In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe learning more about a specific subject or life.
- Perfect for resumes, interviews, and meaningful conversations about hobbies.
- Implies a proactive and curious mindset toward personal growth.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you want to say you are learning more about the world or a specific topic. It is like opening a window in your brain to let more light and information in.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a job interview
Estou sempre em busca de cursos para ampliar meu conhecimento na área.
I am always looking for courses to expand my knowledge in the field.
Talking about a documentary
Esse documentário me ajudou a ampliar meu conhecimento sobre a Amazônia.
This documentary helped me expand my knowledge about the Amazon.
Writing a formal email
Gostaria de participar do workshop para ampliar meus conhecimentos técnicos.
I would like to participate in the workshop to expand my technical knowledge.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, the 'ENEM' exam requires students to have a 'repertório sociocultural'. Teachers often tell students to 'ampliar seu repertório' by watching documentaries and reading philosophy to get a better grade. Portugal has a long tradition of 'humanismo'. Broadening knowledge is seen as a duty of a 'cidadão do mundo' (citizen of the world), reflecting the country's history of global exploration. In Angola, education is highly prized as a means of national reconstruction. 'Ampliar o conhecimento' is often used in political speeches about the youth and the future of the country. In Mozambique, the phrase is often linked to 'saber popular' (folk wisdom) and formal education, bridging the gap between traditional and modern knowledge.
Use in CVs
Always use 'ampliar conhecimentos' (plural) in your Portuguese CV. It sounds more technical and professional.
Avoid 'Largo'
Never say 'fazer meu conhecimento largo'. It's a literal translation from English that doesn't work in Portuguese.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe learning more about a specific subject or life.
- Perfect for resumes, interviews, and meaningful conversations about hobbies.
- Implies a proactive and curious mindset toward personal growth.
What It Means
Ampliar conhecimento is more than just studying for a test. It is about the growth that happens when you discover something new. Think of your brain as a room. Learning a new fact is like adding a chair. Ampliar conhecimento is like knocking down a wall to make the room bigger. It suggests a continuous journey of self-improvement. You are not just memorizing; you are expanding your horizons.
How To Use It
You use it just like a regular verb phrase. You can say eu quero ampliar meu conhecimento (I want to expand my knowledge). It works perfectly with subjects like technology, languages, or wine tasting. You can also use it in the plural: ampliar conhecimentos. It sounds smart but not arrogant. It shows you are curious and open-minded. Use it when talking about your hobbies or your career goals.
When To Use It
This phrase is a superstar in professional settings. Put it on your LinkedIn profile or your CV. Use it during a job interview to show you love learning. It also works great in casual chats about documentaries or travel. If you just finished a great book, tell your friend it helped you ampliar seu conhecimento. It adds a touch of sophistication to your conversation without feeling stiff.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for tiny, trivial things. If you just learned how to open a stubborn jar, don't say you are ampliando conhecimento. That is just a life hack. Also, avoid it in very slang-heavy situations with teenagers. They might think you sound a bit like a textbook. If you are just gossiping about a neighbor, this phrase is definitely too 'classy' for that moment. Keep it for things that actually make you a wiser person.
Cultural Background
In Brazil and Portugal, education is highly valued as a path to a better life. The phrase ampliar conhecimento carries a sense of prestige. It reflects the 'searcher' spirit of the Lusophone world. Historically, Portuguese explorers literally expanded the known world. Today, that same energy is directed toward technology and personal growth. It is a very positive, proactive expression that people respect deeply.
Common Variations
You might hear expandir horizontes (expand horizons) which is more poetic. There is also aprofundar conhecimentos (deepen knowledge) for when you already know a lot. If you want to sound more casual, you can say aprender coisas novas. But ampliar conhecimento remains the gold standard for showing you are serious about growth. It is the 'black dress' of Portuguese phrases—it fits almost everywhere.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile. While it leans towards a neutral/formal register, it is never out of place in a thoughtful casual conversation. Avoid using it for trivial tasks to maintain its impact.
Use in CVs
Always use 'ampliar conhecimentos' (plural) in your Portuguese CV. It sounds more technical and professional.
Avoid 'Largo'
Never say 'fazer meu conhecimento largo'. It's a literal translation from English that doesn't work in Portuguese.
The 'ENEM' Secret
If you are taking a test in Brazil, use this phrase in your essay. It's a 'power word' that examiners love.
Pair with 'Mundo'
The collocation 'conhecimento de mundo' is a very common way to talk about general life experience.
Examples
6Estou sempre em busca de cursos para ampliar meu conhecimento na área.
I am always looking for courses to expand my knowledge in the field.
Shows professional initiative and a growth mindset.
Esse documentário me ajudou a ampliar meu conhecimento sobre a Amazônia.
This documentary helped me expand my knowledge about the Amazon.
Used to share a learning experience with a friend.
Gostaria de participar do workshop para ampliar meus conhecimentos técnicos.
I would like to participate in the workshop to expand my technical knowledge.
The plural 'conhecimentos' is very common in formal writing.
Comecei a estudar vinhos só pra ampliar o conhecimento, sabe?
I started studying wines just to expand my knowledge, you know?
Makes a hobby sound more intentional and interesting.
Passo horas no YouTube ampliando meu conhecimento sobre vídeos de gatinhos.
I spend hours on YouTube expanding my knowledge of kitten videos.
Uses a serious phrase for a silly topic for comedic effect.
Viajar é a melhor forma de ampliar nosso conhecimento sobre o mundo.
Traveling is the best way to expand our knowledge about the world.
Expresses a deep, personal realization.
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta do verbo 'ampliar'.
Eu ______ meu conhecimento todos os dias através da leitura.
The first person singular present tense of 'ampliar' is 'amplio'.
Qual frase é mais apropriada para um currículo (CV)?
Escolha a opção mais profissional:
'Ampliar conhecimentos' is the standard professional collocation for a CV.
Combine a ação com o objetivo de 'ampliar conhecimento'.
Se eu quero ampliar meu conhecimento sobre culinária, eu devo...
Learning (a course) is the way to broaden knowledge, not just buying tools or consuming.
Complete o diálogo de forma natural.
Ana: Por que você está estudando filosofia? Pedro: Porque eu sinto que preciso ______.
Philosophy is a classic subject for broadening one's 'world knowledge'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ampliar vs. Aprofundar
Common Subjects
Academic
- • Ciência
- • História
- • Matemática
Personal
- • Cultura
- • Mundo
- • Auto-conhecimento
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu ______ meu conhecimento todos os dias através da leitura.
The first person singular present tense of 'ampliar' is 'amplio'.
Escolha a opção mais profissional:
'Ampliar conhecimentos' is the standard professional collocation for a CV.
Se eu quero ampliar meu conhecimento sobre culinária, eu devo...
Learning (a course) is the way to broaden knowledge, not just buying tools or consuming.
Ana: Por que você está estudando filosofia? Pedro: Porque eu sinto que preciso ______.
Philosophy is a classic subject for broadening one's 'world knowledge'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes! In fact, in European Portuguese and formal Brazilian Portuguese, the plural is very common and sounds quite sophisticated.
They are very similar. 'Expandir' is often used for 'horizontes' (horizons) or 'negócios' (businesses), while 'ampliar' is the standard for 'conhecimento'.
You say 'expandir meus horizontes'. It's a bit more poetic than 'ampliar meu conhecimento'.
It can be, but it sounds a bit serious. If you're just talking about a new fun fact, you might say 'aprendi uma coisa nova'.
Usually 'em' (for a field) or 'sobre' (for a topic). Example: 'conhecimento em TI' or 'conhecimento sobre abelhas'.
Yes, but it usually means to enlarge, like 'ampliar uma foto' (enlarge a photo). For a room, you'd use 'ampliar o quarto'.
Yes, 'o conhecimento'.
There isn't a direct opposite collocation, but you might say 'limitar o conhecimento' or 'permanecer na ignorância'.
Yes, they share the same Latin root! Think of 'amplifying' your brain's power.
Extremely common in headlines about science, education, and technology.
Only if you're talking about 'ampliar o conhecimento um do outro' (getting to know each other better), but it sounds very formal/intellectual.
'Conhecimento' is information and skills. 'Sabedoria' is wisdom—the ability to use that knowledge well.
Yes, it follows the regular -ar conjugation pattern.
Yes! 'Ampliar meu conhecimento de português' is a great goal.
Related Phrases
Aprofundar conhecimentos
similarTo go deeper into a subject
Expandir horizontes
similarTo expand horizons
Adquirir saber
synonymTo acquire knowledge
Reciclar conhecimentos
specialized formTo update one's skills
Abrir a mente
informalTo open the mind
Acumular conhecimento
similarTo accumulate knowledge
