At the A1 level, learners encounter the word 'dólar' primarily as a basic vocabulary item related to money, shopping, and international travel. The focus is on simple recognition and usage in straightforward sentences. A beginner will learn that 'dólar' means the US currency and will practice using it with basic numbers to express prices. For example, learning to say 'Custa um dólar' (It costs one dollar) or 'Dez dólares' (Ten dollars). The grammar at this stage involves understanding that 'dólar' is a masculine noun ('o dólar') and learning its regular plural form ('dólares'). Vocabulary exercises often pair 'dólar' with common verbs like 'ter' (to have), 'querer' (to want), and 'pagar' (to pay). Learners might practice simple dialogues set in a store or a restaurant, asking 'Quanto custa?' (How much does it cost?) and receiving an answer in dollars. The cultural context introduced at this level is minimal, mostly establishing that the dollar is a widely recognized currency used internationally and often accepted in tourist areas in Portuguese-speaking countries. The primary goal is functional communication: being able to recognize the word when spoken or written on a price tag, and being able to produce it when asking about costs or stating how much money one has. Pronunciation practice focuses on the stress on the first syllable and the open 'o' sound, ensuring the learner is understood by native speakers. Overall, the A1 learner treats 'dólar' as a concrete noun essential for basic transactional survival in a foreign language environment.
At the A2 level, the usage of 'dólar' expands beyond simple prices into the realm of travel logistics and basic financial transactions. Learners at this stage are expected to handle more complex scenarios, such as going to a currency exchange office ('casa de câmbio'). They learn phrases necessary for exchanging money, such as 'Eu quero trocar reais por dólares' (I want to exchange reais for dollars) or 'Qual é a cotação do dólar hoje?' (What is the dollar exchange rate today?). The vocabulary surrounding the word broadens to include terms like 'câmbio' (exchange), 'taxa' (rate), 'comprar' (to buy), and 'vender' (to sell). Grammar integration involves using prepositions correctly, such as 'pagar em dólar' (to pay in dollars). Learners also start to encounter the word in simple news headlines or informational texts about travel. They begin to understand the difference between a 'nota' (bill) and a 'moeda' (coin) in the context of dollars. Cultural awareness deepens slightly as learners realize that the exchange rate fluctuates and that this fluctuation is a common topic of conversation. They might practice reading short texts about planning a trip to the US and calculating a budget. The A2 learner can express basic needs and ask for information regarding the dollar, making them more independent when traveling or dealing with basic international purchases online. The focus remains on practical, everyday situations, but with a wider range of vocabulary and slightly more complex sentence structures than at the A1 level.
At the B1 level, the concept of 'dólar' transitions from purely transactional travel vocabulary to a topic of general interest and basic economic discussion. Learners are now capable of understanding the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters, which includes following simple news reports about the economy. They will frequently hear and read about the 'alta do dólar' (rise of the dollar) or 'queda do dólar' (fall of the dollar) and begin to understand how these fluctuations affect everyday life in Portuguese-speaking countries, such as the price of imported goods or fuel. Vocabulary expands to include terms like 'inflação' (inflation), 'importação' (import), 'exportação' (export), and 'mercado financeiro' (financial market). Learners can participate in conversations expressing opinions about the exchange rate, using phrases like 'Acho que o dólar vai subir' (I think the dollar will go up) or 'O dólar está muito caro para viajar' (The dollar is too expensive to travel). Grammar practice involves using future and past tenses to discuss currency trends (e.g., 'O dólar subiu ontem', 'O dólar cairá amanhã'). They can write simple, connected texts on topics related to money and travel, explaining their plans or recounting experiences dealing with currency exchange. At this intermediate stage, the cultural significance of the dollar in countries like Brazil—where it serves as an informal benchmark for economic stability—becomes apparent. The B1 learner uses 'dólar' not just to buy things, but to engage in everyday social discourse about the state of the world and personal finances.
At the B2 level, learners achieve a degree of fluency and spontaneity that allows them to discuss the 'dólar' in more abstract and complex economic contexts. They can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. In the context of the dollar, this means reading and comprehending financial news articles, opinion pieces, and reports on international trade. They are introduced to specific terminology such as 'dólar comercial' (commercial dollar), 'dólar turismo' (tourist dollar), 'balança comercial' (trade balance), and 'política monetária' (monetary policy). A B2 learner can explain the causes and consequences of currency fluctuations, using appropriate connectors and complex sentence structures. For example, they can articulate how a high dollar benefits exporters but harms importers and increases domestic inflation. They can actively participate in debates or business meetings, defending a viewpoint on financial strategies involving foreign currency. The vocabulary becomes more nuanced, utilizing words like 'investimento' (investment), 'rentabilidade' (profitability), and 'volatilidade' (volatility). Cultural understanding is sophisticated; the learner grasps the historical context of hyperinflation in Latin America and why the dollar is viewed as a safe-haven asset. They can write detailed essays or reports analyzing the impact of the US dollar on the local economy. At this upper-intermediate level, 'dólar' is a key vocabulary word for professional, academic, and advanced social interactions.
At the C1 level, the learner's command of the word 'dólar' and its associated concepts is highly advanced, allowing for nuanced, academic, and professional discourse. They can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. When discussing the dollar, a C1 learner can delve into macroeconomic theory, geopolitical influences, and global financial systems. They are comfortable reading extensive analyses in financial journals like 'Valor Econômico' or listening to expert interviews on economic podcasts without strain. Vocabulary includes highly specialized terms such as 'hegemonia do dólar' (dollar hegemony), 'dolarização da economia' (dollarization of the economy), 'reservas cambiais' (foreign exchange reserves), and 'fuga de capitais' (capital flight). They can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions, debating the long-term viability of the dollar as the world's reserve currency or analyzing the impact of US Federal Reserve interest rate decisions on emerging markets like Brazil. The grammar used is complex, employing subjunctive moods to discuss hypothetical economic scenarios or passive voice for formal reporting. A C1 learner can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex financial subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices. They understand idiomatic and regional uses of financial jargon and can adapt their register seamlessly between a casual conversation about the cost of living and a formal presentation to a board of directors regarding currency risk management.
At the C2 level, the learner possesses a near-native mastery of the language, and their use of the word 'dólar' reflects a profound understanding of its linguistic, cultural, and economic dimensions. They can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. A C2 learner can engage in highly sophisticated, academic discourse regarding the historical evolution of fiat currency, the Bretton Woods system, and the socio-political ramifications of the dollar's dominance. They can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation about global monetary policy. The vocabulary is exhaustive, encompassing obscure financial terminology, historical slang, and nuanced rhetorical devices used in economic literature. They can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently, and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations. For instance, they can critique an academic paper on the 'Triffin dilemma' or debate the potential rise of digital currencies as alternatives to the dollar, using flawless Portuguese syntax and sophisticated vocabulary. At this mastery level, the learner understands the subtle cultural anxieties and aspirations tied to the dollar in the collective psyche of Portuguese-speaking nations, recognizing references in literature, political speeches, and historical texts. The word 'dólar' is wielded not just as a noun, but as a complex symbol of globalization, power dynamics, and economic history, fully integrated into the learner's expansive linguistic repertoire.

dólar en 30 secondes

  • The official currency of the United States, symbolized as US$.
  • A masculine noun in Portuguese ('o dólar', plural 'dólares').
  • Crucial for international travel, trade, and economic news in Portuguese-speaking countries.
  • Its exchange rate heavily impacts local inflation and the cost of imported goods.

The word dólar refers primarily to the official currency of the United States of America, known as the United States dollar, but it is also used to designate the currencies of various other countries, such as the Australian dollar, the Canadian dollar, and the New Zealand dollar. In Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Brazil, the term is used daily in news, financial markets, and everyday conversations due to the profound impact of the US dollar on the local economy, inflation rates, and international trade. Understanding the concept of the dollar is crucial for anyone engaging with the Portuguese language in a business, travel, or economic context. The exchange rate between the local currency (like the Brazilian Real or the Euro in Portugal) and the dollar dictates the cost of imported goods, travel expenses, and overall economic stability. Therefore, the word carries significant weight beyond its simple definition as a piece of paper or a coin; it represents global economic power, international commerce, and financial security. When you hear someone in Brazil say that the dollar is high (o dólar está alto), it generally means that the local currency has depreciated, making imports more expensive and potentially driving up inflation. Conversely, a low dollar (dólar baixo) can make international travel and imported products more accessible to the general population. This dynamic makes the word an essential part of the daily vocabulary for millions of people.

Dólar Comercial
The commercial exchange rate used for import and export transactions, as well as large financial transfers between companies and the government. It is typically lower than the tourist rate.
Dólar Turismo
The exchange rate applied to individuals buying foreign currency for travel abroad or purchasing items on international websites. It includes additional taxes and operational costs, making it more expensive.
Dólar Paralelo
An unofficial or black market exchange rate, historically significant in countries with strict currency controls, though less common in modern, stabilized economies.

Hoje, o dólar comercial fechou em queda após as declarações do banco central.

Preciso comprar dólar turismo para a minha viagem à Disney no mês que vem.

O preço do barril de petróleo é sempre negociado em dólares no mercado internacional.

Muitos investidores preferem manter parte do seu patrimônio em dólar para proteção.

A cotação do dólar afeta diretamente o preço do pão, pois o trigo é importado.

Furthermore, the historical context of the dollar in Latin America cannot be understated. During periods of hyperinflation in the 1980s and 1990s, the dollar served as a safe haven for citizens trying to preserve their purchasing power. This historical trauma has left a lasting legacy, making the daily tracking of the dollar's value a cultural habit. Even today, news broadcasts prominently feature the daily closing price of the dollar alongside local stock market indices. The word is deeply embedded in the financial literacy of the average citizen. In addition to the US dollar, Portuguese speakers also refer to other currencies using this term, always specifying the country of origin, such as 'dólar canadense' (Canadian dollar) or 'dólar australiano' (Australian dollar). However, when used without any qualifier, 'dólar' universally refers to the United States currency. Understanding these nuances is vital for achieving fluency and cultural competence in Portuguese.

Using the word dólar correctly in Portuguese involves understanding its grammatical properties, common collocations, and the specific contexts in which it appears. Grammatically, 'dólar' is a masculine noun. Therefore, it must be preceded by masculine articles, such as 'o' (the) or 'um' (a/one). For example, you would say 'o dólar' (the dollar) or 'um dólar' (one dollar). The plural form is 'dólares', which follows the standard Portuguese rule for nouns ending in 'r', where you add 'es' to form the plural. Thus, 'dois dólares' (two dollars), 'cem dólares' (one hundred dollars), and 'milhares de dólares' (thousands of dollars) are the correct forms. It is a common mistake for English speakers to simply add an 's' to make 'dólars', which is incorrect and sounds unnatural to native speakers. When discussing prices or values, the word 'dólar' is typically placed after the number when spoken, even though the symbol (US$) is written before the number. For instance, 'US$ 100' is read aloud as 'cem dólares'. In terms of verbs, 'dólar' is frequently paired with verbs related to financial transactions and market movements. Common verbs include 'comprar' (to buy), 'vender' (to sell), 'trocar' (to exchange), 'investir' (to invest), 'subir' (to rise), 'cair' (to fall), and 'fechar' (to close, referring to market closing prices).

Comprar Dólar
The act of purchasing US dollars, usually in preparation for international travel or as a financial investment to hedge against local currency depreciation.
Cotação do Dólar
The exchange rate of the dollar against the local currency. This phrase is used constantly in news reports and financial discussions.
Conta em Dólar
A bank account denominated in US dollars, which is becoming increasingly popular for freelancers and investors in Portuguese-speaking countries.

O dólar subiu dois por cento na sessão de hoje devido a incertezas globais.

Vou à casa de câmbio para trocar meus reais por dólares.

Ele recebe o salário dele em dólar, o que é uma grande vantagem atualmente.

A dívida da empresa está atrelada ao dólar, aumentando o risco financeiro.

Quantos dólares você acha que precisaremos para a viagem de uma semana?

Prepositions also play a key role in how 'dólar' is used in sentences. The preposition 'em' (in) is used to indicate the currency of a transaction, as in 'pagar em dólar' (to pay in dollars) or 'avaliado em dólares' (valued in dollars). The preposition 'para' (to/for) is used when discussing exchange rates, such as 'a taxa de conversão de real para dólar' (the conversion rate from real to dollar). Additionally, when discussing the impact of the dollar on the economy, you will often hear phrases like 'alta do dólar' (rise of the dollar) and 'queda do dólar' (fall of the dollar). Understanding these syntactic structures is essential for reading financial news or participating in business meetings in Portuguese. The usage of 'dólar' extends beyond formal economics into everyday slang and expressions. While not as common as in English, some people might use terms like 'verdinhas' (little green ones) to refer to dollar bills informally. Mastering the use of 'dólar' will significantly enhance your ability to navigate both professional and casual environments in Portuguese-speaking regions, allowing you to communicate effectively about money, travel, and global events.

The word dólar is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking societies, and you will encounter it in a wide variety of contexts, ranging from formal financial broadcasts to casual conversations among friends planning a vacation. One of the most common places you will hear this word is on television and radio news programs. In Brazil, for example, almost every major news bulletin includes a segment on the economy, where the daily closing price of the dollar is reported alongside the performance of the Ibovespa (the main stock exchange index). News anchors will frequently use phrases like 'O dólar fechou em alta' (The dollar closed higher) or 'O mercado reagiu à queda do dólar' (The market reacted to the fall of the dollar). This constant media exposure means that even individuals who do not actively participate in financial markets are highly aware of the currency's value and its implications for their daily lives. Another primary context where 'dólar' is frequently heard is in the travel and tourism industry. When planning a trip abroad, especially to the United States or countries where the dollar is widely accepted, travelers must visit a 'casa de câmbio' (exchange office). Here, conversations revolve entirely around buying and selling dollars.

Jornal Nacional / Telejornais
Evening news programs where the daily exchange rate of the dollar is a mandatory and highly anticipated segment for the public.
Casas de Câmbio
Currency exchange offices located in malls and airports where travelers go to physically buy dollar bills for international trips.
Reuniões de Negócios
Corporate environments where import/export costs, international contracts, and software subscriptions are discussed and priced in dollars.

No noticiário de hoje, informaram que o dólar atingiu um novo recorde histórico.

O agente de viagens me aconselhou a comprar dólar agora, antes que suba mais.

Nossa empresa importa peças da China, então pagamos tudo em dólar.

Ouvi no podcast de economia que a inflação americana vai afetar o dólar aqui.

Na fila da padaria, as pessoas reclamavam que o pão encareceu por causa do dólar.

You will also hear the word 'dólar' in corporate and business environments. Companies that rely on imported raw materials, software services, or international logistics constantly monitor the exchange rate. In meetings, executives discuss budgets, forecasting, and pricing strategies based on the projected value of the dollar. Freelancers and remote workers who provide services to international clients also use the term frequently, as their income is often denominated in dollars. In casual settings, the dollar is a common topic of conversation when discussing the cost of living. Because many everyday products, such as electronics, wheat, and fuel, are priced in dollars on the international market, fluctuations in the exchange rate directly impact supermarket prices and gas stations. Therefore, it is not uncommon to hear people in a bakery or a taxi complaining about the high cost of the dollar. Finally, the word appears in pop culture, movies, and music, often symbolizing wealth, success, or the pursuit of the 'American Dream'. By paying attention to these various contexts, learners can grasp not only the literal meaning of the word but also its profound cultural and economic significance in the Portuguese-speaking world.

When learning and using the word dólar in Portuguese, non-native speakers, particularly those whose first language is English, often make a few predictable grammatical and phonetic mistakes. The most prevalent error is related to the pluralization of the word. In English, the plural of dollar is simply 'dollars', formed by adding an 's'. However, in Portuguese, nouns that end in the consonant 'r' form their plural by adding 'es'. Therefore, the correct plural is 'dólares'. It is very common to hear learners say 'dois dólars' or 'cem dólars', which sounds distinctly foreign and grammatically incorrect to a native speaker's ear. Always remember the rule: words ending in 'r' take 'es' in the plural (e.g., mar/mares, cor/cores, dólar/dólares). Another frequent mistake involves the gender of the noun. 'Dólar' is a masculine noun. Consequently, all articles, adjectives, and pronouns associated with it must also be masculine. You must say 'o dólar' (the dollar), 'um dólar' (a dollar), 'dólar alto' (high dollar), and 'dólar barato' (cheap dollar). Using feminine modifiers, such as 'a dólar' or 'dólar alta', is a clear grammatical error that can cause confusion.

Pluralization Error
Saying 'dólars' instead of the correct Portuguese plural form 'dólares'. This is the most common mistake made by English speakers.
Gender Agreement
Treating 'dólar' as a feminine noun (e.g., 'a dólar'). It is strictly masculine, requiring masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., 'o dólar').
Pronunciation Stress
Placing the stress on the second syllable (do-LAR) instead of the first syllable (DÓ-lar), which is indicated by the acute accent.

Incorreto: Eu tenho cem dólars. / Correto: Eu tenho cem dólares.

Incorreto: A dólar está muito cara. / Correto: O dólar está muito caro.

Incorreto: Preciso comprar uns dólar. / Correto: Preciso comprar uns dólares.

Incorreto: Paguei em dólaros. / Correto: Paguei em dólares.

Incorreto: O cotação do dólar. / Correto: A cotação do dólar.

Pronunciation is another area where learners often stumble. The Portuguese word 'dólar' has an acute accent on the 'o' (ó), which dictates two things: first, the stress of the word falls heavily on the first syllable (DÓ-lar); second, the 'o' is pronounced with an open vowel sound, similar to the 'o' in the English word 'boy' or 'door', rather than a closed 'o' or a schwa sound. English speakers sometimes pronounce it with a closed 'o' or place the stress incorrectly. Additionally, the final 'r' in 'dólar' is pronounced differently depending on the regional accent. In Portugal and parts of Brazil (like São Paulo interior), it might be a tapped 'r', while in Rio de Janeiro or standard Brazilian Portuguese, it is often a guttural 'r' (similar to an English 'h') or dropped almost entirely in fast, informal speech. A final common mistake is confusion regarding the placement of the currency symbol. While in spoken Portuguese you say the number first and then the currency ('cem dólares'), in written Portuguese, the symbol US$ is placed before the number, often with a space (US$ 100). Writing '100 US$' is generally considered incorrect formatting in formal Portuguese texts. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and professional.

When expanding your financial and everyday vocabulary in Portuguese, it is helpful to understand words that are similar to dólar, either in meaning, category, or usage. The most immediate related word is 'moeda', which translates to 'currency' or 'coin'. While 'dólar' is a specific type of currency, 'moeda' is the general term used to describe any system of money in general use in a particular country. For example, you might say 'O dólar é uma moeda forte' (The dollar is a strong currency). Another highly relevant word is 'dinheiro', which simply means 'money'. It is the broadest term for cash or funds. You use 'dinheiro' when talking about wealth or payment in a general sense, whereas 'dólar' specifies the exact denomination. In the context of international finance and exchange, the word 'divisa' is frequently used. 'Divisas' refers to foreign currencies held by a country's central bank or used in international trade. The dollar is the most common 'divisa' in the world. Therefore, in economic news, you might hear about a country's 'reservas em divisas' (foreign exchange reserves), which are predominantly held in dollars.

Moeda
Meaning 'currency' or 'coin'. It is the hypernym for dollar. Every dollar is a 'moeda', but not every 'moeda' is a dollar.
Dinheiro
The general term for 'money' or 'cash'. Used in everyday conversation to refer to funds regardless of the specific currency.
Câmbio
Meaning 'exchange' or 'exchange rate'. It refers to the system or rate at which one currency is converted into another, such as real to dollar.

O dólar e o euro são as moedas mais negociadas no mundo.

Eu não tenho dinheiro na carteira, apenas alguns dólares antigos.

A taxa de câmbio do dólar para o real está desfavorável hoje.

O país precisa atrair mais divisas internacionais, especialmente em dólar.

Ele guardava suas economias em espécie, preferencialmente em notas de dólar.

Another crucial related term is 'câmbio', which translates to 'exchange' or 'exchange rate'. You will see this word on the storefronts of places where you buy dollars ('Casa de Câmbio'). It represents the action of trading currencies. When discussing other specific currencies, the most common counterparts to the dollar in Portuguese media are the 'real' (the Brazilian currency) and the 'euro' (the European currency). Comparing the performance of the 'dólar' against the 'real' is a daily national obsession in Brazil. Additionally, words like 'nota' or 'cédula' (paper bill) and 'centavo' (cent) are essential when dealing with physical money. You might have a 'nota de cem dólares' (a hundred-dollar bill) or something might cost 'noventa e nove centavos de dólar' (ninety-nine cents of a dollar). Finally, terms related to banking and finance, such as 'cotação' (quote/rate), 'inflação' (inflation), and 'investimento' (investment), are frequently found in the same sentences as 'dólar'. By learning this cluster of related vocabulary, you will be well-equipped to understand and participate in any conversation regarding money, travel, or economics in Portuguese.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Pluralization of nouns ending in -r (adding -es).

Masculine noun agreement with adjectives and articles.

Prepositions of exchange (trocar POR).

Prepositions of payment (pagar EM).

Placement of currency symbols vs spoken words (US$ 10 vs dez dólares).

Exemples par niveau

1

O café custa um dólar.

The coffee costs one dollar.

Uses the singular form 'dólar' with the number 'um'.

2

Eu tenho dez dólares.

I have ten dollars.

Uses the plural form 'dólares' with a number greater than one.

3

Ele quer comprar dólares.

He wants to buy dollars.

Uses 'dólares' as the direct object of the verb 'comprar'.

4

Isto é um dólar?

Is this a dollar?

Simple interrogative sentence using the verb 'ser'.

5

Eu preciso de dólares para a viagem.

I need dollars for the trip.

Uses the preposition 'de' after the verb 'precisar'.

6

O dólar é verde.

The dollar is green.

Basic adjective agreement; 'verde' describes the masculine noun 'dólar'.

7

Cem dólares é muito dinheiro.

One hundred dollars is a lot of money.

Uses 'cem' (one hundred) with the plural 'dólares'.

8

Onde está o meu dólar?

Where is my dollar?

Uses the possessive pronoun 'meu' agreeing with the masculine noun.

1

Qual é a cotação do dólar hoje?

What is the dollar exchange rate today?

Introduces the common phrase 'cotação do dólar'.

2

Vou trocar reais por dólares no banco.

I am going to exchange reais for dollars at the bank.

Uses the verb 'trocar' with the preposition 'por'.

3

A passagem custa quinhentos dólares.

The ticket costs five hundred dollars.

Practicing larger numbers with the plural 'dólares'.

4

Você aceita pagamento em dólar?

Do you accept payment in dollars?

Uses the preposition 'em' to indicate the currency of payment.

5

O dólar está muito alto esta semana.

The dollar is very high this week.

Uses 'alto' to describe the value/exchange rate of the currency.

6

Eu guardo alguns dólares na carteira.

I keep some dollars in my wallet.

Uses the indefinite pronoun 'alguns' agreeing with the plural noun.

7

Ela viajou para os Estados Unidos e gastou muitos dólares.

She traveled to the United States and spent many dollars.

Uses the verb 'gastar' (to spend) in the past tense.

8

A casa de câmbio vende dólares.

The exchange office sells dollars.

Introduces the vocabulary 'casa de câmbio'.

1

A alta do dólar afeta o preço da gasolina no Brasil.

The rise of the dollar affects the price of gasoline in Brazil.

Uses 'alta do dólar' as a compound subject concept.

2

Muitos investidores preferem comprar dólar para se proteger da inflação.

Many investors prefer to buy dollars to protect themselves from inflation.

Introduces financial vocabulary like 'investidores' and 'inflação'.

3

O governo anunciou medidas para tentar controlar a cotação do dólar.

The government announced measures to try to control the dollar exchange rate.

Uses more complex sentence structure with infinitive verbs.

4

Se o dólar cair, as passagens aéreas internacionais ficarão mais baratas.

If the dollar falls, international flight tickets will become cheaper.

Uses the future subjunctive 'cair' in a conditional 'se' clause.

5

A diferença entre o dólar comercial e o dólar turismo é significativa.

The difference between the commercial dollar and the tourist dollar is significant.

Differentiates between specific types of exchange rates.

6

Ele abriu uma conta em dólar para receber pagamentos do exterior.

He opened a dollar account to receive payments from abroad.

Introduces the concept of a 'conta em dólar'.

7

A dívida da empresa, que era em dólares, dobrou de tamanho.

The company's debt, which was in dollars, doubled in size.

Uses a relative clause 'que era em dólares' to provide extra information.

8

Especialistas acreditam que o dólar se manterá estável até o fim do ano.

Experts believe that the dollar will remain stable until the end of the year.

Uses the reflexive future tense 'se manterá'.

1

A volatilidade do dólar no mercado financeiro tem gerado incertezas entre os exportadores.

The volatility of the dollar in the financial market has generated uncertainty among exporters.

Uses advanced vocabulary like 'volatilidade' and the present perfect continuous equivalent 'tem gerado'.

2

Para mitigar riscos, a corporação decidiu fazer hedge cambial travando a cotação do dólar.

To mitigate risks, the corporation decided to do currency hedging by locking in the dollar exchange rate.

Introduces specialized financial jargon like 'hedge cambial'.

3

A valorização do dólar frente ao real impacta diretamente a balança comercial brasileira.

The appreciation of the dollar against the real directly impacts the Brazilian trade balance.

Uses 'frente ao' to compare the performance of two currencies.

4

Embora o Banco Central tenha intervindo, o dólar continuou sua trajetória de alta.

Although the Central Bank intervened, the dollar continued its upward trajectory.

Uses the concessive conjunction 'Embora' with the present perfect subjunctive 'tenha intervindo'.

5

A dependência de insumos importados precificados em dólar espreme as margens de lucro da indústria nacional.

The dependence on imported inputs priced in dollars squeezes the profit margins of the national industry.

Uses complex noun phrases and the participle 'precificados'.

6

A fuga de capitais para mercados mais seguros invariavelmente fortalece o dólar globalmente.

The flight of capital to safer markets invariably strengthens the dollar globally.

Discusses macroeconomic concepts using adverbs like 'invariavelmente'.

7

É imperativo que a empresa diversifique suas receitas para não ficar refém das flutuações do dólar.

It is imperative that the company diversifies its revenues so as not to be held hostage by dollar fluctuations.

Uses the impersonal expression 'É imperativo que' followed by the present subjunctive 'diversifique'.

8

O acordo bilateral estipula que todas as transações financeiras sejam liquidadas em dólares americanos.

The bilateral agreement stipulates that all financial transactions be settled in US dollars.

Uses formal legal/business language and the passive subjunctive 'sejam liquidadas'.

1

A hegemonia do dólar como moeda de reserva global confere aos Estados Unidos um privilégio exorbitante na formulação de políticas macroeconômicas.

The hegemony of the dollar as the global reserve currency grants the United States an exorbitant privilege in formulating macroeconomic policies.

Employs highly academic vocabulary and complex sentence structures typical of economic essays.

2

O fenômeno da dolarização informal em economias emergentes reflete uma profunda desconfiança nas instituições monetárias domésticas.

The phenomenon of informal dollarization in emerging economies reflects a profound distrust in domestic monetary institutions.

Uses abstract nouns and sociological concepts ('dolarização informal', 'desconfiança').

3

A decisão do Federal Reserve de elevar as taxas de juros precipitou uma repatriação de dólares, desvalorizando severamente as divisas periféricas.

The Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates precipitated a repatriation of dollars, severely devaluing peripheral currencies.

Describes complex cause-and-effect economic mechanisms using precise verbs ('precipitou', 'desvalorizando').

4

Argumenta-se que a transição para um sistema monetário multipolar poderia mitigar os choques assimétricos causados pela flutuação do dólar.

It is argued that the transition to a multipolar monetary system could mitigate the asymmetric shocks caused by dollar fluctuation.

Uses the passive voice 'Argumenta-se que' for formal academic argumentation.

5

A liquidez do mercado de eurodólares tem implicações profundas para a estabilidade financeira internacional, operando frequentemente à margem da regulação estrita.

The liquidity of the Eurodollar market has profound implications for international financial stability, often operating outside strict regulation.

Introduces highly specific financial concepts ('eurodólares', 'liquidez') with advanced syntax.

6

Qualquer tentativa de desdolarização do comércio bilateral enfrenta barreiras estruturais formidáveis devido aos efeitos de rede já estabelecidos.

Any attempt at de-dollarization of bilateral trade faces formidable structural barriers due to established network effects.

Uses sophisticated vocabulary like 'desdolarização' and 'efeitos de rede'.

7

A correlação inversa entre o índice do dólar (DXY) e os preços das commodities é um axioma fundamental para gestores de fundos macro.

The inverse correlation between the dollar index (DXY) and commodity prices is a fundamental axiom for macro fund managers.

Utilizes technical financial jargon and acronyms seamlessly.

8

A despeito das narrativas de declínio iminente, o dólar mantém sua primazia inconteste nas transações do sistema SWIFT.

Despite narratives of imminent decline, the dollar maintains its undisputed primacy in SWIFT system transactions.

Uses the formal concessive phrase 'A despeito de' and elevated vocabulary ('primazia inconteste').

1

A arquitetura financeira erigida em Bretton Woods consagrou o dólar como o fulcro do sistema capitalista contemporâneo, uma prerrogativa que perdura a despeito do fim da paridade com o ouro.

The financial architecture erected at Bretton Woods enshrined the dollar as the fulcrum of the contemporary capitalist system, a prerogative that endures despite the end of the gold standard.

Exhibits profound historical and economic literacy with eloquent, literary vocabulary ('erigida', 'fulcro', 'consagrou').

2

O dilema de Triffin postula a contradição inerente ao papel do dólar: a necessidade de prover liquidez global através de déficits contínuos corrói, paradoxalmente, a confiança na própria moeda.

The Triffin dilemma postulates the inherent contradiction in the dollar's role: the need to provide global liquidity through continuous deficits paradoxically erodes confidence in the currency itself.

Articulates complex economic paradoxes using precise academic phrasing.

3

A instrumentalização geopolítica do dólar através de sanções financeiras tem catalisado esforços de potências rivais para contornar a infraestrutura de pagamentos centrada em Washington.

The geopolitical weaponization of the dollar through financial sanctions has catalyzed efforts by rival powers to bypass the Washington-centric payment infrastructure.

Uses advanced political economy terminology ('instrumentalização geopolítica', 'catalisado').

4

Na esteira da crise do subprime, a expansão quantitativa (quantitative easing) inundou os mercados emergentes com dólares baratos, fomentando bolhas de ativos de proporções épicas.

In the wake of the subprime crisis, quantitative easing flooded emerging markets with cheap dollars, fomenting asset bubbles of epic proportions.

Demonstrates mastery of idiomatic historical references ('Na esteira da') and technical economic terms.

5

A resiliência do dólar como refúgio de valor em tempos de turbulência sistêmica sublinha a ausência de uma alternativa fiduciária com profundidade e liquidez comparáveis.

The resilience of the dollar as a safe haven in times of systemic turbulence underscores the absence of a fiat alternative with comparable depth and liquidity.

Employs sophisticated analytical language ('refúgio de valor', 'turbulência sistêmica', 'alternativa fiduciária').

6

A senhoriagem auferida pelos Estados Unidos, virtude de sua capacidade de emitir a moeda de reserva global, financia seus déficits gêmeos de maneira singular na história econômica.

The seigniorage accrued by the United States, by virtue of its ability to issue the global reserve currency, finances its twin deficits in a manner unique in economic history.

Uses highly specialized historical economic terms ('senhoriagem', 'déficits gêmeos').

7

A miragem de uma paridade de poder de compra perfeita é frequentemente estilhaçada pela volatilidade cambial intrínseca aos fluxos de capital especulativo denominados em dólar.

The mirage of perfect purchasing power parity is frequently shattered by the exchange rate volatility intrinsic to speculative capital flows denominated in dollars.

Uses poetic yet precise academic metaphors ('miragem', 'estilhaçada') combined with strict economic theory.

8

A ontologia do dinheiro moderno está indissociavelmente ligada à hegemonia do dólar, tornando qualquer exercício de imaginação pós-dólar um desafio epistemológico formidável.

The ontology of modern money is inextricably linked to dollar hegemony, making any exercise in post-dollar imagination a formidable epistemological challenge.

Integrates philosophical vocabulary ('ontologia', 'epistemológico') into economic discourse, demonstrating absolute linguistic mastery.

Collocations courantes

dólar alto
dólar baixo
comprar dólar
vender dólar
cotação do dólar
dólar comercial
dólar turismo
taxa do dólar
mercado de dólar
investir em dólar

Souvent confondu avec

dólar vs Moeda (Currency/Coin - Dólar is a specific currency)

dólar vs Dinheiro (Money - Dólar is a specific type of money)

dólar vs Real (The Brazilian currency - often compared to the dollar)

Facile à confondre

dólar vs

dólar vs

dólar vs

dólar vs

dólar vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

brazil

Highly frequent in daily conversation due to economic history.

general

The word is universally understood across all Portuguese-speaking regions.

portugal

Less frequent in daily life since the adoption of the Euro, but still used for international contexts.

Erreurs courantes
  • Saying 'dólars' instead of 'dólares'.
  • Using feminine articles like 'a dólar'.
  • Forgetting the acute accent when writing (dolar instead of dólar).
  • Capitalizing the word in the middle of a sentence (O Dólar).
  • Pronouncing the stress on the second syllable (do-LAR).

Astuces

Plural Rule

Always remember that words ending in 'r' in Portuguese take 'es' in the plural. Therefore, dólar becomes dólares. Practice saying 'dois dólares' to get used to the sound. Avoid the English habit of just adding an 's'.

Stress the First Syllable

The accent mark on the 'ó' is your guide. Hit that first syllable hard: DÓ-lar. The second syllable should be softer. If you stress the second syllable, it sounds unnatural.

Learn the Collocations

Don't just learn the word 'dólar'; learn the phrases around it. Memorize 'cotação do dólar' (exchange rate) and 'casa de câmbio' (exchange office). These phrases are essential for travel.

Watch the News

To understand how important this word is, watch a Brazilian news broadcast. You will hear 'dólar' mentioned in almost every economic segment. It's a great way to practice listening comprehension.

Don't Capitalize

In Portuguese, we do not capitalize the names of currencies or days of the week. Write 'dólar' with a lowercase 'd'. Only capitalize it if it is the first word of a sentence.

Prepositions Matter

When talking about paying with dollars, use the preposition 'em'. Say 'pagar em dólar' (pay in dollars). This is a fixed expression.

Symbol Placement

When reading texts, you will see US$ 50. Train your brain to read this as 'cinquenta dólares'. The symbol comes first, but the spoken word comes last.

Turismo vs Comercial

If you are traveling to Brazil and checking rates online, make sure you look at the 'dólar turismo' rate. The 'comercial' rate is lower, but you cannot buy money at that rate as a tourist.

Verdinhas

If you want to sound like a local, you can jokingly refer to dollars as 'verdinhas' (little green ones). It's informal slang used in movies and casual chats. Use it sparingly.

Fast Speech

In rapid, informal Brazilian Portuguese, the final 'r' in the singular 'dólar' might be dropped entirely. It might sound like 'dóla'. Be prepared for this phonetic reduction.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

From the German word 'Thaler', a silver coin used throughout Europe for almost four hundred years. It entered Portuguese via the English 'dollar'.

Contexte culturel

The exchange rate (cotação) is checked daily by millions. A 'dólar alto' is generally seen as bad news for consumers but good for agribusiness exporters.

While Portugal uses the Euro, the dollar is still closely monitored for international trade and travel, though it lacks the daily dramatic impact seen in Brazil.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Você viu a cotação do dólar hoje?"

"Acha que o dólar vai baixar antes das nossas férias?"

"Vale a pena comprar dólar agora ou é melhor esperar?"

"Tudo está tão caro no supermercado, a culpa é do dólar alto."

"Você prefere levar dólar em espécie ou usar o cartão no exterior?"

Sujets d'écriture

Write about a time you had to exchange money for a trip. How was the dollar rate?

Explain how the price of the dollar affects your daily life or your country's economy.

If you had one million dollars, what would you do in your home country?

Describe the difference between 'dólar comercial' and 'dólar turismo'.

Write a short news report announcing a sudden drop in the dollar's value.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

The correct plural is 'dólares'. You form it by adding 'es' to the end of the word. Do not simply add an 's' like in English. Saying 'dólars' is grammatically incorrect. Always remember the 'es' ending for nouns ending in 'r'.

Dólar is a masculine noun. You must use masculine articles like 'o' or 'um'. For example, say 'o dólar' (the dollar). Never say 'a dólar'.

The acute accent goes on the 'o'. It is written as 'dólar'. This accent indicates that the stress falls on the first syllable. It also indicates an open vowel sound.

The most common term is 'cotação do dólar'. You can also use 'taxa de câmbio'. If you want to ask the rate, say 'Qual é a cotação do dólar hoje?'. This is a very common question at exchange offices.

Dólar comercial is the rate used for large business transactions and imports/exports. Dólar turismo is the rate used for individuals buying money for travel. The turismo rate is always higher because it includes taxes and operational fees. Tourists always pay the turismo rate.

You place the symbol before the number, like US$ 100. However, when reading it aloud, you say the number first, then the currency. So US$ 100 is read as 'cem dólares'. Do not write '100 US$'.

No, the official currency of Brazil is the Real (R$). You cannot use dollars to buy things in regular stores or supermarkets. However, the value of the dollar heavily influences the prices of goods in Reais. Therefore, people talk about it constantly.

The verb is 'trocar'. You would say 'trocar dinheiro' or 'trocar reais por dólares'. You do this at a 'casa de câmbio'. The word 'câmbio' itself means exchange.

Yes, but you must specify the country. For example, 'dólar canadense' or 'dólar australiano'. If you just say 'dólar', everyone assumes you mean the US dollar. It is the default meaning.

No, currency names are not capitalized in Portuguese unless they start a sentence. You write 'o dólar', not 'o Dólar'. This is a common mistake for English speakers.

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