente vs consequentemente

Similar sound and academic register.

Consequentemente means 'as a result', while competentemente means 'with skill'.

Ele não estudou e, consequentemente, reprovou.

competentemente vs convenientemente

Similar sound and syllables.

Convenientemente means 'conveniently' or 'suitably'.

Ele chegou convenientemente na hora do jantar.

competentemente vs corretamente

They both describe 'doing something right'.

Corretamente means 'correctly' (no errors). Competentemente means 'with professional skill'. You can do something correctly but without competence (e.g., by luck).

Ele preencheu o formulário corretamente.

Structures de phrases

Eu [verbo] competentemente.

Eu trabalho competentemente.

O [sujeito] [verbo] o [objeto] competentemente.

O mecânico reparou o carro competentemente.

[Objeto] foi competentemente [particípio].

O relatório foi competentemente escrito.

É importante [verbo] competentemente.

É importante agir competentemente.

Competentemente, [frase principal].

Competentemente, o diretor resolveu o problema.

[Sujeito] [verbo] tão competentemente quanto [sujeito].

Ela lidera tão competentemente quanto o seu mentor.

Apesar de [condição], [sujeito] [verbo] competentemente.

Apesar do cansaço, o médico operou competentemente.

Não há quem não [verbo] competentemente nesta equipa.

Não há quem não trabalhe competentemente nesta equipa.

Famille de mots

Noms

competência

competidor

competição

Verbes

competir

Adjectifs

competente

competitivo

Apparenté

habilidade

capacidade

proficiência

eficácia

eficiência

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in written Portuguese, medium frequency in spoken Portuguese.

Erreurs courantes

Ele trabalha competente. → Ele trabalha competentemente.
You must use an adverb to describe a verb, not an adjective.
Ela agiu competentimente. → Ela agiu competentemente.
The vowel before '-mente' comes from the adjective 'competente', which has an 'e', not an 'i'.
Eles trabalharam competentementes. → Eles trabalharam competentemente.
Adverbs are invariable; they never take a plural form.
Ele agiu competentemente e rapidamente. → Ele agiu competente e rapidamente.
Stylistically, when using two adverbs, only the last one should have the '-mente' suffix.
Eu estou competentemente feliz. → Eu estou muito feliz.
Competentemente describes skill/adequacy, not the intensity of an emotion.

Astuces

Adverb Formation

To form an adverb, take the feminine form of the adjective and add '-mente'. For 'competente', the feminine and masculine are the same.

The Stress Rule

In all '-mente' adverbs, the stress is on the 'MEN' syllable. Practice this to sound more natural.

Avoid Repetition

If using two adverbs, only the second one needs '-mente'. Example: 'Ele agiu rápida e competentemente'.

Synonym Choice

Use 'habilmente' for manual skills and 'competentemente' for professional or administrative skills.

Business Success

Use this word in your Portuguese CV to describe how you performed your previous roles.

One M only

Unlike English 'competently', Portuguese 'competentemente' only has one 'm', in the suffix.

Nasal Vowels

Pay close attention to the nasal 'com' and 'ten'. They are key to being understood.

Formal Praise

This is a great word for praising a professional, like a lawyer, doctor, or teacher.

Adjective vs Adverb

Don't say 'Ele trabalha competente'. Always use 'competentemente' with verbs.

Root Word

Learning 'competente' gives you the adverb for free. Look for other '-e' adjectives!

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'competent man' (competente) who has a 'mind' (mente) for his work. Competente + mente = competentemente.

Association visuelle

Imagine a technician with a toolbox (competence) fixing a complex machine perfectly.

Word Web

Trabalho Habilidade Escola Sucesso Profissional Cuidado Mente Ação

Défi

Try to use 'competentemente' in three different sentences today: one about your job, one about a hobby, and one about a friend.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'competens', present participle of 'competere' (to coincide, to be capable). The suffix '-mente' comes from the Latin 'mens' (mind).

Sens originel : In a capable or suitable mind/manner.

Romance (Latin-based).

Contexte culturel

It is a neutral and positive word. The opposite, 'incompetentemente', is very offensive in a professional setting.

English speakers might find the word long, but it functions exactly like 'competently' in formal English.

Used in official speeches by Portuguese Presidents to praise public services. Commonly found in the 'Código Civil' (Civil Code) of Brazil and Portugal. Appears in many business management books translated into Portuguese.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Workplace

Trabalhar competentemente
Gerir competentemente
Desempenhar competentemente
Resolver competentemente

Education

Estudar competentemente
Explicar competentemente
Aprender competentemente
Escrever competentemente

Legal

Defender competentemente
Julgar competentemente
Assistir competentemente
Representar competentemente

Sports

Jogar competentemente
Treinar competentemente
Arbitrar competentemente
Competir competentemente

Daily Life

Cozinhar competentemente
Conduzir competentemente
Limpar competentemente
Organizar competentemente

Amorces de conversation

"Como podemos garantir que a equipa trabalhe competentemente?"

"Você acha que o governo lidou competentemente com a situação?"

"Quem é a pessoa que trabalha mais competentemente na sua empresa?"

"É possível aprender a agir competentemente sob pressão?"

"Como você descreveria um projeto competentemente executado?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descreva uma situação em que você teve que agir competentemente para resolver um problema difícil.

Quem é o seu modelo de profissional que age sempre competentemente? Porquê?

Reflita sobre a importância de fazer o seu trabalho competentemente todos os dias.

Como você se sente quando alguém reconhece que você trabalhou competentemente?

Escreva sobre um erro que você cometeu e como poderia ter agido mais competentemente.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, it is used in Brazil, although in casual conversation, Brazilians might prefer the phrase 'com competência' or just 'muito bem'. However, in formal writing, news, and business, it is very common.

No, you use 'competente' for a person. You use 'competentemente' to describe what they do. For example: 'Ele é um médico competente' vs 'Ele opera competentemente'.

The 'com' is pronounced like the 'con' in 'control' but with the lips closed at the end, and the air goes through your nose. It's similar to the sound in 'computer' but more nasal.

Yes, it is considered a formal or semi-formal word. In very casual settings, it might sound a bit too serious, but it is never 'wrong' to use.

'Competentemente' focuses on the skill and standard of the action. 'Eficazmente' focuses on the result (getting the job done). You can do something competentemente but still fail if the task was impossible.

No. Adverbs in Portuguese never change for gender. It is always 'competentemente', regardless of who is performing the action.

Yes, you can use 'muito' to intensify it, though the word itself already implies a high level of skill.

The stress is always on the 'men' syllable: com-pe-ten-te-MEN-te.

Yes, especially in non-fiction, biographies, and realistic fiction where professional roles are described.

Think of the adjective 'competente'. Since it ends in 'e', that 'e' stays when you add '-mente'. This is a rule for all Portuguese adverbs.

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