empreendedor
empreendedor en 30 secondes
- Empreendedor means entrepreneur. It refers to a person who starts a business and takes risks to innovate and create value in the market.
- The word is used as both a noun (the person) and an adjective (the quality). It must agree in gender: empreendedor (m) and empreendedora (f).
- It is a highly positive term in Portuguese-speaking cultures, associated with creativity, resilience, and the 'startup' mindset common in cities like Lisbon.
- Commonly confused with 'empresário', which is a more general term for a business owner or manager without necessarily implying innovation or risk.
The word empreendedor is a powerful and multifaceted noun in the Portuguese language, primarily used to describe an individual who identifies a need or an opportunity and organizes the necessary resources to create a new venture, often while assuming significant financial and personal risks. While in English we often use the loanword 'entrepreneur', the Portuguese term carries a deep connotation of initiative, creativity, and the courage to transform ideas into reality. It is not merely a job title but a description of a specific mindset characterized by resilience and the ability to innovate within a competitive market. In modern Brazilian and Portuguese societies, the term has gained immense popularity due to the rise of technology startups and the shifting economic landscape where self-employment and innovation are highly encouraged.
- Economic Context
- In the business world, an empreendedor is someone who disrupts existing markets or creates entirely new ones. They are the drivers of the 'startup' culture in cities like Lisbon and São Paulo.
Aquele jovem é um empreendedor de sucesso no ramo da tecnologia.
Beyond the literal business sense, empreendedor can also be used as an adjective to describe someone who is proactive or 'enterprising' in their daily life. For example, a student who starts a community project might be described as having an 'espírito empreendedor' (entrepreneurial spirit). This usage highlights the person's character rather than just their financial status. It is a word that commands respect, suggesting that the person is not afraid of hard work or failure. In recent years, the feminine form empreendedora has also become increasingly prominent, reflecting the growing number of women leading businesses in the Lusophone world.
- Social Context
- The term is frequently heard in motivational speeches, business seminars, and news reports about the economy. It represents the hope for economic growth and individual success.
Ser empreendedor exige muita paciência e dedicação constante.
When using this word, it is important to distinguish it from 'empresário'. While an 'empresário' is a business owner or a manager who might simply run an existing company, an empreendedor is someone who creates something new or approaches business with a specific innovative flair. The distinction is subtle but significant in professional circles. To be called an empreendedor is often seen as a higher compliment because it implies vision and the creation of value from scratch. Whether you are discussing the latest tech unicorn or a small local bakery started with a unique concept, this word is the standard way to identify the visionary behind the project.
- Cultural Nuance
- In Brazil, there is a strong culture of 'empreendedorismo por necessidade' (entrepreneurship by necessity), where people start businesses due to lack of formal jobs, making the word very common in everyday conversation across all social classes.
O Brasil é conhecido por ter muitos empreendedores criativos.
Ela é uma empreendedora nata, sempre criando novos projetos.
Os empreendedores sociais buscam soluções para problemas da comunidade.
Using the word empreendedor correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as both a noun and an adjective. As a noun, it follows the standard Portuguese rules for gender and number. For a male entrepreneur, use 'o empreendedor' (plural: 'os empreendedores'). For a female entrepreneur, use 'a empreendedora' (plural: 'as empreendedoras'). It often appears as the subject of a sentence or as a predicative nominative following verbs like 'ser' (to be) or 'tornar-se' (to become). Because the word is quite long, learners should practice the rhythmic stress on the penultimate syllable 'do'.
- As a Noun (Subject)
- When the empreendedor is the person doing the action. Example: 'O empreendedor apresentou seu plano de negócios.'
O empreendedor deve estar preparado para enfrentar desafios financeiros.
When used as an adjective, empreendedor describes a quality of a person or an entity. It must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. For example, 'um espírito empreendedor' (an entrepreneurial spirit) uses the masculine form because 'espírito' is masculine. Conversely, 'uma visão empreendedora' (an entrepreneurial vision) uses the feminine form because 'visão' is feminine. This adjectival use is very common in professional profiles and company descriptions. It suggests that the entity is forward-thinking and proactive.
- As an Adjective
- Modifying a noun to show entrepreneurial qualities. Example: 'Ela tem uma atitude muito empreendedora.'
Sua mentalidade empreendedora ajudou a empresa a crescer rapidamente.
In conversation, you will often hear it paired with verbs that denote starting or managing. Verbs like 'lançar' (to launch), 'gerir' (to manage), and 'inovar' (to innovate) are natural companions. When talking about someone's career path, you might say they 'decidiram ser empreendedores' (decided to be entrepreneurs). It is also common in the context of education, such as 'curso para empreendedores' (course for entrepreneurs). The word carries a sense of action; an empreendedor is someone who does, not just someone who dreams.
- Common Verb Pairings
- Words that usually go with empreendedor include: apoiar (to support), capacitar (to train), and incentivar (to encourage).
O governo criou um programa para apoiar o pequeno empreendedor.
Muitos empreendedores começam seus negócios na garagem de casa.
Seria ótimo se todo aluno tivesse um perfil empreendedor.
The word empreendedor is omnipresent in modern Lusophone media. If you turn on a news channel like Globo News in Brazil or RTP in Portugal, you will frequently hear it during segments on the economy, technology, and social development. It is the buzzword of the decade. In Lisbon, which has branded itself as a global tech hub through events like the Web Summit, the word is spoken in every co-working space and café in the Baixa district. You'll hear venture capitalists discussing 'o perfil do empreendedor' (the entrepreneur's profile) when deciding where to invest their money.
- In the Media
- News headlines often feature the word: 'Novas leis facilitam a vida do empreendedor' (New laws make life easier for the entrepreneur).
Na conferência, o empreendedor explicou como superou a crise.
In Brazil, the word has a very practical, everyday application due to the SEBRAE (Brazilian Service to Support Micro and Small Enterprises). SEBRAE is a household name, and their advertisements constantly use empreendedor to reach millions of people who run small shops, sell food on the street, or provide freelance services. For many Brazilians, being an 'empreendedor' is a point of pride—it signifies that they are 'correndo atrás' (chasing their dreams/hustling) and are not dependent on a boss. You will hear it in neighborhood meetings, at the bank when someone is applying for a small business loan, and in university classrooms.
- In Education
- Universities now offer 'Ligas de Empreendedorismo' (Entrepreneurship Leagues) where students compete to create the best business model.
O curso de administração foca muito na formação do empreendedor.
Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram are also major 'habitats' for this word. Influencers often use the hashtag #empreendedor or #empreendedorismo to share tips on productivity and financial management. In these digital spaces, the word is often associated with a lifestyle of freedom and hard work. You might see a post titled 'Dicas para o jovem empreendedor' (Tips for the young entrepreneur). Because the word is so common, it is also subject to some satire, with people occasionally using it ironically to describe someone who is over-ambitious or uses too much corporate jargon.
- On Social Media
- Hashtags like #empreendedorismofeminino are extremely popular for networking among women in business.
Siga este perfil para aprender mais sobre o mundo empreendedor.
Todo empreendedor digital precisa entender de marketing.
O evento reuniu os maiores empreendedores da América Latina.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning Portuguese is confusing empreendedor with 'empresário'. While they are related, they are not perfect synonyms. An 'empresário' is anyone who owns or manages a business (a businessman/woman). An empreendedor specifically implies someone who is innovative, takes risks, and starts something new. If you call a traditional shop manager an 'empreendedor', it might sound slightly exaggerated unless they are doing something truly unique. Conversely, calling a visionary tech founder just an 'empresário' might feel a bit too dry or corporate.
- Confusion with 'Empresário'
- Empresário = Business owner/manager. Empreendedor = Innovator/Risk-taker. Use the latter for someone with a 'startup' vibe.
Ele não é apenas um empresário; ele é um verdadeiro empreendedor.
Another common error is gender agreement. In English, 'entrepreneur' is gender-neutral, but in Portuguese, you must use empreendedora when referring to a woman. Saying 'ela é um empreendedor' is grammatically incorrect and sounds quite jarring to native speakers. Similarly, the adjective form must match: 'uma ideia empreendedora' (correct) vs 'uma ideia empreendedor' (incorrect). Pay close attention to the noun that follows or precedes the word to ensure the endings match up correctly.
- Gender Mismatch
- Avoid: 'Ela é um bom empreendedor'. Correct: 'Ela é uma boa empreendedora'.
A empreendedora assinou o contrato ontem.
Spelling is also a hurdle. The word has double 'e' at the beginning ('em-pre-en-de-dor'). Many learners forget the second 'e' and write 'emprendedor' (which is the Spanish spelling). In Portuguese, that double 'e' is essential for the correct pronunciation and orthography. Furthermore, don't confuse the noun empreendedor with the verb 'empreender' (to undertake/to start a business). While they share the same root, they are used differently in sentence structures. You 'empreende' a project, but you 'are' an empreendedor.
- Spelling Slip-ups
- Commonly misspelled as 'emprendedor'. Remember: em-pre-EN-de-dor. Two 'e's after the 'pr'.
Escrever empreendedor corretamente é importante em e-mails formais.
Você é um empreendedor ou apenas um investidor?
Nenhuma empreendedora gosta de burocracia excessiva.
While empreendedor is the most modern and popular term, there are several alternatives depending on the context and the level of formality you wish to achieve. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and choose the right word for the right situation. The most common alternative is 'empresário', which we discussed earlier. It is more neutral and focuses on the ownership of a company. If you are talking about a very large-scale business owner, you might use 'magnata' (tycoon) or 'industrial' (industrialist), though these are becoming dated.
- Empreendedor vs. Empresário
- Empreendedor: Focuses on the act of creating and innovating. Empresário: Focuses on the status of owning/managing a firm.
Ele começou como um pequeno empreendedor e hoje é um grande empresário.
Another interesting alternative is 'visionário' (visionary). This is used when you want to emphasize the person's ability to see future trends before others do. While an empreendedor might just be starting a small business, a 'visionário' is someone like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk. On the other end of the scale, you have 'autônomo' (self-employed/freelancer). This word is much more humble and describes someone who works for themselves but doesn't necessarily have a 'company' structure or employees. It's very common in Brazil to describe plumbers, electricians, or freelance designers.
- Empreendedor vs. Autônomo
- Empreendedor: Implies growth, scale, and innovation. Autônomo: Implies working alone and providing a direct service.
Muitos profissionais liberais preferem ser chamados de empreendedores.
In informal settings, you might hear 'negociante' (trader/dealer), though this can sometimes have a slightly negative or 'shady' connotation, implying someone who is always looking for a deal. A more positive informal term is 'batalhador' (fighter/struggler), used to describe someone who works very hard to build their own business against the odds. Lastly, in the tech world, the English word 'founder' is often used directly, even when speaking Portuguese, especially in Lisbon or São Paulo's tech scenes. However, empreendedor remains the most professional and widely understood term for anyone creating value through a new venture.
- Empreendedor vs. Fundador
- Empreendedor: The general role or mindset. Fundador: The specific person who started a particular company.
O empreendedor social foca no impacto, não apenas no lucro.
Ele é um empreendedor serial, já criou cinco empresas.
A atitude empreendedora é valorizada em grandes corporações.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The modern economic sense of the word was popularized by the Irish-French economist Richard Cantillon in the 18th century, but it only became a common 'buzzword' in Portuguese in the late 20th century.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing it like Spanish 'emprendedor' (missing the second 'e').
- Hard 'r' at the end like in English 'door'.
- Stress on the wrong syllable (e.g., em-PRE-en-de-dor).
- Failing to nasalize the 'em' and 'en' sounds.
- Pronouncing the 'p' too forcefully.
Niveau de difficulté
The word is long but follows standard Portuguese phonetic rules.
The double 'e' and the 'r' at the end can be tricky for beginners.
Requires good control of nasal vowels and syllable stress.
Clear and distinct, though the final 'r' varies by dialect.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Nasal Vowels
The 'em' in 'empreendedor' is a nasal vowel, produced by letting air escape through the nose.
Noun-Adjective Agreement
Uma mentalidade (f) empreendedora (f).
Pluralization of Nouns ending in 'r'
Empreendedor -> Empreendedores (add -es).
Word Stress
Portuguese words ending in 'r' are usually stressed on the last syllable.
Feminine Suffix -ora
Nouns ending in -or usually change to -ora for the feminine form (empreendedor/empreendedora).
Exemples par niveau
Meu pai é um empreendedor.
My father is an entrepreneur.
Uses the indefinite article 'um' with the masculine noun.
Ela quer ser empreendedora.
She wants to be an entrepreneur.
Feminine form 'empreendedora' used with the verb 'querer'.
O empreendedor trabalha muito.
The entrepreneur works a lot.
Definite article 'o' used as the subject.
Você é empreendedor?
Are you an entrepreneur?
Simple interrogative sentence using the verb 'ser'.
Eu conheço um empreendedor famoso.
I know a famous entrepreneur.
Adjective 'famoso' follows the noun.
A loja é do empreendedor.
The shop belongs to the entrepreneur.
Contraction 'do' (de + o) showing possession.
Muitos empreendedores vivem aqui.
Many entrepreneurs live here.
Plural form 'empreendedores'.
Ele é um pequeno empreendedor.
He is a small entrepreneur.
Adjective 'pequeno' used to describe the scale of business.
Ele tem um espírito empreendedor.
He has an entrepreneurial spirit.
Used as an adjective modifying 'espírito'.
As empreendedoras ganharam o prêmio.
The female entrepreneurs won the prize.
Plural feminine form 'as empreendedoras'.
O curso é para novos empreendedores.
The course is for new entrepreneurs.
Preposition 'para' followed by plural noun.
Ela é uma empreendedora de sucesso.
She is a successful entrepreneur.
Compound phrase 'de sucesso' acting as an adjective.
Ser empreendedor não é fácil.
Being an entrepreneur is not easy.
Infinitive 'ser' used as a noun phrase.
O jovem empreendedor abriu uma startup.
The young entrepreneur opened a startup.
Adjective 'jovem' precedes the noun for emphasis.
Eles são empreendedores criativos.
They are creative entrepreneurs.
Plural adjective 'criativos' matches 'empreendedores'.
Procuro um sócio empreendedor.
I am looking for an entrepreneurial partner.
Adjective 'empreendedor' modifying the noun 'sócio'.
O empreendedorismo social ajuda a comunidade.
Social entrepreneurship helps the community.
Abstract noun 'empreendedorismo' as the subject.
Todo empreendedor deve saber lidar com riscos.
Every entrepreneur must know how to deal with risks.
Modal verb 'deve' followed by infinitive 'saber'.
Ela se tornou uma empreendedora digital.
She became a digital entrepreneur.
Pronominal verb 'tornar-se' expressing a change of state.
O governo apoia o pequeno empreendedor.
The government supports the small entrepreneur.
Direct object 'o pequeno empreendedor'.
Sua visão empreendedora mudou a empresa.
Her entrepreneurial vision changed the company.
Feminine adjective 'empreendedora' modifying 'visão'.
Muitos brasileiros são empreendedores por necessidade.
Many Brazilians are entrepreneurs by necessity.
Prepositional phrase 'por necessidade' explaining the cause.
O evento reuniu centenas de empreendedores.
The event brought together hundreds of entrepreneurs.
Quantifier 'centenas de' followed by plural noun.
Ele tem uma atitude muito empreendedora.
He has a very enterprising attitude.
Adverb 'muito' intensifying the feminine adjective.
O ecossistema empreendedor de Lisboa está crescendo.
Lisbon's entrepreneurial ecosystem is growing.
Noun phrase 'ecossistema empreendedor' as a technical term.
Ser um empreendedor serial exige resiliência.
Being a serial entrepreneur requires resilience.
Adjective 'serial' used in a business context.
A empreendedora apresentou seu pitch para os investidores.
The entrepreneur presented her pitch to the investors.
Use of the loanword 'pitch' within a Portuguese sentence.
Inovação é a marca registrada do verdadeiro empreendedor.
Innovation is the hallmark of the true entrepreneur.
Genitive case 'do verdadeiro empreendedor' (of the true...).
O microempreendedor individual tem benefícios fiscais.
The individual micro-entrepreneur has tax benefits.
Legal term 'microempreendedor individual' (MEI).
Precisamos incentivar a cultura empreendedora nas escolas.
We need to encourage entrepreneurial culture in schools.
Infinitive 'incentivar' following the verb 'precisamos'.
O empreendedor identificou uma lacuna no mercado.
The entrepreneur identified a gap in the market.
Verb 'identificou' in the pretérito perfeito.
Ela é reconhecida como uma empreendedora de impacto.
She is recognized as an impact entrepreneur.
Passive construction 'é reconhecida como'.
A mentalidade empreendedora transcende a criação de empresas.
The entrepreneurial mindset transcends the creation of companies.
Formal verb 'transcende' used with an abstract subject.
O empreendedor schumpeteriano promove a destruição criativa.
The Schumpeterian entrepreneur promotes creative destruction.
Academic reference to Joseph Schumpeter's economic theory.
Há uma linha tênue entre ser um empreendedor e um sonhador.
There is a thin line between being an entrepreneur and a dreamer.
Idiomatic expression 'linha tênue' (thin line).
O sucesso do empreendedor depende da sua rede de contatos.
The entrepreneur's success depends on their network of contacts.
Verb 'depender' followed by the preposition 'de'.
Muitos criticam o chamado empreendedorismo de palco.
Many criticize the so-called stage entrepreneurship.
Critical term 'empreendedorismo de palco' (fake gurus).
O estado deve atuar como um agente empreendedor.
The state must act as an entrepreneurial agent.
Political/Economic concept of the 'Entrepreneurial State'.
A jornada do empreendedor é repleta de incertezas.
The entrepreneur's journey is full of uncertainties.
Adjective 'repleta' (full/replete) followed by 'de'.
Ela personifica o ideal do empreendedor moderno.
She personifies the ideal of the modern entrepreneur.
Elevated verb 'personifica' (personifies).
A práxis empreendedora exige uma simbiose entre teoria e prática.
Entrepreneurial praxis requires a symbiosis between theory and practice.
Highly formal/academic term 'práxis'.
O ímpeto empreendedor é, muitas vezes, uma resposta a falhas sistêmicas.
The entrepreneurial impetus is often a response to systemic failures.
Abstract noun 'ímpeto' (impetus/drive).
Discutir o papel do empreendedor na contemporaneidade é essencial.
Discussing the role of the entrepreneur in contemporaneity is essential.
Use of the complex noun 'contemporaneidade'.
A resiliência intrínseca do empreendedor mitiga os riscos de mercado.
The entrepreneur's intrinsic resilience mitigates market risks.
Formal verb 'mitiga' (mitigates/lessens).
O empreendedor atua como o catalisador da inovação disruptiva.
The entrepreneur acts as the catalyst for disruptive innovation.
Metaphorical use of 'catalisador' (catalyst).
Subestimar a capacidade do empreendedor é um erro estratégico crasso.
Underestimating the entrepreneur's capacity is a gross strategic error.
Strong adjective 'crasso' (gross/blatant).
A fenomenologia do espírito empreendedor revela uma busca por autonomia.
The phenomenology of the entrepreneurial spirit reveals a search for autonomy.
Philosophical terminology 'fenomenologia'.
O empreendedorismo, em sua essência, é uma forma de expressão humana.
Entrepreneurship, in its essence, is a form of human expression.
Parenthetical phrase 'em sua essência' for emphasis.
Synonymes
Antonymes
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— To be your own boss. This is the ultimate goal of many entrepreneurs.
Ele largou o emprego para ser o seu próprio patrão.
— To hustle or chase after one's goals. Very common in Brazil for entrepreneurs.
O empreendedor precisa correr atrás dos seus sonhos todos os dias.
— To open a business. The most common action associated with entrepreneurs.
Ela decidiu abrir um negócio de bolos artesanais.
— To take an idea off the paper (make it happen).
O empreendedor finalmente tirou a ideia do papel.
— To take risks. A core characteristic of an entrepreneur.
Um bom empreendedor sabe quando assumir riscos calculados.
— To identify opportunities in the market.
O empreendedor identificou uma oportunidade no setor de turismo.
— To create jobs. A social benefit of entrepreneurship.
Os pequenos empreendedores são os que mais geram empregos no país.
— To network. Essential for any entrepreneur to build connections.
O empreendedor passou a tarde fazendo networking no evento.
— To scale the business. Growing it significantly without a proportional increase in costs.
O objetivo do empreendedor digital é escalar o negócio rapidamente.
— To always innovate. The mantra of successful entrepreneurs.
Para o empreendedor, o segredo é inovar sempre.
Souvent confondu avec
An empresário manages or owns a business, but an empreendedor is the one who innovates and takes the initial risks.
This is the opposite; an employee who works for someone else.
An investor provides capital, while the entrepreneur provides the vision and the work.
Expressions idiomatiques
— To dive in headfirst or take a bold step without being fully prepared.
O empreendedor meteu a cara e abriu a empresa sem investidores.
Informal (Brazil)— To give one's blood (to work extremely hard and sacrifice everything).
Ela deu o sangue para fazer sua empresa crescer.
Informal— To make the impossible happen through sheer will and effort.
O pequeno empreendedor fez das tripas coração para pagar as contas.
Common— To swim against the tide (to go against the norm or current trends).
Ser empreendedor em tempos de crise é nadar contra a maré.
Neutral— To get one's hands dirty (to do the actual work yourself).
O dono da startup também põe a mão na massa na programação.
Informal— To be flexible and adaptable in difficult situations.
O empreendedor precisa de jogo de cintura para lidar com clientes difíceis.
Informal (Brazil)— To be incredibly resourceful and solve a seemingly impossible problem.
Aquele empreendedor deu um nó em pingo d'água e salvou a empresa.
Informal (Brazil)— To see the glass half full (to be optimistic).
O empreendedor sempre vê o copo meio cheio, mesmo no prejuízo.
Neutral— To hold things together during a tough time.
A empreendedora segurou as pontas enquanto a economia estava ruim.
Informal— To overcome a major challenge every single day.
A vida do empreendedor no Brasil é matar um leão por dia.
Informal (Brazil)Facile à confondre
Sounds similar because of the 'empre-' prefix.
An empreiteiro is specifically a building contractor or someone who takes on a specific construction job.
O empreiteiro terminou a obra no prazo.
Both relate to work and start with 'empre-'.
Empregado is an employee; Empreendedor is the boss/founder.
O empregado recebeu seu salário.
Often used as synonyms in English.
Empresário is more about management/ownership; Empreendedor is about the spirit of creation.
Ele é um empresário do ramo hoteleiro.
Phonetically distinct but logically related to starting out.
An aprendiz is a learner or apprentice; an empreendedor is a leader.
O aprendiz observa o mestre.
Both involve business transactions.
A vendedor sells products; an empreendedor creates the system to sell products.
O vendedor bateu a meta do mês.
Structures de phrases
Eu sou [empreendedor/empreendedora].
Eu sou empreendedora.
Ele quer ser um [adjective] empreendedor.
Ele quer ser um grande empreendedor.
O [empreendedor] precisa [verb] para [goal].
O empreendedor precisa inovar para crescer.
A [noun] empreendedora é fundamental para [context].
A visão empreendedora é fundamental para o sucesso.
Embora seja um empreendedor, ele [contrast].
Embora seja um empreendedor, ele valoriza a estabilidade.
A essência do ser empreendedor reside na [abstract noun].
A essência do ser empreendedor reside na resiliência.
Um curso para [plural noun].
Um curso para empreendedores.
A jornada do [noun].
A jornada do empreendedor.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
Extremely high in business, news, and social media contexts.
-
Ela é um empreendedor.
→
Ela é uma empreendedora.
Nouns for professions must agree with the gender of the person. Use the -ora ending for women.
-
Eu quero ser um emprendedor.
→
Eu quero ser um empreendedor.
The word requires a double 'e' after the 'pr'. 'Emprendedor' is Spanish, not Portuguese.
-
O empresário de tecnologia criou um novo app.
→
O empreendedor de tecnologia criou um novo app.
While not strictly wrong, 'empreendedor' is much more appropriate for someone creating a new tech product.
-
Ele tem um espírito empreendedora.
→
Ele tem um espírito empreendedor.
'Espírito' is a masculine noun, so the adjective must be 'empreendedor' (masculine).
-
Muitos empreendedors no Brasil.
→
Muitos empreendedores no Brasil.
The plural of words ending in 'r' is formed by adding 'es', not just 's'.
Astuces
Gender Agreement
Always match 'empreendedor' with masculine nouns and 'empreendedora' with feminine nouns. This applies to both the person and the qualities you describe.
Nasal Sounds
The first two syllables 'em-pre-en' are nasal. Practice by pinching your nose slightly; if the sound changes, you are doing it right!
Beyond Business
Use 'espírito empreendedor' to describe someone who is a go-getter in any part of life, like school or community work.
Brazil vs Portugal
In Brazil, focus on the 'hustle' (correr atrás). In Portugal, focus on 'innovation' and 'startups'. The word fits both, but the vibe differs.
The Double E
Don't forget the second 'e'. It's 'em-pre-en-de-dor'. Many people mistakenly write 'emprendedor' because of Spanish influence.
Stress the End
The stress is on the 'DOR'. Make sure you don't stress the middle of the word, which is a common mistake for English speakers.
Professional Profiles
If you are making a LinkedIn profile in Portuguese, 'Empreendedor' is a great title to show you are a founder.
Fast Speech
In fast conversation, the word might sound like 'emprendedor'. Listen for the context of business or startups to identify it.
Serial Entrepreneur
Learn the phrase 'empreendedor serial'. It's a common term for someone who starts many businesses one after another.
Synonym Variety
Mix 'empreendedor' with 'fundador' or 'empresário' in long texts to keep your writing interesting and varied.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of an 'EM-peror' who 'PRE-pares' an 'EN-terprise' with 'DE-termination'. EM-PRE-EN-DE-DOR.
Association visuelle
Imagine a person standing on a mountain peak (the goal) holding a flag with a lightbulb on it, looking over a valley of risks.
Word Web
Défi
Try to find three LinkedIn profiles of Portuguese or Brazilian people and see how many times they use the word 'empreendedor' or 'empreendedora' in their bio.
Origine du mot
The word comes from the Old French 'entrepreneur', which in turn stems from the Latin 'imprehendere', meaning 'to take hold of' or 'to seize'. It entered Portuguese through the verb 'empreender'.
Sens originel : Originally, it referred to someone who undertook a task or a mission, not necessarily a business one.
Romance (Latin root)Contexte culturel
Be careful not to romanticize the word too much; for many in Brazil, being an 'empreendedor' is a tough struggle for survival, not a choice made for 'innovation'.
While 'entrepreneur' in English can sometimes sound very high-level (like a billionaire), 'empreendedor' in Portuguese is used for everyone from a tech titan to a person selling homemade 'coxinhas'.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Business Meeting
- Qual é o seu plano?
- Precisamos de investidores.
- O mercado está difícil.
- Vamos inovar.
University/Education
- Quero estudar gestão.
- Existe uma liga aqui?
- O curso é bom.
- Aprendi sobre riscos.
Networking Event
- O que você faz?
- Sou empreendedor.
- Vamos trocar contatos.
- Muito prazer.
Social Media
- Siga meu canal.
- Dicas de sucesso.
- Trabalhe duro.
- Seja resiliente.
Bank/Finance
- Quero um empréstimo.
- Sou microempreendedor.
- Aqui estão os papéis.
- Qual é a taxa?
Amorces de conversation
"Você se considera uma pessoa com espírito empreendedor no dia a dia?"
"Qual é o empreendedor mais famoso do seu país e por que ele é conhecido?"
"Você acha que é melhor ser um empreendedor ou ter um emprego estável?"
"Se você fosse abrir um negócio hoje, que tipo de empreendedor você seria?"
"Quais são as três qualidades principais de um empreendedor de sucesso?"
Sujets d'écriture
Descreva uma ideia de negócio que você gostaria de tirar do papel como empreendedor.
Reflita sobre os riscos que um empreendedor assume e se você estaria disposto a corrê-los.
Escreva sobre uma mulher empreendedora que te inspira e quais lições ela ensina.
Como a tecnologia mudou a vida do pequeno empreendedor nos últimos dez anos?
Você prefere trabalhar sozinho como autônomo ou liderar uma equipe como empreendedor?
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsWhile often used interchangeably, 'empresário' refers to the owner or manager of a firm, focusing on the professional status. 'Empreendedor' refers to someone who identifies opportunities and innovates, focusing on the mindset and the act of creation. You can be an 'empresário' without being an 'empreendedor' (e.g., inheriting a stable business) and vice-versa.
The word is 'empreendedorismo'. It is a masculine noun used to describe the field, the activity, or the study of being an entrepreneur. Example: 'O empreendedorismo está em alta no Brasil.'
It can be both. As a noun, it means 'the entrepreneur' (O empreendedor). As an adjective, it means 'entrepreneurial' (Um espírito empreendedor). Remember to match the gender when using it as an adjective.
In Portuguese, the double 'e' is pronounced as a single, slightly longer nasal vowel /ẽ/. It is not two separate 'e' sounds. Think of it as a bridge between the 'pr' and the 'n'.
In Brazil, 'Microempreendedor Individual' (MEI) is a specific legal category for self-employed people with a limited annual revenue. It allows them to have a tax ID (CNPJ) and pay lower taxes.
No, you should use the feminine form 'empreendedora'. For example: 'Ela é uma empreendedora de sucesso.' Using the masculine form for a woman is grammatically incorrect.
Sometimes in very high-tech or international business circles, people might use the English word, but 'empreendedor' is far more common and preferred in almost all contexts.
It refers to the use of entrepreneurial principles to organize, create, and manage a venture to achieve social change or solve community problems, rather than just for profit.
They are often described as having 'resiliência' (resilience), 'visão' (vision), 'proatividade' (proactivity), and 'coragem' (courage). These words frequently appear in descriptions of successful founders.
It is neutral to formal. It is the standard professional term. Using it in an informal setting is perfectly fine, but it can sometimes sound a bit 'corporate' if you use it for very small, simple tasks.
Teste-toi 180 questions
Write a sentence using 'empreendedor' to describe your brother.
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Translate: 'She is a successful entrepreneur.'
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Write a sentence using the phrase 'espírito empreendedor'.
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Describe what an empreendedor does in your own words (in Portuguese).
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Use the word 'microempreendedor' in a sentence about taxes.
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Translate: 'Entrepreneurial vision is essential for growth.'
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Write a sentence about a 'serial entrepreneur'.
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Use the feminine plural 'empreendedoras' in a sentence.
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Write a sentence using the verb 'empreender'.
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Translate: 'The journey of the entrepreneur is full of challenges.'
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Write a short bio for a LinkedIn profile using 'empreendedor'.
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Use the word 'visionário' as a synonym in a sentence.
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Write a sentence about 'social entrepreneurship'.
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Translate: 'Are you an entrepreneur?'
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Write a sentence using 'atitude empreendedora'.
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Use the word 'ecossistema' with 'empreendedor'.
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Write a sentence about an entrepreneur taking risks.
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Use the word 'inovação' in a sentence with 'empreendedor'.
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Translate: 'Many entrepreneurs start in a garage.'
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Write a sentence about the difference between 'empreendedor' and 'empresário'.
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Pronounce the word: 'Empreendedor'.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Eu sou um empreendedor'.
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Ela é uma empreendedora'.
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Pronounce the plural: 'Empreendedores'.
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Tu as dit :
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Say the phrase: 'Espírito empreendedor'.
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Describe an entrepreneur in one sentence.
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Say: 'A visão empreendedora é importante'.
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Eu quero ser um microempreendedor'.
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'A jornada do empreendedor é difícil'.
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Pronounce 'Empreendedorismo'.
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Say: 'Ele é um empreendedor serial'.
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Say: 'As empreendedoras ganharam o prêmio'.
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Say: 'Inovação é a marca do empreendedor'.
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Você tem um perfil empreendedor?'.
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Say: 'O ecossistema empreendedor está crescendo'.
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Say: 'Eu admiro aquele empreendedor'.
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Say: 'Ser empreendedor exige resiliência'.
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Say: 'Ela é uma empreendedora nata'.
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Say: 'O empreendedorismo social ajuda a favela'.
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Say: 'Vamos apoiar o pequeno empreendedor'.
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Listen and write the word: (Audio: empreendedor)
Listen and write the word: (Audio: empreendedora)
Listen and write the word: (Audio: empreendedores)
Listen and write the word: (Audio: empreendedorismo)
Listen and identify the gender: (Audio: uma empreendedora de sucesso)
Listen and identify the number: (Audio: os empreendedores locais)
Listen and write the phrase: (Audio: espírito empreendedor)
Listen and write the phrase: (Audio: visão empreendedora)
Listen and write the word: (Audio: microempreendedor)
Listen and identify the word: (Audio: empresário vs empreendedor)
Listen and write the phrase: (Audio: empreendedor social)
Listen and write the phrase: (Audio: empreendedor serial)
Listen and write the sentence: (Audio: Ele é um grande empreendedor.)
Listen and write the sentence: (Audio: A cultura empreendedora é forte aqui.)
Listen and write the sentence: (Audio: Todo empreendedor assume riscos.)
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'empreendedor' is the Portuguese equivalent of 'entrepreneur', signifying someone who creates a business with vision and risk-taking. For example, 'Ele é um empreendedor nato' means 'He is a natural-born entrepreneur', highlighting innate initiative and creativity.
- Empreendedor means entrepreneur. It refers to a person who starts a business and takes risks to innovate and create value in the market.
- The word is used as both a noun (the person) and an adjective (the quality). It must agree in gender: empreendedor (m) and empreendedora (f).
- It is a highly positive term in Portuguese-speaking cultures, associated with creativity, resilience, and the 'startup' mindset common in cities like Lisbon.
- Commonly confused with 'empresário', which is a more general term for a business owner or manager without necessarily implying innovation or risk.
Gender Agreement
Always match 'empreendedor' with masculine nouns and 'empreendedora' with feminine nouns. This applies to both the person and the qualities you describe.
Nasal Sounds
The first two syllables 'em-pre-en' are nasal. Practice by pinching your nose slightly; if the sound changes, you are doing it right!
Beyond Business
Use 'espírito empreendedor' to describe someone who is a go-getter in any part of life, like school or community work.
Brazil vs Portugal
In Brazil, focus on the 'hustle' (correr atrás). In Portugal, focus on 'innovation' and 'startups'. The word fits both, but the vibe differs.
Exemple
O jovem empreendedor lançou uma nova empresa de tecnologia.
Contenu associé
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