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B2 verb 15 min de lecture

reivindicar

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces reivindicar en 30 secondes

Explication reivindicar in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'reivindicar' is very advanced and you might not need to use it yourself yet. However, you can think of it as a very strong way to say 'I want' or 'This is mine.' Imagine you lose your bag and you go to the 'Lost and Found' office. You can say 'Eu quero minha bolsa' (I want my bag), but a more official word is 'reivindicar.' At this stage, just try to recognize the word when you see it in a news headline. It often appears with words like 'direitos' (rights) or 'dinheiro' (money). It’s like saying 'This belongs to me, please give it back.' You don't need to worry about the complex grammar yet, just focus on the basic idea of 'claiming' something that is yours. It is a regular verb ending in -ar, so it follows the same patterns as 'falar' or 'estudar.' If you see it, know that someone is being very serious about what they want. It's not a word for playing or joking; it's a word for important things. In your first few months of Portuguese, you will mostly use 'pedir' (to ask) or 'querer' (to want). But if you see a group of people on TV holding signs and shouting, they are probably 'reivindicando' something. Learning to recognize this word early will help you understand that Portuguese has different words for different levels of seriousness. Even as an A1 student, knowing that 'reivindicar' exists will prepare you for more adult and professional conversations later on. Just remember: Reivindicar = To say 'This is mine by right!'

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At the A2 level, you are starting to handle more formal situations, like visiting a doctor or a government office. 'Reivindicar' becomes useful when you need to talk about your rights or your belongings in a formal way. For example, if you are at work and you didn't get paid for an extra hour, you might need to 'reivindicar' that payment. It’s more than just asking; it’s showing that you know what you are entitled to. You can start using simple sentences like 'Eu reivindico meu direito' (I claim my right). You should also notice the noun form 'reivindicação.' At this level, you should be able to conjugate it in the present tense: 'Eu reivindico, você reivindica, nós reivindicamos.' It’s a good word to use if you want to sound more polite and firm at the same time. Instead of saying 'Eu quero isso' (I want this), which can sound like a child, saying 'Eu reivindico isso' shows you are a serious adult. You will also see this word in simple news articles. When you read about a 'greve' (strike), look for this word. It will tell you what the people want. For an A2 student, the challenge is to remember the spelling—don't forget that 'i' after the 're'. Practice saying it slowly: re-i-vin-di-car. It has five syllables! It’s a long word, but it’s very common in the Portuguese-speaking world because people are very passionate about their social rights. By learning this word, you are learning about the culture of Portugal and Brazil, where standing up for yourself is very important.

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At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'reivindicar' in discussions about social issues, work, and law. You are moving beyond basic survival Portuguese and starting to express opinions. 'Reivindicar' is perfect for this. You can use it to talk about history, like 'Os cidadãos reivindicaram a democracia' (The citizens demanded democracy). You should also be comfortable using it in the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito). Remember the spelling change in the 'eu' form: 'reivindiquei.' This is a common rule for verbs ending in -car (like ficar -> fiquei). At B1, you should also understand that 'reivindicar' is a direct transitive verb. You don't need a preposition. You 'reivindica' something directly. For example, 'Eles reivindicam melhores salários' (They demand better salaries). You can also use it with 'que' and a clause: 'Ela reivindica que o erro seja corrigido' (She demands that the error be corrected). This is a great way to practice the subjunctive mood! Using 'reivindicar' will make your writing in Portuguese much more professional. If you have to write an email to a company because they sent you the wrong product, using 'reivindicar' will show them that you are a competent speaker who knows their rights. It’s a 'power word.' It changes the dynamic of a conversation from a request to a demand based on legitimacy. You should also start to distinguish it from 'exigir.' Remember: 'reivindicar' is about rights; 'exigir' is about the demand itself. Practice using both to see the difference in tone.

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At the B2 level, 'reivindicar' should be a regular part of your vocabulary, especially in formal writing and debates. This is the level where you truly understand the nuances of the word. You know that it can mean to claim ownership, to demand a right, or to assert a truth. You can use it in complex sentences like 'O autor reivindica que sua obra foi plagiada' (The author asserts that his work was plagiarized). You should also be familiar with its use in the news regarding responsibility for events: 'O grupo reivindicou a autoria do atentado.' At B2, you are expected to handle the passive voice easily: 'Os direitos foram reivindicados pelos trabalhadores.' You should also be able to use the noun 'reivindicação' in complex structures, such as 'A pauta de reivindicações foi entregue ao patrão.' You understand that this word is essential for discussing Brazilian and Portuguese politics, labor history, and legal systems. You can compare it with synonyms like 'pleitear' or 'postular' and choose the right one for the context. For a B2 student, 'reivindicar' is not just a verb; it's a tool for advocacy. Whether you are writing an essay about human rights or participating in a business meeting about contract terms, this word gives you the authority you need. You should also be aware of the 'register'—you know not to use this word while chatting at a bar unless you are being intentionally dramatic or discussing a serious topic. Your goal at B2 is to use 'reivindicar' with perfect grammar and the correct emotional weight, showing that you are a fluent and culturally aware speaker.

At the C1 level, your use of 'reivindicar' is sophisticated and precise. You understand the philosophical and legal depth of the word. You can use it to discuss abstract concepts, such as 'reivindicar a subjetividade na arte' (to assert subjectivity in art) or 'reivindicar um espaço de fala' (to claim a space to speak/agency). You are aware of the word's etymology from the Latin 'vindicare' and how it connects to concepts of justice and liberation. In your writing, you use 'reivindicar' to frame arguments with authority. You might use it in the future subjunctive or other advanced tenses: 'Se eles reivindicarem seus direitos, a empresa terá que mudar.' You also recognize the word in high-level literature and academic papers, where it might be used to describe how a philosopher 'claims' a certain lineage of thought. You are also sensitive to the regional differences in how the word might be used or the specific 'reivindicações' that are currently prominent in different Lusophone countries. At C1, you can use the word to navigate delicate social situations, knowing exactly when a 'reivindicação' is appropriate versus a more conciliatory 'solicitação.' You also understand the legal implications of the word in property law, such as the 'ação reivindicatória,' and can explain these concepts to others. Your mastery of 'reivindicar' reflects your deep integration into the Portuguese language and your ability to handle its most formal and powerful structures. You don't just know what the word means; you know how it moves people and shapes society.

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At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 'reivindicar' and all its subtle implications. You can use it with effortless precision in any context, from a Supreme Court hearing to a complex philosophical treatise. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its role in shaping the legal and social identity of Portuguese-speaking nations. You can use it to express the finest shades of meaning, such as the difference between 'reivindicar a autoria' and 'assumir a responsabilidade.' You are comfortable with the most archaic or specialized uses of the word found in classical Portuguese literature. Your use of 'reivindicar' is always perfectly tuned to the 'decorum' of the situation. You might use it in a rhetorical sense to challenge an opponent's 'reivindicação' of the truth. In your own speech, you might use it to assert your identity or your intellectual position with a level of nuance that commands respect. You also understand how 'reivindicar' interacts with other high-level verbs like 'asseverar,' 'postular,' and 'preconizar.' For a C2 speaker, 'reivindicar' is part of a vast arsenal of words used to construct complex, persuasive, and beautiful discourse. You can write a whole 'manifesto' using this verb as a central pillar, or critique a legal document based on its 'reivindicações.' You have reached a point where the word is no longer a vocabulary item to be learned, but a concept to be wielded with mastery. You are fully aware of the power of 'reivindicar' to define rights, establish truths, and demand justice in the Lusophone world.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

reivindicar en 30 secondes

Reivindicar means to claim or demand based on a right.
It is a formal verb common in news, law, and politics.
It is a direct transitive verb (no preposition needed).
It can also mean to assert that a statement is true.

The Portuguese verb reivindicar is a powerful and sophisticated term that English speakers often encounter when moving into intermediate and advanced levels of the language. At its core, it means to claim, to demand, or to assert a right or ownership over something. Unlike the simple English word 'ask,' reivindicar carries a connotation of legal or moral entitlement. It is not merely a request; it is a declaration that something belongs to you or that a certain condition must be met because it is just. In a political context, it is the standard word used when citizens or groups demand better conditions or rights from the government. For example, during a protest, you will frequently hear about people reivindicando better healthcare or education. It is also used when someone takes credit for an action, such as a group claiming responsibility for a political act or a discovery. In daily life, while less common than in the news, it might be used in legal disputes over property or inheritance.

Legal Context: In the legal world, reivindicar refers to the formal process of seeking the restitution of property. If someone is in possession of something that belongs to you, you reivindica that object through legal channels. This is known as an 'ação reivindicatória'.

Os manifestantes decidiram reivindicar seus direitos trabalhistas na praça central.

Furthermore, the word is used to express the assertion of a truth. If a scientist claims to have found a cure, they are reivindicando the discovery. It implies a level of formal assertion that 'dizer' (to say) or 'contar' (to tell) does not capture. It is a 'hard' verb, used when the stakes are high and the speaker is firm in their position. In Brazilian history, the word is deeply tied to the labor movements of the 20th century, where 'reivindicações' (the noun form) were the lists of demands presented by unions to factory owners. Understanding this word helps you navigate Brazilian and Portuguese news media, as it appears in almost every headline involving social justice, law, or organizational responsibility. It is also worth noting that the word does not have a direct, single-word equivalent in English that covers all its nuances, though 'to claim' and 'to demand' are the closest matches depending on the sentence structure.

O autor decidiu reivindicar a autoria do livro após anos de anonimato.

Social Context: Social movements use this verb to frame their struggle as a pursuit of justice. It transforms a 'want' into a 'rightful demand'.

When you use reivindicar, you are signaling that you are speaking seriously. It is not a word for casual, trivial requests. You wouldn't reivindicar a glass of water unless you were in a desert and felt it was your human right to have one. Instead, you reivindica equality, freedom, property, or responsibility. In academic writing, it is used to describe how different thinkers assert their theories. For instance, 'Sartre reivindica a liberdade radical do indivíduo' (Sartre asserts/claims the radical freedom of the individual). This versatility makes it a cornerstone of formal Portuguese discourse. By mastering this verb, you bridge the gap between basic communication and professional/academic fluency. It allows you to engage with the 'Luta de Classes' (Class Struggle) narratives common in Lusophone literature and sociology, and to understand the legal foundations of property ownership in civil law systems used in Portugal and Brazil.

Ela continua a reivindicar sua inocência perante o juiz.

Ninguém apareceu para reivindicar o guarda-chuva esquecido na loja.

Responsibility: In news reports, groups may reivindicar responsibility for an event, often using the phrase 'reivindicar o atentado' (to claim the attack).

O sindicato vai reivindicar um aumento salarial de dez por cento.

Using reivindicar correctly requires understanding its transitive nature. In most cases, it is a direct transitive verb, meaning it takes an object without a preposition. You reivindica something. For example, 'Eles reivindicam justiça' (They demand justice). There is no 'de' or 'por' after the verb in this context. This is a common point of confusion for English speakers who might want to say 'demand for' or 'claim of.' In Portuguese, the connection is direct. However, when you are asserting that something is true, you often use the conjunction 'que' to introduce a clause. 'Ele reivindica que a terra é sua' (He claims that the land is his). This structure is very common in formal reports and legal documents.

Direct Object Usage: Subject + Reivindicar + [Noun]. Example: 'O povo reivindica mudança.' (The people demand change.)

Nós vamos reivindicar a posse do terreno na justiça.

When discussing actions taken by groups, the verb often appears in the infinitive or the present tense to describe ongoing struggles. 'Os estudantes estão reivindicando melhorias no campus.' Note that in European Portuguese, the gerund 'estão reivindicando' would often be replaced by 'estão a reivindicar.' Both are correct and convey the same sense of an ongoing demand. Another important aspect is the reflexive use, though rare, it can appear in philosophical contexts where someone 'claims for themselves' a certain quality. However, for 99% of your needs, the standard transitive form is what you will use. It is also important to conjugate it correctly as a regular -ar verb. Present tense: eu reivindico, tu reivindicas, ele reivindica, nós reivindicamos, vós reivindicais, eles reivindicam. Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito): eu reivindiquei (note the 'qu' to maintain the hard 'c' sound), tu reivindicaste, ele reivindicou.

Eu reivindiquei o meu lugar na fila porque cheguei primeiro.

With 'Que' Clause: Subject + Reivindicar + que + [Subjunctive or Indicative]. Example: 'Eles reivindicam que o governo aja rápido.' (They demand that the government act fast.)

One nuance to consider is the difference between reivindicar and exigir. While exigir is a flat-out demand (like a boss demanding a report), reivindicar implies that the demand is backed by a right. If you reivindica a higher salary, you are implying that your work value justifies it. If you exige it, you might just be being bossy. This subtle difference is key for sounding natural in Portuguese. In legal texts, you will see the word 'reivindicante' (the person who claims) and 'reivindicado' (that which is claimed). These derivatives are less common in speech but vital for reading formal documents. In summary, use reivindicar when there is a sense of justice, ownership, or formal assertion involved, and remember to connect it directly to its object.

Vários países tentam reivindicar a soberania sobre aquelas ilhas.

O cientista viajou para reivindicar o prêmio em nome da equipe.

Passive Voice: The verb is often used in the passive voice in news: 'A autoria foi reivindicada por um grupo local.' (Responsibility was claimed by a local group.)

Eles pretendem reivindicar uma compensação financeira pelos danos.

You will hear reivindicar most often in the public sphere. If you turn on a Brazilian news channel like GloboNews or a Portuguese one like RTP, you are almost guaranteed to hear it during the segments on 'política' or 'economia.' It is the bread and butter of journalists reporting on 'greves' (strikes) and 'manifestações' (protests). When a reporter says, 'Os trabalhadores reivindicam melhores condições de trabalho,' they are using the word to provide a formal, objective description of the workers' goals. It is also the standard term in legal reporting. If there is a dispute over the 'Amazônia' or maritime borders, the diplomats will reivindicar territory. This makes it an essential word for anyone wanting to understand the geopolitical landscape of Lusophone countries.

News Media: Used to describe collective demands or assertions of responsibility. 'O grupo reivindicou o ataque cibernético.'

Na televisão, o repórter disse que os professores vão reivindicar novos benefícios.

In a more personal but still formal setting, you might hear this word at a university or a large corporation. If a student feels a grade was unjust, they might reivindicar a re-evaluation ('reivindicar uma revisão de prova'). In a company, the HR department might talk about 'reivindicações dos funcionários.' It is also very common in history classes. When discussing the 'Revolução dos Cravos' in Portugal or the 'Diretas Já' movement in Brazil, teachers will use reivindicar to explain what the people were fighting for. The word has a certain nobility to it; it suggests that the person speaking is not just complaining, but is standing up for what is right. This makes it a frequent guest in political speeches and manifestos. If you listen to a podcast about social issues in Portuguese, pay attention to how they use this verb to frame the narrative of progress and rights.

Durante a reunião, o diretor ouviu os funcionários reivindicar mais flexibilidade.

Academic Discourse: Used when discussing authors who 'claim' a certain position or theory. 'Foucault reivindica uma nova análise do poder.'

Interestingly, you might also hear it in sports, though less frequently. If a team feels a goal was wrongly disallowed, the captain might reivindicar a 'VAR' check or argue that the rules were not followed. However, even here, the tone remains somewhat formal. In music, particularly in 'música de intervenção' (protest songs) from the 60s and 70s in Brazil and Portugal, the word is a recurring theme. Songs by Chico Buarque or Zeca Afonso often touch upon the idea of reivindicando freedom from dictatorship. In modern rap and hip-hop in Portuguese, artists use the word to talk about reivindicando their space in society and their right to be heard. It is a word of empowerment. By recognizing it, you are tuning into a long tradition of social and political struggle in the Portuguese-speaking world.

O historiador explicou como o povo passou a reivindicar a democracia.

Muitas comunidades indígenas lutam para reivindicar suas terras ancestrais.

Daily Bureaucracy: You might use it at a post office or airport if a package or suitcase is missing. 'Vim reivindicar minha bagagem.'

É importante reivindicar o que é justo em qualquer situação profissional.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with reivindicar is confusing it with the English word 'reclaim' in a physical sense. While they are related, 'reclaim' in English often means to physically take something back (like reclaiming land from the sea), whereas reivindicar is primarily the act of stating that you have the right to it. For the physical act of getting something back, 'recuperar' or 'retomar' is often better. Another common error is using the wrong preposition. As mentioned, reivindicar is direct transitive. Don't say 'reivindicar por direitos'—just say 'reivindicar direitos.' The 'por' is unnecessary and sounds like a literal translation of 'to ask for' or 'to fight for.'

Mistake: Adding 'Por': Incorrect: 'Eles reivindicam por justiça.' Correct: 'Eles reivindicam justiça.'

Não diga 'reivindicar de', diga apenas reivindicar o objeto.

Another trap is the spelling. The word contains two 'i's and an 'n'. It's common to see 'revindicar' (missing the first 'i') or 'reividicar' (missing the 'n'). Even some native speakers make these typos, but in formal writing, they are considered significant errors. Pronunciation-wise, ensure you don't nasalize the first 'i'. The nasal sound only starts at the 'in' syllable. Also, be careful with the word 'reclamar.' In English, 'reclaim' sounds like 'reclamar,' but in Portuguese, 'reclamar' usually means 'to complain.' If you want to say you are claiming a prize, reivindicar is much better than reclamar, although 'reclamar um prêmio' is technically possible in some contexts, it often sounds like you are complaining about the prize!

Cuidado para não escrever revindicar sem o primeiro 'i'.

Confusion with 'Demandar': In Portuguese, 'demandar' often means to require or to sue. It is less common for the sense of 'claiming a right' than reivindicar.

Finally, avoid overusing the word in informal contexts. If you are asking your friend for the 5 euros they owe you, using reivindicar will make you sound like a lawyer or a politician. It’s better to use 'pedir' or 'cobrar.' Use reivindicar when the situation has a level of formality or when you are talking about rights, property, or formal assertions. Using a heavy word for a light situation is a common 'advanced learner' mistake—you know the word, but you haven't quite mastered its 'register' yet. Pay attention to the social weight of the word. It is a word of 'peso' (weight). Use it when you want to emphasize the legitimacy of a claim, not just a simple want. This distinction will help you sound more like a native and less like a textbook.

Evite usar reivindicar para coisas pequenas, como um favor.

O erro comum é esquecer o 'n', escrevendo reividicar.

Register Check: Formal situations: Yes. Casual chat with friends: No (unless being ironic).

Muitos alunos confundem com reclamar, que é 'to complain'.

To truly master reivindicar, you must know its neighbors in the Portuguese vocabulary. The most common synonym is exigir (to demand). While reivindicar focuses on the right or ownership, exigir focuses on the force of the demand. If a teacher exige silence, they aren't necessarily claiming a legal right to it; they are just commanding it. Another close relative is pleitear. This word is even more formal and is almost exclusively used in legal or political contexts. It means to litigate or to strive for something in a formal arena. You might pleitear a seat in the senate or a favorable judgment in court. It implies a long, formal process of seeking something.

Reivindicar vs. Exigir: Reivindicar: 'I have a right to this.' Exigir: 'I want this now, and you must do it.'

O advogado vai pleitear a liberdade do seu cliente no tribunal.

Another alternative is reclamar. As noted before, this usually means 'to complain,' but in a legal context, it can mean 'to claim' (reclamar um direito). However, reivindicar is much more specific to the assertion of ownership. If you lose your phone and go to the police, you reivindica the property. If you find a fly in your soup, you reclama to the waiter. Then there is postular, which means to postulate or to claim a certain position or truth in an academic or philosophical sense. For example, 'Ele postula que a alma é imortal.' This is very close to the 'assert truth' meaning of reivindicar but is more theoretical. Finally, asseverar means to solemnly assert or assure. It is a very formal way of saying you are sure of something.

Podemos substituir reivindicar por exigir em alguns contextos de greve.

Reivindicar vs. Pleitear: Reivindicar is the act of claiming; pleitear is the formal struggle or litigation to get it.

In summary, if you are looking for a more common word, go with exigir or pedir. If you want to sound more precise and emphasize your right to something, stick with reivindicar. If you are in a courtroom, pleitear is your best friend. Understanding these distinctions will make your Portuguese much more nuanced. For example, 'O sindicato reivindica melhores salários' sounds professional and justified. 'O sindicato exige melhores salários' sounds more aggressive. 'O sindicato pleiteia melhores salários' sounds like they are currently in a legal negotiation with the company. Choosing the right word changes the entire tone of your sentence. This is the hallmark of a B2/C1 level speaker—the ability to choose a word not just for its meaning, but for its social and emotional impact.

Ele tentou asseverar sua posição, mas ninguém acreditou.

A empresa vai reivindicar a patente da nova tecnologia.

Reivindicar vs. Reclamar: Reivindicar: Formal claim of right. Reclamar: General complaint or demand for attention.

Os cidadãos podem reivindicar transparência no governo.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The root 'vindicare' is also the source of the English words 'vindicate' and 'vengeance'. While 'vengeance' sounds aggressive, 'reivindicar' in Portuguese has evolved to be a more constructive term for social justice.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ʁej.vĩ.d͡ʒiˈka(ʁ)/

US /reɪ.vĩ.diˈkaɹ/

The stress is on the last syllable: 'car'.

Rime avec

Falar Cantar Lugar Andar Pensar Olhar Chegar Achar

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the first 'i' as a separate syllable (it's part of the diphthong 'ei').
Forgetting to nasalize the 'in' syllable.
Skipping the 'n' entirely.
Stress on the 'vin' instead of the 'car'.
Confusing the 'd' sound (in Brazil it often sounds like 'j' before 'i').

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 7/5

Common in news and books, but requires knowing the context of rights.

Écriture 8/5

Spelling is tricky (ei, i, n) and conjugation in the past (qu) is a hurdle.

Expression orale 7/5

Long word with five syllables, requires good breath control and nasalization.

Écoute 6/5

Easily recognizable once you know the 'reivind-' root.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Direito Pedir Querer Justiça Dono

Apprends ensuite

Pleitear Outorgar Ratificar Legitimar Petição

Avancé

Ação reivindicatória Usucapião Litígio Pauta

Grammaire à connaître

Orthographic change in -car verbs

Eu reivindiquei (not reivindicei).

Direct Transitivity

Reivindicar os direitos (no 'de' or 'por').

Subjunctive after verbs of demand

Exijo que ele reivindique (Present Subjunctive).

Infinitive Personal

É para nós reivindicarmos (Personal Infinitive).

Passive Voice with 'Ser'

A autoria foi reivindicada por ele.

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Exemples par niveau

Eu quero reivindicar meu prêmio.

I want to claim my prize.

Simple infinitive after 'querer'.

Ele vai reivindicar a bolsa dele.

He is going to claim his bag.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

Nós reivindicamos o dinheiro.

We claim the money.

Present tense, first person plural.

Você pode reivindicar seu lugar.

You can claim your place.

Modal verb 'poder' + infinitive.

Eles reivindicam um presente.

They claim a gift.

Present tense, third person plural.

Ela reivindica o livro.

She claims the book.

Present tense, third person singular.

Vim reivindicar meu guarda-chuva.

I came to claim my umbrella.

Past tense 'vir' + infinitive.

Não esqueça de reivindicar seu desconto.

Don't forget to claim your discount.

Imperative negative + 'de' + infinitive.

Os alunos reivindicam menos lição de casa.

The students demand less homework.

Standard present tense usage.

Vou reivindicar meus direitos na empresa.

I will demand my rights at the company.

Future tense with 'ir'.

Eles reivindicaram a vitória no jogo.

They claimed the victory in the game.

Pretérito Perfeito (Past tense).

Ela reivindica que o trabalho é dela.

She claims that the work is hers.

Usage with 'que' clause.

Nós reivindicamos uma resposta rápida.

We demand a quick answer.

Present tense plural.

O passageiro reivindicou a mala perdida.

The passenger claimed the lost suitcase.

Pretérito Perfeito singular.

Vocês devem reivindicar o que é justo.

You (plural) must demand what is fair.

Modal 'dever' + infinitive.

O sindicato reivindica um novo contrato.

The union demands a new contract.

Collective noun 'sindicato' + singular verb.

Eu reivindiquei o reembolso ontem.

I claimed the refund yesterday.

Note the 'qu' in 'reivindiquei'.

Eles estão reivindicando melhores condições.

They are demanding better conditions.

Gerund form (Present Continuous).

O autor reivindica a autoria do texto.

The author claims the authorship of the text.

Formal transitive usage.

É justo reivindicar um aumento salarial.

It is fair to demand a salary increase.

Infinitive as subject complement.

Ela reivindicou que a lei fosse mudada.

She demanded that the law be changed.

Past tense + 'que' + Imperfect Subjunctive.

Muitos países reivindicam esse território.

Many countries claim this territory.

Geopolitical context.

Ninguém reivindicou a responsabilidade pelo erro.

No one claimed responsibility for the error.

Negative subject + past tense.

Precisamos reivindicar o acesso à saúde.

We need to demand access to healthcare.

Verb 'precisar' + infinitive.

O grupo decidiu reivindicar a autoria do atentado.

The group decided to claim responsibility for the attack.

Standard news media usage.

Os manifestantes reivindicam a saída do ministro.

The protesters demand the minister's resignation.

Political context.

Ela continua a reivindicar sua inocência.

She continues to assert her innocence.

Verb 'continuar' + 'a' + infinitive.

O advogado vai reivindicar a posse do imóvel.

The lawyer will claim possession of the property.

Legal context.

A empresa reivindica a patente da invenção.

The company claims the patent for the invention.

Intellectual property context.

Eles reivindicam que o processo seja transparente.

They demand that the process be transparent.

Present Subjunctive after 'reivindicar que'.

O historiador reivindica uma nova interpretação.

The historian asserts a new interpretation.

Academic context.

Não se pode reivindicar o que não nos pertence.

One cannot claim what does not belong to us.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

A filosofia contemporânea reivindica o corpo como sujeito.

Contemporary philosophy asserts the body as a subject.

Abstract philosophical usage.

Reivindicar a alteridade é essencial na democracia.

Claiming/asserting otherness is essential in democracy.

Infinitive used as a noun.

O réu reivindicou o direito de permanecer em silêncio.

The defendant claimed the right to remain silent.

Specific legal right usage.

A obra reivindica uma estética da fragmentação.

The work asserts an aesthetic of fragmentation.

Art criticism context.

É imperativo que reivindiquemos a justiça social.

It is imperative that we demand social justice.

Present Subjunctive first person plural.

O cientista reivindicou para si a descoberta do gene.

The scientist claimed for himself the discovery of the gene.

Reflexive 'para si' for emphasis.

A minoria busca reivindicar seu espaço na mídia.

The minority seeks to claim its space in the media.

Social agency context.

Eles reivindicam a soberania sobre as águas territoriais.

They claim sovereignty over the territorial waters.

International law context.

O tratado reivindica a primazia do direito internacional.

The treaty asserts the primacy of international law.

High-level diplomatic language.

A subjetividade reivindicada pelo autor é radical.

The subjectivity claimed by the author is radical.

Past participle as adjective.

Reivindicar-se herdeiro de tal tradição é um peso.

To claim oneself as an heir to such a tradition is a burden.

Pronominal use with 'se' meaning 'to call oneself'.

A teoria reivindica a impossibilidade da neutralidade.

The theory asserts the impossibility of neutrality.

Epistemological usage.

O Estado reivindica o monopólio da violência legítima.

The State claims the monopoly of legitimate violence.

Political science classic definition.

Ao reivindicar a herança, ele descobriu segredos.

Upon claiming the inheritance, he discovered secrets.

'Ao' + infinitive construction.

A militância reivindica a urgência da pauta ambiental.

The activism asserts the urgency of the environmental agenda.

Contemporary social context.

Não se pode reivindicar a verdade de forma absoluta.

One cannot claim the truth in an absolute way.

Philosophical assertion.

Collocations courantes

Reivindicar direitos

Reivindicar autoria

Reivindicar responsabilidade

Reivindicar posse

Reivindicar vitória

Reivindicar justiça

Reivindicar herança

Reivindicar soberania

Reivindicar melhorias

Reivindicar indenização

Phrases Courantes

Pauta de reivindicações

— A list of demands, usually in a labor strike.

O sindicato apresentou a pauta de reivindicações.

Ação reivindicatória

— A legal action to recover property.

O advogado entrou com uma ação reivindicatória.

Reivindicar o trono

— To claim the position of a monarch.

O príncipe voltou para reivindicar o trono.

Direito de reivindicar

— The legal or moral standing to make a claim.

Todos têm o direito de reivindicar tratamento digno.

Vim reivindicar o meu

— I came to get what is mine (informal/firm).

O prêmio é meu e eu vim reivindicar o meu.

Reivindicar a palavra

— To claim the floor or the right to speak.

O deputado reivindicou a palavra na sessão.

Reivindicar o passado

— To assert the importance or ownership of history.

O museu busca reivindicar o passado da cidade.

Reivindicar espaço

— To demand inclusion or visibility.

As mulheres lutam para reivindicar seu espaço na política.

Reivindicar a verdade

— To assert what is true against lies.

É hora de reivindicar a verdade sobre os fatos.

Reivindicar crédito

— To take credit for something.

Ele sempre tenta reivindicar o crédito pelo meu trabalho.

Souvent confondu avec

reivindicar vs Reclamar

Reclamar is usually 'to complain'. Reivindicar is 'to claim a right'.

reivindicar vs Demandar

Demandar is often 'to require' or 'to sue', while reivindicar is the act of claiming.

reivindicar vs Vingar

Vingar is 'to avenge'. Although they share a root, they are used differently today.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Bater o pé"

— To insist firmly on something (often related to a demand).

Ela bateu o pé e reivindicou o aumento.

Informal

"Pôr as cartas na mesa"

— To be direct about what you want/claim.

Vamos pôr as cartas na mesa e reivindicar o que é nosso.

Neutral

"Dar o braço a torcer"

— To give in (opposite of a firm claim).

Ele não deu o braço a torcer e continuou a reivindicar sua ideia.

Informal

"Gritar aos quatro ventos"

— To announce or claim something loudly and publicly.

Ele gritou aos quatro ventos que reivindicava a descoberta.

Informal

"Fazer valer"

— To make one's rights or claims count.

É preciso fazer valer o que reivindicamos.

Neutral

"Ir à luta"

— To go to battle/struggle for one's claims.

O povo decidiu ir à luta para reivindicar direitos.

Informal

"Bater na tecla"

— To keep repeating a demand or claim.

Ele continua batendo na tecla de reivindicar a herança.

Informal

"Comer o pão que o diabo amassou"

— To suffer greatly (often the reason for a claim).

Depois de comer o pão que o diabo amassou, ele reivindicou justiça.

Informal

"Dar a cara a tapa"

— To expose oneself to risk for a claim.

Ela deu a cara a tapa para reivindicar a mudança na lei.

Informal

"Lutar com unhas e dentes"

— To fight fiercely for a claim.

Eles reivindicaram a terra lutando com unhas e dentes.

Informal

Facile à confondre

reivindicar vs Exigir

Both involve a strong demand.

Exigir is about the command; reivindicar is about the underlying right.

Eu exijo silêncio! (Command) vs. Eu reivindico meu direito ao silêncio. (Right)

reivindicar vs Pleitear

Both are formal and used in law.

Pleitear implies a formal struggle or litigation process.

Vou pleitear uma indenização na justiça.

reivindicar vs Solicitar

Both are used in formal requests.

Solicitar is a polite request; reivindicar is a firm demand of right.

Solicito sua ajuda. vs. Reivindico o que é meu.

reivindicar vs Postular

Both assert a truth.

Postular is academic/theoretical; reivindicar is more about rights or responsibility.

A física postula leis universais.

reivindicar vs Assumir

Both used for responsibility.

Assumir is 'to take on'; reivindicar is 'to claim'.

Ele assumiu o erro. vs. O grupo reivindicou o atentado.

Structures de phrases

Eu quero reivindicar [noun].

Eu quero reivindicar meu prêmio.

Eles estão reivindicando [noun].

Eles estão reivindicando melhores salários.

O grupo reivindicou a autoria de [noun].

O grupo reivindicou a autoria do ataque.

Reivindicar que [subjunctive clause].

Reivindicamos que o governo mude a lei.

Reivindicar para si [noun].

Ele reivindicou para si toda a glória.

A [noun] foi reivindicada por [agent].

A terra foi reivindicada pelos agricultores.

Reivindicar a primazia de [concept].

O autor reivindica a primazia da razão.

Ao [infinitive], [clause].

Ao reivindicar o trono, ele iniciou uma guerra.

Famille de mots

Noms

Reivindicação (the claim/demand)

Reivindicante (the person claiming)

Reivindicador (the one who demands)

Verbes

Reivindicar

Adjectifs

Reivindicatório (relating to a claim)

Reivindicado (claimed)

Apparenté

Vindicar

Vindicta

Vingança

Direito

Justiça

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in written media, moderate in spoken language.

Erreurs courantes

Reivindicar por direitos → Reivindicar direitos
Do not use 'por'. The verb is direct transitive.
Eu reivindicei → Eu reivindiquei
The 'c' must change to 'qu' to keep the hard sound.
Revindicar → Reivindicar
Missing the first 'i' is a very common spelling error.
Reivindicar um favor → Pedir um favor
Reivindicar is for rights, not for casual favors.
Reclamar a autoria (meaning complain) → Reivindicar a autoria
Reclamar can be confusing; reivindicar is the precise word for claiming credit.

Astuces

The 'QU' Rule

Whenever you conjugate an -ar verb ending in -car, the 'c' becomes 'qu' before an 'e'. So, 'reivindiquei'. This keeps the 'K' sound.

Noun Form

Learn 'reivindicação'. You will see it in plural 'reivindicações' in almost every news story about strikes.

When to Use

Use it in a job interview if you are discussing your worth or in a legal setting. Avoid it when asking for a favor from a friend.

News Keywords

When you hear 'reivindicar', listen for the next word. It’s usually the 'what' of the protest or claim.

Memory Trick

Remember: RE-I-VIN-DI-CAR. Two I's, one N. Don't skip the first I!

Nasalization

The 'in' in 'reivindicar' is nasal. Practice saying 'in' like in the English word 'ink' but without the 'k' sound.

Geopolitics

This is the verb used when countries argue over islands or borders. 'O país reivindica o território'.

Essay Writing

Use this verb to describe the 'claims' made by authors you are citing. It makes your analysis sound more professional.

Latin Root

Knowing it comes from 'vindicare' helps you link it to justice and 'vindication' in English.

Register

It’s a B2 word. Using it correctly instantly boosts your perceived level of Portuguese.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'RE-I-VIN-DI-CAR' as 'RE-claiming the WIN (vin) with DI-gnity (di) in the CAR (car)'. You are driving your rights home!

Association visuelle

Imagine a worker holding a large sign that says 'MEU DIREITO' (My Right) while standing in front of a factory gate.

Word Web

Direitos Justiça Greve Sindicato Posse Autoria Verdade Liberdade

Défi

Write three things you would reivindicar if you were the president of your country. Use the structure 'Eu reivindicaria...' (Conditional).

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'revindicare', which is composed of 're-' (again/back) and 'vindicare' (to lay claim to, to avenge, to set free).

Sens originel : To claim back something that was taken or to assert ownership in a legal sense.

Romance (Latin-derived)

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using it in very hierarchical workplaces, as it can sound like a challenge to authority.

English speakers often use 'claim' or 'demand', but 'reivindicar' feels more 'official' and 'justified' than 'demand'.

Manifesto Comunista (Portuguese translation frequently uses this word) Constituição Brasileira de 1988 (The 'Citizen Constitution') Songs by Chico Buarque

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Labor Relations

Reivindicar aumento
Pauta de reivindicações
Greve para reivindicar
Sindicato reivindicante

Legal Disputes

Reivindicar posse
Ação reivindicatória
Reivindicar herança
Reivindicar danos

News/Terrorism

Reivindicar o atentado
Reivindicar a autoria
Grupo reivindicou
Ninguém reivindicou

Academic/Theory

Reivindicar a verdade
Reivindicar a subjetividade
Autor reivindica que
Postura reivindicativa

Lost and Found

Reivindicar objeto
Vim reivindicar
Prazo para reivindicar
Ninguém apareceu para reivindicar

Amorces de conversation

"O que você acha que os trabalhadores deveriam reivindicar hoje em dia?"

"Você já teve que reivindicar algo que era seu por direito?"

"Quais são as principais reivindicações dos estudantes no seu país?"

"Você acha importante reivindicar a autoria de todas as suas ideias?"

"Como você reagiria se alguém reivindicasse algo que você construiu?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escreva sobre uma situação em que você sentiu que precisava reivindicar seus direitos.

Quais são as reivindicações mais urgentes da sociedade atual na sua opinião?

Reflita sobre a diferença entre pedir e reivindicar no ambiente de trabalho.

Imagine que você descobriu algo incrível. Como você faria para reivindicar essa descoberta?

Descreva um movimento histórico que foi bem-sucedido ao reivindicar mudanças.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, absolutely. If you go to a lost and found, you 'reivindica' your property. It sounds professional and correct.

The correct spelling is 'reivindicar' with an 'i' after the 're'. 'Revindicar' is a common misspelling even among natives.

No, it is a direct transitive verb. You say 'reivindicar direitos', not 'reivindicar por direitos'.

In English, 'reclaim' can mean physical recovery (like land). In Portuguese, 'reivindicar' is the verbal/legal act of claiming. Use 'recuperar' for physical recovery.

Yes, you can say 'Ele reivindica que...' followed by a clause, often in the subjunctive if it's a demand.

Very common in the news and in political discussions. Less common in casual street talk.

The 'eu' form is 'reivindiquei'. The rest are regular: 'reivindicaste', 'reivindicou', etc.

It is a specific legal term for a lawsuit where the owner of a property seeks to recover it from someone who possesses it unjustly.

Yes, 'reivindicar o crédito' or 'reivindicar a autoria' means to take credit for an idea or work.

It is firm, but not necessarily aggressive. It sounds justified. 'Exigir' can sound more aggressive.

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