cobrar resultado

You will almost always use this phrase with the preposition de (from). You cobra resultados de alguém (demand results from someone). For example: 'O diretor cobrou resultados da equipe.' (The director demanded results from the team). You can also use it with object pronouns like te or nos. 'Vou te cobrar resultados, hein!' is a classic way to tell a friend you expect them to actually finish that gym challenge they started. It’s also very common in the reflexive form: se cobrar. If you say 'Eu me cobro muito,' you’re telling people you’re a perfectionist who doesn't cut themselves any slack. It’s like having a tiny, angry boss living in your brain 24/7.

You’ll hear this in every corporate meeting in São Paulo. Picture a Zoom call where the KPI numbers are in the red. The CEO says: 'Precisamos cobrar resultados mais agressivos.' (We need to demand more aggressive results). Or imagine a group project in university where one student is doing all the work. They might message the group chat: 'Gente, vou começar a cobrar resultados de vocês!' (Guys, I’m going to start demanding results from you!). It even shows up in sports. When a team loses three games in a row, the fans go to the stadium not just to watch, but to cobrar resultados from the players and the coach. It’s the sound of accountability in action.

Use this when there is a clear expectation that hasn't been met yet. It’s perfect for professional settings, project management, and goal-setting. If you are a manager, this is part of your daily vocabulary. If you are an athlete, it’s how you talk about your progress. It’s also great for social or political contexts. If a politician promised a new park and hasn't built it, the community will cobrar resultados. It’s an 'active' phrase—it’s about moving things forward. If you feel like things are stalling and people are getting lazy, it’s time to start cobrando.

Avoid this phrase in purely social, relaxed settings where no 'deal' was made. You wouldn't cobrar resultados from a friend who said they 'might' come to your party. That would make you sound like a high-strung project manager at a birthday bash. It’s also a bit too harsh for very early stages of a relationship. If you've only been on two dates, don't cobrar resultados regarding where the relationship is going unless you want to see how fast the other person can run. Use pedir (to ask) or perguntar (to ask/inquire) instead for softer, non-contractual situations.

The biggest trap for English speakers is using the word pedir (to ask) when they really mean cobrar.

If the boss 'asks' (pediu), it sounds like a polite request that the team can say 'no' to. If the boss 'charges' (cobrou), it's a demand for what is due. Another mistake is adding the word para.

You don't need a preposition between the verb and the noun. Think of it like 'charging a fee'—you charge the fee directly. Also, remember that cobrar is a regular -ar verb, so don't try to make it irregular just to be fancy.

If cobrar resultado feels a bit too corporate for you, try botar pressão (to put pressure). It’s more informal and suggests you’re really squeezing someone to get things done. Another one is exigir (to demand/require), which is even stronger and more formal than cobrar. While cobrar implies a collection of a debt, exigir feels like a legal requirement. On the flip side, you have acompanhar o progresso (to follow the progress), which is the 'nice' version you use when you don't want to sound like a debt collector. It's the 'we're all in this together' way of saying 'where is my report?'

You can swap out resultado for other things you want to 'collect.' You can cobrar atenção (demand attention) from a distracted partner or cobrar uma resposta (demand an answer) from a recruiter who ghosted you. In sports, you might hear cobrar empenho (demand effort). A very Brazilian variation is cobrar o escanteio, which literally means to take a corner kick in soccer. Unless you are on a pitch, though, stick to the business version. Also, the phrase cobrar caro means to charge a high price, but it can also be metaphorical: 'Isso vai me cobrar caro no futuro' (This will cost me dearly in the future).

Is it rude? Not necessarily, but it is firm. In a business context, it’s completely standard. Can I use it for money? Yes! 'Cobrar a conta' means to ask for the bill at a restaurant. Does it work for self-improvement? Absolutely. 'Se cobrar' is the standard way to say you are pushing yourself. Is there a noun version? Yes, cobrança. If you say 'A cobrança está forte,' it means the pressure for results is high. Can I use it with my kids? You could, but they might start charging you for chores in return!