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A2 noun #2,500 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

condutora

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces condutora en 30 secondes
Explication condutora in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'condutora' is a basic vocabulary word used to identify a person's role or profession. You learn it alongside other jobs like 'professora' or 'médica'. At this stage, you simply need to know that 'condutora' means a woman who drives. You might use it in simple sentences like 'Ela é condutora' (She is a driver). The focus is on the feminine '-ora' ending, which is a key pattern for beginners to recognize when learning about gender in Portuguese. You don't need to worry about metaphorical meanings yet; just think of it as the person behind the wheel of a car or bus. It's helpful to associate it with the verb 'conduzir' (to drive), though at A1 you might use 'guiar' or 'conduzir' interchangeably. Remember: 'A condutora' is the woman, 'O condutor' is the man.
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At the A2 level, you start using 'condutora' in more descriptive contexts. You might talk about what kind of driver someone is—for example, 'uma condutora cuidadosa' (a careful driver). You will see this word in basic traffic signs or simple news snippets. You should be able to distinguish between 'condutora' and 'motorista', noting that 'condutora' is slightly more formal. You'll also encounter it in the context of public transport, like 'a condutora do autocarro'. At this level, you are expected to handle basic gender agreement correctly, ensuring that adjectives like 'atenta' (attentive) or 'rápida' (fast) match the feminine noun 'condutora'. It's also the level where you might first see the word on a mock driving license or in a dialogue about directions and travel.
By B1, you can use 'condutora' in more complex sentence structures and varied contexts. You might discuss the responsibilities of a driver or describe a sequence of events involving one. For instance, 'A condutora teve de travar bruscamente para evitar o gato' (The driver had to brake suddenly to avoid the cat). You start to see the word in official contexts, such as insurance forms or more detailed news reports. You also begin to understand the word as an adjective in scientific contexts, like 'uma substância condutora'. Your vocabulary is expanding to include collocations like 'condutora habitual' or 'condutora profissional'. You are also more aware of the subtle difference in register between 'motorista' (casual) and 'condutora' (formal/technical).
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At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the metaphorical uses of 'condutora'. You might read an article where a woman is described as the 'condutora de um processo de reforma' (the driver of a reform process). Here, the word implies leadership and strategic direction. You can use the word in debates about traffic laws, safety, and urban planning. You understand the nuances of the 'Código da Estrada' (Highway Code) where 'condutora' is the legal term for the operator of a vehicle. You can also handle more complex scientific explanations involving 'propriedades condutoras'. Your use of the word is fluid, and you can switch between its literal and figurative meanings depending on the context of your conversation or writing.
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At the C1 level, 'condutora' is used with precision in professional, academic, and literary contexts. You might analyze the 'linha condutora' (the guiding thread) of a complex philosophical argument or a multi-layered novel. You understand the historical and social connotations of the term in Lusophone literature. In a professional setting, you might use 'condutora' to describe a woman who is 'conducting' a complex negotiation or a large-scale project, implying a level of mastery and control. You are aware of the word's etymology and how it relates to other words in the 'conduzir' family, such as 'condução', 'conduta', and 'condutividade'. Your ability to use the word as both a noun and a precise adjective is fully developed.
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At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'condutora'. You can appreciate and use the word in highly specialized fields, from advanced thermodynamics (discussing 'materiais supercondutores') to legal scholarship regarding 'responsabilidade civil da condutora'. You can use the word in creative writing to evoke specific imagery or to play with its multiple meanings (literal driving vs. metaphorical leading). You understand the subtle regional differences in how the word is perceived across the Portuguese-speaking world (Portugal, Brazil, Angola, etc.). You can engage in high-level discourse where 'condutora' might be used as a key concept in describing social agency or systemic functions. Your command of the word is absolute, including its rarest and most archaic uses.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

condutora en 30 secondes

  • Condutora is the feminine Portuguese word for 'driver', used for cars, buses, and trains.
  • It is more formal than 'motorista' and is the standard term in legal and traffic contexts.
  • It can also mean a 'leader' or 'guide' in a metaphorical sense (e.g., leader of a project).
  • In science, it describes a material that conducts electricity or heat (e.g., a conducting wire).

The Portuguese word condutora is the feminine noun form of 'condutor', primarily translated as 'driver' or 'conductor'. In its most literal sense, it refers to a woman who operates a vehicle, whether it be a car, bus, train, or even a heavy machinery unit. However, the depth of the word extends beyond the steering wheel. It originates from the Latin 'conductrix', which implies the act of leading, bringing together, or guiding. In modern Portuguese, while 'motorista' is a very common synonym, 'condutora' often carries a slightly more formal or technical undertone, frequently appearing in legal documents, traffic regulations (Código da Estrada), and official news reports.

Grammatical Gender
Feminine noun. The masculine equivalent is 'condutor'. It follows the standard Portuguese rule of changing the '-or' ending to '-ora' for feminine professions.
Semantic Range
Includes vehicle operation, electrical conductivity (as in 'substância condutora'), and metaphorical leadership (a woman who drives a movement or project).
Professional Context
Used for professional drivers (bus, tram, taxi) and private individuals alike.

A condutora do veículo foi multada por excesso de velocidade na autoestrada.

Example: The driver of the vehicle was fined for speeding on the highway.

In the context of physics and science, 'condutora' acts as an adjective or noun referring to a material or entity that conducts energy, heat, or electricity. For instance, 'uma barra condutora' (a conducting bar). This dual nature makes it a versatile word in the Portuguese lexicon. When we speak of a 'linha condutora' (a guiding line or thread), we are using the word metaphorically to describe a central theme or a narrative path that leads the audience through a story or argument. This metaphorical use is highly common in academic and literary critiques.

Ela é a principal condutora deste projeto de inovação tecnológica.

Example: She is the main driver/leader of this technological innovation project.

Understanding 'condutora' also requires recognizing its role in social dynamics. In many Lusophone cultures, the rise of the 'mulher condutora' (female driver) was a significant marker of independence and urban mobility in the 20th century. Today, the term is neutral but retains a sense of agency. It is not just someone who is being moved, but the person in control of the movement. This agency is why the word is so frequently chosen in professional settings over more colloquial terms.

A condutora do autocarro demonstrou grande perícia ao evitar o acidente.

A água salgada é uma solução condutora de eletricidade.

A condutora designada não deve consumir bebidas alcoólicas.

Etymology
From Latin 'conducere' (to lead together), from 'com-' (together) + 'ducere' (to lead).
Synonyms
Motorista, guia, líder, dirigente, guia.

Using 'condutora' correctly involves understanding its grammatical agreement and its specific contexts. As a feminine noun, it must always be accompanied by feminine articles ('a', 'uma', 'as', 'umas') and adjectives that agree in gender and number. For example, 'uma condutora prudente' (a prudent female driver). If you are referring to a male driver, you must switch to 'condutor'. If you are referring to a mixed group of drivers, the masculine plural 'condutores' is traditionally used, though modern inclusive language might use 'condutores e condutoras'.

Prepositional Usage
Often followed by 'de' to specify what is being driven: 'condutora de táxi', 'condutora de ambulância', 'condutora de ideias'.
Adjective Agreement
Adjectives must match: 'A condutora estava atenta' (The driver was attentive).

Precisamos de uma condutora experiente para a carrinha da escola.

In technical writing, 'condutora' is often used to describe properties. In electricity, you might talk about a 'superfície condutora'. Here, the word functions as an adjective. It is crucial to distinguish between the noun (the person) and the adjective (the property). In the sentence 'A peça condutora quebrou', 'condutora' describes 'peça' (piece). In 'A condutora parou o carro', it is the subject of the sentence. This versatility is a hallmark of Portuguese morphology where nouns and adjectives often share the same form.

When using 'condutora' in a metaphorical sense, it often refers to a woman who guides a process. For example, 'Ela foi a condutora das negociações de paz'. This implies a high level of skill, responsibility, and leadership. It suggests that the person is not just participating but is actively directing the flow of events. This is a higher register of language than simply saying 'ela liderou' (she led).

A condutora do debate manteve a ordem entre os participantes.

Esta liga metálica é uma excelente condutora térmica.

As condutoras de TV em Portugal têm ganhado muito destaque.

Common Collocations
Condutora habitual, condutora profissional, condutora designada, linha condutora.

You will encounter the word 'condutora' in a variety of settings, ranging from the mundane to the highly specialized. In daily life, the most common place is in the news. Traffic reports often mention 'a condutora do veículo ligeiro' when describing an accident or a traffic jam. In these contexts, the word is used to provide a factual, objective description of the individual involved. It is the standard vocabulary for police officers (Polícia de Segurança Pública or Guarda Nacional Republicana) when filing reports.

A rádio anunciou que a condutora saiu ilesa do capotamento.

Another frequent setting is the workplace. Job advertisements for transport companies, delivery services, or logistics firms will often specify 'procuramos condutor/condutora' to ensure gender neutrality and compliance with labor laws. In a corporate environment, you might hear 'condutora' used in a figurative sense during strategy meetings, referring to the person leading a specific 'workstream' or 'initiative'.

In educational settings, particularly in science classes, 'condutora' is a staple of the physics curriculum. Students learn about 'materiais condutores' and 'soluções condutoras'. Here, the word is stripped of its human element and becomes a purely technical descriptor of physical properties. Similarly, in literature or film studies, a professor might discuss the 'linha condutora' of a novel, referring to the central theme that ties disparate plot points together.

Na aula de física, aprendemos que a prata é uma ótima condutora.

A condutora do programa de entrevistas é muito famosa.

A polícia solicitou os documentos à condutora.

Public Announcements
'Pede-se à condutora do veículo com a matrícula...' (The driver of the vehicle with license plate... is requested...).
Legal Documents
Insurance policies, rental agreements, and traffic fines.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 'condutora' with 'motorista'. While they are often interchangeable, 'motorista' is a common-gender noun (uniforme), meaning it doesn't change its ending: 'o motorista' (male) and 'a motorista' (female). 'Condutora', however, is specifically feminine. Using 'a condutor' is a grammatical error; it must be 'a condutora'. Conversely, calling a man 'o condutora' is also incorrect.

Gender Mismatch
Incorrect: 'A condutor'. Correct: 'A condutora'.
Overuse of 'Motorista'
In formal writing, 'condutora' is often preferred. Using 'motorista' in a legal essay might feel too informal.

Errado: Ela é uma boa condutor.
Correto: Ela é uma boa condutora.

Another mistake involves the preposition that follows the word. When specifying the vehicle, some learners use 'em' instead of 'de'. For example, 'condutora em autocarro' is less natural than 'condutora de autocarro'. The preposition 'de' establishes the relationship of operation or possession over the task of driving that specific vehicle. Additionally, in the context of electricity, learners sometimes forget that 'condutora' must agree with the noun it modifies. 'O fio é condutora' is wrong because 'fio' is masculine; it should be 'O fio é condutor'.

Finally, there is the confusion with 'maestrina'. In English, 'conductor' is used for both drivers and orchestra leaders. In Portuguese, while 'condutora' can theoretically mean someone who conducts music, it is almost never used that way in modern speech. If you call an orchestra leader a 'condutora', people will likely think you are talking about the person who drove the musicians to the concert hall!

Errado: A condutora da orquestra foi brilhante.
Correto: A maestrina da orquestra foi brilhante.

A condutora deve sempre levar a carta de condução consigo.

Cuidado para não confundir 'condutora' (driver) com 'condução' (driving/transport).

Exploring words similar to 'condutora' helps refine your vocabulary and choose the most appropriate term for different situations. The most obvious synonym is motorista. While 'condutora' emphasizes the act of 'conducting' or 'guiding' a vehicle (often used in official contexts), 'motorista' emphasizes the 'motor' or the profession itself. In Brazil, 'motorista' is overwhelmingly more common in daily speech, whereas in Portugal, 'condutora' holds a strong position in both formal and informal talk.

Motorista
The most common everyday term for a driver. Gender-neutral form (o/a motorista).
Piloto
Used for planes, racing cars, or sometimes boats. 'A piloto' or 'a pilotiza' (rare).
Guia
Focuses on the act of showing the way, often used for tourism or metaphorical leadership.

A motorista de Uber chegou em cinco minutos.

Another related word is dirigente. This word is usually reserved for leaders of organizations, clubs, or political parties. While a 'condutora' might drive a car, a 'dirigente' drives an institution. Similarly, guia refers to someone who shows the path. You might have a 'guia turística' who is also the 'condutora' of the tour bus, but the roles are distinct: one manages the vehicle, the other manages the information and the route.

In the scientific realm, synonyms for 'condutora' (as an adjective) include transmissora or canalizadora. For example, a 'fibra ótica' is a 'transmissora' of data. However, 'condutora' remains the standard term for electricity and heat. Understanding these nuances prevents the 'one-size-fits-all' approach to translation and makes your Portuguese sound more natural and sophisticated.

Ela é a líder (ou condutora) do movimento estudantil.

A maestrina dirigiu a sinfonia com perfeição.

A guia explicou a história do monumento enquanto a condutora estacionava.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Nouns ending in -or/ora

Definite articles with professions

Adjective-noun agreement

Preposition 'de' for specification

Subjunctive after impersonal expressions

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Exemples par niveau

1

A condutora é simpática.

The driver is nice.

Subject + Verb + Adjective (feminine agreement).

2

Ela é uma condutora de táxi.

She is a taxi driver.

Use of 'de' to specify the vehicle.

3

Onde está a condutora?

Where is the driver?

Interrogative sentence with definite article.

4

A condutora para o carro.

The driver stops the car.

Present tense of the verb 'parar'.

5

A condutora tem a chave.

The driver has the key.

Verb 'ter' (to have).

6

Uma condutora nova chegou.

A new driver arrived.

Indefinite article + noun + adjective.

7

A condutora vê o sinal.

The driver sees the sign.

Simple transitive sentence.

8

As condutoras são boas.

The drivers are good.

Plural agreement.

1

A condutora do autocarro é muito prudente.

The bus driver is very prudent.

Adjective 'prudente' is invariable for gender but matches the noun's meaning.

2

A polícia pediu a identificação à condutora.

The police asked the driver for identification.

Indirect object 'à condutora' (a + a).

3

Esta condutora conhece bem a cidade.

This driver knows the city well.

Demonstrative pronoun 'esta'.

4

A condutora precisa de descansar.

The driver needs to rest.

Verb 'precisar' followed by 'de'.

5

Não vi a condutora do veículo azul.

I didn't see the driver of the blue vehicle.

Negative sentence with direct object.

6

A condutora usou o cinto de segurança.

The driver used the seatbelt.

Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito).

7

Ela é a condutora mais rápida da equipa.

She is the fastest driver on the team.

Superlative construction.

8

A condutora espera pelo passageiro.

The driver waits for the passenger.

Verb 'esperar' followed by 'por'.

1

A condutora foi responsabilizada pelo acidente.

The driver was held responsible for the accident.

Passive voice construction.

2

É importante que a condutora esteja atenta à estrada.

It is important that the driver is attentive to the road.

Subjunctive mood after 'é importante que'.

3

A condutora designada não bebeu álcool na festa.

The designated driver did not drink alcohol at the party.

Compound noun/adjective 'condutora designada'.

4

Se a condutora tivesse visto o sinal, teria parado.

If the driver had seen the sign, she would have stopped.

Conditional sentence (if-clause).

5

A condutora profissional deve ter uma licença especial.

The professional driver must have a special license.

Modal verb 'deve'.

6

A água é uma substância condutora de eletricidade.

Water is a substance that conducts electricity.

Adjectival use of 'condutora'.

7

A condutora queixou-se do trânsito intenso.

The driver complained about the heavy traffic.

Pronominal verb 'queixar-se'.

8

Encontrámos a condutora a ler um mapa.

We found the driver reading a map.

Gerund-like construction with 'a' + infinitive.

1

A condutora demonstrou uma perícia invejável em condições adversas.

The driver demonstrated enviable skill in adverse conditions.

Use of abstract nouns like 'perícia'.

2

Ela foi a principal condutora da estratégia de marketing.

She was the main driver of the marketing strategy.

Metaphorical use of 'condutora'.

3

A condutora contestou a multa aplicada pelo agente.

The driver contested the fine issued by the officer.

Formal vocabulary ('contestar', 'aplicada').

4

Embora fosse uma condutora experiente, ela sentiu-se nervosa.

Although she was an experienced driver, she felt nervous.

Concessive clause with 'embora'.

5

A condutora do projeto garantiu que os prazos seriam cumpridos.

The project leader/driver guaranteed that deadlines would be met.

Metaphorical use in a professional context.

6

A placa de cobre é altamente condutora.

The copper plate is highly conductive.

Adverb 'altamente' modifying the adjective.

7

A condutora evitou o embate com uma manobra rápida.

The driver avoided the collision with a quick maneuver.

Technical term 'embate'.

8

A condutora foi multada por conduzir sob o efeito de substâncias.

The driver was fined for driving under the influence of substances.

Legal phrasing 'sob o efeito de'.

1

A narrativa possui uma linha condutora que une o passado ao presente.

The narrative has a guiding thread that joins the past to the present.

Abstract metaphorical usage 'linha condutora'.

2

A condutora do processo de insolvência agiu com total imparcialidade.

The person leading the insolvency process acted with total impartiality.

High-register professional context.

3

A natureza condutora do metal permite a dissipação do calor.

The conductive nature of the metal allows for heat dissipation.

Noun phrase 'natureza condutora'.

4

Como condutora da mudança, ela enfrentou grande resistência interna.

As a driver of change, she faced great internal resistance.

Prepositional phrase 'como condutora'.

5

A condutora do veículo de emergência ignorou o semáforo vermelho.

The driver of the emergency vehicle ignored the red light.

Specific noun 'veículo de emergência'.

6

A condutora foi absolvida de todas as acusações de negligência.

The driver was acquitted of all charges of negligence.

Legal vocabulary ('absolvida', 'negligência').

7

A condutora lírica da ópera foi ovacionada de pé.

The lyrical leader/conductor of the opera received a standing ovation.

Rare artistic use (context-dependent).

8

A condutora deve precaver-se contra o cansaço extremo.

The driver must guard against extreme fatigue.

Reflexive verb 'precaver-se'.

1

A condutora do discurso político soube manobrar as emoções das massas.

The conductor of the political discourse knew how to maneuver the emotions of the masses.

Highly metaphorical and sophisticated usage.

2

A condutividade é a propriedade de uma solução ser condutora.

Conductivity is the property of a solution being conductive.

Scientific definition context.

3

A condutora, embora exausta, manteve a lucidez necessária para a manobra.

The driver, although exhausted, maintained the lucidity necessary for the maneuver.

Complex sentence structure with apposition.

4

A hermenêutica jurídica vê na condutora uma figura de responsabilidade objetiva.

Legal hermeneutics sees the driver as a figure of objective responsibility.

Academic/Legal jargon.

5

Ela é a condutora de uma linhagem de mulheres fortes e independentes.

She is the carrier/leader of a lineage of strong and independent women.

Genealogical/Metaphorical use.

6

A condutora do veículo sinistrado foi submetida a perícia médico-legal.

The driver of the damaged vehicle was subjected to a forensic medical examination.

Highly formal legal/medical terminology.

7

A linha condutora da sua argumentação era, no mínimo, falaciosa.

The guiding thread of his argument was, at the very least, fallacious.

Critical/Philosophical register.

8

A condutora de calor deve ser isolada para evitar perdas energéticas.

The heat conductor must be insulated to avoid energy losses.

Technical engineering context.

Collocations courantes

condutora habitual
condutora profissional
condutora designada
linha condutora
barra condutora
condutora de autocarro
carta de condutora
condutora prudente
condutora experiente
solução condutora

Phrases Courantes

A condutora do veículo
Linha condutora do pensamento
Ser a condutora de algo
Condutora de eletricidade
Condutora de calor
Pede-se à condutora
Identificação da condutora
Condutora e passageiros
A condutora fugiu
Uma excelente condutora

Souvent confondu avec

condutora vs motorista

condutora vs maestrina

condutora vs condução

Expressions idiomatiques

"Linha condutora (Guiding thread/Main theme)"
"Fio condutor (Common thread)"
"Estar ao volante (To be the driver/In control)"
"Tomar as rédeas (To take the reins/Lead)"
"Levar a bom porto (To lead to a good destination)"
"Abrir caminho (To lead the way)"
"Dar o norte (To guide/Give direction)"
"Mão condutora (Guiding hand)"
"Força condutora (Driving force)"
"Espírito condutor (Guiding spirit)"

Facile à confondre

condutora vs

condutora vs

condutora vs

condutora vs

condutora vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

formality

High

frequency

Medium-High

regional variation

More common in PT-PT than PT-BR for daily speech.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using 'a condutor' instead of 'a condutora'.
  • Using 'condutora' for a male driver.
  • Using 'condutora' for an orchestra leader (use 'maestrina').
  • Forgetting gender agreement with adjectives like 'atento'.
  • Confusing 'condutora' (person) with 'condução' (transport/driving).

Astuces

Gender Check

Always match 'condutora' with feminine articles and adjectives.

Formal vs Informal

Use 'condutora' for formal writing and 'motorista' for casual talk.

Conductivity

Remember 'condutora' also describes materials that conduct electricity.

Job Titles

In job ads, look for 'condutor/a' to see the gender-neutral requirement.

Guiding Thread

Use 'linha condutora' to sound more advanced in your literary analysis.

Traffic Laws

In the 'Código da Estrada', you are always referred to as a 'condutor' or 'condutora'.

Stress

The stress is on the 'TO', not the 'RA'.

Not a Pilot

Use 'piloto' for planes, even if the person is a woman.

Agency

The word 'condutora' implies the woman is in control of the situation.

Conduzir

Link the noun to the verb 'conduzir' to remember its meaning.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Latin

Contexte culturel

Commonly used in formal news reporting.

Often replaced by 'motorista' in speech, but 'condutora' remains in legal texts.

Used in all official traffic documents.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Conheces alguma condutora de pesados?"

"Achas que és uma boa condutora?"

"Qual é a linha condutora deste filme?"

"Quem foi a condutora do projeto?"

"A água é condutora de eletricidade?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descreve uma viagem onde a condutora foi muito corajosa.

Escreve sobre a importância de ser uma condutora prudente.

Qual é a linha condutora da tua vida até agora?

Imagina que és uma condutora de comboios. Como é o teu dia?

Explica por que razão a prata é uma boa condutora.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Technically yes, but it is very rare. 'Maestrina' is the standard term for a female orchestra conductor in Portuguese.

They are synonyms, but 'condutora' is more formal and specifically feminine. 'Motorista' can be used for both men and women (o motorista / a motorista).

In Brazil, people usually say 'a motorista', but 'condutora' is used in official driving documents and laws.

It is a metaphorical expression meaning a 'guiding thread' or the main theme that connects parts of a story or argument.

No, it applies to any vehicle (buses, trains, trucks) and can also be used for leadership or scientific properties.

Yes, it can be an adjective, especially in science, like 'uma barra condutora' (a conducting bar).

The plural is 'condutoras'.

It is always 'a condutora'. 'Condutor' is only for men.

Yes, in a metaphorical or formal sense, someone who guides a process can be called a 'condutora'.

Yes, it is very common in news, legal contexts, and formal Portuguese.

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