núcleo familiar
The core group of a family, typically parents and children.
núcleo familiar en 30 secondes
- A formal term for the 'nuclear family' or immediate household members.
- Used in legal, sociological, and everyday contexts to distinguish core members from extended family.
- Always masculine: 'o núcleo familiar'. Plural: 'os núcleos familiares'.
- Essential for filling out forms and understanding news about social trends in Portuguese.
The term núcleo familiar is a foundational concept in the Portuguese language, used to describe the most intimate and immediate circle of a family. While the word 'família' can encompass everyone from your great-aunt to your third cousin twice removed, 'núcleo familiar' specifically refers to the core unit. In most modern contexts, this typically includes parents and their children living under the same roof. It is a term that bridges the gap between casual conversation and formal sociological or legal discourse. When you speak about your 'núcleo familiar', you are drawing a boundary around your primary household residents, excluding the 'família alargada' or extended family. This distinction is crucial in Portuguese culture, where family ties are traditionally very strong and expansive. Understanding this term helps learners navigate social structures and official documentation in Lusophone countries.
- Sociological Context
- In sociology, the 'núcleo familiar' represents the smallest social unit, often used to study demographic shifts, such as the transition from large rural families to smaller urban ones.
- Legal Usage
- In legal and tax documents in Portugal and Brazil, this term defines who is considered a dependent and who shares a common economy, affecting taxes and social benefits.
People use this phrase when they want to be precise about their living situation. For instance, if someone asks about your family, you might mention your parents and siblings. But if a health professional or a government official asks about your 'núcleo familiar', they are specifically asking about the people you live with and share a life with on a daily basis. It is also used frequently in news reports discussing social trends, such as the rising number of single-parent 'núcleos familiares' or childless couples. The word 'núcleo' comes from the Latin 'nucleus', meaning the kernel or the heart of something, which perfectly illustrates that this is the heart of the family structure.
Durante a pandemia, o núcleo familiar tornou-se o principal espaço de convivência social para a maioria das pessoas.
In everyday life, while you might just say 'minha família' (my family), using 'núcleo familiar' adds a layer of specificity. It implies the functional unit that operates together. For example, in a discussion about household chores or financial planning, 'núcleo familiar' is the preferred term because it excludes those who are part of the family but do not contribute to or rely on the household's immediate resources. It is also a very respectful way to acknowledge diverse family structures, including same-sex parents or cohabiting partners, as it focuses on the function of the unit rather than just biological ties.
O governo anunciou novos subsídios para apoiar o núcleo familiar em situação de vulnerabilidade.
Using núcleo familiar correctly requires understanding its role as a noun phrase. It usually functions as the subject or the object of a sentence. Because it is a masculine noun phrase (due to 'núcleo'), any accompanying adjectives or articles must be masculine. For example, you say 'o núcleo familiar' (the core family) and 'um núcleo familiar unido' (a united core family). It is frequently used with verbs like 'compor' (to compose), 'sustentar' (to support), 'proteger' (to protect), and 'definir' (to define). When you want to describe who is in the unit, you would say 'O meu núcleo familiar é composto por...' (My core family is composed of...).
- With Prepositions
- Commonly used with 'no' (in the) or 'do' (of the). Example: 'As decisões são tomadas dentro do núcleo familiar.'
- As a Subject
- 'O núcleo familiar desempenha um papel vital na educação das crianças.'
In more complex sentences, 'núcleo familiar' can be used to compare different social settings. For instance, 'A relação entre o indivíduo e o núcleo familiar é a base da sociedade.' This sentence highlights the importance of the core family unit in a broader social context. You will also see it used in possessive forms: 'O núcleo familiar deles é muito pequeno,' meaning 'Their core family is very small.' It is important to note that even if the family consists mostly of women, the term remains 'núcleo' (masculine), unlike 'família' which is feminine.
É fundamental que o núcleo familiar tenha acesso a saúde e educação de qualidade.
Another common way to use the term is when discussing changes or disruptions. One might say, 'A partida de um dos pais altera profundamente o núcleo familiar.' This shows how the term is used to describe the stability and structure of the household. In academic writing or news reporting, you might encounter phrases like 'a fragmentação do núcleo familiar,' referring to the breaking up of traditional family units. To sound natural, use it when the focus is on the structure or the collective responsibility of the household members.
Muitos jovens preferem viver sozinhos, criando um novo tipo de núcleo familiar unipessoal.
You will encounter the term núcleo familiar in various professional and public spheres. In Portugal and Brazil, it is a staple of news broadcasts, especially when reporting on economics, social welfare, or demographic changes. For example, a journalist might report on how inflation is affecting the 'núcleo familiar médio' (the average core family). It is also very common in the field of psychology and therapy. A family therapist will often focus on the 'dinâmicas do núcleo familiar' to understand the root of an individual's issues. This highlights the term's utility in describing internal relationships and patterns of behavior within the household.
- In Schools
- Teachers and school psychologists use it to refer to a student's home environment. 'Precisamos envolver o núcleo familiar no processo de aprendizagem.'
- In Government
- When applying for housing, subsidies, or visas, you will see 'núcleo familiar' on the forms to determine who is part of your application.
In literature and cinema, specifically in dramas or social realist films, the 'núcleo familiar' is often the setting for the main conflict. Authors use the term to set a serious, analytical tone about the relationships they are portraying. You might also hear it in religious contexts, where the 'núcleo familiar' is described as the 'igreja doméstica' (domestic church) or the fundamental pillar of faith. In these settings, the term emphasizes the spiritual and moral unity of the parents and children. It is less common in very casual, slang-heavy street talk, where 'a gente' or 'minha casa' might be used instead.
O documentário explora como as tradições são mantidas dentro do núcleo familiar em comunidades isoladas.
Furthermore, in corporate settings, especially in Human Resources, 'núcleo familiar' might be used when discussing health insurance plans or family leave benefits. An HR manager might explain that the benefit extends to all members of the employee's 'núcleo familiar'. This formal usage ensures there is no ambiguity about who is covered. Even in marketing, companies targeting products like laundry detergent or family-sized meals will use the concept of the 'núcleo familiar' to define their target audience, focusing on the needs of a household as a single purchasing unit.
No censo, cada núcleo familiar deve responder a um questionário específico sobre sua renda.
One of the most common mistakes English speakers make is confusing núcleo familiar with the simple word 'família'. While they are related, 'família' is broad and can include anyone you are related to. If you say 'Minha família mora nesta casa', but you actually mean only your wife and kids, using 'meu núcleo familiar' would be more precise, though 'família' is acceptable. However, in a formal context, using 'família' when 'núcleo familiar' is required can lead to misunderstandings, especially in legal or medical situations where the distinction between immediate and extended family is vital.
- Gender Agreement
- Mistake: 'A núcleo familiar'. Correct: 'O núcleo familiar'. Remember that 'núcleo' is masculine, regardless of the family members' genders.
- Pluralization
- Mistake: 'Núcleos familiars'. Correct: 'Núcleos familiares'. Adjectives ending in '-ar' usually add '-es' in the plural in Portuguese.
Another mistake is using 'núcleo familiar' to refer to a physical house. While the 'núcleo familiar' lives in a 'casa' or 'lar', the term refers to the *people* and their *relationship*, not the building. You cannot say 'Vou pintar o meu núcleo familiar' if you mean you are painting your house. Similarly, don't confuse it with 'agregado familiar', which is a more technical term used specifically in Portuguese tax law (IRS). While they often overlap, 'agregado familiar' has a very specific legal definition that might include people who are not strictly part of the 'núcleo familiar' but live in the same household for tax purposes.
Não confunda o núcleo familiar com os parentes distantes que você vê apenas no Natal.
Finally, learners often struggle with the prepositional usage. It is 'dentro do núcleo familiar' (inside the...) or 'para o núcleo familiar' (for the...). Using 'em o' instead of 'no' is a basic mistake, but in the context of this formal phrase, it stands out more. Also, ensure you don't use 'núcleo da família' too often; while technically correct, 'núcleo familiar' is the standard fixed expression used in Portuguese. Using the adjective 'familiar' is much more natural than the 'de + noun' construction in this specific case.
É um erro comum pensar que o núcleo familiar é o mesmo que a família extensa.
When you want to express the idea of a core family unit, there are several alternatives to núcleo familiar, each with its own nuance. The most common alternative is família nuclear. This is almost identical in meaning and is also used in sociological contexts. However, 'núcleo familiar' is slightly more common in administrative and legal contexts in Portugal, while 'família nuclear' is very common in academic textbooks. Another term is família imediata, which is a direct translation of 'immediate family'. While understood, it is less common in Portuguese than in English; Portuguese speakers prefer to talk about 'parentes próximos' (close relatives).
- Agregado Familiar
- This is the technical term used by the government for tax and social security. It refers to everyone living in the same house who shares a budget.
- Parentes Próximos
- Literally 'close relatives'. This is more informal and can include people who don't live with you, like a very close aunt.
If you are talking about the emotional bond rather than the structural unit, you might use lar (home/hearth). While 'núcleo familiar' is the group of people, 'lar' is the feeling and the place they create together. For example, 'O núcleo familiar é o centro do nosso lar.' Another related term is prole, which specifically refers to the children or offspring within the family unit. This is quite formal or even biological. In contrast, parentela is a slightly old-fashioned or collective term for all one's relatives, the opposite of the restricted 'núcleo familiar'.
Enquanto o núcleo familiar encolhe, a importância das redes de apoio externas cresce.
In Brazil, you might also hear família de comercial de margarina (margarine commercial family). This is a slang/idiomatic way to describe the 'ideal' or 'perfect' nuclear family often seen in advertisements—usually a mother, father, and two happy children. While 'núcleo familiar' is the neutral term, this slang adds a layer of social commentary. Understanding these variations allows you to choose the right word for the right situation, whether you are filling out a visa application or chatting with friends about social expectations.
Diferente da família nuclear tradicional, hoje vemos muitos núcleos formados por apenas um progenitor.
How Formal Is It?
"O núcleo familiar é a unidade básica de análise sociológica."
"O meu núcleo familiar é composto por quatro pessoas."
"Lá no meu núcleo familiar, a gente se dá muito bem."
"O núcleo familiar é o grupo das pessoas que moram com você."
"O meu núcleo familiar é fechamento puro!"
Le savais-tu ?
The word 'núcleo' is also used in science to describe the center of an atom or a cell, showing how the family is seen as the 'atom' of society.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing 'núcleo' as 'nu-cle-o' (three syllables) instead of two or a very fast three.
- Putting the stress on 'fa' in 'familiar' instead of the end.
Niveau de difficulté
Easy to recognize if you know 'nucleus' and 'family'.
Requires correct masculine agreement and spelling of 'núcleo'.
Stress on 'NÚ' and 'AR' can be tricky for beginners.
Clear and distinct sounds in most dialects.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Masculine Noun Agreement
O núcleo familiar é pequeno (not pequena).
Contraction 'do' (de+o)
O chefe do núcleo familiar.
Pluralizing Adjectives in -ar
Núcleos familiares (not familiars).
Using 'No' (em+o)
No núcleo familiar, todos ajudam.
Stress in proparoxytones
NÚ-cle-o (always accented).
Exemples par niveau
O meu núcleo familiar é pequeno.
My core family is small.
'O meu' is the masculine possessive article matching 'núcleo'.
Quem está no seu núcleo familiar?
Who is in your core family?
'No' is the contraction of 'em' + 'o'.
Eu amo o meu núcleo familiar.
I love my core family.
'Amo' is the first person singular of 'amar'.
O núcleo familiar mora aqui.
The core family lives here.
'Mora' is the third person singular of 'morar'.
Meu pai é o chefe do núcleo familiar.
My father is the head of the core family.
'Do' is the contraction of 'de' + 'o'.
Temos um núcleo familiar feliz.
We have a happy core family.
'Feliz' is an adjective that doesn't change for gender.
O núcleo familiar tem quatro pessoas.
The core family has four people.
'Tem' is the third person singular of 'ter'.
Este é o meu núcleo familiar.
This is my core family.
'Este' is a demonstrative pronoun.
O núcleo familiar é a base de tudo.
The core family is the base of everything.
'A base' is a feminine noun phrase.
Eles protegem o seu núcleo familiar.
They protect their core family.
'Protegem' is the third person plural of 'proteger'.
O núcleo familiar vive em Lisboa.
The core family lives in Lisbon.
'Vive' is the third person singular of 'viver'.
O meu núcleo familiar não é grande.
My core family is not big.
'Não' is used before the verb to negate.
O núcleo familiar janta junto.
The core family eats dinner together.
'Junto' acts as an adverb here.
Como é o seu núcleo familiar?
How is your core family?
'Como' is an interrogative adverb.
O núcleo familiar viaja muito.
The core family travels a lot.
'Viaja' is the third person singular of 'viajar'.
O núcleo familiar é importante para mim.
The core family is important to me.
'Para mim' indicates the person affected.
O núcleo familiar mudou muito nos últimos anos.
The core family has changed a lot in recent years.
'Mudou' is the pretérito perfeito (past tense).
A educação começa dentro do núcleo familiar.
Education starts within the core family.
'Dentro do' is a prepositional phrase.
Cada núcleo familiar tem as suas regras.
Each core family has its own rules.
'As suas' is the feminine plural possessive matching 'regras'.
O núcleo familiar deve ser um lugar seguro.
The core family should be a safe place.
'Deve ser' is a modal construction.
Muitos problemas surgem no núcleo familiar.
Many problems arise in the core family.
'Surgem' is the third person plural of 'surgir'.
O apoio do núcleo familiar é essencial.
The support of the core family is essential.
'Apoio' is a masculine noun.
O núcleo familiar moderno é diversificado.
The modern core family is diverse.
'Diversificado' is an adjective matching 'núcleo'.
Nós valorizamos o nosso núcleo familiar.
We value our core family.
'Valorizamos' is the first person plural.
A estrutura do núcleo familiar afeta o desenvolvimento infantil.
The structure of the core family affects child development.
'Afeta' is the third person singular.
O núcleo familiar é frequentemente o foco de estudos sociológicos.
The core family is often the focus of sociological studies.
'Frequentemente' is an adverb of frequency.
Políticas públicas devem fortalecer o núcleo familiar.
Public policies should strengthen the core family.
'Fortalecer' is an infinitive verb.
O núcleo familiar enfrenta novos desafios econômicos.
The core family faces new economic challenges.
'Enfrenta' means 'faces' or 'confronts'.
A coesão do núcleo familiar é fundamental para a estabilidade.
The cohesion of the core family is fundamental for stability.
'Coesão' is a feminine noun.
O núcleo familiar pode incluir diferentes gerações.
The core family can include different generations.
'Pode incluir' is a possibility.
A dinâmica do núcleo familiar é complexa.
The dynamics of the core family are complex.
'Dinâmica' is feminine singular.
É preciso proteger o núcleo familiar da violência.
It is necessary to protect the core family from violence.
'É preciso' is an impersonal expression.
A fragmentação do núcleo familiar é uma tendência global.
The fragmentation of the core family is a global trend.
'Fragmentação' is a formal noun.
O núcleo familiar constitui a célula mater da sociedade.
The core family constitutes the mother cell of society.
'Célula mater' is a Latin-derived expression.
As transformações no núcleo familiar refletem mudanças culturais.
Transformations in the core family reflect cultural changes.
'Refletem' is the third person plural.
O direito civil protege a integridade do núcleo familiar.
Civil law protects the integrity of the core family.
'Direito civil' is a legal term.
A autonomia do núcleo familiar deve ser respeitada pelo Estado.
The autonomy of the core family must be respected by the State.
'Autonomia' is a high-level noun.
O núcleo familiar é um sistema em constante evolução.
The core family is a system in constant evolution.
'Em constante evolução' is an idiomatic phrase.
A vulnerabilidade do núcleo familiar exige intervenção social.
The vulnerability of the core family requires social intervention.
'Exige' means 'requires' or 'demands'.
Analisamos o núcleo familiar sob uma perspectiva histórica.
We analyze the core family from a historical perspective.
'Sob uma perspectiva' is a formal way to say 'from a perspective'.
A erosão do núcleo familiar tradicional suscita debates éticos.
The erosion of the traditional core family sparks ethical debates.
'Suscita' is a very formal verb for 'to spark' or 'to give rise to'.
O núcleo familiar é o locus primordial da socialização primária.
The core family is the primary locus of primary socialization.
'Locus' is a Latin term used in academic Portuguese.
A resiliência do núcleo familiar é testada em tempos de crise.
The resilience of the core family is tested in times of crisis.
'Resiliência' is a sophisticated psychological term.
O núcleo familiar transcende a mera consanguinidade.
The core family transcends mere consanguinity.
'Transcende' is a high-level verb.
A hegemonia do núcleo familiar patriarcal está a ser questionada.
The hegemony of the patriarchal core family is being questioned.
'Hegemonia' is a complex political/sociological term.
O núcleo familiar funciona como um amortecedor contra o stress social.
The core family functions as a buffer against social stress.
'Amortecedor' is used metaphorically here.
A atomização do núcleo familiar pode levar ao isolamento individual.
The atomization of the core family can lead to individual isolation.
'Atomização' refers to breaking into small, isolated parts.
O núcleo familiar é reconfigurado por novas modalidades de parentesco.
The core family is reconfigured by new modalities of kinship.
'Reconfigurado' is a sophisticated past participle.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
Pelo bem do núcleo familiar
A base é o núcleo familiar
Valores do núcleo familiar
Decisão do núcleo familiar
Privacidade do núcleo familiar
Sustento do núcleo familiar
Harmonia no núcleo familiar
Impacto no núcleo familiar
Papel do núcleo familiar
Crise no núcleo familiar
Souvent confondu avec
'Família' is broader; 'núcleo familiar' is just the core unit.
'Agregado' is a technical tax term; 'núcleo' is more general/social.
'Parentela' refers to all relatives; 'núcleo' is the opposite.
Expressions idiomatiques
"Lavar a roupa suja no núcleo familiar"
To settle disputes privately within the family rather than in public.
É melhor lavar a roupa suja no núcleo familiar.
Informal/Idiomatic"Ser o pilar do núcleo familiar"
To be the person who provides the most support or stability.
A mãe é o pilar do núcleo familiar.
Neutral"Manter as aparências do núcleo familiar"
To try to look like a perfect family to outsiders.
Eles tentam manter as aparências do núcleo familiar.
Neutral"O sangue do núcleo familiar"
Refers to the deep biological and emotional bond.
O sangue do núcleo familiar fala mais alto.
Literary"Blindar o núcleo familiar"
To protect the family from outside negative influences.
Precisamos blindar o núcleo familiar das redes sociais.
Modern/Informal"O coração do núcleo familiar"
The most important person or place in the family.
A avó era o coração do núcleo familiar.
Emotional"Dividir o pão no núcleo familiar"
To share resources and live together.
Eles dividem o pão no núcleo familiar com alegria.
Biblical/Old-fashioned"O núcleo familiar é um porto seguro"
The family is a place of safety and comfort.
Em tempos difíceis, o núcleo familiar é um porto seguro.
Poetic"Fechar as portas do núcleo familiar"
To become isolated or private.
Após o escândalo, eles fecharam as portas do núcleo familiar.
Metaphorical"Semear discórdia no núcleo familiar"
To cause arguments among family members.
Não deixe ninguém semear discórdia no núcleo familiar.
FormalFacile à confondre
Used in science too.
In science, it's an atom/cell center. In social terms, it's the family center.
O núcleo do átomo é pequeno; o núcleo familiar é unido.
Can be a noun or adjective.
As a noun, it means 'relative'. As an adjective, it means 'related to family'.
Ele é um familiar meu (noun); Temos um problema familiar (adjective).
Both refer to family life.
'Lar' is the home/emotional place; 'núcleo familiar' is the group of people.
O nosso lar é onde o núcleo familiar está.
Used for family.
'Casa' is the physical building; 'núcleo familiar' is the social unit.
A minha casa é grande; o meu núcleo familiar é pequeno.
Legal synonym.
'Agregado' is for taxes; 'núcleo' is for social description.
O meu agregado familiar no IRS inclui os meus filhos.
Structures de phrases
O meu núcleo familiar é [adjetivo].
O meu núcleo familiar é unido.
No meu núcleo familiar há [número] pessoas.
No meu núcleo familiar há três pessoas.
O núcleo familiar é importante porque [razão].
O núcleo familiar é importante porque dá apoio.
Apesar de [problema], o núcleo familiar [ação].
Apesar da crise, o núcleo familiar manteve-se unido.
A análise do núcleo familiar revela que [fato].
A análise do núcleo familiar revela que a natalidade baixou.
O núcleo familiar, enquanto construção social, [verbo].
O núcleo familiar, enquanto construção social, reconfigura-se constantemente.
Quem é [pessoa] no seu núcleo familiar?
Quem é o pai no seu núcleo familiar?
Eu vivo com o meu núcleo familiar em [lugar].
Eu vivo com o meu núcleo familiar em Braga.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
Common in administrative/social contexts
-
A núcleo familiar
→
O núcleo familiar
'Núcleo' is masculine, so the article must be 'o'.
-
Núcleo familiars
→
Núcleos familiares
Adjectives in -ar pluralize to -ares.
-
Vou para o meu núcleo familiar (meaning house)
→
Vou para a minha casa
'Núcleo familiar' refers to the people, not the building.
-
Meu núcleo familiar é minha tia.
→
Minha tia faz parte da minha família alargada.
Aunts are usually extended family, not the core 'núcleo'.
-
O nucleo familiar
→
O núcleo familiar
Missing the essential acute accent on the 'u'.
Astuces
Masculine Agreement
Always use masculine articles and adjectives: 'o núcleo familiar unido'.
Accentuate the 'Ú'
The accent on 'núcleo' is not optional; it tells you where to put the stress.
Use in Forms
When you see this on a form, they want to know who lives with you.
Synonym Alert
'Família nuclear' is a great synonym for academic writing.
Family Importance
Remember that in Lusophone cultures, even if you emphasize the 'núcleo', the extended family is still very important.
Don't forget the 'i'
It's 'familiar', not 'familar'. Watch that extra 'i'!
Avoid Overuse
In a casual chat, 'minha família' is usually enough. Save 'núcleo' for precision.
News Keywords
This is a keyword for news stories about 'demografia' (demographics).
Inclusion
Modern 'núcleos' can look many ways; the term is inclusive of different structures.
The Core
Just remember: Núcleo = Core. It's the core of the family.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of a 'Nucleus' (the center of a cell) and 'Family'. The 'núcleo familiar' is the cell of society.
Association visuelle
Imagine a small circle (the nucleus) with the word 'Family' inside it, surrounded by a larger circle of extended relatives.
Word Web
Défi
Try to describe your 'núcleo familiar' in three sentences using at least two adjectives.
Origine du mot
From the Latin 'nucleus' (kernel, nut) and 'familiaris' (pertaining to the household).
Sens originel : The central part of a household or the 'kernel' of the family group.
Romance (Latin root).Contexte culturel
Be aware that 'núcleo familiar' now legally includes diverse structures in Portugal and Brazil, such as single parents and same-sex couples.
In English, we say 'nuclear family' or 'immediate family'. 'Núcleo familiar' is the direct equivalent but feels slightly more formal/technical in daily speech than 'immediate family'.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Legal Forms
- Composição do núcleo familiar
- Renda mensal do núcleo familiar
- Membros do núcleo familiar
Psychology
- Conflitos no núcleo familiar
- Terapia do núcleo familiar
- Vínculos do núcleo familiar
Demographics
- Estatísticas do núcleo familiar
- O novo núcleo familiar
- Tendências do núcleo familiar
Education
- Participação do núcleo familiar
- Ambiente do núcleo familiar
- O núcleo familiar e a escola
Social Work
- Vulnerabilidade do núcleo familiar
- Assistência ao núcleo familiar
- Intervenção no núcleo familiar
Amorces de conversation
"Como você descreveria o seu núcleo familiar?"
"Você acha que o núcleo familiar tradicional está a desaparecer?"
"Qual é a importância do núcleo familiar na sua cultura?"
"Como as mudanças econômicas afetam o núcleo familiar hoje em dia?"
"Quem são as pessoas que compõem o seu núcleo familiar?"
Sujets d'écriture
Escreva sobre uma memória feliz dentro do seu núcleo familiar.
Como o seu núcleo familiar influenciou quem você é hoje?
Descreva a dinâmica ideal de um núcleo familiar na sua opinião.
Quais são os maiores desafios que o seu núcleo familiar enfrenta?
Como você imagina o seu núcleo familiar daqui a dez anos?
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is the direct Portuguese equivalent. It refers to the core unit of parents and children. In English, we often say 'immediate family', which is also very similar.
In a casual sense, many people consider pets part of their 'núcleo familiar', but legally and sociologically, it refers to humans. However, in modern conversation, saying your pet is part of your 'núcleo' is a common way to show affection.
It is always 'o núcleo familiar' because 'núcleo' is a masculine noun. Even if the family is all female, the grammatical gender remains masculine.
Use 'agregado familiar' when you are dealing with the Portuguese government, specifically for taxes (IRS) or social security benefits. In all other cases, 'núcleo familiar' is better.
Usually, no. Grandparents are considered part of the 'família alargada' (extended family) unless they live in the same house and are part of the core economic unit.
The plural is 'os núcleos familiares'. Both words must change to the plural form.
Yes, it is used in Brazil in the same way as in Portugal—common in news, legal contexts, and formal discussions.
If the context of family is already established, you can sometimes just say 'o núcleo', but it's safer and more common to use the full phrase 'núcleo familiar'.
The 'família alargada' (extended family) is the most common opposite term used to distinguish between the core and the wider group.
It is semi-formal to formal. You wouldn't usually use it while joking with friends, but you would use it in a serious conversation about your life or society.
Teste-toi 180 questions
Describe your 'núcleo familiar' in Portuguese (minimum 20 words).
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Write a sentence using 'núcleo familiar' and the verb 'proteger'.
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Say 'O meu núcleo familiar é muito unido' out loud.
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Listen and write: (Audio of 'O núcleo familiar é a base da sociedade')
Translate: 'The core family is small but happy.'
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Write a sentence about the income of a core family.
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Pronounce 'núcleos familiares' correctly.
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Listen: 'O núcleo familiar vive no Porto.' Where do they live?
Discuss the importance of the core family in 30 words.
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Translate: 'Public policies support the core family.'
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Sentence with 'dinâmica' and 'núcleo familiar'.
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Translate: 'He is the head of the core family.'
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Write a question about someone's core family.
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Translate: 'The core family changed after the war.'
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Sentence with 'desafios' and 'núcleo familiar'.
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Translate: 'Each core family is unique.'
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Describe a 'núcleo familiar tradicional'.
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Translate: 'The core family is the heart of the home.'
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Write about family changes.
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Translate: 'I live with my core family.'
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Sentence with 'amor'.
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Sentence with 'mãe'.
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Sentence with 'filha'.
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Translate: 'This is my family.'
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Sentence with 'trabalhar'.
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Sentence with 'férias'.
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Sentence with 'problema'.
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Sentence with 'escola'.
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Sentence with 'jantar'.
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Sentence with 'alegria'.
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Sentence with 'segurança'.
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Sentence with 'valores'.
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Sentence with 'difícil'.
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Sentence with 'futuro'.
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Summary
The term 'núcleo familiar' is the most precise way to refer to the 'core family' (parents and children) in Portuguese. For example: 'No censo, o núcleo familiar é a unidade de medida principal' (In the census, the core family is the main unit of measurement).
- A formal term for the 'nuclear family' or immediate household members.
- Used in legal, sociological, and everyday contexts to distinguish core members from extended family.
- Always masculine: 'o núcleo familiar'. Plural: 'os núcleos familiares'.
- Essential for filling out forms and understanding news about social trends in Portuguese.
Masculine Agreement
Always use masculine articles and adjectives: 'o núcleo familiar unido'.
Accentuate the 'Ú'
The accent on 'núcleo' is not optional; it tells you where to put the stress.
Use in Forms
When you see this on a form, they want to know who lives with you.
Synonym Alert
'Família nuclear' is a great synonym for academic writing.
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abrigo
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acomodar
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