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A2 adjective #1,500 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

conhecido

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces conhecido en 30 secondes
Explication conhecido in your Level:
At the A1 beginner level, learners are introduced to the most fundamental vocabulary needed for basic survival and simple interactions in a Portuguese-speaking environment. While 'conhecido' might seem slightly advanced for the very first lessons, it quickly becomes essential when students start describing people and places. At this stage, learners primarily encounter 'conhecido' as a simple adjective meaning 'famous' or 'known'. They learn to use it in very basic sentence structures with the verb 'ser' (to be). For example, a student might learn to say 'O Neymar é conhecido' (Neymar is famous) or 'O Brasil é conhecido' (Brazil is known). The focus at the A1 level is on basic comprehension and the introduction of gender agreement. Students learn that adjectives in Portuguese change based on whether the noun is masculine or feminine. Therefore, they practice saying 'o homem conhecido' and 'a mulher conhecida'. They also begin to recognize the word in simple reading texts, such as short biographies or descriptions of cities. The noun form, 'um conhecido' (an acquaintance), is usually introduced later, as A1 learners are primarily focused on immediate family ('mãe', 'pai') and close friends ('amigo'). Teachers at this level will often use visual aids, showing pictures of famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the Christ the Redeemer statue, and asking 'É conhecido?' to elicit a simple 'Sim, é muito conhecido'. Pronunciation practice is also key here, specifically mastering the 'nh' sound, which does not exist in English and requires placing the tongue against the roof of the mouth, similar to the 'ni' in 'onion'. By the end of the A1 level, a learner should be able to recognize the word 'conhecido' in a simple text, understand its basic meaning of being famous or familiar, and apply basic gender agreement when using it to describe a singular masculine or feminine noun in a very simple, short sentence.
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At the A2 elementary level, the usage of 'conhecido' expands significantly, making it a core vocabulary word. Learners at this stage are moving beyond simple, isolated sentences and are beginning to string together ideas to describe their environment, their routines, and their social circles. It is at the A2 level that the distinction between 'amigo' (friend) and 'conhecido' (acquaintance) becomes culturally and linguistically important. Students learn to use 'conhecido' as a noun to describe people they know casually, such as neighbors or people from work, saying things like 'Ele é apenas um conhecido' (He is just an acquaintance). This helps them navigate social interactions more accurately. Furthermore, A2 learners begin to use prepositions with adjectives. They learn the crucial structure 'conhecido por' (known for). This allows them to construct more complex and descriptive sentences, such as 'Portugal é conhecido pelo vinho' (Portugal is known for wine) or 'Ela é conhecida pela sua simpatia' (She is known for her friendliness). They also practice pluralization, mastering 'conhecidos' and 'conhecidas' to describe groups of people or things. The introduction of the past tense at this level also allows learners to understand 'conhecido' as the past participle of the verb 'conhecer' (to know). They start to see how the verb and the adjective are related, recognizing sentences like 'Eu tenho conhecido muitas pessoas' (I have been meeting many people - though the present perfect is less common in Portuguese, the participle form is recognized). In reading and listening exercises, A2 students will frequently encounter 'conhecido' in advertisements, travel brochures, and simple news stories. They are expected to use the word confidently in everyday conversations, accurately matching gender and number, and using the correct prepositions to explain why someone or something is famous or familiar.
At the B1 intermediate level, learners develop a much more nuanced and flexible command of the word 'conhecido'. They are now capable of engaging in longer conversations, expressing opinions, and describing abstract concepts. At this stage, 'conhecido' is used effortlessly in both its adjective and noun forms. B1 students begin to explore synonyms and related terms, learning when to use 'conhecido' versus 'famoso', 'popular', or 'célebre'. They understand that 'famoso' implies celebrity, while 'conhecido' can simply mean well-known within a specific community or field. For example, they can articulate that a local professor is 'muito conhecido na universidade' (very known at the university) without necessarily being 'famoso' globally. The grammatical structures surrounding 'conhecido' also become more sophisticated. Learners use it with a wider variety of verbs, such as 'tornar-se conhecido' (to become known) or 'ficar conhecido' (to get known), allowing them to describe processes and changes in status over time. They also start using 'conhecido como' (known as) to talk about aliases, nicknames, or roles, such as 'Ele é conhecido como o melhor médico da cidade' (He is known as the best doctor in the city). In terms of comprehension, B1 learners encounter 'conhecido' in more complex texts, such as opinion pieces, blog posts, and standard news articles. They can understand idiomatic usages and contextual clues that alter the word's weight. They also become comfortable using adverbs to modify the adjective, creating phrases like 'mundialmente conhecido' (world-renowned), 'pouco conhecido' (little known), or 'amplamente conhecido' (widely known). By the end of the B1 level, 'conhecido' is a fully integrated tool in the learner's vocabulary arsenal, used accurately and naturally in a wide variety of social, academic, and professional contexts to express familiarity, reputation, and social proximity.
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At the B2 upper-intermediate level, the use of 'conhecido' becomes highly refined and native-like. Learners at this stage are expected to communicate with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. For B2 students, 'conhecido' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a stylistic choice. They are fully aware of the subtle connotations and can use the word to convey irony, emphasis, or specific social dynamics. For instance, they might use 'um velho conhecido' (an old acquaintance) to describe a recurring problem or a familiar situation, not just a person. They are comfortable with complex grammatical structures involving the word, such as passive voice constructions: 'Foi conhecido por todos que...' (It was known by all that...). At this level, learners also dive deeper into word formation and the broader word family. They understand and use related terms like 'desconhecido' (unknown/stranger), 'reconhecido' (recognized/grateful), and 'conhecimento' (knowledge). They can seamlessly switch between these terms to create cohesive and varied discourse. In written Portuguese, B2 students use 'conhecido' in formal essays, reports, and professional emails. They know how to employ it in formal registers, perhaps using hyphenated forms like 'bem-conhecido' in strict orthographic contexts, or using it to cite sources or general knowledge ('É um fato conhecido que...'). Listening comprehension at this level includes understanding fast-paced native speech, where 'conhecido' might be slurred or spoken quickly in movies, debates, or podcasts. The B2 learner grasps the cultural weight of the word, understanding exactly what a native speaker means when they dismiss someone as 'apenas um conhecido' versus embracing them as an 'amigo', navigating the complex social hierarchy of Portuguese-speaking cultures with ease and linguistic precision.
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At the C1 advanced level, learners possess a near-native command of the Portuguese language. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. The word 'conhecido' is used with complete mastery, encompassing all its literal, figurative, and idiomatic applications. C1 learners manipulate the word to fit highly specific, complex, and abstract contexts. They can engage in deep literary analysis, discussing how an author might use the concept of 'o desconhecido' (the unknown) versus 'o conhecido' (the known) to build tension or thematic depth. They are comfortable with highly formal and academic registers, using phrases like 'notoriamente conhecido' (notoriously known) or 'publicamente conhecido' (publicly known) in legal, political, or academic discourse. At this level, learners also understand regional variations and colloquialisms associated with the word across different Portuguese-speaking countries (e.g., Brazil vs. Portugal vs. Angola). They can use 'conhecido' in sophisticated rhetorical devices, such as litotes (e.g., 'Ele não é pouco conhecido' meaning he is very well known). The distinction between 'conhecido' and its synonyms ('ilustre', 'eminente', 'renomado') is perfectly clear to them, and they choose the exact right word to match the precise tone and level of prestige required by the context. They can effortlessly parse complex sentences where 'conhecido' functions as a substantive adjective, such as 'Os conhecidos do réu testemunharam' (The acquaintances of the defendant testified). For a C1 learner, 'conhecido' is a foundational element of a vast and highly organized vocabulary network, deployed automatically and flawlessly to articulate complex thoughts, critique media, navigate high-level professional environments, and engage in nuanced social commentary.
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At the C2 mastery level, the learner's capacity with the Portuguese language is virtually indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. They can understand with ease practically everything heard or read, and can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. For a C2 speaker, the word 'conhecido' is wielded with absolute precision, elegance, and stylistic flair. They are capable of playing with the word's morphology and syntax to create poetic or highly impactful statements. They understand the deepest etymological roots of the word and how it connects to the broader Romance language family, giving them an intuitive grasp of its most obscure or archaic usages found in classic literature (like Camões or Machado de Assis). A C2 user can effortlessly navigate the most complex legal or bureaucratic texts where terms like 'firma reconhecida' (notarized signature, literally 'recognized firm/signature') or 'domínio público conhecido' are used. They can employ 'conhecido' in cutting satire, subtle irony, or profound philosophical discussions about the nature of epistemology (what is known vs. what is knowable). They are acutely aware of the sociolinguistic implications of calling someone a 'conhecido' in different social strata and regions of the Lusophone world. They can invent novel, context-specific metaphors using the word that sound perfectly natural to native ears. At this ultimate stage of language acquisition, 'conhecido' is not merely a word to be translated; it is a conceptual tool used to shape reality, define relationships, and articulate the very boundaries of human knowledge and social interaction within the Portuguese-speaking cultural paradigm.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

conhecido en 30 secondes

  • Means 'known' or 'famous' (Adjective).
  • Means 'acquaintance' (Noun).
  • Agrees in gender and number (conhecido/a/os/as).
  • Often followed by 'por' (known for).
The Portuguese word 'conhecido' is an incredibly versatile and frequently used term that functions primarily as an adjective, but also commonly as a noun. At its core, it translates to 'known,' 'familiar,' or 'famous' in English. When used as an adjective, it describes someone or something that is recognized by many people, or at least by a specific group or individual. For example, a 'pintor conhecido' is a known or famous painter, while a 'lugar conhecido' is a familiar place. The word is derived from the past participle of the verb 'conhecer,' which means 'to know' (in the sense of being acquainted with a person, place, or thing, rather than knowing a fact, which is 'saber'). As a noun, 'um conhecido' (masculine) or 'uma conhecida' (feminine) refers to an acquaintance—someone you know, but who is not quite a close friend ('amigo'). This distinction is vital in Portuguese social dynamics, where categorizing relationships accurately reflects the level of intimacy.
Adjective Usage
When functioning as an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies (conhecido, conhecida, conhecidos, conhecidas). It often follows the noun but can precede it for stylistic emphasis.

Ele é um autor muito conhecido no Brasil.

Noun Usage
As a noun, it translates directly to 'acquaintance'. It is used to describe someone you have met and interact with casually, but do not share a deep personal bond with.

Ele não é meu amigo, é apenas um conhecido.

Colloquial Contexts
In everyday speech, you might hear phrases like 'velho conhecido' (an old acquaintance) to describe someone you've known for a long time, even if you aren't particularly close.

Aquele restaurante é um velho conhecido nosso.

A atriz tornou-se conhecida após o filme.

O Brasil é conhecido pelo carnaval.

Understanding 'conhecido' is fundamental for learners at the A2 level because it bridges the gap between basic vocabulary and more nuanced social descriptions. It allows learners to express familiarity, recognize fame, and accurately categorize their social circles. The transition from the verb 'conhecer' to the adjective/noun 'conhecido' also serves as an excellent introduction to how past participles function as adjectives in Portuguese, a grammatical pattern that is ubiquitous in the language. Furthermore, mastering its gender and number agreements (conhecido, conhecida, conhecidos, conhecidas) reinforces foundational grammar rules. Whether you are talking about a famous landmark, a popular singer, or just a guy from your neighborhood, 'conhecido' is the precise and natural word to use, making it an indispensable part of your active Portuguese vocabulary.
Using 'conhecido' correctly requires an understanding of its dual role as an adjective and a noun, as well as the specific prepositions that often accompany it. When used as an adjective, 'conhecido' must agree in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) with the noun it modifies. The four forms are: conhecido (masculine singular), conhecida (feminine singular), conhecidos (masculine plural), and conhecidas (feminine plural). For instance, you would say 'um homem conhecido' (a known man) but 'uma mulher conhecida' (a known woman).
With the Verb Ser
It is most commonly paired with the verb 'ser' (to be - permanent) to describe someone or something that is inherently famous or widely recognized. 'Ele é conhecido' means 'He is famous/well-known.'

O café colombiano é mundialmente conhecido.

With the Preposition Por
To express what someone or something is known FOR, use 'conhecido por' followed by a noun or an infinitive verb. Note that 'por' contracts with definite articles (pelo, pela, pelos, pelas).

Ela é conhecida pela sua inteligência.

As a Noun
When used as a noun, it takes an article (um conhecido, o conhecido). It is the perfect word for someone who is more than a stranger but less than a friend.

Encontrei um conhecido no supermercado hoje.

Eles são velhos conhecidos da família.

Este é um fato bem conhecido por todos.

Another important grammatical structure is 'ficar conhecido' or 'tornar-se conhecido', which means 'to become known' or 'to become famous'. This highlights a transition from obscurity to fame. For example, 'A banda tornou-se conhecida nos anos 90' (The band became known in the 90s). Furthermore, when expressing that a place is familiar to you, you can say 'Este lugar me é conhecido' (This place is familiar to me), utilizing an indirect object pronoun. Mastering these variations—adjective agreement, prepositions 'por' and 'como', and noun usage—will significantly elevate your fluency and allow you to describe people, places, and reputations with native-like precision.
The word 'conhecido' is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking environments, bridging the gap between highly formal discourse and casual, everyday conversation. You will encounter it across a wide spectrum of media, literature, and daily interactions. In journalism and news broadcasting, 'conhecido' is frequently used to introduce public figures, suspects, or experts. A news anchor might say, 'Um conhecido empresário foi preso hoje' (A known businessman was arrested today), or 'O suspeito já é conhecido da polícia' (The suspect is already known to the police). This usage highlights the word's utility in establishing a person's status or prior history in the public eye.
In Social Settings
In everyday life, 'conhecido' is the go-to term for defining social boundaries. When introducing someone at a party, you might clarify the relationship by saying they are 'apenas um conhecido' (just an acquaintance) to avoid implying a deep friendship.

Convidei alguns amigos e alguns conhecidos para a festa.

In Tourism and Travel
Travel guides and documentaries rely heavily on 'conhecido' to describe landmarks and cultural phenomena. You will often read that a city is 'conhecida por sua arquitetura' (known for its architecture).

O Rio de Janeiro é conhecido mundialmente.

In Pop Culture
In movies and soap operas (novelas), characters frequently use the term when discussing gossip or reputations. 'Ele é muito conhecido na cidade' implies the person has a reputation, either good or bad.

Todo mundo sabe quem ele é, ele é muito conhecido.

Aquele ditado popular é muito conhecido aqui.

É um cientista conhecido internacionalmente.

You will also hear it in idiomatic expressions or common phrasing, such as 'um mal conhecido' (a known evil, similar to 'better the devil you know'). In digital spaces, influencers might refer to their followers or the broader public, noting that a trend is 'já conhecido na internet' (already known on the internet). Because it functions seamlessly as both an adjective describing fame/familiarity and a noun categorizing a relationship, 'conhecido' is a high-frequency word that learners will encounter constantly from their very first days of engaging with authentic Portuguese content.
When learning 'conhecido', students frequently stumble over a few specific grammatical and contextual hurdles. The most prevalent mistake is the failure to agree the adjective with the noun it modifies. Because English adjectives do not change based on gender or number, English speakers often default to the masculine singular 'conhecido' regardless of the subject. For example, saying 'A cantora é muito conhecido' instead of the correct 'A cantora é muito conhecida'. This error immediately marks the speaker as a beginner.
Preposition Confusion
Another major pitfall involves the prepositions that follow 'conhecido'. Learners often translate 'known for' directly as 'conhecido para' instead of the correct 'conhecido por'.

Incorreto: Ele é conhecido para sua arte. Correto: Ele é conhecido pela sua arte.

Conhecido vs. Sabido
Learners also confuse 'conhecido' with 'sabido'. Both relate to knowledge, but 'conhecido' is about familiarity with entities (people, places), while 'sabido' means clever, cunning, or a known fact.

É um fato conhecido (Not sabido in this context of familiarity, though 'sabido' can mean a known fact in some regions, 'conhecido' is safer).

Friend vs. Acquaintance
Culturally, a common mistake is calling a mere acquaintance an 'amigo' (friend). In Portuguese, 'amigo' implies a deeper bond. Using 'conhecido' is more accurate and culturally appropriate for casual contacts.

Ele não é meu amigo íntimo, é só um conhecido.

As regras são bem conhecidas por todos os alunos.

O autor conhecido lançou um novo livro.

Finally, learners sometimes overuse 'famoso' when 'conhecido' would be more natural. While 'famoso' implies widespread celebrity status, 'conhecido' can simply mean well-known within a specific, smaller community or context. For instance, the local baker might be 'muito conhecido no bairro' (very known in the neighborhood), but calling him 'famoso' might sound slightly exaggerated unless he has been on television. Mastering these nuances—gender agreement, correct prepositions, distinguishing from 'sabido', and understanding the cultural weight of 'amigo' vs. 'conhecido'—will drastically improve the natural flow and accuracy of your Portuguese.
The Portuguese language offers a rich tapestry of synonyms and related words for 'conhecido', each carrying its own distinct nuance and appropriate context. Understanding these alternatives allows learners to express themselves with greater precision and stylistic variety. The most direct synonym is 'famoso' (famous). While 'conhecido' simply means known or familiar, 'famoso' implies a higher level of widespread public recognition, often associated with celebrity, wealth, or significant achievement.
Famoso vs. Conhecido
Use 'famoso' for global superstars or highly celebrated entities. Use 'conhecido' for local recognition or general familiarity.

Ele é um ator conhecido, mas não é famoso em Hollywood.

Célebre
'Célebre' is a more elevated, literary synonym for famous or renowned. It is often used for historical figures, monumental events, or classic works of art.

Machado de Assis é um célebre (e muito conhecido) escritor brasileiro.

Familiar
When 'conhecido' means that something rings a bell or is recognizable to you personally, 'familiar' is a perfect substitute. 'Esse rosto me é familiar' (That face is familiar to me).

O caminho para a praia já é bem conhecido e familiar.

É um político ilustre e muito conhecido na região.

Ele é um conhecido meu, não um amigo íntimo.

For the noun form (an acquaintance), there are fewer direct synonyms. You might use 'colega' (colleague) if the person is known from work or school, or 'contato' (contact) in a professional networking sense. However, 'conhecido' remains the most accurate and widely used term for a general acquaintance. By distinguishing between 'conhecido' (generally known), 'famoso' (widely celebrated), 'célebre' (historically renowned), 'popular' (loved by the masses), and 'familiar' (personally recognizable), learners can dramatically enhance the sophistication of their Portuguese vocabulary and ensure they are conveying exactly the right level of recognition and prestige in any given context.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective-Noun Agreement

Past Participles as Adjectives

Prepositions with Adjectives (por, como)

Definite and Indefinite Articles

Verbs of Change of State (tornar-se, ficar)

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Exemples par niveau

1

O Brasil é muito conhecido.

Brazil is very known.

Basic use of the adjective with the verb 'ser'.

2

Ele é um ator conhecido.

He is a known actor.

Adjective following a masculine singular noun.

3

Ela é uma cantora conhecida.

She is a known singer.

Adjective agreeing with a feminine singular noun.

4

Este lugar é conhecido.

This place is known.

Masculine singular agreement.

5

O livro é conhecido.

The book is known.

Simple sentence structure.

6

A música é conhecida.

The song is known.

Feminine singular agreement.

7

Eles são conhecidos.

They are known.

Masculine plural agreement.

8

Elas são conhecidas.

They (females) are known.

Feminine plural agreement.

1

Ele é apenas um conhecido meu.

He is just an acquaintance of mine.

Using 'conhecido' as a noun (acquaintance).

2

Portugal é conhecido pelo seu vinho.

Portugal is known for its wine.

Using the preposition 'por' (pelo).

3

Ela é conhecida por ser simpática.

She is known for being friendly.

Using 'conhecida por' + infinitive verb.

4

Encontrei um velho conhecido na rua.

I met an old acquaintance on the street.

Common phrase 'velho conhecido'.

5

O restaurante é muito conhecido aqui.

The restaurant is very known here.

Adding the adverb 'muito' for emphasis.

6

Não somos amigos, somos conhecidos.

We are not friends, we are acquaintances.

Contrasting 'amigos' with 'conhecidos'.

7

A cidade é conhecida pelas praias.

The city is known for the beaches.

Using 'por' + feminine plural article (pelas).

8

Ele ficou conhecido depois do filme.

He became known after the movie.

Using the verb 'ficar' to indicate a change in status.

1

O autor tornou-se mundialmente conhecido.

The author became world-renowned.

Using 'tornar-se' and the adverb 'mundialmente'.

2

É um fato conhecido que a água ferve a 100 graus.

It is a known fact that water boils at 100 degrees.

Using 'fato conhecido' to state general knowledge.

3

Ele é conhecido como o rei do rock.

He is known as the king of rock.

Using 'conhecido como' for titles or aliases.

4

Convidei amigos e alguns conhecidos do trabalho.

I invited friends and some acquaintances from work.

Plural noun usage in a social context.

5

Aquele problema já é um velho conhecido nosso.

That problem is already an old acquaintance of ours.

Figurative use of 'velho conhecido' for a recurring issue.

6

A marca é pouco conhecida no Brasil.

The brand is little known in Brazil.

Using 'pouco' to mean 'not very'.

7

Ela prefere viajar para lugares menos conhecidos.

She prefers to travel to less known places.

Comparative structure 'menos conhecidos'.

8

O suspeito já era conhecido da polícia.

The suspect was already known to the police.

Using 'conhecido de' to indicate who knows them.

1

Apesar de talentoso, ele permaneceu um artista pouco conhecido.

Despite being talented, he remained a little-known artist.

Complex sentence structure with concession.

2

O político é amplamente conhecido por suas posições polêmicas.

The politician is widely known for his controversial positions.

Use of 'amplamente' (widely) and formal vocabulary.

3

Trata-se de um fenômeno bem-conhecido na comunidade científica.

It is a well-known phenomenon in the scientific community.

Hyphenated 'bem-conhecido' in a formal context.

4

Fomos apresentados por um conhecido em comum.

We were introduced by a mutual acquaintance.

The phrase 'conhecido em comum' (mutual acquaintance).

5

O diretor escalou atores desconhecidos em vez de rostos conhecidos.

The director cast unknown actors instead of known faces.

Contrasting 'desconhecidos' with 'conhecidos'.

6

É publicamente conhecido que a empresa faliu.

It is publicly known that the company went bankrupt.

Adverbial modification 'publicamente'.

7

Ela tem um vasto círculo de amigos e conhecidos.

She has a vast circle of friends and acquaintances.

Advanced vocabulary 'vasto círculo'.

8

O castelo, outrora famoso, hoje é apenas conhecido pelos moradores locais.

The castle, once famous, is today only known by local residents.

Nuanced distinction between 'famoso' and 'conhecido'.

1

A sua aversão a entrevistas é um traço notoriamente conhecido.

His aversion to interviews is a notoriously known trait.

Advanced adverb 'notoriamente'.

2

O autor explora a dicotomia entre o familiarmente conhecido e o abismo do desconhecido.

The author explores the dichotomy between the familiarly known and the abyss of the unknown.

Literary and abstract usage.

3

Não obstante o seu currículo impecável, ele era um ilustre desconhecido na capital.

Notwithstanding his impeccable resume, he was an illustrious unknown in the capital.

Oxymoron 'ilustre desconhecido' (illustrious unknown).

4

A jurisprudência sobre este caso já é de conhecimento público e amplamente conhecida.

The jurisprudence on this case is already public knowledge and widely known.

Legal/formal register.

5

Ele transitava com desenvoltura entre os seus pares, sendo tido como um conhecido articulador político.

He moved with ease among his peers, being regarded as a known political articulator.

Complex syntax 'sendo tido como'.

6

O mal conhecido é, por vezes, preferível à incerteza da mudança.

The known evil is sometimes preferable to the uncertainty of change.

Philosophical/idiomatic usage (better the devil you know).

7

A obra póstuma revelou facetas do poeta até então não conhecidas pelo grande público.

The posthumous work revealed facets of the poet hitherto unknown by the general public.

Formal phrasing 'até então não conhecidas'.

8

A rede de contatos dele é composta mais por conhecidos estratégicos do que por amizades genuínas.

His network of contacts is composed more of strategic acquaintances than genuine friendships.

Sociological description 'conhecidos estratégicos'.

1

A consagração literária transformou-o de um mero diletante num vulto sobejamente conhecido.

Literary consecration transformed him from a mere dilettante into an exceedingly well-known figure.

Highly erudite vocabulary 'vulto sobejamente'.

2

Na intrincada teia social da corte, um conhecido influente valia mais do que mil moedas de ouro.

In the intricate social web of the court, an influential acquaintance was worth more than a thousand gold coins.

Historical/literary context.

3

A falácia do apelo à popularidade baseia-se na premissa de que o que é amplamente conhecido deve ser verdadeiro.

The fallacy of appeal to popularity is based on the premise that what is widely known must be true.

Academic/philosophical discourse.

4

O vernáculo daquela região remota, embora fascinante, permanece um território pouco conhecido pelos linguistas.

The vernacular of that remote region, although fascinating, remains a territory little known by linguists.

Scientific/academic register.

5

A sua obra é um palimpsesto de referências a mitos clássicos, apenas reconhecíveis pelos mais eruditos conhecidos da matéria.

His work is a palimpsest of references to classical myths, only recognizable by the most erudite acquaintances of the subject.

Extremely advanced vocabulary 'palimpsesto'.

6

A efemeridade da fama moderna dita que o ídolo de hoje será o ilustre desconhecido de amanhã.

The ephemerality of modern fame dictates that today's idol will be tomorrow's illustrious unknown.

Societal critique using poetic language.

7

É mister salientar que o réu, sendo pessoa publicamente conhecida, atrai para si um escrutínio mais rigoroso.

It is imperative to point out that the defendant, being a publicly known person, attracts a more rigorous scrutiny.

Strict legal jargon 'É mister salientar'.

8

A idiossincrasia do autor é um fato sobejamente conhecido nos círculos literários mais restritos.

The author's idiosyncrasy is an exceedingly known fact in the most restricted literary circles.

Mastery of nuanced adverbs 'sobejamente'.

Collocations courantes

muito conhecido
pouco conhecido
bem conhecido
mundialmente conhecido
velho conhecido
conhecido por
conhecido como
tornar-se conhecido
ficar conhecido
fato conhecido

Phrases Courantes

um velho conhecido
conhecido de vista
dar-se a conhecer
fazer-se conhecido
um mal conhecido
de conhecimento público
amplamente conhecido
notoriamente conhecido
ilustre desconhecido
conhecido no pedaço

Souvent confondu avec

conhecido vs sabido

conhecido vs famoso

conhecido vs amigo

Expressions idiomatiques

"mais vale um mal conhecido que um bom por conhecer"
"ser figurinha conhecida"
"chover no molhado (fato conhecido)"
"saber de cor e salteado (ser bem conhecido)"
"estar na boca do povo"
"ser de domínio público"
"não ser flor que se cheire (referring to a known bad reputation)"
"conhecido de longa data"
"ter nome na praça"
"ser carta marcada"

Facile à confondre

conhecido vs

conhecido vs

conhecido vs

conhecido vs

conhecido vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

note

While 'famoso' is strictly for fame, 'conhecido' spans from global fame to simply being recognized by a few people.

Erreurs courantes
  • Forgetting to change the ending to -a, -os, or -as to match the noun.
  • Using 'conhecido para' instead of 'conhecido por' to mean 'known for'.
  • Confusing 'conhecido' (familiar) with 'sabido' (clever/known fact).
  • Calling a casual acquaintance an 'amigo' instead of a 'conhecido'.
  • Mispronouncing the 'nh' as a hard English 'n'.

Astuces

Gender Agreement

Always match 'conhecido' to the noun. If talking about a woman, it must be 'conhecida'. If talking about a group of women, 'conhecidas'. This is a very common beginner mistake.

Acquaintance vs Friend

Use 'conhecido' to describe people you know casually. Reserving 'amigo' for true friends shows cultural awareness and respect for social boundaries in Portuguese-speaking countries.

Known For

Never use 'para' when trying to say 'known for'. The correct preposition is always 'por' (or its contractions: pelo, pela, pelos, pelas). Example: Conhecido pelo seu talento.

The 'NH' Sound

Practice the 'nh' sound by saying 'onion' slowly. The middle sound is exactly what you need for 'co-NHE-ci-do'. Getting this right makes you sound much more native.

Famoso vs Conhecido

When in doubt, 'conhecido' is the safer bet. 'Famoso' can sound exaggerated if the person is only locally recognized. 'Conhecido' covers all levels of familiarity.

Velho Conhecido

Use 'velho conhecido' to sound natural when talking about someone you've known for years but aren't close to. It's a very common and useful phrase in daily conversation.

Verbs of Change

Pair 'conhecido' with 'tornar-se' or 'ficar' to describe the process of becoming famous. 'Ele ficou conhecido' (He became known) is much better than trying to use 'ser' for a change of state.

Word Family

Learn the related words together: conhecer (verb), conhecido (adjective/noun), desconhecido (unknown/stranger), and conhecimento (knowledge). This builds your vocabulary exponentially.

Describing Places

'Conhecido' is excellent for travel vocabulary. Practice describing your hometown or favorite city using 'conhecido por...' to explain its best features to native speakers.

No Hyphen Needed

In modern, casual Portuguese, you don't need to hyphenate 'muito conhecido' or 'bem conhecido'. Just write them as two separate words unless you are following very strict, old formal orthography.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'CON' (with) + 'HE' (he) + 'CIDO' (see-do). With him, I see and do things because he is a KNOWN acquaintance.

Origine du mot

From Latin 'cognoscere' (to know, recognize), via the Portuguese verb 'conhecer'.

Contexte culturel

Brazilians might say 'figurinha conhecida' (known sticker) to refer to someone who is always around or has a known reputation.

In Portugal, 'conhecido de vista' (known by sight) is a very common phrase for someone you recognize but don't speak to.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Você conhece algum restaurante conhecido por aqui?"

"Quem é a pessoa mais conhecida da sua cidade?"

"Você tem muitos amigos ou mais conhecidos?"

"Qual é o lugar mais conhecido do seu país?"

"Você prefere ler livros de autores conhecidos ou novos?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escreva sobre um lugar muito conhecido que você visitou.

Qual é a diferença entre um amigo e um conhecido para você?

Descreva uma pessoa que é conhecida na sua escola ou trabalho.

Se você fosse conhecido por algo, o que seria?

Conte a história de como um conhecido se tornou um grande amigo.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

'Famoso' translates directly to 'famous' and implies widespread celebrity status, wealth, or significant public attention. 'Conhecido' translates to 'known' or 'familiar'. While a Hollywood actor is 'famoso', the local baker might just be 'muito conhecido' in the neighborhood. 'Conhecido' is a broader term that encompasses both global fame and local familiarity. You can use 'conhecido' for almost anything, but 'famoso' is reserved for high-level recognition.

To say 'known for', you use the structure 'conhecido por'. Remember that the preposition 'por' will contract with definite articles if they follow it (pelo, pela, pelos, pelas). For example, 'O Brasil é conhecido pelo carnaval' (Brazil is known for the carnival). If a verb follows, use the infinitive: 'Ele é conhecido por falar muito' (He is known for talking a lot).

Yes, absolutely. When used as a noun, it means 'an acquaintance'. You use it with articles, such as 'um conhecido' (a male acquaintance) or 'uma conhecida' (a female acquaintance). It is the perfect word to describe someone you know casually, like a neighbor or a coworker, but who is not close enough to be called an 'amigo' (friend).

Yes, because it functions primarily as an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. The four forms are: conhecido (masculine singular), conhecida (feminine singular), conhecidos (masculine plural), and conhecidas (feminine plural). For example: 'o homem conhecido', 'a mulher conhecida', 'os homens conhecidos', 'as mulheres conhecidas'.

The phrase 'conhecido como' translates to 'known as'. It is used to introduce an alias, a nickname, a professional title, or a role that someone or something is recognized by. For example, 'Pelé é conhecido como o rei do futebol' (Pelé is known as the king of football). It connects the subject to its public identity.

No, they are different, though both relate to knowledge. 'Conhecido' comes from 'conhecer' (to know people, places, things - familiarity). 'Sabido' comes from 'saber' (to know facts, information). 'Sabido' is often used to describe someone who is clever, cunning, or smart ('um menino sabido'). 'Conhecido' describes someone who is famous or familiar. Do not mix them up when describing people.

The 'nh' digraph in Portuguese represents a palatal nasal sound. It does not exist exactly in English, but it is very similar to the 'ni' sound in the word 'onion' or the 'ny' in 'canyon'. It is the same sound as the Spanish 'ñ'. Do not pronounce it as a hard 'n' or an 'h'. The word sounds roughly like 'co-nyeh-see-doo'.

Yes, 'conhecido' is frequently used for inanimate objects, places, brands, and concepts. You can say 'um restaurante conhecido' (a known restaurant), 'uma marca conhecida' (a known brand), or 'um fato conhecido' (a known fact). It is just as common for things as it is for people.

The most direct and common opposite is 'desconhecido', which means 'unknown'. Just like 'conhecido', 'desconhecido' can be used as an adjective ('um lugar desconhecido') or as a noun meaning 'a stranger' ('Não fale com desconhecidos' - Don't talk to strangers). Other antonyms include 'anônimo' (anonymous) or 'ignorado' (ignored/unknown).

The phrase 'velho conhecido' literally translates to 'old acquaintance'. It is used to describe someone you have known for a long time, even if you aren't close friends. It can also be used figuratively to describe a recurring situation, problem, or feeling that you are very familiar with, much like saying 'an old familiar problem' in English.

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