Meaning
To create a detailed scheme for doing something.
Cultural Background
In Brazilian corporate culture, 'elaborar um plano' is often associated with 'Planejamento Estratégico', a term that became very popular in the 90s. It signals that a company is modern and organized. In Portugal, the term is frequently used in the context of European Union funding and public works. A 'Plano de Ordenamento' is a common legal term for land use planning. In Angola, the phrase is often seen in government discourse regarding national development and post-war reconstruction (Plano Nacional de Desenvolvimento). Similar to Angola, in Mozambique, 'elaborar um plano' is a key phrase in the context of international cooperation and NGO work.
Use in Interviews
Using 'elaborar um plano' instead of 'fazer um plano' in a job interview instantly boosts your perceived level of Portuguese and professionalism.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for small things like 'elaborar um plano para comprar leite', you will sound like you are trying too hard or being sarcastic.
Meaning
To create a detailed scheme for doing something.
Use in Interviews
Using 'elaborar um plano' instead of 'fazer um plano' in a job interview instantly boosts your perceived level of Portuguese and professionalism.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for small things like 'elaborar um plano para comprar leite', you will sound like you are trying too hard or being sarcastic.
Regional Verbs
Remember: 'Planejar' is the king of verbs in Brazil, while 'Planear' is the king in Portugal. 'Elaborar um plano' is the formal suit they both wear.
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta do verbo 'elaborar'.
A equipe de engenharia ________ um plano de segurança no mês passado.
The sentence refers to 'A equipe' (singular) and 'no mês passado' (past tense).
Qual frase utiliza 'elaborar um plano' de forma mais adequada ao contexto?
Escolha a opção correta:
Scientific testing is a complex process that requires 'elaboração'. The other options are too trivial.
Complete o diálogo formal de trabalho.
Chefe: 'O projeto está atrasado.' Funcionário: 'Sinto muito. Eu vou ________ para recuperar o tempo perdido.'
In a formal work context, 'elaborar um plano de ação' is the most professional response.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Fazer vs. Elaborar
Practice Bank
3 exercisesA equipe de engenharia ________ um plano de segurança no mês passado.
The sentence refers to 'A equipe' (singular) and 'no mês passado' (past tense).
Escolha a opção correta:
Scientific testing is a complex process that requires 'elaboração'. The other options are too trivial.
Chefe: 'O projeto está atrasado.' Funcionário: 'Sinto muito. Eu vou ________ para recuperar o tempo perdido.'
In a formal work context, 'elaborar um plano de ação' is the most professional response.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, you can 'elaborar uma resposta' (elaborate an answer) or 'elaborar uma teoria' (elaborate a theory). It always implies adding detail and effort.
It is equally common in both as a formal collocation, though the surrounding verbs (planejar vs planear) differ.
'Elaborar' is specifically about the creation/design phase. 'Desenvolver' can also mean the execution or expansion of that plan.
Use 'um' when introducing a new plan, and 'o' when referring to a specific plan already mentioned.
Only if the topic is serious (like work) or if you are being funny about a simple task.
You could say 'improvisar' (to improvise) or 'agir sem pensar' (to act without thinking).
In this context, yes. It means to create through intellectual labor.
Yes, in modern tech contexts, we say 'A IA elaborou um plano de otimização'.
Not exactly. English 'elaborate' is often an adjective or a verb meaning 'to add more detail to something said'. Portuguese 'elaborar' is more frequently used to mean 'to create/produce'.
You can say 'Plano B' or 'Plano de contingência'.
Related Phrases
Traçar um plano
synonymTo outline or map out a plan.
Arquitetar um plano
similarTo architect or mastermind a plan.
Plano de ação
specialized formAction plan.
Plano de contingência
specialized formContingency plan.
Plano diretor
specialized formMaster plan / Urban plan.
