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A2 adjective #1,800 le plus courant 14 min de lecture

infantil

Top 1,800

At the A1 beginner level, your primary goal is to recognize and use the word 'infantil' in its most basic, concrete sense: as a descriptive label for things that belong to or are made for children. When you are just starting to learn Portuguese, you will mostly encounter this word when you are out shopping, navigating public spaces, or talking about basic family structures. For instance, if you need to buy clothes for a young relative, you will look for the 'roupa infantil' section in a store. If you are taking a child to play, you will look for a 'parque infantil'. At this stage, you do not need to worry about the complex psychological or behavioral meanings of the word. Simply treat 'infantil' as the direct translation of 'children's' when it acts as an adjective. It is very important to remember that 'infantil' is an adjective, not a noun. You cannot use it to say 'I have an infantil' (meaning I have a child); instead, you must say 'Eu tenho uma criança'. Furthermore, you need to learn the basic pluralization rule: 'infantil' becomes 'infantis' when describing plural nouns, such as 'livros infantis' (children's books). Because it ends in '-l', it does not change based on whether the noun is masculine or feminine, which makes it slightly easier to use than adjectives ending in '-o' or '-a'. Focus on memorizing common phrases like 'festa infantil' (children's party) and 'moda infantil' (children's fashion). By mastering these basic, everyday uses, you will build a solid foundation for navigating Portuguese-speaking environments and communicating basic needs related to children.

As you progress to the A2 elementary level, your understanding of 'infantil' expands beyond simple physical objects and spaces to include concepts and basic behavioral descriptions. At this stage, you are expected to use 'infantil' to describe media, education, and simple actions. You will start talking about 'literatura infantil' (children's literature), 'filmes infantis' (children's movies), and 'educação infantil' (early childhood education). More importantly, A2 is the level where you introduce the behavioral meaning of the word. You can now use 'infantil' to describe someone who is acting childishly. For example, if a friend is refusing to share or throwing a minor tantrum, you might say, 'Não sejas infantil' (Don't be childish). This requires an understanding of context, as you must realize that calling an adult 'infantil' is a criticism, not a neutral description. You should also be comfortable using the plural form 'infantis' accurately in sentences, ensuring agreement with plural nouns. Practice constructing sentences that contrast mature and immature behavior, using 'infantil' as the key descriptive adjective. You will also start encountering the word in simple news headlines or informational texts, such as notices about a 'clínica infantil' (children's clinic) or a 'coro infantil' (children's choir). By the end of the A2 level, 'infantil' should be a versatile tool in your vocabulary, allowing you to categorize the world around you and express basic opinions about people's behavior.

At the B1 intermediate level, your use of 'infantil' becomes more nuanced and integrated into complex sentence structures. You are now capable of discussing broader societal and medical topics where 'infantil' is a key component of compound terms. You will encounter and use phrases like 'obesidade infantil' (childhood obesity), 'mortalidade infantil' (infant mortality), and 'trabalho infantil' (child labor). In these contexts, 'infantil' is essential for discussing social issues, public health, and news events. You should be able to read an article about 'psicologia infantil' (child psychology) and understand the general context. Furthermore, your ability to use 'infantil' to critique behavior becomes more sophisticated. Instead of just saying 'You are childish', you might explain *why* a behavior is childish: 'A tua recusa em falar com ele é uma atitude muito infantil' (Your refusal to speak to him is a very childish attitude). You will also learn to distinguish 'infantil' from related words like 'juvenil' (juvenile/youth) and 'imaturo' (immature), choosing the most precise word for the situation. At this level, you should be entirely comfortable with the grammatical rules, never making mistakes with the plural 'infantis' or attempting to use it as a noun. You can participate in debates or discussions about education, parenting, and social policies, using 'infantil' accurately to specify the demographic you are talking about. Your vocabulary is expanding to include collocations and common phrases that naturally pair with 'infantil'.

Reaching the B2 upper-intermediate level means you have a comprehensive and almost native-like grasp of the word 'infantil'. You can seamlessly switch between its objective, demographic meaning and its subjective, behavioral meaning without hesitation. At this stage, you are engaging with complex texts, such as academic papers, detailed news reports, and literature, where 'infantil' might be used in abstract or figurative ways. You can discuss the psychological implications of 'comportamento infantil' (childish behavior) in adults, analyzing the root causes of such immaturity. You are also comfortable with specialized vocabulary, such as 'paralisia infantil' (polio) or 'desenvolvimento infantil' (child development), and can use these terms correctly in professional or academic discussions. Furthermore, you understand the subtle register differences; you know when calling someone 'infantil' is a lighthearted tease among friends versus a severe professional critique in a workplace environment. You can use modifiers to express degrees of childishness, such as 'profundamente infantil' (deeply childish) or 'ligeiramente infantil' (slightly childish). Your writing at the B2 level will demonstrate a clear understanding of how 'infantil' functions within complex grammatical structures, including subjunctive clauses and passive voice constructions. You are no longer just translating 'childish' or 'children's' from English; you are thinking in Portuguese and utilizing 'infantil' with the full cultural and linguistic weight that a native speaker would apply.

At the C1 advanced level, your mastery of 'infantil' is characterized by precision, stylistic awareness, and the ability to comprehend and produce highly sophisticated language. You are not just using the word correctly; you are using it elegantly. You can navigate literary texts where 'infantil' might be used to evoke a sense of lost innocence, nostalgia, or deep psychological regression. You understand the subtle differences between 'infantil', 'pueril', and 'ingênuo', and you choose exactly the right synonym to convey your precise intended meaning in essays, formal presentations, or high-level debates. In professional contexts, you can discuss complex policies regarding 'direitos infantis' (children's rights) or 'proteção infantil' (child protection) with fluency and authority. You are also attuned to the cultural nuances of the word across different Portuguese-speaking regions, understanding slight variations in usage or connotation between Portugal, Brazil, and other Lusophone countries. When analyzing behavior, you can articulate complex psychological concepts, discussing how 'traumas de infância' (childhood traumas) might lead to 'respostas emocionais infantis' (infantile emotional responses) in adulthood. Your use of the word is entirely intuitive, and you can play with its meaning for rhetorical effect, perhaps using it ironically or sarcastically in advanced conversational settings. At C1, 'infantil' is a fully integrated component of your extensive vocabulary, deployed with the skill of a highly educated native speaker.

At the C2 mastery level, your understanding and application of 'infantil' are indistinguishable from those of a highly articulate, educated native speaker. You possess a profound, almost academic comprehension of the word's etymology, its historical evolution, and its sociolinguistic implications. You can effortlessly deconstruct texts—whether they are legal documents concerning 'legislação infantil' (child legislation), psychiatric evaluations detailing 'regressão infantil' (infantile regression), or poetic works exploring the 'alma infantil' (childlike soul)—and analyze how the word shapes the narrative. You are capable of writing publishable-quality essays or articles where 'infantil' is used with absolute precision alongside highly specialized vocabulary. You can engage in abstract philosophical discussions about the nature of maturity versus the 'estado infantil' (infantile state), drawing on literature, psychology, and sociology. Furthermore, you can invent novel metaphors or stylistic devices using the concept of 'infantilidade' (childishness), pushing the boundaries of the language creatively while maintaining perfect grammatical accuracy. You understand every conceivable idiom, colloquialism, and regional slang term related to the concept, even if 'infantil' itself is not used. At this pinnacle of language proficiency, 'infantil' is not just a word you know; it is a concept you can manipulate, analyze, and deploy with absolute mastery across any conceivable context, register, or medium.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

infantil en 30 secondes

Used to describe products, places, or services specifically designed for children.
Used to criticize adults or older youths for acting immaturely or childishly.
Always an adjective; do not use it as a noun to mean 'a child'.
Pluralizes to 'infantis', applying to both masculine and feminine plural nouns.

The Portuguese word 'infantil' is an incredibly versatile and frequently used adjective that primarily translates to 'infantile,' 'childish,' or 'relating to children' in English. When you are learning Portuguese, understanding the dual nature of this word is absolutely essential for achieving fluency and avoiding awkward misunderstandings in daily conversations. On one hand, 'infantil' is a completely neutral, descriptive term used to categorize things that are made for, belong to, or are associated with children. For example, when you go shopping, you will see signs for 'moda infantil' (children's fashion) or 'literatura infantil' (children's literature). In these contexts, there is absolutely no negative connotation; it is simply a demographic descriptor. On the other hand, 'infantil' can be used to describe the behavior of an adult or an older child who is acting in an immature, silly, or inappropriately childish manner. In this behavioral context, calling someone's actions 'infantil' is a direct criticism, implying a lack of maturity or emotional intelligence.

Descriptive Usage: Used to objectively describe products, services, or spaces designed specifically for children, such as a pediatrician's office or a playground.

Eles abriram uma nova loja de roupa infantil.

It is fascinating to note how the context completely dictates the emotional weight of the word. If a doctor refers to 'mortalidade infantil' (infant mortality), it is a grave, scientific, and statistical term. However, if a teenager tells their friend 'Não sejas infantil!' (Don't be childish!), the tone is informal, exasperated, and critical. This dichotomy requires learners to pay close attention to the surrounding words and the situation in which the word is deployed.

Behavioral Usage: Used to criticize someone for acting below their age level, showing a lack of maturity, or throwing a tantrum.

O comportamento dele durante a reunião foi completamente infantil.

To truly master this word, you must also understand its grammatical properties. 'Infantil' is an adjective that ends in '-l', which means it is gender-neutral in its singular form. You can say 'um livro infantil' (masculine) and 'uma festa infantil' (feminine) without changing the ending of the word. This makes it slightly easier for beginners to use, as they do not have to worry about matching the gender of the noun. However, when pluralized, the '-l' changes to '-is', becoming 'infantis'. Therefore, 'livros infantis' and 'festas infantis' are the correct plural forms.

Grammatical Note: Adjectives ending in 'l' drop the 'l' and add 'is' in the plural form, applying to both masculine and feminine nouns.

As brincadeiras deles são muito infantis.

Furthermore, the root of the word comes from the Latin 'infantilis', which shares the same origin as the English word 'infant'. This etymological connection can serve as a powerful mnemonic device for English speakers. Whenever you see 'infantil', think of 'infant', but remember to expand the definition to encompass older children and childish behavior as well.

Ela tem uma voz muito infantil para a sua idade.

In literature and art, 'infantil' can also describe a specific aesthetic or genre. 'Desenho infantil' refers to children's drawings, which often have a distinct, innocent, and unrefined style. Understanding these subtle nuances will greatly enrich your vocabulary and allow you to express yourself with the precision of a native speaker.

O parque de diversões tem uma área infantil fantástica.

By recognizing the dual nature of 'infantil'—both as a neutral demographic label and as a subjective behavioral critique—you unlock a deeper understanding of Portuguese communication dynamics. It is a word that bridges the gap between commerce, healthcare, psychology, and everyday interpersonal relationships, making it an indispensable part of your Portuguese vocabulary arsenal.

Using the word 'infantil' correctly in Portuguese requires a solid grasp of adjective placement, context recognition, and pluralization rules. As an adjective, 'infantil' typically follows the noun it modifies, which is the standard word order in Portuguese. This placement is crucial for maintaining the natural rhythm and flow of the sentence. For instance, you would say 'um parque infantil' (a children's park) rather than 'um infantil parque'. Placing the adjective after the noun emphasizes the descriptive nature of the word, categorizing the noun into a specific type or demographic.

Standard Placement: The adjective 'infantil' almost always follows the noun it modifies to provide a neutral, objective description of the noun's purpose or target audience.

Comprei um livro infantil para o meu sobrinho.

When you want to use 'infantil' to describe someone's behavior as childish or immature, the structure often involves the verb 'ser' (to be - permanent) or 'estar' (to be - temporary), or verbs related to acting or behaving, such as 'agir' or 'comportar-se'. For example, 'Ele é muito infantil' implies that the person has a permanently childish personality. On the other hand, 'Ele está a ser infantil' (in Portugal) or 'Ele está sendo infantil' (in Brazil) suggests that the person is currently acting childishly in a specific situation, even if they are normally mature.

Behavioral Context: Combine 'infantil' with verbs of being or acting to critique someone's level of maturity or emotional response.

Acho que a tua reação foi um pouco infantil.

Another important aspect of using 'infantil' is understanding its pluralization. Because it ends in '-il', the plural form is created by dropping the '-l' and adding '-is', resulting in 'infantis'. This rule applies regardless of whether the noun is masculine or feminine. Therefore, 'os sapatos infantis' (the children's shoes) and 'as roupas infantis' (the children's clothes) both use the exact same plural adjective form. This consistency is a helpful feature of Portuguese grammar that simplifies the learning process for beginners.

Pluralization Rule: Words ending in -il with the stress on the final syllable form their plural by changing the -l to -is.

Eles vendem muitos brinquedos infantis nesta loja.

In professional and medical contexts, 'infantil' is frequently combined with specific nouns to create established terms. For example, 'paralisia infantil' refers to polio, and 'obesidade infantil' refers to childhood obesity. In these cases, 'infantil' functions almost like a compound noun component, and its usage is strictly formal and objective. You will often encounter these terms in news reports, public health campaigns, and educational materials.

O governo lançou uma campanha contra a obesidade infantil.

Finally, it is worth noting that 'infantil' can sometimes be used as a noun, though this is less common than its adjective form. When used as a noun, 'o infantil' or 'a infantil' might refer to a child in a specific organizational context, such as a sports category or a school grade level. However, for general communication, sticking to its adjective form is the safest and most effective way to integrate this word into your daily Portuguese conversations.

O torneio infantil de futebol começa amanhã.

Mastering the placement, context, and pluralization of 'infantil' will significantly enhance your ability to communicate accurately and naturally in Portuguese.

The word 'infantil' is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking societies, appearing in a wide variety of contexts ranging from everyday commerce to specialized medical fields. Because it serves as the primary descriptor for anything related to children, you will encounter it almost immediately upon arriving in a Portuguese-speaking country. One of the most common places you will see and hear 'infantil' is in shopping centers and retail environments. Department stores are typically divided into sections, and 'moda infantil' (children's fashion) or 'calçado infantil' (children's footwear) are standard signs you will see navigating the aisles.

Retail and Commerce: Used extensively in stores to categorize products designed for children, making it easy for shoppers to find what they need.

A secção de roupa infantil fica no segundo andar.

Beyond retail, 'infantil' is heavily used in the realms of education and childcare. 'Educação infantil' is the official term for early childhood education, encompassing preschool and kindergarten. Parents discussing their children's schooling will frequently use this term. Additionally, public spaces often have designated areas for children, such as a 'parque infantil' (playground). These are essential vocabulary words for anyone living in or visiting a Portuguese-speaking community with children.

Education and Public Spaces: Refers to educational institutions, programs, and recreational areas specifically built and maintained for young children.

As crianças estão a brincar no parque infantil.

In the medical and scientific fields, 'infantil' is a critical descriptor. Terms like 'mortalidade infantil' (infant mortality), 'desnutrição infantil' (childhood malnutrition), and 'psicologia infantil' (child psychology) are standard terminology. In these contexts, the word carries a serious, academic tone and is devoid of any behavioral judgment. You will hear these terms on the news, read them in articles, and encounter them in discussions about public policy and healthcare.

Medical and Scientific Contexts: Used to specify that a medical condition, statistic, or field of study pertains specifically to children or infants.

Ela especializou-se em psicologia infantil.

On a more informal level, you will hear 'infantil' used in everyday conversations to describe behavior. This is where the word takes on its critical, judgmental meaning. Friends might argue and call each other 'infantil' for being petty, or a parent might scold a teenager for acting 'de forma infantil' (in a childish way). This usage is very common in television dramas, movies, and real-life interpersonal conflicts. It is a powerful word for expressing frustration with someone's lack of maturity.

Não sejas tão infantil, assume as tuas responsabilidades.

Finally, in the entertainment industry, 'infantil' categorizes content. 'Programação infantil' refers to children's television shows, and 'filme infantil' refers to a children's movie. When browsing streaming services or looking at cinema listings, this word helps parents filter appropriate content for their kids. Understanding the multifaceted environments where 'infantil' is used will help you navigate Portuguese-speaking cultures with confidence and ease.

Este canal só transmite programação infantil.

When learning how to use the word 'infantil', students often make a few predictable mistakes that can lead to confusion or unintended offense. One of the most frequent errors is confusing 'infantil' (the adjective) with 'criança' (the noun). English speakers often try to use 'criança' as an adjective because in English, we say 'child psychology' or 'child actor', using the noun 'child' to modify another noun. In Portuguese, you cannot say 'psicologia criança' or 'ator criança'. You must use the adjective form: 'psicologia infantil' or 'ator infantil'. This is a fundamental structural difference between the two languages that requires conscious practice to overcome.

Noun vs. Adjective Confusion: Do not use the noun 'criança' (child) as an adjective. Always use 'infantil' when describing something that belongs to or is for children.

Ele lê muita literatura infantil (NOT literatura criança).

Another common mistake involves pluralization. Because 'infantil' ends in a consonant, learners sometimes incorrectly add an 's' to the end, creating the non-existent word 'infantils'. The correct rule for adjectives ending in '-il' is to drop the '-l' and add '-is'. Therefore, the plural is always 'infantis'. This mistake is particularly common in writing, where the visual cue of the '-l' tricks the brain into applying the standard '-s' pluralization rule.

Incorrect Pluralization: Never write or say 'infantils'. The correct plural form is 'infantis', used for both masculine and feminine plural nouns.

As vozes delas eram muito infantis.

A more nuanced mistake is failing to recognize the negative connotation of 'infantil' when applied to adult behavior. A learner might try to compliment an adult for being 'youthful' or 'playful' by calling them 'infantil', which will almost certainly be taken as an insult. If you want to say someone is youthful in a positive way, you should use words like 'jovem' (young) or 'cheio de vida' (full of life). Using 'infantil' implies they are immature, petty, or throwing a tantrum.

Contextual Inappropriateness: Using 'infantil' to mean 'youthful' or 'playful' when describing an adult is a mistake; it strictly means 'childish' or 'immature' in this context.

Chamar o teu chefe de infantil foi um grande erro.

Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 'infantil' with 'infante'. While they share the same root, 'infante' is a noun historically used to refer to a prince or princess in Portugal or Spain who is not the heir apparent, or it can mean a foot soldier (infantryman). It is not used as an adjective to describe children's things in modern, everyday Portuguese.

O quarto é infantil, não infante.

By being aware of these common pitfalls—avoiding the noun-as-adjective trap, mastering the plural form, understanding the behavioral connotations, and distinguishing it from similar-sounding historical terms—you can use 'infantil' with the accuracy and confidence of a native speaker.

Evite erros ao usar a palavra infantil no plural.

Expanding your vocabulary around the concept of childhood and maturity involves understanding the subtle differences between 'infantil' and its synonyms. While 'infantil' is the most common and versatile term, Portuguese offers several other words that convey similar meanings but with distinct nuances. One such word is 'pueril'. 'Pueril' also means childish or juvenile, but it is a much more formal and literary term. You are more likely to encounter 'pueril' in classic literature, academic essays, or highly formal speech rather than in everyday conversation. When used to describe behavior, 'pueril' often carries a stronger sense of triviality or silliness than 'infantil'.

Pueril: A formal, literary synonym for childish, often implying silliness or a lack of seriousness.

Os seus argumentos eram de uma natureza puramente pueril.

Another related word is 'imaturo' (immature). While 'infantil' specifically references the behavior of a child, 'imaturo' is a broader term that simply means not fully developed or lacking maturity. An adult can be 'imaturo' without necessarily acting 'infantil' (like a child). For example, someone who is financially irresponsible might be considered 'imaturo', but not necessarily 'infantil'. 'Imaturo' focuses on the lack of expected development, whereas 'infantil' focuses on the presence of child-like traits.

Imaturo: Means immature; focuses on a lack of development or responsibility rather than specifically child-like behavior.

Ele é demasiado imaturo para casar.

'Juvenil' is another word that learners often confuse with 'infantil'. While 'infantil' relates to infants and young children, 'juvenil' relates to youths or teenagers (juveniles). You will see 'literatura juvenil' (young adult literature) or 'moda juvenil' (teen fashion). The distinction is purely demographic, based on age groups. Using 'juvenil' instead of 'infantil' when referring to a toddler's clothing would be incorrect, just as using 'infantil' for a teenager's clothing would be inaccurate.

Juvenil: Relates to youths or teenagers, distinguishing an older demographic from the young children implied by 'infantil'.

A biblioteca tem uma grande secção de livros juvenis.

If you want to describe a child-like quality in a positive, endearing way, you might use words like 'inocente' (innocent) or 'ingênuo' (naive, though this can sometimes be negative). These words capture the purity and lack of guile associated with childhood without the negative behavioral judgment that 'infantil' carries when applied to adults.

Ela tem um sorriso muito inocente.

By distinguishing between 'infantil', 'pueril', 'imaturo', 'juvenil', and 'inocente', you can express your thoughts with much greater precision. You will be able to accurately describe demographics, critique behavior, and convey the exact tone you intend, demonstrating a deep and nuanced understanding of the Portuguese language.

Aprender estas diferenças não é um exercício pueril.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Informel

Argot

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

A loja vende roupa infantil.

The store sells children's clothing.

'Infantil' follows the noun 'roupa' and does not change gender.

O parque infantil é grande.

The children's park is big.

Used here to describe a place specifically for children.

Eu leio um livro infantil.

I read a children's book.

'Livro' is masculine, but 'infantil' remains the same.

A festa infantil foi divertida.

The children's party was fun.

'Festa' is feminine, showing 'infantil' is gender-neutral.

Onde fica o calçado infantil?

Where is the children's footwear?

A common question format in retail environments.

Eles compram brinquedos infantis.

They buy children's toys.

Notice the plural form 'infantis' matching 'brinquedos'.

A cadeira infantil está no carro.

The child seat is in the car.

Used to describe safety equipment for kids.

O menu infantil tem batatas.

The kids' menu has fries.

Common usage in restaurants.

O teu comportamento é muito infantil.

Your behavior is very childish.

Used here to criticize behavior, not to describe a demographic.

Ela gosta de filmes infantis.

She likes children's movies.

Plural 'infantis' agreeing with plural 'filmes'.

A educação infantil é importante.

Early childhood education is important.

A standard compound term for preschool/kindergarten.

Não sejas infantil, por favor.

Don't be childish, please.

Using the imperative negative with 'infantil' as a behavioral critique.

O médico trabalha na clínica infantil.

The doctor works at the children's clinic.

Describing a medical facility for children.

Aquelas brincadeiras são infantis.

Those jokes are childish.

Describing actions or jokes as immature.

O coro infantil canta bem.

The children's choir sings well.

Describing a group composed of children.

Ele tem uma voz infantil.

He has a childish voice.

Describing a physical trait that resembles a child's.

A obesidade infantil é um problema grave.

Childhood obesity is a serious problem.

A formal medical/societal term.

A atitude dele perante o problema foi completamente infantil.

His attitude towards the problem was completely childish.

Using adverbs like 'completamente' to intensify the adjective.

O governo quer reduzir a mortalidade infantil.

The government wants to reduce infant mortality.

A standard public health term.

A literatura infantil ajuda no desenvolvimento cognitivo.

Children's literature helps in cognitive development.

Discussing the benefits of children's products.

Eles discutiram por um motivo muito infantil.

They argued over a very childish reason.

Describing the nature of a conflict.

O trabalho infantil é ilegal na maioria dos países.

Child labor is illegal in most countries.

A crucial term for discussing human rights.

Ela especializou-se em psicologia infantil na universidade.

She specialized in child psychology at the university.

Academic and professional context.

Acho que essa reação é um bocado infantil da tua parte.

I think that reaction is a bit childish on your part.

Using 'um bocado' (a bit) to soften the criticism.

A regressão a um estado infantil é um mecanismo de defesa comum.

Regression to an infantile state is a common defense mechanism.

Psychological terminology using 'infantil' in an abstract sense.

A campanha visa erradicar a paralisia infantil até ao próximo ano.

The campaign aims to eradicate polio by next year.

'Paralisia infantil' is the common Portuguese term for polio.

Apesar da sua idade, ele mantém um fascínio infantil pelo universo.

Despite his age, he maintains a childlike fascination with the universe.

Using 'infantil' to mean 'childlike' (positive wonder) rather than 'childish'.

A legislação sobre proteção infantil foi recentemente atualizada.

The legislation on child protection was recently updated.

Legal and bureaucratic context.

O autor explora o trauma infantil através de uma narrativa complexa.

The author explores childhood trauma through a complex narrative.

Literary analysis context.

É profundamente infantil recusar-se a aceitar críticas construtivas.

It is deeply childish to refuse to accept constructive criticism.

Strong behavioral critique using an intensifying adverb.

O desenvolvimento infantil nos primeiros anos é crucial para o futuro.

Child development in the early years is crucial for the future.

Scientific/educational context.

A sua dependência emocional dos pais é quase infantil.

His emotional dependence on his parents is almost infantile.

Using 'quase' (almost) to draw a comparison to childhood.

A dicotomia entre a inocência infantil e a corrupção adulta é o tema central da obra.

The dichotomy between infantile innocence and adult corruption is the central theme of the work.

Advanced literary and thematic analysis.

A taxa de mortalidade infantil é um indicador fidedigno do desenvolvimento socioeconómico de uma nação.

The infant mortality rate is a reliable indicator of a nation's socioeconomic development.

Academic and socioeconomic discourse.

O seu egocentrismo infantil impede-o de estabelecer relações interpessoais saudáveis.

His infantile egocentrism prevents him from establishing healthy interpersonal relationships.

Advanced psychological critique.

A psicanálise frequentemente investiga as raízes dos medos infantis que persistem na idade adulta.

Psychoanalysis frequently investigates the roots of infantile fears that persist into adulthood.

Specialized psychiatric terminology.

A retórica do político foi criticada por ser demagógica e intelectualmente infantil.

The politician's rhetoric was criticized for being demagogic and intellectually infantile.

Political commentary using 'infantil' to mean lacking depth.

O tribunal deliberou sobre a guarda, priorizando o bem-estar físico e psicológico infantil.

The court deliberated on custody, prioritizing physical and psychological child welfare.

Advanced legal terminology.

A exposição de arte apresentava uma desconstrução da estética infantil tradicional.

The art exhibition featured a deconstruction of traditional children's aesthetics.

Artistic and critical analysis.

A sua recusa obstinada em ceder revelou uma teimosia de cariz marcadamente infantil.

His obstinate refusal to yield revealed a stubbornness of a markedly childish nature.

Sophisticated phrasing ('de cariz marcadamente') to describe behavior.

A obra magistral subverte o paradigma do conto de fadas, transformando o imaginário infantil num pesadelo gótico.

The masterful work subverts the fairy tale paradigm, transforming infantile imagery into a gothic nightmare.

Highly advanced literary critique and vocabulary.

A perpetuação de políticas assistencialistas pode, paradoxalmente, induzir uma dependência cívica quase infantil na população.

The perpetuation of welfare policies can, paradoxically, induce an almost infantile civic dependence in the population.

Complex sociopolitical analysis.

O ensaio postula que a obsessão contemporânea pela juventude reflete uma recusa coletiva em transcender o narcisismo infantil.

The essay postulates that the contemporary obsession with youth reflects a collective refusal to transcend infantile narcissism.

Philosophical and sociological discourse.

A jurisprudência atinente ao labor infantil tem evoluído no sentido de uma proteção integral e inalienável.

Jurisprudence pertaining to child labor has evolved towards integral and inalienable protection.

Extremely formal legal jargon ('atinente ao labor').

A sua argumentação, desprovida de nuance empírica, resvalou para um reducionismo assaz infantil.

His argumentation, devoid of empirical nuance, slipped into a rather infantile reductionism.

Academic critique using archaic/formal modifiers ('assaz').

O lirismo do poeta capta a efemeridade da alegria infantil com uma melancolia pungente.

The poet's lyricism captures the ephemerality of infantile joy with a poignant melancholy.

Advanced poetic and emotional description.

A patogénese da doença revela uma etiologia que remonta a anomalias no desenvolvimento imunológico infantil.

The pathogenesis of the disease reveals an etiology that dates back to anomalies in infantile immunological development.

Highly specialized medical and scientific terminology.

O cinismo do protagonista é, no fundo, uma couraça forjada para proteger uma vulnerabilidade intrinsecamente infantil.

The protagonist's cynicism is, deep down, an armor forged to protect an intrinsically infantile vulnerability.

Deep psychological character analysis.

Collocations courantes

roupa infantil

parque infantil

mortalidade infantil

obesidade infantil

educação infantil

comportamento infantil

literatura infantil

trabalho infantil

paralisia infantil

psicologia infantil

Phrases Courantes

de forma infantil

agir como infantil

moda infantil

menu infantil

festa infantil

coro infantil

desenvolvimento infantil

abuso infantil

programação infantil

clínica infantil

Souvent confondu avec

infantil vs criança

infantil vs juvenil

infantil vs infante

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

infantil vs criança

infantil vs juvenil

infantil vs infante

infantil vs pueril

infantil vs imaturo

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

nuance

Carries a heavy negative connotation when applied to adults, implying a lack of emotional regulation.

formality

Can be highly formal (medical/legal) or highly informal (insults) depending entirely on context.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'criança' as an adjective instead of 'infantil' (e.g., saying 'roupa criança').
Adding an 's' to make the plural 'infantils' instead of the correct 'infantis'.
Calling an adult 'infantil' when trying to say they look young or have youthful energy.
Placing 'infantil' before the noun (e.g., 'infantil parque' instead of 'parque infantil').
Confusing 'infantil' (for young kids) with 'juvenil' (for teenagers).

Astuces

Remember the Plural Rule

Adjectives ending in '-il' with the stress on the last syllable change to '-is' in the plural. Always write 'infantis', never 'infantils'.

Shopping Vocabulary

When shopping for kids, look for the word 'infantil' on signs. 'Moda infantil' is clothing, and 'calçado infantil' is shoes.

Careful with Adults

Never use 'infantil' to compliment an adult's youthful energy. It strictly means 'childish' and will be taken as an insult.

Brazilian vs European

Be aware of the pronunciation difference. Brazil: 'in-fahn-cheew'. Portugal: 'in-fahn-teel'. Both are correct in their respective regions.

Adjective Placement

Always place 'infantil' after the noun it describes. It is 'um livro infantil', not 'um infantil livro'.

Translating 'Children's'

Whenever you see 'children's [noun]' in English, the Portuguese translation is almost always '[noun] infantil'.

Level Up Your Vocab

If you are writing a formal essay and want to sound advanced, use 'pueril' instead of 'infantil' to describe childish behavior.

Medical Contexts

Don't be surprised to see 'infantil' in serious news. It's the standard word for medical conditions affecting kids, like 'obesidade infantil'.

Gender Neutrality

Enjoy the fact that 'infantil' is gender-neutral! You don't have to worry about changing it to 'infantila' (which doesn't exist).

Behavioral Phrases

To say someone is acting like a child, use the phrase 'agir de forma infantil' or 'ter um comportamento infantil'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of an INFANT ill (infantil) because they ate too much candy at a CHILDREN'S party.

Origine du mot

Latin

Contexte culturel

Similar to Portugal, the formal pronunciation is maintained, and 'infantil' is heavily used in public health contexts regarding child welfare.

In Brazil, 'educação infantil' is the official term for preschool education. The pronunciation ends with a 'w' sound (/iw/), making it sound like 'een-fahn-CHEEW'.

In Portugal, the 'l' at the end is pronounced fully (/il/). 'Parque infantil' is the standard term for a playground, whereas Brazilians might just say 'parquinho'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Onde costumas comprar roupa infantil?"

"Achas que os adultos de hoje são mais infantis do que no passado?"

"Qual era o teu livro infantil favorito?"

"Como podemos melhorar a educação infantil no nosso país?"

"Já tiveste de lidar com um chefe infantil?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escreve sobre uma memória da tua fase infantil.

Descreve uma situação em que agiste de forma infantil recentemente.

Qual é a importância da literatura infantil?

Como difere um parque infantil no teu país de um em Portugal?

Escreve uma crítica a um filme infantil que viste.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'infantil' is an adjective, not a noun. To say 'a child', you must use the word 'uma criança'. 'Infantil' is used to describe things that belong to or are for children, like 'roupa infantil' (children's clothing).

No, 'infantil' is a gender-neutral adjective because it ends in '-l'. You use the exact same word for masculine nouns (o livro infantil) and feminine nouns (a festa infantil). This makes it very easy to use.

To make 'infantil' plural, you drop the '-l' and add '-is'. The correct plural form is 'infantis'. For example, 'os sapatos infantis' (the children's shoes) or 'as roupas infantis' (the children's clothes).

Yes, if you use 'infantil' to describe an adult or an older teenager, it is considered an insult. It means they are acting childishly, immaturely, or throwing a tantrum. It is a strong critique of their behavior.

'Infantil' refers to infants and young children (usually under 10-12 years old). 'Juvenil' refers to youths or teenagers. For example, 'literatura infantil' is for little kids, while 'literatura juvenil' is young adult fiction.

In Brazil, the 't' followed by an 'i' is often pronounced like a 'ch', and the 'l' at the end of a word is pronounced like a 'w' or 'u'. So, it sounds roughly like 'een-fahn-CHEEW'.

In Portugal, the pronunciation is more phonetic. The 't' is a hard 't', and the 'l' at the end is pronounced fully at the back of the mouth. It sounds like 'een-fahn-TEEL'.

Yes, 'infantil' is heavily used in medical and scientific terminology to specify that a condition affects children. Common examples include 'mortalidade infantil' (infant mortality) and 'paralisia infantil' (polio).

'Educação infantil' is the formal Portuguese term for early childhood education. It encompasses preschool and kindergarten, usually for children before they start primary school (ensino básico).

While technically possible as a nominalized adjective (meaning 'he is a childish person'), it is very uncommon and sounds awkward. It is much better to say 'ele é infantil' (he is childish) or 'ele age de forma infantil' (he acts childishly).

Teste-toi 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence saying you want to buy children's clothing.

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

Sample answer

Eu quero comprar roupa infantil.