Meaning
To be receptive to new ideas, opinions, or experiences, without prejudice.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'ter a mente aberta' is often associated with the 'Tropicalismo' movement of the 60s, which encouraged cultural cannibalism—absorbing foreign influences to create something uniquely Brazilian. In Portugal, the phrase is frequently used in the context of European integration, symbolizing a departure from the isolationist 'Proudly Alone' policy of the Salazar dictatorship. In Luanda, the phrase is often used by young entrepreneurs and artists who are looking to modernize the city while respecting traditional roots. In the tech hubs of Florianópolis or Lisbon, 'mente aberta' is a buzzword for 'Agile' and 'Design Thinking' methodologies.
Use with 'para'
Always follow the phrase with 'para' when specifying what you are open to (e.g., 'mente aberta para o novo').
Gender Agreement
Never say 'mente aberto'. Even if you are a man, your *mind* is feminine.
Meaning
To be receptive to new ideas, opinions, or experiences, without prejudice.
Use with 'para'
Always follow the phrase with 'para' when specifying what you are open to (e.g., 'mente aberta para o novo').
Gender Agreement
Never say 'mente aberto'. Even if you are a man, your *mind* is feminine.
Subjunctive Trigger
Phrases like 'É importante que...' or 'Eu quero que...' will always trigger 'tenha' instead of 'tem'.
The 'Cabeça' Alternative
If you want to sound more like a local in a Rio de Janeiro bar, use 'cabeça aberta' instead of 'mente aberta'.
Test Yourself
Complete a frase com a forma correta de 'ter a mente aberta'.
Para entender outras culturas, é fundamental que você ________.
The phrase 'é fundamental que' requires the present subjunctive ('tenha').
Qual frase está gramaticalmente correta?
Escolha a opção certa:
'Mente' is feminine singular, so 'a' and 'aberta' are correct.
Associe a frase ao contexto correto.
Contexto: Um debate sobre novas leis.
Open-mindedness is about receptivity to ideas and arguments.
Complete o diálogo.
A: 'Eu não gosto de comida japonesa.' B: 'Você nunca provou! ________.'
Encouraging someone to try new food is a classic use of 'ter a mente aberta'.
Combine os sinônimos.
Ligue as expressões equivalentes:
Flexibility is a core component of having an open mind.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Mente Aberta vs. Cabeça de Vento
Practice Bank
5 exercisesPara entender outras culturas, é fundamental que você ________.
The phrase 'é fundamental que' requires the present subjunctive ('tenha').
Escolha a opção certa:
'Mente' is feminine singular, so 'a' and 'aberta' are correct.
Contexto: Um debate sobre novas leis.
Open-mindedness is about receptivity to ideas and arguments.
A: 'Eu não gosto de comida japonesa.' B: 'Você nunca provou! ________.'
Encouraging someone to try new food is a classic use of 'ter a mente aberta'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Flexibility is a core component of having an open mind.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
It's better to say 'ser uma pessoa de mente aberta'. 'Ser mente aberta' sounds like a literal translation from English and is less natural.
The most common opposite is 'ter a mente fechada' or 'ser uma pessoa preconceituosa'.
Yes. 'Esta empresa tem a mente aberta'.
Mainly in pronunciation and the occasional use of 'abertura de espírito' in Portugal.
Yes, it's very common when trying new cuisines.
No, 'open source' is 'código aberto'.
Use 'abertura de mente' or 'mente aberta' as a concept.
Yes, almost always. It implies intelligence and tolerance.
Yes, it's often used to describe a desirable trait in a partner.
'Mente' is slightly more formal/intellectual; 'cabeça' is more colloquial.
No, it just means you are willing to listen and consider.
Related Phrases
Ter a cabeça aberta
similarTo be open-minded (more informal).
Abertura de espírito
synonymOpenness of spirit.
Mente fechada
contrastClosed-minded.
Cabeça dura
contrastStubborn / Hard-headed.
Pensar fora da caixa
builds onTo think outside the box.
