Meaning
To possess practical and sound judgment.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'bom senso' is often used to mediate social situations. It is a polite way to tell someone they are being unreasonable without being overly aggressive. In Portugal, the term is often associated with 'ser sensato'. It is a quality highly prized in professional and civic life. In business, 'bom senso' is the bridge between strict rules and human reality. It is the 'common sense' that allows for exceptions to policy when necessary.
Fixed Expression
Don't try to change 'bom' to 'boa'. It is always masculine.
Not Physical
Never use this to describe your five physical senses.
Meaning
To possess practical and sound judgment.
Fixed Expression
Don't try to change 'bom' to 'boa'. It is always masculine.
Not Physical
Never use this to describe your five physical senses.
Use with 'ter'
It is almost always used with the verb 'ter' (to have).
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
Para evitar acidentes, você precisa ____.
The idiom is 'ter bom senso'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option:
'Bom senso' is a fixed masculine expression.
Match the phrase to its meaning.
Match 'Ter bom senso' to the best definition.
It refers to logical, practical thinking.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Vou pular da janela.' B: '____, isso é perigoso!'
The imperative form is 'Tenha bom senso'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPara evitar acidentes, você precisa ____.
The idiom is 'ter bom senso'.
Choose the correct option:
'Bom senso' is a fixed masculine expression.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
It refers to logical, practical thinking.
A: 'Vou pular da janela.' B: '____, isso é perigoso!'
The imperative form is 'Tenha bom senso'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsIt is better to say 'ter bom senso' without the article 'um'.
It is neutral and can be used anywhere.
It remains 'bom senso' because 'senso' is masculine.
Yes, it is the direct equivalent.
No, use 'bom gosto' for taste.
Yes, it is standard in both.
Related Phrases
Ter juízo
synonymTo have judgment/maturity.
Ser sensato
similarTo be sensible.
Perder o bom senso
contrastTo lose one's common sense.
