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

disciplina

Top 2,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces disciplina en 30 secondes

Explication disciplina in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize 'disciplina' primarily as a word for school subjects. You might see it on a schedule or hear a teacher say it. It's important to know it's a feminine noun ('a disciplina'). At this stage, you don't need to use it in complex sentences, but you should be able to say things like 'A disciplina de português é legal' (The Portuguese subject is cool). You might also encounter it in simple classroom rules. Focus on the connection between 'disciplina' and 'escola'. You can think of it as a more formal version of 'matéria'. Even at this early stage, understanding that it means 'subject' will help you navigate basic academic environments or talk about your studies in a simple way. Remember: 'a' disciplina, not 'o' disciplina.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'disciplina' to describe both school subjects and personal behavior. You can talk about which subjects you like and which ones are difficult. You also start to use the word to describe people or habits, such as 'Ele tem muita disciplina' (He has a lot of discipline). You should be able to use it with common verbs like 'ter' (to have) and 'estudar' (to study). You'll notice it in contexts like sports or simple work rules. This is the level where you distinguish between 'disciplina' (the noun) and 'disciplinado' (the adjective). You might also see it in the plural ('disciplinas') when looking at a course list. It's a key word for describing your daily routine and your educational background in more detail.

At the B1 level, you use 'disciplina' with more precision and in more formal contexts. You can discuss the importance of discipline in achieving goals or maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You understand the difference between 'disciplina' and 'matéria' and can choose the appropriate one based on the formality of the situation. You are familiar with academic terms like 'disciplina obrigatória' (mandatory subject) and 'disciplina eletiva' (elective). You can also use the word in professional contexts, such as discussing 'medidas disciplinares' (disciplinary measures) at work. Your sentences become more complex, using the word to link ideas of order, study, and success. You can explain why a certain 'disciplina' is important for a career path.

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At the B2 level, you can use 'disciplina' to engage in abstract discussions about education systems, military structures, or philosophical concepts of self-control. You understand nuanced expressions like 'disciplina de ferro' (iron discipline) or 'falta de disciplina tática' in sports analysis. You can write essays about the role of discipline in society or the effectiveness of different teaching 'disciplinas'. You are comfortable using the word in its various forms and in combination with a wide range of adjectives and verbs. You also recognize the word in legal or highly formal documents, such as a university's 'regimento disciplinar'. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use 'disciplina' as a central theme in a conversation about personal development or academic research.

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At the C1 level, you have a full grasp of the word's historical and sociological implications. You can discuss 'disciplina' in the context of Foucault's theories or the evolution of academic 'disciplinas' over centuries. You use the word with stylistic flair, incorporating it into complex rhetorical structures. You understand the subtle differences between 'disciplina', 'doutrina', and 'didática'. You can navigate highly specialized academic environments where 'disciplina' refers to a specific sub-field of research. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker, and you can pick up on irony or metaphorical uses of the word in literature and high-level journalism. You can debate the merits of 'interdisciplinaridade' (interdisciplinarity) with ease.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'disciplina' is complete. You can use the word in its most archaic or specialized senses, such as in religious history or advanced legal theory. You can appreciate and use the word in poetry or sophisticated prose where its multiple meanings (order, study, punishment) are played against each other. You are capable of critiquing the 'disciplina' of a scientific paper or the 'disciplina' of a musical performance with absolute precision. You understand the deepest cultural connotations of the word in different Lusophone countries, from the strictness of certain Portuguese traditions to the motivational culture in modern Brazil. The word is a flexible tool in your linguistic arsenal, used with perfect tone and context.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

disciplina en 30 secondes

Means 'subject' in school/university contexts.
Means 'discipline' or 'self-control' in behavioral contexts.
It is a feminine noun (a disciplina).
Essential for academic, sports, and professional settings.

The Portuguese word disciplina is a versatile noun that carries two primary meanings, both of which are essential for learners at the A2 level and beyond. At its core, it refers to the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, often using punishment to correct disobedience. However, in an educational context, it is the standard term for a 'subject' or a 'branch of knowledge' taught in schools or universities. Understanding the nuance between these two applications is key to mastering the word.

Etymological Root: Derived from the Latin 'disciplina', which means instruction, tuition, or knowledge. It shares the same root as 'discípulo' (disciple/student), emphasizing the connection between learning and order.

A disciplina de matemática é a minha favorita.

In the first sense, behavioral discipline, the word describes the internal or external control that leads to productive behavior. It is what allows an athlete to train every morning or a student to study for hours. It is often associated with words like 'rigor' (rigor) and 'ordem' (order). In the second sense, academic subjects, it is synonymous with 'matéria'. For example, History, Biology, and Physics are all 'disciplinas'. This dual nature makes it a high-frequency word in both professional and academic environments.

Behavioral Context: Refers to self-control, military order, or the adherence to a set of rules within a group.

Ele tem muita disciplina para acordar cedo todos os dias.

When discussing personal growth, 'disciplina' is frequently paired with 'foco' (focus) and 'determinação' (determination). It is viewed as a virtue. Conversely, in a negative context, a 'falta de disciplina' (lack of discipline) is often cited as a reason for failure in sports or business. The word also appears in the context of 'medidas disciplinares' (disciplinary measures), which are actions taken when rules are broken, particularly in workplaces or schools.

O exército exige uma disciplina de ferro dos seus soldados.

Academic Context: Refers to a specific field of study, such as 'disciplina de biologia' or 'disciplina de artes'.

Quais são as disciplinas que você vai cursar este semestre?

Sem disciplina, o talento não serve para nada.

To summarize, whether you are talking about your favorite subject in school or your ability to stick to a diet, 'disciplina' is the word you need. It encompasses the structure of knowledge and the structure of behavior, bridging the gap between what we learn and how we act.

Using disciplina correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a feminine noun and the specific verbs it typically pairs with. In Portuguese, we don't just 'have' discipline; we 'maintain' it, 'exercise' it, or 'lack' it. Similarly, in an academic sense, we 'enroll in' or 'study' a discipline.

Common Verbs (Behavioral): Ter (to have), manter (to maintain), exigir (to demand), faltar (to lack), impor (to impose).

É preciso manter a disciplina durante os treinos.

When you want to say someone is disciplined, you use the adjective form 'disciplinado' (masculine) or 'disciplinada' (feminine). However, when using the noun, you might say 'Ele é um homem de muita disciplina'. Note how the preposition 'de' connects the person to the quality. In professional settings, 'disciplina' is often used in the plural when referring to rules: 'As disciplinas da empresa são rigorosas'.

Common Verbs (Academic): Cursar (to take/study), lecionar (to teach), escolher (to choose), reprovar em (to fail), passar em (to pass).

Eu vou cursar a disciplina de Cálculo no próximo semestre.

One interesting usage is the phrase 'disciplina eletiva' (elective subject) or 'disciplina obrigatória' (mandatory subject). These are standard terms in Brazilian and Portuguese universities. If you are talking about a specific field of study, you use 'disciplina de [Subject]'. For example: 'A disciplina de História do Brasil é fascinante'.

O professor leciona três disciplinas diferentes.

Adjective Agreement: Because 'disciplina' is feminine, adjectives must agree: 'disciplina rigorosa', 'disciplina acadêmica', 'disciplina férrea'.

Eles impuseram uma disciplina severa aos alunos.

A disciplina é o caminho para o sucesso.

In summary, use 'disciplina' as a noun to describe either the subjects you study or the mental strength you apply to your tasks. Ensure your adjectives are feminine and your verbs reflect the action of either studying or controlling behavior.

You will encounter the word disciplina in several distinct environments, ranging from the highly formal to the motivational. Its presence is strongest in education, the military, sports, and self-help contexts.

In Schools and Universities: This is the most common place for learners to hear it. Teachers will talk about the 'disciplina de hoje' (today's subject) or the 'grade de disciplinas' (the list of subjects for the year).

A disciplina de filosofia foi cancelada hoje.

In a classroom, a teacher might also use the word to address behavior: 'Pessoal, cadê a disciplina?' (Guys, where is the discipline/order?). This dual usage within the same room can be confusing but is very common. You'll see it on your 'histórico escolar' (academic transcript) as a header for your grades.

In Sports and Gyms: Coaches often emphasize that talent isn't enough without 'disciplina'. You'll hear it in post-match interviews or motivational speeches.

O time perdeu por falta de disciplina tática.

In the military, 'disciplina' is a core value, often paired with 'hierarquia' (hierarchy). Soldiers are taught that 'a disciplina é a alma do exército'. In a legal or corporate context, you might hear about 'conselho de disciplina' (disciplinary board), which handles internal investigations and punishments.

O funcionário enfrentou um processo disciplinar.

In Self-Help and Podcasts: The modern productivity movement in Brazil and Portugal uses 'disciplina' constantly. Phrases like 'disciplina é liberdade' (discipline is freedom) are very popular.

Você precisa de disciplina para alcançar seus objetivos.

A disciplina militar é muito rigorosa.

Whether you are listening to a professor, a sergeant, a coach, or a life coach, 'disciplina' is the common thread that links learning, order, and achievement. It is a word that commands respect and implies a structured approach to life.

While disciplina is a cognate to the English 'discipline', there are several pitfalls that English speakers and other learners often fall into when using it in Portuguese.

Mistake 1: Using 'Assunto' for 'Subject': In English, 'subject' can mean an academic field or a topic of conversation. In Portuguese, 'disciplina' is for the field (Math, History), while 'assunto' is for the topic (e.g., 'the subject of our meeting').

Errado: O assunto de matemática é difícil.
Correto: A disciplina de matemática é difícil.

Another common error is the gender of the word. Since it ends in '-a', it is feminine, but some learners mistakenly treat it as masculine because of its association with 'o estudo' or 'o rigor'. Always use 'a disciplina'. Additionally, learners often confuse 'disciplina' with 'educação'. While related, 'educação' is broader (upbringing/education), whereas 'disciplina' is the specific adherence to rules or a specific subject.

Mistake 2: Pluralization in Academic Contexts: When referring to multiple subjects, you must use 'disciplinas'. Some learners use 'matérias' exclusively, which is fine for casual speech but sounds unprofessional in a university setting.

Tenho cinco disciplinas este semestre.

Confusion also arises with the word 'curso'. A 'curso' is the entire degree (e.g., 'Curso de Medicina'), while a 'disciplina' is just one class within that degree (e.g., 'Anatomia'). Saying 'Eu gosto deste curso' when you only mean one specific subject is a common semantic error.

A disciplina faz parte do curso de Engenharia.

Mistake 3: Overusing 'Castigo': Learners often use 'castigo' (punishment) when they mean 'disciplina' (the system of rules). Discipline is the framework; punishment is the consequence of breaking it.

A escola tem uma disciplina rígida, não apenas castigos.

Falta disciplina naquele grupo de jovens.

By being mindful of these distinctions—subject vs. topic, noun vs. verb, and discipline vs. punishment—you will sound much more like a native speaker and avoid confusing your listeners in academic or professional settings.

To truly understand disciplina, it helps to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Portuguese has several words that overlap with 'disciplina', each with its own specific flavor.

Matéria vs. Disciplina: 'Matéria' is the most common synonym in school contexts. However, 'matéria' can also mean 'matter' or 'material'. 'Disciplina' is more formal and specific to the curriculum.

Qual é a sua disciplina (ou matéria) preferida?

In the sense of behavioral control, 'disciplina' is often compared to 'ordem' (order) and 'rigor' (rigor). While 'ordem' refers to the state of things being organized, 'disciplina' refers to the human effort to keep them that way. 'Rigor' implies a strictness that is often a component of discipline but focuses more on the lack of flexibility.

Cadeira (Portugal): In Portugal, university students often use the word 'cadeira' (literally 'chair') to mean a subject or 'disciplina'. This is very common in European Portuguese.

Deixei uma cadeira (disciplina) para trás no semestre passado.

Other related words include 'regra' (rule) and 'norma' (norm). A 'disciplina' is often the result of following 'regras'. In a scientific context, 'disciplina' can be replaced by 'campo' (field) or 'área' (area), as in 'o campo da biologia'. However, 'disciplina' remains the most precise term for the structured teaching of that field.

A disciplina de física exige muito estudo.

Punição vs. Disciplina: 'Punição' is the act of punishing. 'Disciplina' is the broader concept of maintaining order, which may or may not include punição.

A disciplina positiva foca no aprendizado, não na punição.

Manter a disciplina é essencial para o sucesso.

Understanding these synonyms allows you to choose the right word for the right situation, whether you're talking to a classmate in Lisbon, a professor in São Paulo, or a personal trainer at the gym.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Noun-adjective agreement (feminine)

Preposition 'de' for subjects

Pluralization of nouns ending in -a

Use of 'ter' vs 'haver'

Contractions with 'de' (da, das)

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Exemples par niveau

A disciplina de artes é divertida.

The arts subject is fun.

Feminine noun agreement.

Eu gosto da disciplina de música.

I like the music subject.

Contraction 'da' (de + a).

Qual é a sua disciplina favorita?

What is your favorite subject?

Interrogative sentence.

A disciplina de história é na segunda.

The history subject is on Monday.

Preposition 'na' for days of the week.

Temos uma nova disciplina hoje.

We have a new subject today.

Indefinite article 'uma'.

A disciplina de inglês é fácil.

The English subject is easy.

Adjective agreement.

Onde está o livro da disciplina?

Where is the subject's book?

Genitive case with 'da'.

Ela estuda a disciplina de ciências.

She studies the science subject.

Present tense verb 'estuda'.

Ele tem muita disciplina nos estudos.

He has a lot of discipline in his studies.

Noun used for behavior.

A disciplina de matemática é difícil para mim.

The math subject is difficult for me.

Subject-verb agreement.

Precisamos de mais disciplina na sala.

We need more discipline in the room.

Preposition 'de' after 'precisar'.

Quais disciplinas você vai cursar?

Which subjects are you going to take?

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

A disciplina militar é muito rígida.

Military discipline is very strict.

Adjective 'rígida' agreeing with 'disciplina'.

Ela não tem disciplina para fazer dieta.

She doesn't have the discipline to diet.

Negative construction 'não tem'.

O professor de cada disciplina é diferente.

The teacher of each subject is different.

Use of 'cada' (each).

Manter a disciplina é importante no esporte.

Maintaining discipline is important in sports.

Infinitive as a subject.

A disciplina acadêmica exige rigor e dedicação.

Academic discipline requires rigor and dedication.

Formal vocabulary.

Ele foi punido por falta de disciplina.

He was punished for lack of discipline.

Passive voice 'foi punido'.

Esta disciplina é obrigatória para o curso.

This subject is mandatory for the course.

Adjective 'obrigatória'.

A disciplina tática do time foi excelente.

The team's tactical discipline was excellent.

Compound noun phrase.

Você deve escolher três disciplinas eletivas.

You must choose three elective subjects.

Modal verb 'deve'.

A autodisciplina é a chave para o sucesso.

Self-discipline is the key to success.

Prefix 'auto-'.

O regulamento impõe uma disciplina severa.

The regulation imposes severe discipline.

Verb 'impor'.

Ela leciona a disciplina de Direito Civil.

She teaches the Civil Law subject.

Formal verb 'lecionar'.

A interdisciplinaridade entre as disciplinas é vital.

Interdisciplinarity between subjects is vital.

Complex noun formation.

O conselho instaurou um processo disciplinar.

The board initiated a disciplinary process.

Legal terminology.

É difícil manter a disciplina em tempos de crise.

It is hard to maintain discipline in times of crisis.

Impersonal expression 'É difícil'.

A disciplina de semiótica é bastante complexa.

The semiotics subject is quite complex.

Adverb 'bastante' as an intensifier.

A falta de disciplina comprometeu o projeto.

The lack of discipline compromised the project.

Past tense 'comprometeu'.

Eles buscam uma disciplina mais humanizada.

They seek a more humanized discipline.

Comparative 'mais'.

A disciplina é fundamental para a coesão social.

Discipline is fundamental for social cohesion.

Abstract concept.

O atleta demonstrou uma disciplina exemplar.

The athlete demonstrated exemplary discipline.

Adjective 'exemplar'.

A disciplina intelectual requer um espírito crítico.

Intellectual discipline requires a critical spirit.

Advanced abstract phrasing.

O autor analisa a disciplina como forma de poder.

The author analyzes discipline as a form of power.

Analytical context.

Houve uma quebra na disciplina hierárquica.

There was a break in the hierarchical discipline.

Formal noun 'quebra'.

A disciplina de arqueologia exige trabalho de campo.

The archaeology subject requires fieldwork.

Specific academic field.

A rigidez da disciplina pode ser contraproducente.

The rigidity of discipline can be counterproductive.

Complex adjective 'contraproducente'.

A disciplina normativa orienta o comportamento ético.

Normative discipline guides ethical behavior.

Philosophical terminology.

Ela se destaca pela sua disciplina e método.

She stands out for her discipline and method.

Pronominal verb 'destacar-se'.

O currículo integra diversas disciplinas científicas.

The curriculum integrates various scientific disciplines.

Verb 'integrar'.

A disciplina ascética moldou o caráter do monge.

Ascetic discipline shaped the monk's character.

Highly specialized adjective.

Questiona-se a eficácia da disciplina punitiva.

The effectiveness of punitive discipline is questioned.

Passive 'se' construction.

A disciplina é o alicerce da virtude estoica.

Discipline is the foundation of Stoic virtue.

Metaphorical usage.

O domínio de uma disciplina exige anos de prática.

Mastery of a discipline requires years of practice.

Noun 'domínio'.

A disciplina epistemológica valida o conhecimento.

Epistemological discipline validates knowledge.

Technical academic term.

Submeter-se à disciplina da arte é libertador.

Submitting to the discipline of art is liberating.

Reflexive verb with preposition.

A disciplina férrea é um traço daquela cultura.

Iron discipline is a trait of that culture.

Idiomatic adjective 'férrea'.

A evolução das disciplinas reflete a história humana.

The evolution of disciplines reflects human history.

Broad philosophical statement.

Collocations courantes

manter a disciplina

disciplina rígida

disciplina escolar

disciplina acadêmica

falta de disciplina

disciplina militar

disciplina eletiva

disciplina obrigatória

ter disciplina

exigir disciplina

Phrases Courantes

Disciplina é liberdade

Grade de disciplinas

Conselho de disciplina

Medida disciplinar

Disciplina de ferro

Falta de disciplina

Com disciplina

Sem disciplina

Disciplina positiva

A disciplina de hoje

Souvent confondu avec

disciplina vs Assunto (Topic vs Subject)

disciplina vs Matéria (Casual vs Formal subject)

disciplina vs Castigo (System vs Punishment)

Expressions idiomatiques

"Disciplina de ferro (Iron discipline)"

"Puxar pela disciplina (To enforce discipline)"

"Andar na linha (To behave/follow discipline)"

"Botar ordem na casa (To bring discipline/order)"

"Seguir a cartilha (To follow the rules strictly)"

"Mão de ferro (Iron fist/strict discipline)"

"Entrar nos eixos (To become disciplined)"

"Fazer escola (To set a standard/discipline)"

"Dar o exemplo (To lead by example in discipline)"

"Baixar o nível (To lose discipline/decorum)"

Facile à confondre

disciplina vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

Subject

Always academic.

Behavior

Self-control or group rules.

Punishment

Can imply the system of punishment but not the act itself.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'o disciplina' (it's feminine).
Using 'disciplina' for a meeting topic (use 'assunto').
Confusing 'disciplina' with 'castigo' (punishment).
Using 'matéria' in a formal academic transcript.
Not agreeing adjectives (e.g., saying 'disciplina rígido').

Astuces

Gender Agreement

Always pair 'disciplina' with feminine adjectives. For example, 'disciplina rigorosa' (strict discipline).

Academic Formalism

Use 'disciplina' in your CV or when talking to university officials to sound more professional.

Portugal vs Brazil

In Portugal, don't be surprised if people call their university subjects 'cadeiras' instead of 'disciplinas'.

Verb Pairing

Pair 'disciplina' with 'ter' (to have) for personal qualities and 'cursar' (to take) for academic subjects.

The 'PLI' Sound

The stress is on the 'PLI'. Make sure to emphasize it: dis-si-PLI-na.

The Disciple Link

Remember that a disciple follows a discipline. This links the person to the concept.

Essay Tip

When writing about education, use 'interdisciplinaridade' to describe the connection between different 'disciplinas'.

Daily Life

Use 'falta de disciplina' to describe why you missed a workout or a study session.

Context Clues

If you hear 'professor de...', the next word is almost certainly a 'disciplina'.

Progression

Start by learning the names of common 'disciplinas' like Matemática, História, and Biologia.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

DISC-i-PLINA: A DISC (disciple) needs PLINA (plan) for their subject.

Origine du mot

Latin 'disciplina'

Contexte culturel

Commonly used in 'cursinhos' (pre-university prep schools).

Discipline in schools is a frequent topic of public debate.

University subjects are often called 'cadeiras'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Qual era a sua disciplina favorita na escola?"

"Você se considera uma pessoa com disciplina?"

"Como você mantém a disciplina nos seus estudos?"

"Você acha que a disciplina militar é necessária?"

"Quais disciplinas você vai escolher este ano?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escreva sobre uma disciplina que você achava difícil.

Como a disciplina ajudou você a alcançar um objetivo?

Descreva a rotina de alguém com muita disciplina.

O que significa disciplina para você?

Quais são as disciplinas mais importantes para o futuro?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, for a topic of a meeting, use 'assunto' or 'pauta'. 'Disciplina' is for a whole field of study like Math.

Yes, 'disciplina' is always a feminine noun. You say 'a disciplina' or 'uma disciplina'.

'Matéria' is more common in daily school talk, while 'disciplina' is more formal and used in official documents.

You can say 'autodisciplina', but often 'disciplina' alone is enough if the context is about personal habits.

It refers to the system of rules or the corrective training, but the specific act of punishment is usually 'castigo' or 'punição'.

Yes, it is one of the most important words in the military, referring to the strict following of orders.

You say 'Eu reprovei na disciplina' or 'Eu apanhei na disciplina' (common in Portugal).

Yes, it refers to the tactical adherence to a coach's plan or the athlete's training habits.

It is an elective subject that you choose to take, as opposed to a mandatory one.

Yes, it is a very high-frequency word in Portuguese across many areas of life.

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