At the A1 level, you should know that 'empreendedor' means 'entrepreneur' or someone who starts a business. It's a long word, so practice saying it slowly: em-pre-en-de-dor. You can use it in very simple sentences like 'Meu pai é empreendedor' (My father is an entrepreneur). It is a masculine noun. If you want to talk about a woman, you say 'empreendedora'. At this stage, just think of it as a job title for someone who owns their own shop or company. It's a useful word because many people in Portuguese-speaking countries work for themselves. Remember that 'um' goes with 'empreendedor' and 'uma' goes with 'empreendedora'. Don't worry about the complex business meanings yet; just focus on the basic idea of being your own boss. You might see this word on business cards or on signs for small shops. It is a prestigious word, so people like using it to describe their work. Always try to link it to the English word 'entrepreneur' to help you remember the meaning, as they look and sound somewhat similar. Even at A1, knowing this word helps you talk about your family and friends' jobs more accurately than just saying 'trabalhador' (worker).
At the A2 level, you begin to understand that 'empreendedor' is not just a job title but also a way to describe someone's personality. You can use it as an adjective, like in 'um espírito empreendedor' (an entrepreneurial spirit). You should be able to pluralize it correctly: 'empreendedores' and 'empreendedoras'. You will start to hear this word in basic news reports or in conversations about the economy. It's important to distinguish it from 'empresário' (businessman). An 'empreendedor' is often seen as more creative or someone who starts something from zero. You might use it when talking about your future goals, such as 'Eu quero ser um empreendedor' (I want to be an entrepreneur). At this level, you should also be aware of the word 'empreendedorismo' (entrepreneurship), which is the concept or the field. You can use these words to describe people who are proactive in your community. For example, 'Ela é muito empreendedora na escola' (She is very enterprising at school). Practice using the word with verbs like 'ser' (to be) and 'tornar-se' (to become). This will help you build more complex sentences about career paths and personal ambitions. You'll also notice it in advertisements for business courses or banks.
At the B1 level, you can use 'empreendedor' in more nuanced contexts, such as discussing social issues or economic trends. You should understand the difference between 'empreendedorismo por necessidade' (starting a business because you have no other choice) and 'empreendedorismo por oportunidade' (starting a business because you found a great idea). This distinction is very common in sociological and economic discussions in Brazil and Portugal. You can use the word to talk about innovation and risk. For example, 'O empreendedor assume riscos para inovar no mercado' (The entrepreneur takes risks to innovate in the market). You should also be comfortable using the feminine form 'empreendedora' and the adjectival forms in various settings. You might encounter this word in business articles, podcasts, or television interviews. At this level, you can also start using related terms like 'microempreendedor' (small entrepreneur) or 'intraempreendedor' (someone who is entrepreneurial within a large company). Your ability to use 'empreendedor' as an adjective to describe projects or mindsets ('uma mentalidade empreendedora') shows a higher level of fluency. You can engage in debates about whether entrepreneurship should be taught in schools, using the word as a central pillar of your vocabulary.
At the B2 level, 'empreendedor' becomes a key term for discussing complex economic and professional topics. You should be able to use it to describe the 'start-up' ecosystem and the role of innovation in society. You can discuss the 'perfil empreendedor' (entrepreneurial profile) in detail, mentioning traits like resilience, vision, and leadership. You should understand the cultural weight of the word in different Lusophone countries. For instance, in Portugal, 'empreendedorismo' is often linked to European Union funding and tech hubs in Lisbon. In Brazil, it might be discussed in the context of 'favela entrepreneurship' and social mobility. You can use the word in formal presentations or business reports. For example, 'A cultura empreendedora é o motor da nossa economia local' (Entrepreneurial culture is the engine of our local economy). You should also be familiar with idiomatic expressions or common collocations like 'empreendedor serial' (serial entrepreneur) or 'ecossistema empreendedor' (entrepreneurial ecosystem). At this level, your use of the word should reflect an understanding of its strategic importance in the modern world. You can also analyze the differences between an 'empreendedor' and a 'gestor' (manager), explaining how their roles differ in terms of risk and creativity.
At the C1 level, you use 'empreendedor' with the precision of a native speaker or a professional. You understand the philosophical and psychological implications of the term. You can discuss 'o mito do empreendedor' (the entrepreneur myth) or the 'pressão para ser empreendedor' in modern society. Your vocabulary includes highly specific variations and related concepts like 'capitalismo empreendedor' or 'estado empreendedor'. You can write analytical essays or give high-level speeches about the impact of entrepreneurial activity on national GDP or social inequality. You are sensitive to the registers in which the word is used—from the 'hype' of a tech conference to the formal academic language of an economics dissertation. You can use the word to critique or support government policies. For example, 'As políticas de austeridade sufocaram o potencial dos jovens empreendedores' (Austerity policies stifled the potential of young entrepreneurs). You also understand the subtle irony or sarcasm when the word is used to describe 'hustle culture' or 'empreendedorismo de palco' (fake entrepreneurship). Your command of the word allows you to navigate any professional or academic environment in the Portuguese-speaking world with confidence, using it to build complex arguments about innovation and society.
At the C2 level, 'empreendedor' is a word you can manipulate with absolute mastery, understanding its entire historical and socio-economic trajectory in the Portuguese language. You can discuss its etymological roots and how its meaning has shifted from a general 'undertaker of tasks' to a specific economic agent. You can engage in sophisticated discourse about 'Schumpeterian entrepreneurship' (o empreendedor schumpeteriano) and its role in 'creative destruction'. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, whether you are writing a column for a major newspaper like 'Público' or 'Folha de S.Paulo', or delivering a keynote at an international forum. You can use the word to explore abstract concepts like 'o ser empreendedor' (the entrepreneurial being) in a phenomenological sense. You understand the deepest cultural nuances, such as how the concept of the 'empreendedor' interacts with traditional Portuguese or Brazilian values of work and hierarchy. You can effortlessly switch between the most technical business contexts and the most elevated literary or philosophical ones, using 'empreendedor' and its derivatives to articulate a profound vision of human agency and economic evolution.

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

UK /ẽ.pɾẽ.deˈdoɾ/
US /ẽ.pɾẽ.deˈdoʁ/
Last syllable: dor
Rime avec
Vencedor (Winner) Trabalhador (Worker) Inovador (Innovator) Pescador (Fisherman) Amor (Love) Favor (Favor) Calor (Heat) Valor (Value)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • 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

Lecture 2/5

The word is long but follows standard Portuguese phonetic rules.

Écriture 3/5

The double 'e' and the 'r' at the end can be tricky for beginners.

Expression orale 3/5

Requires good control of nasal vowels and syllable stress.

Écoute 2/5

Clear and distinct, though the final 'r' varies by dialect.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Trabalho Empresa Pessoa Novo Dinheiro

Apprends ensuite

Investimento Lucro Prejuízo Mercado Estratégia

Avancé

Disrupção Escalabilidade Sustentabilidade Resiliência Proatividade

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

1

Meu pai é um empreendedor.

My father is an entrepreneur.

Uses the indefinite article 'um' with the masculine noun.

2

Ela quer ser empreendedora.

She wants to be an entrepreneur.

Feminine form 'empreendedora' used with the verb 'querer'.

3

O empreendedor trabalha muito.

The entrepreneur works a lot.

Definite article 'o' used as the subject.

4

Você é empreendedor?

Are you an entrepreneur?

Simple interrogative sentence using the verb 'ser'.

5

Eu conheço um empreendedor famoso.

I know a famous entrepreneur.

Adjective 'famoso' follows the noun.

6

A loja é do empreendedor.

The shop belongs to the entrepreneur.

Contraction 'do' (de + o) showing possession.

7

Muitos empreendedores vivem aqui.

Many entrepreneurs live here.

Plural form 'empreendedores'.

8

Ele é um pequeno empreendedor.

He is a small entrepreneur.

Adjective 'pequeno' used to describe the scale of business.

1

Ele tem um espírito empreendedor.

He has an entrepreneurial spirit.

Used as an adjective modifying 'espírito'.

2

As empreendedoras ganharam o prêmio.

The female entrepreneurs won the prize.

Plural feminine form 'as empreendedoras'.

3

O curso é para novos empreendedores.

The course is for new entrepreneurs.

Preposition 'para' followed by plural noun.

4

Ela é uma empreendedora de sucesso.

She is a successful entrepreneur.

Compound phrase 'de sucesso' acting as an adjective.

5

Ser empreendedor não é fácil.

Being an entrepreneur is not easy.

Infinitive 'ser' used as a noun phrase.

6

O jovem empreendedor abriu uma startup.

The young entrepreneur opened a startup.

Adjective 'jovem' precedes the noun for emphasis.

7

Eles são empreendedores criativos.

They are creative entrepreneurs.

Plural adjective 'criativos' matches 'empreendedores'.

8

Procuro um sócio empreendedor.

I am looking for an entrepreneurial partner.

Adjective 'empreendedor' modifying the noun 'sócio'.

1

O empreendedorismo social ajuda a comunidade.

Social entrepreneurship helps the community.

Abstract noun 'empreendedorismo' as the subject.

2

Todo empreendedor deve saber lidar com riscos.

Every entrepreneur must know how to deal with risks.

Modal verb 'deve' followed by infinitive 'saber'.

3

Ela se tornou uma empreendedora digital.

She became a digital entrepreneur.

Pronominal verb 'tornar-se' expressing a change of state.

4

O governo apoia o pequeno empreendedor.

The government supports the small entrepreneur.

Direct object 'o pequeno empreendedor'.

5

Sua visão empreendedora mudou a empresa.

Her entrepreneurial vision changed the company.

Feminine adjective 'empreendedora' modifying 'visão'.

6

Muitos brasileiros são empreendedores por necessidade.

Many Brazilians are entrepreneurs by necessity.

Prepositional phrase 'por necessidade' explaining the cause.

7

O evento reuniu centenas de empreendedores.

The event brought together hundreds of entrepreneurs.

Quantifier 'centenas de' followed by plural noun.

8

Ele tem uma atitude muito empreendedora.

He has a very enterprising attitude.

Adverb 'muito' intensifying the feminine adjective.

1

O ecossistema empreendedor de Lisboa está crescendo.

Lisbon's entrepreneurial ecosystem is growing.

Noun phrase 'ecossistema empreendedor' as a technical term.

2

Ser um empreendedor serial exige resiliência.

Being a serial entrepreneur requires resilience.

Adjective 'serial' used in a business context.

3

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.

4

Inovação é a marca registrada do verdadeiro empreendedor.

Innovation is the hallmark of the true entrepreneur.

Genitive case 'do verdadeiro empreendedor' (of the true...).

5

O microempreendedor individual tem benefícios fiscais.

The individual micro-entrepreneur has tax benefits.

Legal term 'microempreendedor individual' (MEI).

6

Precisamos incentivar a cultura empreendedora nas escolas.

We need to encourage entrepreneurial culture in schools.

Infinitive 'incentivar' following the verb 'precisamos'.

7

O empreendedor identificou uma lacuna no mercado.

The entrepreneur identified a gap in the market.

Verb 'identificou' in the pretérito perfeito.

8

Ela é reconhecida como uma empreendedora de impacto.

She is recognized as an impact entrepreneur.

Passive construction 'é reconhecida como'.

1

A mentalidade empreendedora transcende a criação de empresas.

The entrepreneurial mindset transcends the creation of companies.

Formal verb 'transcende' used with an abstract subject.

2

O empreendedor schumpeteriano promove a destruição criativa.

The Schumpeterian entrepreneur promotes creative destruction.

Academic reference to Joseph Schumpeter's economic theory.

3

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).

4

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'.

5

Muitos criticam o chamado empreendedorismo de palco.

Many criticize the so-called stage entrepreneurship.

Critical term 'empreendedorismo de palco' (fake gurus).

6

O estado deve atuar como um agente empreendedor.

The state must act as an entrepreneurial agent.

Political/Economic concept of the 'Entrepreneurial State'.

7

A jornada do empreendedor é repleta de incertezas.

The entrepreneur's journey is full of uncertainties.

Adjective 'repleta' (full/replete) followed by 'de'.

8

Ela personifica o ideal do empreendedor moderno.

She personifies the ideal of the modern entrepreneur.

Elevated verb 'personifica' (personifies).

1

A práxis empreendedora exige uma simbiose entre teoria e prática.

Entrepreneurial praxis requires a symbiosis between theory and practice.

Highly formal/academic term 'práxis'.

2

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).

3

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'.

4

A resiliência intrínseca do empreendedor mitiga os riscos de mercado.

The entrepreneur's intrinsic resilience mitigates market risks.

Formal verb 'mitiga' (mitigates/lessens).

5

O empreendedor atua como o catalisador da inovação disruptiva.

The entrepreneur acts as the catalyst for disruptive innovation.

Metaphorical use of 'catalisador' (catalyst).

6

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).

7

A fenomenologia do espírito empreendedor revela uma busca por autonomia.

The phenomenology of the entrepreneurial spirit reveals a search for autonomy.

Philosophical terminology 'fenomenologia'.

8

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

Empresário Fundador Visionário Autônomo Idealizador Inovador Investidor Batalhador

Antonymes

Funcionário Empregado Assalariado Herdeiro

Collocations courantes

Espírito empreendedor
Visão empreendedora
Jovem empreendedor
Empreendedor serial
Microempreendedor Individual
Perfil empreendedor
Ecossistema empreendedor
Atitude empreendedora
Empreendedor de sucesso
Empreendedor social

Phrases Courantes

Ser o seu próprio patrão

— To be your own boss. This is the ultimate goal of many entrepreneurs.

Ele largou o emprego para ser o seu próprio patrão.

Correr atrás

— 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.

Abrir um negócio

— To open a business. The most common action associated with entrepreneurs.

Ela decidiu abrir um negócio de bolos artesanais.

Tirar do papel

— To take an idea off the paper (make it happen).

O empreendedor finalmente tirou a ideia do papel.

Assumir riscos

— To take risks. A core characteristic of an entrepreneur.

Um bom empreendedor sabe quando assumir riscos calculados.

Identificar oportunidades

— To identify opportunities in the market.

O empreendedor identificou uma oportunidade no setor de turismo.

Gerar empregos

— To create jobs. A social benefit of entrepreneurship.

Os pequenos empreendedores são os que mais geram empregos no país.

Fazer networking

— To network. Essential for any entrepreneur to build connections.

O empreendedor passou a tarde fazendo networking no evento.

Escalar o negócio

— To scale the business. Growing it significantly without a proportional increase in costs.

O objetivo do empreendedor digital é escalar o negócio rapidamente.

Inovar sempre

— To always innovate. The mantra of successful entrepreneurs.

Para o empreendedor, o segredo é inovar sempre.

Souvent confondu avec

empreendedor vs Empresário

An empresário manages or owns a business, but an empreendedor is the one who innovates and takes the initial risks.

empreendedor vs Empregado

This is the opposite; an employee who works for someone else.

empreendedor vs Investidor

An investor provides capital, while the entrepreneur provides the vision and the work.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Meter a cara"

— 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)
"Dar o sangue"

— To give one's blood (to work extremely hard and sacrifice everything).

Ela deu o sangue para fazer sua empresa crescer.

Informal
"Fazer das tripas coração"

— To make the impossible happen through sheer will and effort.

O pequeno empreendedor fez das tripas coração para pagar as contas.

Common
"Nadar contra a maré"

— 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
"Pôr a mão na massa"

— 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
"Ter jogo de cintura"

— To be flexible and adaptable in difficult situations.

O empreendedor precisa de jogo de cintura para lidar com clientes difíceis.

Informal (Brazil)
"Dar um nó em pingo d'água"

— 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)
"Ver o copo meio cheio"

— To see the glass half full (to be optimistic).

O empreendedor sempre vê o copo meio cheio, mesmo no prejuízo.

Neutral
"Segurar as pontas"

— To hold things together during a tough time.

A empreendedora segurou as pontas enquanto a economia estava ruim.

Informal
"Matar um leão por dia"

— 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

empreendedor vs Empreiteiro

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.

empreendedor vs Empregado

Both relate to work and start with 'empre-'.

Empregado is an employee; Empreendedor is the boss/founder.

O empregado recebeu seu salário.

empreendedor vs Empresário

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.

empreendedor vs Aprendiz

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.

empreendedor vs Vendedor

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

A1

Eu sou [empreendedor/empreendedora].

Eu sou empreendedora.

A2

Ele quer ser um [adjective] empreendedor.

Ele quer ser um grande empreendedor.

B1

O [empreendedor] precisa [verb] para [goal].

O empreendedor precisa inovar para crescer.

B2

A [noun] empreendedora é fundamental para [context].

A visão empreendedora é fundamental para o sucesso.

C1

Embora seja um empreendedor, ele [contrast].

Embora seja um empreendedor, ele valoriza a estabilidade.

C2

A essência do ser empreendedor reside na [abstract noun].

A essência do ser empreendedor reside na resiliência.

Any

Um curso para [plural noun].

Um curso para empreendedores.

Any

A jornada do [noun].

A jornada do empreendedor.

Famille de mots

Noms

Empreendedorismo (Entrepreneurship)
Empreendimento (Enterprise/Venture)
Empreendedora (Female Entrepreneur)

Verbes

Empreender (To undertake/start a business)

Adjectifs

Empreendedor (Entrepreneurial - masculine)
Empreendedora (Entrepreneurial - feminine)

Apparenté

Empresa (Company)
Empresário (Businessman)
Emprego (Job)
Empreiteiro (Contractor)
Empreitada (Undertaking/Task)

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in business, news, and social media contexts.

Erreurs courantes
  • 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

Inovação Risco Negócio Startup Liderança Visão Dinheiro Resiliência

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'.

Abilio Diniz (Famous Brazilian entrepreneur) Bel Pesce (Known as the 'Girl from Silicon Valley' in Brazil) Ricardo Semler (Innovator in management and entrepreneurship)

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 questions

While 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

writing

Write a sentence using 'empreendedor' to describe your brother.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Translate: 'She is a successful entrepreneur.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence using the phrase 'espírito empreendedor'.

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writing

Describe what an empreendedor does in your own words (in Portuguese).

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writing

Use the word 'microempreendedor' in a sentence about taxes.

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writing

Translate: 'Entrepreneurial vision is essential for growth.'

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writing

Write a sentence about a 'serial entrepreneur'.

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writing

Use the feminine plural 'empreendedoras' in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence using the verb 'empreender'.

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writing

Translate: 'The journey of the entrepreneur is full of challenges.'

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writing

Write a short bio for a LinkedIn profile using 'empreendedor'.

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writing

Use the word 'visionário' as a synonym in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'social entrepreneurship'.

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writing

Translate: 'Are you an entrepreneur?'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'atitude empreendedora'.

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writing

Use the word 'ecossistema' with 'empreendedor'.

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writing

Write a sentence about an entrepreneur taking risks.

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writing

Use the word 'inovação' in a sentence with 'empreendedor'.

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writing

Translate: 'Many entrepreneurs start in a garage.'

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writing

Write a sentence about the difference between 'empreendedor' and 'empresário'.

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speaking

Pronounce the word: 'Empreendedor'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Eu sou um empreendedor'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Ela é uma empreendedora'.

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speaking

Pronounce the plural: 'Empreendedores'.

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speaking

Say the phrase: 'Espírito empreendedor'.

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speaking

Describe an entrepreneur in one sentence.

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speaking

Say: 'A visão empreendedora é importante'.

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speaking

Say: 'Eu quero ser um microempreendedor'.

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speaking

Say: 'A jornada do empreendedor é difícil'.

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speaking

Pronounce 'Empreendedorismo'.

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speaking

Say: 'Ele é um empreendedor serial'.

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speaking

Say: 'As empreendedoras ganharam o prêmio'.

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speaking

Say: 'Inovação é a marca do empreendedor'.

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speaking

Say: 'Você tem um perfil empreendedor?'.

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speaking

Say: 'O ecossistema empreendedor está crescendo'.

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speaking

Say: 'Eu admiro aquele empreendedor'.

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speaking

Say: 'Ser empreendedor exige resiliência'.

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speaking

Say: 'Ela é uma empreendedora nata'.

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speaking

Say: 'O empreendedorismo social ajuda a favela'.

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speaking

Say: 'Vamos apoiar o pequeno empreendedor'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write the word: (Audio: empreendedor)

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write the word: (Audio: empreendedora)

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write the word: (Audio: empreendedores)

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write the word: (Audio: empreendedorismo)

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and identify the gender: (Audio: uma empreendedora de sucesso)

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and identify the number: (Audio: os empreendedores locais)

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listening

Listen and write the phrase: (Audio: espírito empreendedor)

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listening

Listen and write the phrase: (Audio: visão empreendedora)

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write the word: (Audio: microempreendedor)

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and identify the word: (Audio: empresário vs empreendedor)

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listening

Listen and write the phrase: (Audio: empreendedor social)

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listening

Listen and write the phrase: (Audio: empreendedor serial)

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listening

Listen and write the sentence: (Audio: Ele é um grande empreendedor.)

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write the sentence: (Audio: A cultura empreendedora é forte aqui.)

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and write the sentence: (Audio: Todo empreendedor assume riscos.)

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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