Meaning
To improve one's capacities or proficiencies through practice.
Cultural Background
The 'Jeitinho Brasileiro' is often contrasted with 'desenvolver habilidades'. While 'jeitinho' is about improvisation, modern Brazilian culture is shifting towards 'capacitação' (formal skill building) to compete globally. Portugal places a high value on formal education and 'diplomas'. Developing skills is often seen as a lifelong academic pursuit, heavily influenced by European Union standards. In Angola, there is a massive focus on 'capacitação da juventude' (youth empowerment). Developing skills is seen as a patriotic duty to help rebuild and diversify the national economy. Vocational training (ensino técnico-profissional) is a priority. Developing skills in agriculture and technology is key to the country's development goals.
Use with 'Soft' and 'Hard'
Even in Portuguese, people use 'Soft Skills' and 'Hard Skills'. You can say 'Desenvolver soft skills'.
Avoid 'Grow'
Never say 'crescer habilidades'. It's a dead giveaway that you're translating from English.
Meaning
To improve one's capacities or proficiencies through practice.
Use with 'Soft' and 'Hard'
Even in Portuguese, people use 'Soft Skills' and 'Hard Skills'. You can say 'Desenvolver soft skills'.
Avoid 'Grow'
Never say 'crescer habilidades'. It's a dead giveaway that you're translating from English.
LinkedIn Etiquette
In Brazil, always use 'Desenvolvi habilidades em...' when listing course certificates on LinkedIn.
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta do verbo 'desenvolver'.
No ano passado, eu __________ muitas habilidades de liderança.
The sentence refers to 'last year' (no ano passado), so the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) is required.
Qual é a melhor forma de dizer isso em um currículo?
Eu quero dizer que melhorei minha capacidade de falar em público.
'Desenvolver habilidades' is the professional standard for resumes.
Combine a habilidade com o contexto correto.
1. Habilidades motoras | 2. Habilidades interpessoais | 3. Habilidades técnicas
Motor skills relate to movement, interpersonal to people, and technical to specific tools.
Complete o diálogo com a opção mais natural.
Chefe: Como você avalia seu progresso? Funcionário: Sinto que __________ habilidades analíticas importantes.
Both the Brazilian gerund and the Portuguese 'a + infinitive' are correct and natural in their respective regions.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Levels of Mastery
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNo ano passado, eu __________ muitas habilidades de liderança.
The sentence refers to 'last year' (no ano passado), so the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) is required.
Eu quero dizer que melhorei minha capacidade de falar em público.
'Desenvolver habilidades' is the professional standard for resumes.
1. Habilidades motoras | 2. Habilidades interpessoais | 3. Habilidades técnicas
Motor skills relate to movement, interpersonal to people, and technical to specific tools.
Chefe: Como você avalia seu progresso? Funcionário: Sinto que __________ habilidades analíticas importantes.
Both the Brazilian gerund and the Portuguese 'a + infinitive' are correct and natural in their respective regions.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but 'melhorar' is more general. 'Desenvolver' implies a more structured process of growth.
Not at all. It's neutral enough for any conversation about self-improvement.
'Habilidade' is the 'how-to' (the skill), while 'competência' is the broader ability to apply skills, knowledge, and attitude to a task.
You can say 'Estou trabalhando nas minhas habilidades' or 'Estou desenvolvendo minhas habilidades'.
No, in Portuguese, the 'h' at the beginning of words is always silent.
Yes, 'desenvolver pessoas' is a common HR term meaning to help employees grow.
In a skill context, it would be 'estagnar' (to stagnate) or 'perder a prática' (to lose practice).
Both are used. 'De' usually precedes the name of the skill (liderança), 'em' precedes the field (marketing).
It depends. 'Desenvolver habilidades' (general) vs 'Desenvolver as habilidades necessárias' (specific).
Yes, though they might say 'competências' or 'valências' in very formal settings.
Related Phrases
Aprimorar conhecimentos
similarTo improve knowledge
Adquirir experiência
builds onTo gain experience
Capacitação profissional
specialized formProfessional training
Lapidar um talento
figurativeTo polish a talent
Ficar enferrujado
contrastTo get rusty
