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B1 adjective #7,500 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

dócil

Top 7,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces dócil en 30 secondes

Explication dócil in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of dócil as a word to describe a 'good' or 'quiet' animal. It is an adjective you might use when talking about your family dog or a pet you see in a park. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just remember that it describes someone or something that is not aggressive and listens well. For example, 'Meu cachorro é dócil' (My dog is docile/sweet). It is a helpful word for basic descriptions of personality. You will mostly use it with the verb 'ser' (to be) because being docile is usually seen as a permanent character trait of an animal or person. Remember that the word ends in 'l', so it stays the same for both boys and girls (masculine and feminine).

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At the A2 level, you should start using dócil to describe people and children, not just animals. You will also learn the plural form, which is dóceis. This is important because the plural doesn't just add an 's'. You can use it to talk about your students, your siblings, or a group of animals. At this level, you might also use it with 'estar' to describe a temporary state. For instance, 'Hoje o gato está dócil' (Today the cat is being docile/calm). This suggests that usually, the cat might be a bit wilder. It's a great word for expanding your descriptive vocabulary beyond simple words like 'bom' (good) or 'calmo' (calm).

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At the B1 level, you can use dócil in more varied contexts, such as describing a person's temperament or a social situation. You understand that 'dócil' implies a willingness to be led or taught. It is a key word for discussing education and training. For example, you might describe a 'aluno dócil' as someone who is receptive to learning. You should also be able to recognize the word in newspapers or magazines, where it might describe a peaceful protest or a compliant population. You are beginning to see the nuance: being 'dócil' isn't just about being nice; it's about being easy to manage. You can start pairing it with adverbs like 'extremamente' or 'surpreendentemente'.

At the B2 level, you should be aware of the potential negative connotations of dócil. While it is often a compliment, calling an adult 'dócil' can sometimes imply that they lack a backbone or are too easily influenced by others. You can use the word to discuss power dynamics in relationships or at work. For example, 'A gerência prefere funcionários dóceis' (Management prefers docile/compliant employees). You can also use it metaphorically, such as describing a 'clima dócil' (a mild or gentle climate). You should be comfortable using the word in formal writing and understanding its role in character development in literature.

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At the C1 level, you use dócil with precision and stylistic flair. You can distinguish it from synonyms like 'submisso', 'manso', or 'maleável' based on the specific context. You might use it in academic essays to discuss the 'corpos dóceis' (docile bodies) concept from philosophy (like Michel Foucault), which refers to how institutions train individuals to be productive and compliant. Your use of the word reflects an understanding of its Latin roots and its historical use in Portuguese literature. You can use it in complex sentence structures, such as 'Dócil por natureza, ele nunca contestou as ordens que recebia, mesmo as mais absurdas.'

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At the C2 level, dócil is a tool for subtle irony or profound characterization. You understand its deepest philosophical implications regarding the balance between agency and compliance. You can use it in high-level literary analysis or when writing professional critiques. You might explore the irony of a 'ditador dócil' (a docile dictator) in a satirical piece or use the word to describe the 'natureza dócil da matéria' (the docile nature of matter) in a scientific or philosophical treatise. Your mastery allows you to use the word's phonetic qualities to enhance the rhythm of your prose, knowing exactly when to choose 'dócil' over its synonyms to evoke a specific emotional response in the reader.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

dócil en 30 secondes

Dócil describes a gentle and submissive nature in people or animals.
It is a cognate of 'docile' and is used for easy-to-manage subjects.
The plural form is 'dóceis', and it is gender-neutral in the singular.
While usually positive, it can sometimes imply a lack of independence.

The Portuguese word dócil is a versatile adjective that describes a person, animal, or even a temperament that is easy to manage, teach, or influence. It is a direct cognate of the English word 'docile' and shares the same Latin root, docilis, which means 'teachable.' In everyday Portuguese, you will encounter this word most frequently when people are describing pets, children, or a person's general demeanor. If a dog doesn't bark at strangers and follows every command with a wagging tail, a Brazilian or Portuguese speaker would call it a animal dócil.

Personality Trait: When applied to people, it suggests a lack of aggression and a willingness to cooperate. However, depending on the context, it can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of being too submissive or lacking a strong will.

A criança é muito dócil e sempre ouve os conselhos dos pais.

In a professional setting, a 'dócil' employee is one who accepts feedback without resistance and adapts quickly to new company policies. In literature, authors use the word to create a contrast between a wild environment and a controlled, peaceful domestic space.

Animal Behavior: Used to describe horses, dogs, or livestock that are safe to be around and easy to train.

O cavalo mostrou-se surpreendentemente dócil durante a primeira cavalgada do menino.

Ela tem um temperamento dócil, o que facilita muito a convivência em grupo.

Aqueles cães são muito dóceis e adoram brincar com estranhos no parque.

Social Context: In social commentary, 'dócil' might describe a population that does not protest against government measures.

A massa tornou-se dócil perante as promessas do novo governante.

Understanding the nuance of 'dócil' requires recognizing that it is not just about 'being good,' but specifically about 'being manageable.' A child can be 'bom' (good) but not 'dócil' (if they are stubborn but ethical). Conversely, a child can be 'dócil' (easy to manage) but perhaps not 'bom' in other moral dimensions.

Using dócil correctly involves placing it after the noun it modifies, which is the standard position for adjectives in Portuguese. Because it ends in 'l', it does not change based on gender; 'o menino dócil' and 'a menina dócil' are both correct. However, it must agree in number with the noun. The plural of 'dócil' is 'dóceis'.

Agreement: Singular: dócil. Plural: dóceis. Works for both masculine and feminine nouns.

Os alunos eram dóceis e seguiam todas as instruções da professora sem reclamar.

You can use 'dócil' with the verbs 'ser' (to be permanently) and 'estar' (to be temporarily). If you say 'Ele é dócil,' you are describing his personality. If you say 'Ele está dócil hoje,' you imply that he is usually more difficult but is being easy-going today.

Verbal Usage: Ser dócil = Essential quality. Estar dócil = Current state or mood.

Apesar de ser um animal selvagem, o leão parecia dócil após a refeição.

Ela nunca foi uma pessoa dócil; sempre gostou de questionar a autoridade.

Sua natureza dócil permitiu que ele se adaptasse facilmente a novas culturas.

Intensifiers: Use 'extremamente', 'muito', or 'bastante' to modify the degree of docility.

O paciente estava extremamente dócil após receber a medicação.

When writing complex sentences, 'dócil' can be used in apposition to describe a character's reaction to a specific event. For instance, 'Dócil, o prisioneiro aceitou as correntes.' This adds a literary flair to your Portuguese. It is also common in educational contexts where teachers describe the 'perfil dócil' of a student body that is eager to learn and respects the classroom rules. In summary, whether you are talking about a kitten or a quiet student, 'dócil' is your go-to word for 'easy to handle'.

You will hear dócil in various contexts, ranging from the domestic to the technical. In a household setting, it is the most common word used by veterinarians and pet owners to describe the temperament of an animal. If you are looking to adopt a dog in Brazil or Portugal, you might ask: 'Esse cachorro é dócil?' (Is this dog docile/friendly?).

Veterinary & Pets: It is the standard term used in animal adoption ads and veterinary reports to indicate that an animal is not aggressive.

Procura-se um lar para um gato muito dócil e carinhoso.

In educational environments, teachers use 'dócil' during parent-teacher conferences. A teacher might say, 'Seu filho é muito dócil em sala de aula,' which is high praise meaning the child is well-behaved and receptive to teaching.

Education: Refers to a student's willingness to follow instructions and participate peacefully in activities.

A turma deste ano é muito mais dócil do que a do ano passado.

In literature and cinema, 'dócil' often describes characters who undergo a transformation from being rebellious to being broken or tamed. It's a word that carries weight in psychological thrillers or historical dramas where power dynamics are central.

O vilão fingia ser dócil para ganhar a confiança da protagonista.

Psychology: Describes a state of compliance, sometimes associated with the 'dócil' effects of certain medications or hypnotic states.

Sob o efeito do hipnotismo, o sujeito tornou-se totalmente dócil.

You might also hear this word in agriculture or equestrian sports. A breeder will boast about a 'linhagem dócil' (docile lineage) of horses or cattle, meaning they are easier to handle and less prone to causing accidents. In summary, 'dócil' is a word that bridges the gap between 'sweet/gentle' and 'submissive/obedient,' and its meaning shifts slightly depending on whether you're at the vet, in school, or reading a novel.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with dócil is mispronunciation. In English, 'docile' often has a long 'o' or a soft 'i'. In Portuguese, the 'o' is open (like 'aw' in 'law') and stressed because of the acute accent: DÓ-cil. Another common error is forgetting the plural form 'dóceis'. Many learners try to say 'dócils', which is incorrect in Portuguese grammar for words ending in '-il'.

Pluralization Error: Incorrect: Os cães são dócils. Correct: Os cães são dóceis.

Muitos alunos esquecem que o plural de dócil é dóceis.

A subtle mistake is using 'dócil' when you actually mean 'gentil' (kind/gentle). While they can overlap, 'dócil' implies a power dynamic where one person is leading and the other is following. If you want to say someone is just a nice person, 'gentil' or 'simpático' is better. Using 'dócil' might make them sound a bit too passive.

Semantic Nuance: 'Dócil' = Easy to control/teach. 'Gentil' = Kind/polite. They are not interchangeable in all contexts.

Dizer que um amigo é dócil pode soar como se ele não tivesse opinião própria.

Esta sobremesa está muito doce (NOT dócil).

Gender Neutrality: Learners often try to create a feminine version 'dócila'. This does not exist. 'Dócil' is the same for men and women.

Ela é uma menina dócil, e ele é um menino dócil.

Finally, be careful with the accentuation. Without the accent on the 'ó', it might be confused with other words or simply be unpronounceable to a native speaker. Always write 'dócil' with the acute accent. Practicing the difference between 'dócil' and 'rebelde' (rebellious) can help solidify the meaning in your mind.

To enrich your Portuguese vocabulary, it's important to know the alternatives to dócil and how they differ. While 'dócil' is the most direct translation for 'docile', other words might be more appropriate depending on whether you are talking about an animal's behavior, a person's kindness, or a student's obedience.

Manso vs. Dócil: 'Manso' is primarily used for animals to mean 'tame' or 'gentle'. While 'dócil' implies teachability, 'manso' implies a lack of wildness or aggression.

O touro parecia bravo, mas na verdade era muito manso.

Suave vs. Dócil: 'Suave' means 'soft' or 'smooth'. It can describe a person's voice or touch, whereas 'dócil' describes their behavior under authority.

Ele tem um jeito suave de falar, mas não é necessariamente dócil.

Submisso vs. Dócil: 'Submisso' is much stronger and often negative, implying a lack of self-respect or total surrender to another's will.

Ela não queria ser apenas dócil; ela sentia-se submissa naquela relação.

A mente das crianças é extremamente maleável e dócil a novos conceitos.

Tratável vs. Dócil: 'Tratável' means 'manageable' or 'easy to deal with'. It's often used in medical or professional contexts.

O problema tornou-se mais tratável com a ajuda de um especialista.

Choosing between these words allows you to express different levels of compliance and temperament. If you want to sound more sophisticated, 'dócil' is an excellent choice as it sounds slightly more elevated than 'bonzinho' or 'manso'.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word originally referred to how easy it was to teach someone, rather than just how 'nice' they were.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈdɒsaɪl/

US /ˈdɑːsl/

The stress is on the first syllable 'DÓ'.

Rime avec

fóssil fácil (partial) difícil (partial) grácil hábil (partial) móvel (partial) útil (partial) estéril (partial)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it like the English word 'docile'.
Stressing the last syllable (do-CIL).
Forgetting the open 'O' sound.
Mispronouncing the plural 'dóceis' as 'dócils'.
Confusing the 'ó' sound with 'ô'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize as a cognate of 'docile'.

Écriture 3/5

Must remember the accent and the irregular plural 'dóceis'.

Expression orale 3/5

Requires correct placement of stress on 'DÓ'.

Écoute 2/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to catch.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

bom calmo animal criança ser

Apprends ensuite

manso rebelde obediente temperamento docilidade

Avancé

maleável submisso complacente intratável indócil

Grammaire à connaître

Adjectives ending in -il (stressed penult) change to -eis in plural.

Dócil -> Dóceis; Fóssil -> Fósseis.

Adjectives usually follow the noun in Portuguese.

Um cão dócil.

Gender neutrality for adjectives ending in -l.

O homem dócil / A mulher dócil.

Use of 'ser' for permanent traits and 'estar' for temporary states.

Ele é dócil (personality) vs Ele está dócil (current mood).

Acute accent usage on the stressed syllable of paroxytone words ending in -l.

Dócil, Fácil, Útil.

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Exemples par niveau

O meu cão é muito dócil.

My dog is very docile.

Adjective follows the noun.

A gata é dócil e carinhosa.

The cat is docile and affectionate.

'Dócil' is the same for masculine and feminine.

Ele é um menino dócil.

He is a docile boy.

Simple adjective usage.

O cavalo é dócil.

The horse is docile.

Predicate adjective after 'é'.

Você tem um animal dócil?

Do you have a docile animal?

Interrogative sentence.

O coelho é dócil.

The rabbit is docile.

Subject + verb + adjective.

Ela é dócil.

She is docile.

Pronoun subject.

O passarinho é dócil.

The little bird is docile.

Diminutive noun.

Os cachorros são muito dóceis.

The dogs are very docile.

Plural form 'dóceis'.

As crianças são dóceis nesta escola.

The children are docile in this school.

Plural agreement.

O gato não está dócil hoje.

The cat is not being docile today.

Use of 'estar' for temporary state.

Eles parecem animais dóceis.

They seem like docile animals.

Verb 'parecer' + adjective.

Procuro um cão dócil para adotar.

I am looking for a docile dog to adopt.

Adjective in a search context.

Sua voz é dócil e calma.

Your voice is docile and calm.

Describing abstract qualities.

Aqueles cavalos são dóceis.

Those horses are docile.

Demonstrative pronoun 'aqueles'.

Ela sempre foi uma aluna dócil.

She has always been a docile student.

Compound past tense.

O temperamento dócil do cavalo ajudou o iniciante.

The horse's docile temperament helped the beginner.

Noun phrase with adjective.

É importante ter um espírito dócil para aprender.

It is important to have a docile spirit to learn.

Impersonal 'É importante'.

O povo mostrou-se dócil perante as novas leis.

The people proved to be docile towards the new laws.

Reflexive verb 'mostrar-se'.

Ela tem uma natureza dócil, raramente briga.

She has a docile nature; she rarely fights.

Describing personality.

O paciente estava dócil após a cirurgia.

The patient was docile after the surgery.

Context of recovery.

Queremos uma equipe dócil e colaborativa.

We want a docile and collaborative team.

Professional context.

O cão tornou-se dócil com o treinamento.

The dog became docile with training.

Verb 'tornar-se' (to become).

Apesar do tamanho, o elefante é dócil.

Despite its size, the elephant is docile.

Concession clause 'Apesar de'.

O líder político preferia uma oposição dócil.

The political leader preferred a docile opposition.

Political context.

Sua atitude dócil foi interpretada como fraqueza.

Her docile attitude was interpreted as weakness.

Passive voice.

O mercado reagiu de forma dócil às mudanças.

The market reacted in a docile manner to the changes.

Metaphorical usage.

Eles são dóceis demais para enfrentar o desafio.

They are too docile to face the challenge.

Adverb 'demais' (too much).

A educação transformou o jovem rebelde em um homem dócil.

Education transformed the rebellious youth into a docile man.

Contrast between 'rebelde' and 'dócil'.

O animal, outrora selvagem, agora é dócil.

The animal, once wild, is now docile.

Adverb 'outrora' (formerly).

Ela aceitou a crítica de maneira dócil.

She accepted the criticism in a docile manner.

Adverbial phrase 'de maneira'.

O regime exigia cidadãos dóceis e obedientes.

The regime demanded docile and obedient citizens.

Sociological context.

A filosofia de Foucault discute a criação de corpos dóceis.

Foucault's philosophy discusses the creation of docile bodies.

Academic reference.

Sua docilidade era apenas uma máscara para sua ambição.

His docility was just a mask for his ambition.

Noun form 'docilidade'.

O texto literário descreve uma heroína dócil e resiliente.

The literary text describes a docile and resilient heroine.

Literary analysis.

A massa dócil é facilmente manobrada pelo populismo.

The docile mass is easily maneuvered by populism.

Sociopolitical critique.

A natureza dócil da paisagem convidava à meditação.

The docile nature of the landscape invited meditation.

Poetic usage.

Ele possuía um intelecto dócil às novas ideias científicas.

He possessed an intellect docile to new scientific ideas.

Intellectual context.

A submissão dócil nem sempre é uma virtude.

Docile submission is not always a virtue.

Abstract noun phrase.

O autor utiliza o adjetivo 'dócil' para ironizar a passividade.

The author uses the adjective 'docile' to ironize passivity.

Stylistic analysis.

O crepúsculo dócil descia sobre a metrópole exausta.

The docile twilight descended upon the exhausted metropolis.

Personification.

Sua alma, dócil ao destino, aceitou o fado sem lamentos.

His soul, docile to destiny, accepted fate without laments.

Philosophical/Poetic tone.

A maleabilidade dócil do ouro permite criações incríveis.

The docile malleability of gold allows for incredible creations.

Technical/Metaphorical.

Havia uma quietude dócil no olhar do velho sábio.

There was a docile stillness in the old sage's gaze.

Character nuance.

O discurso era dócil nos termos, mas férreo na intenção.

The speech was docile in terms, but iron in intent.

Rhetorical contrast.

A sinfonia termina com um movimento dócil e melancólico.

The symphony ends with a docile and melancholic movement.

Musical description.

O tempo, esse senhor dócil e impiedoso, tudo transforma.

Time, that docile and merciless master, transforms everything.

Metaphysical usage.

A dócil aceitação da realidade é o primeiro passo para a paz.

The docile acceptance of reality is the first step to peace.

Spiritual context.

Collocations courantes

animal dócil

criança dócil

temperamento dócil

natureza dócil

espírito dócil

comportamento dócil

olhar dócil

aluno dócil

voz dócil

população dócil

Phrases Courantes

Dócil como um cordeiro

— Extremely submissive and gentle.

Depois da bronca, ele ficou dócil como um cordeiro.

Mostrar-se dócil

— To act or appear docile in a specific situation.

Ele mostrou-se dócil durante a entrevista.

Tornar-se dócil

— To become docile over time or due to an event.

Com o tempo, o cavalo tornou-se dócil.

Extremamente dócil

— Very docile; used for emphasis.

O cachorro da vizinha é extremamente dócil.

Nada dócil

— Not docile at all; rebellious or aggressive.

Aquele gato não é nada dócil.

Sempre dócil

— Consistently gentle and easy to manage.

Ela foi sempre dócil com os avós.

Parecer dócil

— To have the appearance of being docile.

Não se engane, ele só parece dócil.

Permanecer dócil

— To stay docile despite circumstances.

Ele permaneceu dócil mesmo sob pressão.

Dócil ao toque

— Gentle when touched; often used for materials or animals.

O tecido é dócil ao toque.

Dócil à vontade de

— Submissive to someone else's will.

Ele era dócil à vontade da esposa.

Souvent confondu avec

dócil vs doce

Doce means 'sweet' (taste or personality). Dócil means 'easy to manage'.

dócil vs manso

Manso is often used for animals specifically, while dócil is more versatile.

dócil vs fóssil

They rhyme and have similar endings, but mean completely different things (fossil vs docile).

Expressions idiomatiques

"Comer na mão de alguém"

— To be so docile that one does whatever another person wants.

Ele está comendo na mão dela.

Informal

"Baixar a crista"

— To become docile after being arrogant or rebellious.

Depois da derrota, ele baixou a crista.

Informal

"Ser um pão"

— To be very good/sweet (can imply docility).

Aquele menino é um pão.

Informal (Brazil)

"Ficar pianinho"

— To become quiet and docile, usually out of fear.

O aluno ficou pianinho quando o diretor chegou.

Informal (Brazil)

"Pôr um freio"

— To make someone more docile or controlled.

Precisamos pôr um freio naquele jovem.

Neutral

"Seguir como uma ovelha"

— To follow blindly and docilely.

Eles seguem o líder como ovelhas.

Neutral

"Ser pau para toda obra"

— To be useful and willing (docile in a helpful way).

Ele é dócil e pau para toda obra.

Informal

"Dobrar o joelho"

— To submit or become docile before power.

Eles dobraram o joelho perante o rei.

Literary

"Amansar a fera"

— To make someone aggressive become docile.

Ela conseguiu amansar a fera.

Informal

"Fazer de alguém gato e sapato"

— To treat someone who is too docile poorly.

Ela faz dele gato e sapato.

Informal

Facile à confondre

dócil vs Doce

Similar spelling and sound.

Doce refers to sweetness or kindness; dócil refers to obedience or ease of handling.

Este bolo é doce, mas o cachorro é dócil.

dócil vs Manso

Synonyms in animal contexts.

Manso implies a lack of wildness; dócil implies being teachable or submissive.

O cavalo manso não corre; o cavalo dócil obedece.

dócil vs Obediente

Overlapping meanings.

Obediente is an action (following rules); dócil is a character trait (being easy to lead).

Ele é obediente porque tem medo, mas não é dócil.

dócil vs Gentil

Both are positive traits.

Gentil means kind/polite; dócil means submissive/manageable.

O médico é gentil, mas o paciente não está dócil.

dócil vs Submisso

Similar power dynamic.

Submisso is often negative and extreme; dócil is usually neutral or positive.

Ela é dócil, mas nunca submissa.

Structures de phrases

[Subject] é dócil.

O gato é dócil.

[Subject] são dóceis.

Os cães são dóceis.

Um [Noun] muito dócil.

Um cavalo muito dócil.

Estar dócil com [Person].

Ele está dócil com os pais.

Apesar de [Adjective], é dócil.

Apesar de grande, é dócil.

Tornar-se dócil após [Event].

Tornou-se dócil após o treino.

[Noun] de natureza dócil.

Um jovem de natureza dócil.

[Adjective], o [Subject] [Verb]...

Dócil, o animal aceitou o fardo.

Famille de mots

Noms

docilidade (docility)

Verbes

adocicar (to sweeten - related root)

amansar (to tame - synonym verb)

Adjectifs

dócil

indócil (rebellious)

Apparenté

doce

docente

doutrina

documento

educar

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in domestic and veterinary contexts; Moderate in general conversation.

Erreurs courantes

Os cães são dócils. → Os cães são dóceis.
The plural of words ending in -il (paroxytones) is -eis.
Ela é uma menina dócila. → Ela é uma menina dócil.
Dócil is an adjective of one termination (same for masc/fem).
A comida está dócil. → A comida está doce.
Dócil refers to behavior, doce refers to taste.
Pronouncing it 'do-CIL'. → Pronounce it 'DÓ-cil'.
The accent on the 'ó' marks the stressed syllable.
Using 'dócil' for 'gentle' in all cases. → Use 'gentil' for polite/kind people.
Dócil specifically implies being easy to lead or manage.

Astuces

Plural Rule

Always remember that words ending in -il with stress on the second-to-last syllable change to -eis. Dócil -> Dóceis.

Open O

The accent on the 'ó' means it's an open sound. Don't close your lips too much when saying it.

Pet Context

When adopting a pet, 'dócil' is the most important word to look for in the description.

Cognate Power

Use your English knowledge! Docile = Dócil. The meaning is almost identical.

Avoid Submisso

If you want to be nice, use 'dócil'. If you want to be critical of someone's lack of will, use 'submisso'.

Accent Matters

In Portuguese, the accent changes everything. Without it, the word is misspelled and hard to read.

Children

Telling a parent their child is 'dócil' is a very common and safe compliment.

Dócil vs Rebelde

Learn these two together as a pair of opposites to help remember both.

Literary Flair

Using 'dócil' to describe a landscape or a feeling adds a sophisticated touch to your writing.

Context Clues

If you hear 'cachorro' and a word starting with 'DÓ', it's almost certainly 'dócil'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Doc' (Doctor) teaching a student. A 'DÓ-cil' student is easy for the 'Doc' to teach.

Association visuelle

Imagine a giant, powerful lion sitting quietly while a small child brushes its mane. That is a 'dócil' lion.

Word Web

animal criança manso obediente ensinar calmo suave submisso

Défi

Try to describe three different animals using the word 'dócil' or 'dóceis' in a conversation today.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'docilis', derived from the verb 'docere' (to teach).

Sens originel : Teachable, easy to be taught.

Romance (Latin root).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when calling a grown man 'dócil' in Brazil; it might be taken as an insult to his masculinity or strength.

English speakers might find 'dócil' more formal than 'gentle', but in Portuguese, it's quite common for pets.

Michel Foucault's 'Vigiar e Punir' (Discipline and Punish) mentions 'corpos dóceis'. Commonly used in Brazilian 'telenovelas' to describe a submissive character. Found in classic Portuguese poetry (e.g., Fernando Pessoa) to describe nature.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Pet Adoption

Ele é dócil com crianças?
É um animal dócil.
Procuramos um gato dócil.
Ele não é dócil.

School/Education

Um aluno dócil.
Ela é muito dócil em sala.
Comportamento dócil.
Turma dócil.

Horse Riding

Este cavalo é dócil.
Uma montaria dócil.
O animal está dócil hoje.
Treinamento dócil.

Psychology

Temperamento dócil.
Personalidade dócil.
Estado dócil.
Mente dócil.

Social/Political

População dócil.
Massa dócil.
Oposição dócil.
Cidadãos dóceis.

Amorces de conversation

"Você prefere um cachorro bravo ou um cachorro dócil?"

"Você era uma criança dócil quando era pequeno?"

"Como podemos tornar um cavalo mais dócil?"

"Você acha que ser dócil é sempre uma qualidade positiva?"

"Qual é o animal mais dócil que você já conheceu?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descreva um momento em que você teve que ser dócil para evitar um conflito.

Escreva sobre o seu animal de estimação ideal. Ele seria dócil?

Reflita sobre a diferença entre ser dócil e ser submisso na sua cultura.

Como a educação pode transformar uma pessoa rebelde em alguém dócil?

Descreva uma cena em um parque com vários animais dóceis.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, dócil is a uniform adjective. You say 'o menino dócil' and 'a menina dócil'.

The plural is 'dóceis'. Remember to keep the accent on the 'o'.

No. For food, use 'doce' (sweet) or 'suave' (mild flavor). 'Dócil' is only for behavior.

Usually yes, especially for children and pets. For adults, it depends on whether you want to imply they are easy-going or too submissive.

It is an open 'O', like in the English word 'door' or 'hot' (depending on accent), but always stressed.

They are very similar, but 'manso' is more common for farm animals, while 'dócil' is more common for pets and people.

Rarely, but it can be used metaphorically for things that are easy to manipulate, like 'ouro dócil' (malleable gold).

The most direct opposite is 'indócil'. Other opposites include 'rebelde' and 'bravo'.

Yes, it is used and understood in all Portuguese-speaking countries.

Yes, it is a standard B1-level word that every learner should know.

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