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A2 adverb #2,000 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

Concretamente

Top 2,000

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe things. While 'concretamente' might seem like a long word, it is very useful. Think of it as a way to ask 'What exactly?' You might not use it in every sentence, but understanding it when you hear it is important. It helps you realize that someone is asking for a specific answer, not just a general one. For example, if someone asks 'O que você quer?' (What do you want?), and you give a vague answer, they might follow up with 'Mas o que, concretamente?' (But what, specifically?). At this level, focus on the 'specifically' meaning. It is a big word, but it follows the standard pattern of Portuguese adverbs ending in '-mente'. Just remember that it comes from 'concreto', which means something you can touch or see, like a real object. This makes it easier to remember that 'concretamente' is about real, specific things.

At the A2 level, you should start incorporating 'concretamente' into your vocabulary to make your requests and questions clearer. You are moving beyond simple sentences and starting to provide more detail. Using 'concretamente' shows that you want to be precise. For instance, instead of just saying 'Eu preciso de ajuda' (I need help), you can say 'Concretamente, eu preciso de ajuda com o dever de casa' (Specifically, I need help with the homework). This level is about building functional language, and 'concretamente' is a high-function word. It helps you navigate daily situations like shopping, asking for directions, or talking about your plans. It also helps you understand the difference between a general idea and a specific action. You will often hear it in instructions or when people are trying to settle on a plan. It's a great word to use when you want to avoid confusion.

By the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex conversations and express your opinions. 'Concretamente' becomes a vital tool for argumentation and clarification. You can use it to ground your thoughts in reality. For example, if you are discussing environmental issues, you might say, 'Precisamos proteger o planeta; concretamente, devemos reciclar mais' (We need to protect the planet; specifically, we should recycle more). At this level, you should also notice how 'concretamente' is used as a transition word in slightly more formal contexts, like a work meeting or a letter. It helps you organize your thoughts and present them logically. You should also be able to distinguish it from 'na verdade' (actually) and 'especificamente' (specifically), choosing the one that fits the context best. 'Concretamente' is your go-to word for 'in practical terms' or 'in reality'.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'concretamente'. You can use it to add emphasis and professional polish to your speech and writing. You'll recognize its use in news reports, academic texts, and formal debates. At this stage, you should be comfortable using it to introduce data or specific evidence. For example, 'A economia está a melhorar; concretamente, o desemprego baixou 2%' (The economy is improving; specifically, unemployment fell by 2%). You should also be aware of the stylistic choice between 'concretamente' and its synonyms. Using 'concretamente' can sound more sophisticated and grounded than using 'especificamente' in certain contexts. You are also expected to use it correctly in complex sentence structures, such as when it is paired with other adverbs (e.g., 'clara e concretamente'). This level is about achieving a near-native flow, and 'concretamente' is a key part of that.

For C1 learners, 'concretamente' is a tool for precision and rhetorical strategy. You use it to define the scope of your arguments with surgical accuracy. In academic or professional writing, you use it to move from a theoretical framework to an empirical application. You understand that 'concretamente' can also imply a philosophical stance—focusing on the 'concrete' rather than the 'abstract'. You can use it to challenge others' vague assertions: 'Sim, mas o que é que isso implica concretamente no âmbito jurídico?' (Yes, but what does that imply specifically in the legal sphere?). Your pronunciation should be perfect, with the correct stress on the suffix. You also understand the historical and etymological roots of the word, which helps you use it in highly specialized contexts, such as legal or technical Portuguese, where every word must be chosen with care to avoid ambiguity.

At the C2 level, 'concretamente' is used with total mastery and effortless integration. You use it not just for clarity, but for stylistic effect, rhythm, and tone. You can use it in high-level literary analysis, complex legal drafting, or sophisticated political discourse. You are aware of how the word has been used by Portuguese-speaking authors and thinkers to contrast the ideal with the real. You can use it to create subtle irony or to drive home a point with absolute finality. At this level, the word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a building block of your intellectual expression in Portuguese. You can navigate the slight differences in usage between European, Brazilian, and African varieties of Portuguese, knowing when 'concretamente' is the most effective choice for your specific audience and purpose. You use it to bridge the gap between abstract thought and the tangible world with elegance and precision.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

Concretamente en 30 secondes

Concretamente means 'specifically' or 'in practical terms'.
It is used to move from abstract ideas to real-world facts.
It is a formal to semi-formal adverb common in news and business.
It is formed from the feminine adjective 'concreta' plus '-mente'.

The Portuguese adverb concretamente is a versatile tool used to transition from abstract ideas to specific, tangible details. At its core, it functions similarly to the English words 'specifically,' 'concretely,' or 'in practical terms.' When a speaker uses this word, they are signaling a shift toward precision. It is derived from the adjective 'concreto' (concrete), which comes from the Latin 'concretus,' meaning 'condensed' or 'grown together.' In a linguistic sense, it 'solidifies' the conversation.

Semantic Core: The word refers to the quality of being specific rather than general. It is used to define the exact nature of an object, action, or thought.

O que você propõe, concretamente, para resolver o problema?

In everyday conversation, you might hear it when someone is frustrated with vague explanations. It serves as a linguistic anchor. If someone says 'We need to improve the city,' a listener might respond with, 'O que vamos fazer, concretamente?' (What are we going to do, specifically?). This forces the speaker to move beyond rhetoric into the realm of actionable items. It is highly common in professional, academic, and legal contexts where ambiguity is discouraged.

Pragmatic Use: It acts as a discourse marker to narrow the focus of a discussion. It is often synonymous with 'especificamente' or 'de fato'.

Não sei concretamente quando ele chega.

Furthermore, 'concretamente' can imply a sense of reality or existence in the physical world. While 'especificamente' focuses on the distinction of one item from a group, 'concretamente' often carries the weight of 'materially' or 'actually.' If you are discussing a budget, 'concretamente' refers to the actual Euros or Reais being spent, not just the projected figures. This nuance is vital for B1 and B2 learners who are beginning to distinguish between similar adverbs.

A ajuda chegou concretamente através de doações de alimentos.

Morphology: Adjective (concreto/a) + Suffix (-mente). Note the shift in stress to the penultimate syllable of the suffix.

Precisamos falar concretamente sobre o contrato.

Ela não disse concretamente o que sentia.

Using concretamente correctly involves understanding its placement and its role in sentence logic. Usually, it appears after the verb it modifies or at the beginning of a sentence to set the stage for a specific detail. In Portuguese, adverbs of manner like this are quite flexible, but their position can subtly change the emphasis. When placed at the start, it acts as a transition word: 'Concretamente, o plano é este...' (Specifically, the plan is this...). When placed after the verb, it describes the action: 'Eles agiram concretamente' (They acted concretely).

Sentence Placement: Mid-sentence (after verb) for manner; sentence-initial for focus/transition; sentence-final for emphasis.

Concretamente, quais são as vantagens?

One of the most common ways to use it is in questions. It is the perfect word to pin someone down to the facts. If a politician is making vague promises, a journalist might ask: 'Como é que isso vai afetar as pessoas, concretamente?' This usage is essential for intermediate learners who want to engage in more meaningful debates or professional discussions. It demonstrates a high level of linguistic control and a desire for clarity.

Coordination: When paired with other adverbs, use the feminine adjective form for the first one: 'Direta e concretamente'.

O projeto foi definido concretamente na reunião de ontem.

In written Portuguese, 'concretamente' is often used to introduce examples or data. It serves a similar function to 'por exemplo' but with a stronger emphasis on the factual nature of the evidence. For instance, in a report: 'A empresa cresceu; concretamente, as vendas subiram 20%.' This creates a logical flow that is highly valued in Portuguese rhetoric. It shows that the writer is not just making claims but has the evidence to back them up.

Falando concretamente, não temos dinheiro para isso.

Register: Formal to Semi-formal. Common in news, business, and academic writing.

Quero saber, concretamente, o que você viu.

Nada foi decidido concretamente ainda.

You will encounter concretamente in a variety of settings, ranging from the evening news to a business meeting in Lisbon or São Paulo. On the news, journalists use it to demand specifics from government officials. In a business context, it is the word used to transition from a brainstorming session to a project timeline. It is the language of the 'bottom line.' If you are watching a Portuguese talk show or listening to a podcast about social issues, you will hear speakers use it to ground their arguments in reality.

Media Context: News interviews, debates, and investigative journalism frequently use this to clarify vague statements.

O ministro não explicou concretamente as novas medidas.

In educational settings, teachers use it to ask students for examples. 'Pode dar um exemplo, concretamente?' is a standard prompt in a Portuguese classroom. It is also found in legal documents and contracts, where specifying terms is paramount. In these formal documents, 'concretamente' ensures that there is no room for misinterpretation. It defines the 'who, what, when, and where' of a legal agreement.

Professional Context: Meetings, project management, and technical specifications.

Temos de analisar o que foi feito concretamente.

Even in literature, authors use it to contrast the internal world of a character with the external, physical world. A character might be lost in thought, but then something happens 'concretamente' to pull them back. It is a word that bridges the gap between the abstract mind and the physical environment. For a learner, hearing this word is a signal to pay close attention, as the most important information is usually about to follow.

O que é que isso significa concretamente para nós?

Daily Life: Planning trips, discussing budgets with family, or clarifying instructions.

Não pensamos concretamente no futuro ainda.

A proposta deve ser apresentada concretamente.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with concretamente is confusing it with the English word 'actually.' While 'actually' often translates to 'na verdade' or 'de fato,' 'concretamente' is strictly about being specific or tangible. If you want to correct someone's misconception, don't use 'concretamente'; use 'na verdade.' Another common error is using the masculine form of the adjective to form the adverb (e.g., 'concretomente'). In Portuguese, adverbs are almost always formed from the feminine singular form.

False Friend Alert: Do not use it to mean 'actually' in the sense of 'in fact' (use 'na verdade'). Use it for 'specifically'.

Errado: Concretamente, eu não sou médico. (Correct: Na verdade...)

Learners also tend to overuse 'especificamente' because it sounds like the English 'specifically.' While 'especificamente' is correct, 'concretamente' often sounds more natural in Portuguese when discussing practical actions or physical reality. Over-reliance on English cognates can make your Portuguese sound 'translated' rather than 'native.' Try to swap 'especificamente' for 'concretamente' when you are talking about real-world implementation.

Invariability: Adverbs never change their ending based on the subject. They always end in '-mente'.

As propostas foram explicadas concretamente.

Finally, be careful with the pronunciation. Many learners put the stress on the 'cre' syllable (con-CRE-ta-men-te), but in Portuguese, the primary stress of adverbs ending in '-mente' is always on the 'men' (con-cre-ta-MEN-te). Misplacing the stress can make the word difficult for native speakers to recognize instantly. Practice saying it slowly, emphasizing the 'MEN' syllable, to sound more like a native speaker.

Diga-me concretamente o que você quer.

Word Choice: Avoid using 'concretamente' when you mean 'recently' or 'currently' (use 'atualmente').

Não há nada concretamente errado aqui.

Fale concretamente sobre os custos.

Understanding concretamente requires comparing it to its synonyms and near-synonyms. The most obvious comparison is with 'especificamente.' While both can often be used interchangeably, 'especificamente' focuses on identifying a particular item or detail among many. 'Concretamente' has a stronger connotation of being real, physical, or practical. If you are choosing a specific color, use 'especificamente.' If you are discussing how to build a house, use 'concretamente.'

Concretamente vs. Especificamente: Concretamente = Tangible/Practical. Especificamente = Particular/Distinct.

Eu me refiro especificamente ao João. (Not concretamente)

Another similar phrase is 'na prática.' This is very common in informal Brazilian Portuguese. While 'concretamente' is an adverb, 'na prática' is a prepositional phrase. They both mean 'in practice' or 'in reality.' However, 'concretamente' is slightly more formal and is preferred in writing. 'Precisamente' is another synonym, but it focuses more on accuracy and exactness, like 'precisely' in English.

Comparison Table: Precisamente: Accuracy. Objetivamente: Lack of bias. Concretamente: Tangibility.

O que mudou concretamente na sua vida?

Finally, consider 'detalhadamente.' This means 'in detail.' While 'concretamente' asks for the specific nature of something, 'detalhadamente' asks for a long, thorough explanation. If you want a quick, specific answer, ask for it 'concretamente.' If you want a 20-minute presentation, ask for it 'detalhadamente.' Mastering these nuances is what separates a basic speaker from a fluent one.

Explique detalhadamente o plano. (More than just concretamente)

Antonyms: Vagamante, abstratamente, genericamente.

Ele falou apenas genericamente sobre o assunto.

Não podemos agir abstratamente.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Informel

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

O que você quer, concretamente?

What do you want, specifically?

Adverb modifying the verb 'querer'.

Diga-me concretamente o que fazer.

Tell me specifically what to do.

Imperative 'Diga-me' followed by the adverb.

Eu não sei concretamente onde ele mora.

I don't know specifically where he lives.

Negative 'não sei' with adverbial clarification.

Concretamente, eu gosto de maçãs.

Specifically, I like apples.

Sentence-initial adverb for focus.

O que é isso, concretamente?

What is that, specifically?

Used in a simple 'O que é' question.

Ela fala concretamente sobre o plano.

She speaks specifically about the plan.

Standard subject-verb-adverb-prepositional phrase.

Nós precisamos de dez euros, concretamente.

We need ten euros, specifically.

Adverb at the end for emphasis.

Você viu o carro concretamente?

Did you see the car specifically?

Question asking for visual confirmation.

Concretamente, quais são as cores que você prefere?

Specifically, what are the colors you prefer?

Interrogative sentence with initial adverb.

Precisamos definir o horário concretamente.

We need to define the schedule specifically.

Infinitive 'definir' modified by the adverb.

Ele explicou o problema concretamente.

He explained the problem specifically.

Past tense 'explicou' with adverbial detail.

Não há nada concretamente decidido ainda.

There is nothing specifically decided yet.

Adverb modifying the participle 'decidido'.

Quero saber, concretamente, quando você volta.

I want to know, specifically, when you return.

Parenthetical use of the adverb for emphasis.

A ajuda veio concretamente na forma de comida.

The help came specifically in the form of food.

Describing the manner of the action.

Você pode dar um exemplo concretamente?

Can you give an example specifically?

Request for clarification.

O projeto começa concretamente amanhã.

The project starts specifically tomorrow.

Specifying a time frame.

Falando concretamente, o orçamento é muito baixo.

Speaking specifically, the budget is very low.

Gerund 'falando' paired with the adverb.

O que mudou concretamente na nova lei?

What changed specifically in the new law?

Inquiry into specific changes.

Devemos agir concretamente para salvar o rio.

We must act concretely to save the river.

Modal verb 'devemos' + infinitive + adverb.

Concretamente, a proposta não é viável.

Specifically, the proposal is not viable.

Setting the tone for a critical evaluation.

Ela não disse concretamente o que sentia por ele.

She didn't say specifically what she felt for him.

Modifying the verb of communication.

O relatório foca concretamente nos resultados financeiros.

The report focuses specifically on the financial results.

Verb 'focar' + adverb + preposition 'em'.

Nada foi feito concretamente para resolver a crise.

Nothing was done concretely to resolve the crisis.

Passive voice 'foi feito' modified by the adverb.

Gostaria de saber o que isso significa concretamente.

I would like to know what that means specifically.

Conditional 'gostaria' expressing a desire for clarity.

A empresa deve investir concretamente em novas tecnologias.

The company must invest concretely in new technologies.

Professional context, emphasizing tangible investment.

Concretamente, o que se espera dos novos funcionários?

Specifically, what is expected of the new employees?

Passive 'se espera' with an initial adverb.

A teoria é boa, mas falta aplicá-la concretamente.

The theory is good, but it lacks being applied concretely.

Contrast between theory and practice.

O autor descreve concretamente a paisagem alentejana.

The author describes specifically the Alentejo landscape.

Literary context, describing vivid detail.

Não podemos ignorar o que está a acontecer concretamente.

We cannot ignore what is happening specifically.

Present continuous 'está a acontecer'.

A proposta visa, concretamente, reduzir os custos operacionais.

The proposal aims, specifically, to reduce operational costs.

Formal register with parenthetical adverb.

É necessário definir concretamente as responsabilidades de cada um.

It is necessary to define specifically each person's responsibilities.

Impersonal expression 'É necessário'.

O sucesso traduziu-se concretamente num aumento de lucros.

The success translated specifically into an increase in profits.

Pronominal verb 'traduzir-se' with adverbial result.

A medida terá um impacto, concretamente, no setor têxtil.

The measure will have an impact, specifically, on the textile sector.

Future tense with precise adverbial limitation.

Concretamente, a questão reside na interpretação do artigo 5º.

Specifically, the issue lies in the interpretation of Article 5.

Legal/Academic register.

O filósofo aborda concretamente a condição humana.

The philosopher addresses specifically the human condition.

Abstract subject treated with a 'concrete' adverb.

Falta saber como concretamente o governo pretende financiar a obra.

It remains to be seen how specifically the government intends to finance the work.

Complex sentence with 'como' + adverb.

As sanções aplicam-se concretamente às exportações de petróleo.

The sanctions apply specifically to oil exports.

Precise application of rules.

O que é que esta política oferece concretamente aos cidadãos?

What does this policy offer specifically to the citizens?

Rhetorical question in a political context.

A investigação debruçou-se concretamente sobre as causas do acidente.

The investigation focused specifically on the causes of the accident.

Formal verb 'debruçar-se' (to focus/lean over).

O realismo literário procura retratar a vida concretamente.

Literary realism seeks to portray life concretely.

Artistic/Literary analysis.

A fenomenologia de Husserl não trata o objeto concretamente.

Husserl's phenomenology does not treat the object concretely.

High-level philosophical discourse.

Importa analisar, concretamente, a eficácia das políticas públicas.

It is important to analyze, specifically, the effectiveness of public policies.

Formal 'Importa' (It is important) construction.

O texto peca por não especificar concretamente as suas fontes.

The text fails by not specifying its sources specifically.

Critical academic evaluation.

Concretamente, a nulidade do contrato decorre de um vício de forma.

Specifically, the nullity of the contract stems from a formal defect.

Technical legal terminology.

A solidariedade manifestou-se concretamente através de ações no terreno.

Solidarity manifested itself concretely through actions on the ground.

Nuanced description of social phenomena.

Resta-nos ver o que esta mudança trará concretamente para o futuro.

It remains for us to see what this change will bring specifically for the future.

Reflective, high-level commentary.

A arquitetura moderna deve dialogar concretamente com o espaço urbano.

Modern architecture must dialogue concretely with the urban space.

Thematic analysis of design.

Não se pode falar de justiça sem a aplicar concretamente.

One cannot speak of justice without applying it concretely.

Axiomatic/Philosophical statement.

Collocations courantes

falar concretamente

agir concretamente

definir concretamente

explicar concretamente

impactar concretamente

ajudar concretamente

mudar concretamente

significar concretamente

saber concretamente

investir concretamente

Phrases Courantes

Falando concretamente...

O que isso significa concretamente?

Nada foi decidido concretamente.

Diga-me concretamente.

Concretamente, o plano é...

Agir mais concretamente.

Definir algo concretamente.

Ver concretamente os resultados.

Propor algo concretamente.

Analisar concretamente a situação.

Souvent confondu avec

Concretamente vs Na verdade (Actually)

Concretamente vs Atualmente (Currently)

Concretamente vs Especialmente (Especially)

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

Concretamente vs Concreto

The adjective (concrete/solid) vs the adverb (specifically).

Concretamente vs Especificamente

Focuses on 'which one' vs 'how real/practical'.

Concretamente vs Precisamente

Focuses on 'exactness' vs 'tangibility'.

Concretamente vs Diretamente

Focuses on 'no middle man' vs 'specific details'.

Concretamente vs Claramente

Focuses on 'visibility/understanding' vs 'specificity'.

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

nuance

It implies a physical or practical reality more than 'especificamente' does.

frequency

High in formal contexts, moderate in daily speech.

Erreurs courantes

Adverbs are formed from the feminine adjective.
'Concretamente' is about specificity, not truth vs. falsehood.
Adverbs never have a plural form.
The suffix '-mente' always carries the primary stress.
Don't confuse 'concrete' with 'current'.

Astuces

Adverb Formation

Always use the feminine form of the adjective before adding -mente. Concreta + mente = concretamente.

Synonym Choice

Use 'concretamente' when you want to emphasize the 'real-world' application of an idea.

Emphasis

Place 'concretamente' at the end of a question to make it sound more urgent or precise.

Formal Reports

Use this word to introduce statistics or specific data points in your writing.

News Watching

Listen for this word in political interviews; it's often used by journalists to pin down politicians.

Intellectualism

Using this word shows you value clarity and logic, which is appreciated in Lusophone professional circles.

Avoid Repetition

If you already used 'especificamente', switch to 'concretamente' to keep your writing interesting.

The Block Method

Visualize a concrete block every time you want to say something specific.

The 'MEN' Stress

Always remember the stress is on the 'MEN'. Practice: con-cre-ta-MEN-te.

Abstract vs Concrete

Use it as a bridge to cross from a 'dream' or 'theory' to a 'plan' or 'action'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

CONCRETE-ly speaking, I need a MENTE (mind) to be specific.

Origine du mot

Contexte culturel

Often replaced by 'na prática' in informal speech, but essential for 'Português Culto'.

Used frequently in the 'Assembleia da República' (Parliament) during debates.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"O que você quer fazer concretamente este fim de semana?"

"Como podemos ajudar concretamente as pessoas sem abrigo?"

"O que mudou concretamente na sua rotina este ano?"

"Concretamente, qual é o seu maior objetivo?"

"Pode explicar concretamente como funciona o seu trabalho?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descreva concretamente os seus planos para os próximos cinco anos.

O que você fez concretamente hoje para aprender português?

Pense num problema que você tem. Como resolvê-lo concretamente?

Descreva um objeto na sua sala concretamente (cor, forma, material).

O que a palavra 'sucesso' significa concretamente para você?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No. 'Actually' is usually 'na verdade'. 'Concretamente' means 'specifically' or 'in practical terms'.

Yes, but it sounds a bit more serious or focused. In very casual Brazilian Portuguese, people might say 'na real' or 'na prática'.

The stress is on the 'MEN'. In Portugal, the final 'e' is almost silent. In Brazil, it sounds like 'chee' or 'te'.

It comes from the Latin 'concretus', meaning solid or condensed. It's related to the English word 'concrete'.

It is always 'concretamente' because it is formed from the feminine adjective 'concreta'.

Not usually. You describe an action or a statement as 'concretamente', but a person is 'uma pessoa concreta' (a practical person).

Very common. It's used to discuss budgets, deadlines, and specific tasks.

The best opposites are 'vagamante' (vaguely) or 'abstratamente' (abstractly).

No, adverbs in Portuguese never change. They are always the same.

Yes! It's a great way to introduce a specific point: 'Concretamente, o problema é este...'