vulnerável 30초 만에
- Vulnerável means vulnerable or exposed to harm.
- It is used for people, emotions, and technical systems.
- The plural form is 'vulneráveis' and it doesn't change for gender.
- It often follows the verbs 'ser' or 'estar' and the preposition 'a'.
The Portuguese word vulnerável is a powerful adjective that mirrors the English 'vulnerable.' At its core, it describes a state of being open to injury, whether that injury is physical, emotional, or systemic. In Portuguese, its usage has expanded significantly over the last few decades, moving from purely medical or military contexts into the realms of psychology, social work, and technology. When you describe someone as vulnerável, you are highlighting a lack of protection or a susceptibility to external forces. This could range from a child being physically vulnerable to a computer system being vulnerable to a virus, or a person opening up their heart in a relationship.
- Physical Context
- Used when discussing health, safety, or structural integrity. For example, an elderly person might be more vulnerável to diseases during winter.
- Emotional Context
- In modern Portuguese, inspired by global psychological trends, being vulnerável is often discussed as a strength—the ability to show one's true self despite the risk of rejection.
As populações que vivem perto do rio são as mais vulneráveis às enchentes.
The term is also central to social discourse in Brazil and Portugal. The phrase 'vulnerabilidade social' refers to individuals or groups who lack the resources to cope with risks, such as poverty or lack of education. In this sense, vulnerável is not just a personal trait but a socioeconomic condition. It is a word that carries weight, often used in news reports to evoke empathy or call for government action. Unlike some adjectives that might change based on gender, vulnerável is uniform for both masculine and feminine nouns, making it slightly easier for learners to master in conversation.
Sentir-se vulnerável faz parte da experiência humana de amar.
In a professional setting, specifically in IT, you will hear about 'vulnerabilidades de segurança' (security vulnerabilities). Here, the word is technical and precise. Whether you are talking about a software bug or a weak password, vulnerável describes the point of entry for a potential threat. Therefore, the word spans from the most intimate human emotions to the most rigid technical specifications, maintaining its core essence of 'openness to harm' across all domains. Understanding this word allows you to participate in deep conversations about human nature, social justice, and modern technology.
- Social Context
- Often used in political speeches and NGO reports to describe communities lacking basic services like sanitation or healthcare.
O sistema de segurança está vulnerável porque a senha é muito simples.
Using vulnerável correctly involves understanding the distinction between the verbs ser (to be permanently/inherently) and estar (to be temporarily/state-wise). This is a classic Portuguese grammar hurdle. If you say someone é vulnerável, you might be describing their personality or a biological fact. If you say someone está vulnerável, you are likely referring to a specific situation they are currently going through, such as a recent breakup or a period of illness.
- With 'Estar' (Temporary State)
- 'Eu estou me sentindo muito vulnerável hoje.' (I am feeling very vulnerable today.) This implies that tomorrow the feeling might be gone.
Depois da cirurgia, o paciente ficou em uma posição vulnerável.
Another important aspect is the preposition that follows the word. Typically, we use a (to) or perante (before/in the face of). For example: 'Vulnerável a ataques' or 'Vulnerável perante a lei.' The choice of preposition can slightly change the tone, with 'perante' sounding more formal and dramatic. When discussing environmental issues, you will frequently see the construction 'vulnerável às mudanças climáticas' (vulnerable to climate change), where the 'às' is a contraction of the preposition 'a' and the article 'as'.
- With 'Ser' (Inherent Trait)
- 'Crianças são naturalmente mais vulneráveis.' (Children are naturally more vulnerable.) This describes a general characteristic of the group.
A economia do país é vulnerável a variações no preço do petróleo.
In literary or highly formal Portuguese, vulnerável might be used to describe an argument or a theory that is weak. 'Sua teoria é vulnerável a críticas fundamentadas' (Your theory is vulnerable to well-founded criticism). This usage highlights that the word isn't just for physical or emotional states but also for the strength of abstract ideas. Mastering these different contexts—from the clinical to the philosophical—will significantly enrich your Portuguese vocabulary and allow you to express complex thoughts with precision.
- Preposition Usage
- Use 'a' for most cases. Use 'diante de' or 'perante' for more formal or situational vulnerability.
O exército deixou o flanco vulnerável durante a retirada.
You will encounter vulnerável in a variety of real-world settings. In Brazil, if you turn on the news (like Jornal Nacional), you will almost certainly hear it in reports about the economy or social issues. Journalists often talk about 'grupos vulneráveis' when discussing those living in favelas or rural areas without access to clean water. It is a key term in the lexicon of Brazilian social justice. Similarly, in Portugal, you might hear it in the context of the environment, especially concerning the vulnerability of the coastline to rising sea levels.
- In the News
- 'O governo anunciou medidas para proteger os mais vulneráveis durante a crise econômica.'
A fauna local é extremamente vulnerável à introdução de espécies invasoras.
In the workplace, particularly in the tech hubs of São Paulo or Lisbon, vulnerável is the standard term for security flaws. During a 'reunião' (meeting), a developer might say, 'Nosso código está vulnerável a ataques de SQL injection.' Outside of tech, in HR or management, the word is used when talking about employee well-being. A manager might note that a team is vulnerável to burnout due to excessive overtime. This shows how the word has migrated from a purely negative connotation to one that identifies risks that need management.
Socially, among friends, the word is used more sparingly but with deep meaning. If a friend tells you, 'Eu me sinto vulnerável falando sobre isso,' they are sharing a deep level of trust. It is not a word used lightly in casual 'bate-papo' (small talk). It signals a transition to a more serious, intimate conversation. In pop culture, Brazilian MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) or Portuguese Fado often touch on themes of vulnerability, heartbreak, and the 'vulnerabilidade' of the human spirit. Pay attention to song lyrics, and you will find it hidden in verses about love and loss.
- In Technology
- Cybersecurity experts use the noun form 'vulnerabilidade' constantly to describe patches and exploits.
Não deixe sua conta bancária vulnerável; use autenticação em duas etapas.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with vulnerável is forgetting the accent mark on the second 'e'. In Portuguese, the accent is not optional; it tells you where the stress goes. Without it, the word looks 'naked' to a native speaker and might be mispronounced. Another common error is regarding the pluralization. Learners often try to say 'vulneravels' or 'vulneráveis' incorrectly. The correct plural is vulneráveis. The ending '-el' always changes to '-éis' in the plural (like papel/papéis or fiel/fiéis).
- Pluralization Error
- Incorrect: 'Eles são vulnerávels.' Correct: 'Eles são vulneráveis.'
Muitos idosos estão vulneráveis ao isolamento social.
A more subtle mistake involves the confusion between vulnerável and sensível (sensitive). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. Sensível refers to how easily someone is affected by emotions or physical stimuli (like sensitive skin). Vulnerável refers to the risk of being harmed. You can be sensitive without being vulnerable, though they often go together. For example, 'Ele é sensível' means he is emotional. 'Ele é vulnerável' means he is in a position where he could be hurt. Using 'sensível' when you mean 'vulnerable' can lead to misunderstandings about the severity of a situation.
Finally, watch out for the 'ser' vs 'estar' distinction mentioned earlier. If you say 'O sistema é vulnerável', you are saying the design is flawed. If you say 'O sistema está vulnerável', you might mean the firewall is currently turned off. Native speakers use this distinction to convey specific information about whether the vulnerability is a permanent trait or a temporary condition. Mixing these up won't make you incomprehensible, but using them correctly is a hallmark of an advanced learner.
- Confusion with 'Sensível'
- 'Sensível' = sensitive/perceptive. 'Vulnerável' = defenseless/exposed to risk.
A criança não é apenas sensível, ela está vulnerável neste ambiente.
To truly sound like a native, you should know the synonyms and related words for vulnerável. Depending on the context, you might want to use frágil (fragile), exposto (exposed), or desprotegido (unprotected). Frágil is best for physical objects or delicate emotional states. Exposto is perfect for technical or situational contexts, like being exposed to the wind or a virus. Desprotegido is more literal, indicating a lack of armor or protection.
- Frágil vs Vulnerável
- A glass is 'frágil' (it breaks easily). A person in a dangerous neighborhood is 'vulnerável' (they might be attacked).
Sem o casaco, você fica muito exposto ao frio intenso.
In formal writing, you might encounter the word suscetível (susceptible). This is a very close synonym often used in medical or scientific contexts, such as 'suscetível a infecções.' Another alternative is indefeso (defenseless), which carries a more emotional or dramatic weight, often used when describing someone who has no way to fight back. On the opposite end, the antonym is invulnerável (invulnerable) or protegido (protected). Knowing these nuances helps you choose the word that fits the 'vibe' of your sentence perfectly.
When comparing vulnerável to fraco (weak), be careful. Fraco is often a judgment of character or physical strength, whereas vulnerável is a description of a situation or a lack of defense. Calling a social group 'fraco' would be insulting, but calling them 'vulnerável' is a sociological observation that usually implies they need support. This distinction is vital for respectful communication in Portuguese-speaking societies.
- Suscetível
- More common in technical, medical, or formal academic Portuguese. 'Ele é suscetível a alergias.'
O herói parecia invulnerável, mas tinha um ponto fraco.
How Formal Is It?
재미있는 사실
The root 'vulnus' (wound) is also found in the English word 'vulnerable' and the medical term 'vulnerary' (used for healing wounds).
발음 가이드
- Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'h' (it should be a tapped 'r').
- Missing the 'l' sound at the end (either a dark 'l' or a 'w' sound is needed).
- Stressing the wrong syllable (don't stress 'vuel' or 'vel').
- Ignoring the accent mark on the 'á'.
- Forgetting the plural changes to 'vulneráveis'.
난이도
Easy to recognize as a cognate of 'vulnerable'.
Requires remembering the accent and the specific plural ending.
The tapped 'r' and the final 'l' can be tricky for beginners.
Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to catch.
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
수준별 예문
O bebê é muito vulnerável.
The baby is very vulnerable.
Adjective remains 'vulnerável' for masculine/feminine.
O gatinho é vulnerável.
The kitten is vulnerable.
Singular adjective.
Ela é vulnerável.
She is vulnerable.
Feminine subject, same adjective form.
Ele é vulnerável.
He is vulnerable.
Masculine subject, same adjective form.
Nós somos vulneráveis.
We are vulnerable.
Plural form 'vulneráveis'.
Você é vulnerável?
Are you vulnerable?
Question form.
O sistema não é vulnerável.
The system is not vulnerable.
Negative sentence.
Eles são vulneráveis.
They are vulnerable.
Plural masculine/mixed.
Eu estou me sentindo vulnerável hoje.
I am feeling vulnerable today.
Use of 'estar' for temporary state.
Crianças são vulneráveis ao sol.
Children are vulnerable to the sun.
Preposition 'a' + article 'o' = 'ao'.
O computador está vulnerável a vírus.
The computer is vulnerable to viruses.
Temporary state 'estar'.
As plantas são vulneráveis ao frio.
The plants are vulnerable to the cold.
Plural agreement.
Não fique vulnerável na rua à noite.
Don't be vulnerable on the street at night.
Imperative form.
A casa é vulnerável a ladrões.
The house is vulnerable to thieves.
Inherent state 'ser'.
O idoso está vulnerável nesta situação.
The elderly person is vulnerable in this situation.
Contextual vulnerability.
Nossas senhas estão vulneráveis.
Our passwords are vulnerable.
Plural 'vulneráveis'.
A economia está vulnerável a crises externas.
The economy is vulnerable to external crises.
Abstract concept usage.
Muitas famílias vivem em situação vulnerável.
Many families live in a vulnerable situation.
Social context.
É preciso coragem para ser vulnerável.
It takes courage to be vulnerable.
Psychological context.
O ecossistema é muito vulnerável à poluição.
The ecosystem is very vulnerable to pollution.
Environmental context.
Ela se sentiu vulnerável após a discussão.
She felt vulnerable after the argument.
Reflexive verb 'sentir-se'.
O site ficou vulnerável por alguns minutos.
The website was vulnerable for a few minutes.
Past tense 'ficou'.
Grupos vulneráveis precisam de apoio do governo.
Vulnerable groups need government support.
Political/Social term.
A saúde dele está vulnerável devido ao estresse.
His health is vulnerable due to stress.
Cause and effect.
O software apresenta uma falha que o torna vulnerável.
The software has a flaw that makes it vulnerable.
Technical register.
A empresa está vulnerável a uma aquisição hostil.
The company is vulnerable to a hostile takeover.
Business register.
A cidade é vulnerável a terremotos por sua localização.
The city is vulnerable to earthquakes due to its location.
Geographical context.
Sentir-se vulnerável pode fortalecer os laços afetivos.
Feeling vulnerable can strengthen emotional bonds.
Infinitive as subject.
O flanco esquerdo do exército ficou vulnerável.
The left flank of the army became vulnerable.
Military context.
As redes sociais nos tornam mais vulneráveis a críticas.
Social media makes us more vulnerable to criticism.
Sociological observation.
O paciente está em um estado imunológico vulnerável.
The patient is in a vulnerable immunological state.
Medical register.
O acordo é vulnerável a interpretações ambíguas.
The agreement is vulnerable to ambiguous interpretations.
Legal/Formal register.
A infraestrutura urbana é vulnerável a eventos climáticos extremos.
Urban infrastructure is vulnerable to extreme climate events.
Formal academic tone.
Sua argumentação é vulnerável a refutações lógicas.
Your argument is vulnerable to logical refutations.
Intellectual context.
A vulnerabilidade humana é um tema central na obra do autor.
Human vulnerability is a central theme in the author's work.
Literary analysis.
O sistema democrático está vulnerável ao populismo.
The democratic system is vulnerable to populism.
Political science context.
A criança foi retirada de um ambiente altamente vulnerável.
The child was removed from a highly vulnerable environment.
Social work terminology.
O mercado financeiro mostrou-se vulnerável a rumores infundados.
The financial market proved vulnerable to unfounded rumors.
Reflexive 'mostrar-se'.
A privacidade dos dados está cada vez mais vulnerável.
Data privacy is increasingly vulnerable.
Adverbial phrase 'cada vez mais'.
Eles exploraram a posição vulnerável do adversário.
They exploited the opponent's vulnerable position.
Strategic context.
A ontologia do ser revela uma natureza intrinsecamente vulnerável.
The ontology of being reveals an intrinsically vulnerable nature.
Philosophical register.
O réu encontrava-se em uma condição jurídica vulnerável.
The defendant was in a vulnerable legal condition.
Legal terminology.
A volatilidade do câmbio deixa a balança comercial vulnerável.
Exchange rate volatility leaves the trade balance vulnerable.
Economic theory.
A arquitetura de rede é vulnerável a ataques de negação de serviço.
The network architecture is vulnerable to denial-of-service attacks.
High-level technical spec.
O ecossistema ártico é o mais vulnerável ao aquecimento global.
The Arctic ecosystem is the most vulnerable to global warming.
Scientific superlative.
A retórica do palestrante era vulnerável a questionamentos éticos.
The speaker's rhetoric was vulnerable to ethical questioning.
Critical analysis.
O patrimônio histórico está vulnerável à ação do tempo e do descaso.
The historical heritage is vulnerable to the action of time and neglect.
Cultural heritage context.
A segurança nacional não pode ficar vulnerável a espionagem estrangeira.
National security cannot remain vulnerable to foreign espionage.
Geopolitical context.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
— Living in a state where one is exposed to risks like poverty.
A ONG atende crianças em situação de vulnerabilidade.
— To be emotionally honest and open with others.
Ela teve coragem de se abrir e ser vulnerável.
— Lacking legal protection or standing.
O imigrante sentia-se vulnerável perante a lei local.
— Affected by the passage of time or weather.
O monumento está vulnerável ao tempo.
— Easily influenced by others.
Pessoas solitárias podem estar mais vulneráveis a manipulação.
— Having a weak immune system.
Sem a vacina, você fica vulnerável a doenças graves.
— Likely to be a victim of a scam.
Idosos costumam ser mais vulneráveis a fraudes telefônicas.
— Easily disrupted by changes.
O cronograma é vulnerável a mudanças de última hora.
— Unable to resist external demands.
O juiz não pode ser vulnerável a pressões políticas.
— Likely to break or malfunction.
O motor antigo é vulnerável a falhas constantes.
관용어 및 표현
— To stop being defensive and become vulnerable.
Quando ele está com a família, ele baixa a guarda.
Informal— A specific point of vulnerability.
A falta de paciência é o seu calcanhar de Aquiles.
Neutral— Literally 'to stay in the night mist', figuratively to be exposed/vulnerable.
Não deixe seu carro no sereno.
Informal (Brazil)— To expose oneself to criticism or risk.
Ela deu a cara a tapa ao defender aquela ideia impopular.
Informal— To be in a precarious or vulnerable position.
Com os cortes de gastos, o projeto está na corda bamba.
Informal— To be left in a vulnerable or disappointed state after being forgotten.
Eles prometeram ajuda, mas eu fiquei a ver navios.
Informal— To act carefully because one is in a vulnerable or delicate situation.
Desde a briga, estou pisando em ovos com ela.
Informal— To be emotionally vulnerable and anxious.
Fiquei com o coração na mão esperando o resultado.
Informal— To put oneself in a vulnerable position.
Eu vou correr o risco e investir tudo.
Neutral— To be vulnerable because one cannot take action.
Sem o dinheiro, o diretor ficou de mãos atadas.
Informal어휘 가족
명사
동사
형용사
관련
암기하기
기억법
Think of a 'vulnerable' person needing a 'veil' (vulnerá-VEL) for protection. They are exposed to the 'vul' (vultures).
시각적 연상
Imagine a small bird with no nest in a storm, or a computer screen with a 'warning' shield broken.
Word Web
챌린지
Try to use 'vulnerável' in a sentence about technology and then in a sentence about your feelings today.
어원
From the Latin word 'vulnerabilis'.
원래 의미: Derived from 'vulnerare', which means 'to wound' or 'to injure'.
Romance (Latin root).문화적 맥락
When using 'vulnerável' to describe people, ensure it is done with empathy, as it identifies a lack of resources or defense.
The English 'vulnerable' and Portuguese 'vulnerável' are perfect cognates, meaning they share the same origin and almost identical meanings.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
Cybersecurity
- vulnerabilidade de segurança
- patch de correção
- sistema exposto
- ataque de hacker
Social Work
- vulnerabilidade social
- risco social
- apoio comunitário
- direitos humanos
Healthcare
- grupo de risco
- sistema imunológico
- suscetível a infecção
- paciente vulnerável
Relationships
- abrir o coração
- confiança mútua
- medo da rejeição
- intimidade emocional
Environment
- mudanças climáticas
- desastres naturais
- áreas de risco
- impacto ambiental
대화 시작하기
"Você acha que ser vulnerável é uma força ou uma fraqueza?"
"Quais são as maiores vulnerabilidades do nosso sistema de segurança?"
"Como podemos ajudar as pessoas em situação de vulnerabilidade na nossa cidade?"
Summary
The word 'vulnerável' is an essential adjective for describing exposure to risk. Whether you are talking about cybersecurity, social inequality, or personal emotions, it conveys a lack of defense. Example: 'O sistema está vulnerável' (The system is vulnerable).
- Vulnerável means vulnerable or exposed to harm.
- It is used for people, emotions, and technical systems.
- The plural form is 'vulneráveis' and it doesn't change for gender.
- It often follows the verbs 'ser' or 'estar' and the preposition 'a'.
관련 콘텐츠
emotions 관련 단어
a sério?
A2seriously?, an expression of surprise, disbelief, or to check earnestness
abalado
A2동요된, 충격을 받은. 그녀는 사고 소식에 깊이 동요되었다.
abalar
A2흔들다, 동요시키다. 그 소식은 그녀를 깊이 동요시켰다.
abalo
A2Shock, emotional disturbance; a sudden, disturbing, or upsetting emotional experience.
abandonado
B1Left by the owner or inhabitants; deserted.
abatidamente
B1낙담하여, 풀이 죽어서. 깊은 좌절감이나 심신이 지친 상태에서 어떤 행동을 하는 방식을 묘사할 때 사용됩니다.
abatido
A2그는 소식을 듣고 매우 낙담한 표정이었다.
abatimento
A2Dejection; a sad and depressed state; low spirits.
abertamente
A2공공연하게, 솔직하게, 숨김없이.
abismado
B1Filled with astonishment or wonder.
