Meaning
Communicated verbally, not through written means.
Cultural Background
In Portugal, 'de viva voz' is frequently used in formal correspondence to indicate that a matter will be discussed further in person. Brazilians often use 'viva-voz' (the noun) for speakerphone, so 'de viva voz' is strictly reserved for very formal or literary contexts to avoid confusion. In both countries, the 'defesa de tese' is a sacred oral ritual where the phrase 'de viva voz' is almost always used in the official minutes. The Brazilian Civil Code mentions the validity of certain acts performed 'de viva voz,' emphasizing the legal weight of the spoken word.
Use in Interviews
Using this phrase in a job interview when discussing communication skills will instantly signal to the interviewer that you have a C1+ level of Portuguese.
Hyphen Matters
Remember: 'viva-voz' (with hyphen) is the device. 'de viva voz' (no hyphen) is the action.
Meaning
Communicated verbally, not through written means.
Use in Interviews
Using this phrase in a job interview when discussing communication skills will instantly signal to the interviewer that you have a C1+ level of Portuguese.
Hyphen Matters
Remember: 'viva-voz' (with hyphen) is the device. 'de viva voz' (no hyphen) is the action.
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com a expressão correta.
O juiz exigiu que a testemunha desse o depoimento _______.
In a legal context, 'de viva voz' is the standard term for oral testimony.
Qual frase usa a expressão de forma correta?
Escolha a opção correta:
'De viva voz' refers to oral communication in a formal setting like a meeting.
Complete o diálogo formal.
Secretária: 'O senhor vai enviar o aviso por e-mail?' Diretor: 'Não, prefiro comunicar a equipe _______.'
A director in a formal setting would use 'de viva voz' to emphasize the personal nature of the announcement.
Combine a situação com a expressão mais adequada.
Situação: Um exame oral em uma universidade antiga.
This is the traditional term for oral examinations in academic history.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Oral vs. Written Communication
Practice Bank
4 exercisesO juiz exigiu que a testemunha desse o depoimento _______.
In a legal context, 'de viva voz' is the standard term for oral testimony.
Escolha a opção correta:
'De viva voz' refers to oral communication in a formal setting like a meeting.
Secretária: 'O senhor vai enviar o aviso por e-mail?' Diretor: 'Não, prefiro comunicar a equipe _______.'
A director in a formal setting would use 'de viva voz' to emphasize the personal nature of the announcement.
Situação: Um exame oral em uma universidade antiga.
This is the traditional term for oral examinations in academic history.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsRarely. It is mostly used in formal, legal, or academic contexts. In daily life, people say 'pessoalmente' or 'por falar'.
It is more common in Spanish. In Portuguese, 'de viva voz' is the standard, though 'a viva voz' is understood.
No. It means 'orally' as opposed to 'in writing'.
Related Phrases
Verbalmente
synonymVerbally
Ao vivo
similarLive / In person
Em voz alta
similarLoudly
Palavra de honra
builds onWord of honor
