This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Portuguese
Vocabulary
a tempo parcial

B1 noun 13 min read

a tempo parcial

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips a tempo parcial in 30 Seconds

Explanation a tempo parcial in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'a tempo parcial' as a fixed phrase to describe your work or study status. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that it means 'part-time'. For example, if someone asks 'Trabalhas?' (Do you work?), you can answer 'Sim, a tempo parcial'. It is one of the basic phrases used to introduce yourself and describe your daily life. Focus on the pronunciation of 'parcial' and remember to always include the 'a' at the beginning. This level is about basic identification and simple sentences. You might see this on a simple job sign in a shop window and should be able to understand that the shop is looking for someone to work only a few hours. It is a very useful phrase for students or travelers looking for casual work.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'a tempo parcial' in slightly more complex sentences with common verbs like 'procurar' (to look for) or 'conseguir' (to get). You should be able to say things like 'Estou a procurar um emprego a tempo parcial' (I am looking for a part-time job). You will also learn the opposite phrase, 'a tempo inteiro' (full-time), to compare different types of work. At this stage, you should understand that the phrase comes after the noun it describes. You might also encounter this phrase when talking about your hobbies or why you have free time: 'Eu trabalho a tempo parcial, por isso tenho tempo para nadar'. You are building the ability to describe your routine and professional situation with more detail than at the A1 level.

At the B1 level, you should understand the practical implications of working 'a tempo parcial'. You can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of part-time work, such as 'flexibilidade' (flexibility) or 'menor salário' (lower salary). You will encounter this term in more formal settings, like a simple work contract or an official email from a university. You should also be aware of the Brazilian equivalent 'meio período' and when to use each. At this level, you can use the phrase to talk about future plans, such as 'Gostaria de trabalhar a tempo parcial no próximo ano para poder viajar'. You are moving beyond simple descriptions to expressing opinions and plans involving this concept. Your grammar should be more stable, and you should never forget the preposition 'a'.

At the B2 level, you are expected to understand 'a tempo parcial' in the context of labor rights and social issues. You might read articles about the 'mercado de trabalho' (labor market) where this term is used to discuss unemployment rates or work-life balance. You should be comfortable using the more formal version 'em regime de tempo parcial' in professional writing. You can participate in debates about whether 'trabalho a tempo parcial' is beneficial for the economy. You will also notice how the phrase is used in academic regulations and can explain the 'regime a tempo parcial' to someone else. Your vocabulary around this topic should include terms like 'proporcionalidade', 'direitos laborais', and 'segurança social'.

At the C1 level, you have a nuanced understanding of 'a tempo parcial' and its legal and economic connotations. You can read complex legal documents like the 'Código do Trabalho' and understand exactly how part-time work is defined and protected. You are aware of the subtle differences in register between 'um part-time' (informal), 'a tempo parcial' (neutral), and 'em regime de tempo parcial' (formal/legal). You can write professional reports or academic essays discussing the sociological impact of part-time employment on different demographic groups. You understand idiomatic uses and can distinguish between voluntary and involuntary part-time work in a professional discussion. Your use of the phrase is natural, and you can switch between regional variations (Portugal vs. Brazil) with ease.

At the C2 level, 'a tempo parcial' is a term you use with total precision in any context, from high-level legal negotiations to casual social banter. You understand the historical evolution of part-time work in Lusophone countries and can discuss it with native-like fluency. You can interpret the most subtle nuances in how this term is used in literature, news editorials, or complex administrative codes. You might even use the phrase metaphorically to describe someone's level of commitment to a cause or relationship, though this is rare. You are a master of the vocabulary surrounding employment and can navigate the most complex bureaucratic systems involving 'tempo parcial' without any linguistic barriers. You could even advise others on the legalities of 'contratos a tempo parcial' in Portugal.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

a tempo parcial in 30 Seconds

A tempo parcial means part-time in Portuguese, used for jobs with fewer hours than the standard full-time schedule.
It is a fixed phrase that always requires the preposition 'a' and usually follows the noun or verb it modifies.
In Portugal, it is the formal term, while in Brazil, 'meio período' is more common in daily conversation.
It applies to both professional employment and academic enrollment regimes in Portuguese-speaking countries.

The expression a tempo parcial is a fundamental term in the Portuguese labor market, essentially serving as the direct equivalent of the English term 'part-time'. While the concept is universal, its application in Portuguese-speaking cultures carries specific legal and social nuances. In Portugal, a contract a tempo parcial is strictly regulated by the Labor Code, defining it as any work duration lower than the full-time equivalent (usually forty hours per week). People use this phrase in professional contexts, such as job interviews, when discussing employment terms, and in casual conversations when describing one's lifestyle or daily routine. For instance, a student might say they work a tempo parcial to cover their tuition, or a parent might seek a position a tempo parcial to balance child-rearing responsibilities. It is important to note that while 'meio período' is more common in Brazilian Portuguese to describe a four-hour shift, a tempo parcial remains the formal and legal terminology across the Lusophone world.

Professional Context: Used in contracts and job postings to specify that the employee will not work the standard full-time hours.

Muitos estudantes universitários procuram empregos a tempo parcial para ganhar experiência.

In terms of grammar, the phrase acts as an adverbial locution or an adjective phrase depending on the sentence structure. It describes the mode of working or the nature of the employment itself. You will often see it following the noun 'trabalho' (work) or the verb 'trabalhar' (to work). Unlike English, where 'part-time' can easily precede the noun (e.g., 'a part-time job'), in Portuguese, it almost always follows the noun (e.g., 'um emprego a tempo parcial'). This placement is crucial for maintaining natural flow in the language. Furthermore, the phrase implies a sense of proportionality; workers a tempo parcial are entitled to the same rights as full-time workers but calculated proportionally to their hours, a detail frequently discussed in legal and human resources settings.

Legal Status: In Portugal, the 'Código do Trabalho' ensures that those working a tempo parcial receive fair treatment and social security benefits.

A empresa decidiu contratar dois assistentes a tempo parcial em vez de um a tempo inteiro.

Socially, there has been a shift in the perception of working a tempo parcial. Traditionally, it was seen as less stable or merely for those who couldn't find full-time work. However, in the modern economy, it is increasingly viewed as a choice for flexibility, particularly in the creative and technology sectors. Freelancers often juggle multiple projects a tempo parcial simultaneously. When using this phrase, remember that 'parcial' comes from 'parte', emphasizing that you are giving only a part of your total available working time to one specific employer. This distinguishes it from 'trabalho temporário' (temporary work), which refers to the duration of the contract rather than the hours worked per week.

Ela prefere trabalhar a tempo parcial para poder dedicar-se à pintura.

Academic Use: Universities often offer 'regime a tempo parcial' for PhD students who are also working professionals.

O curso de mestrado pode ser frequentado a tempo parcial.

Trabalhar a tempo parcial é uma excelente forma de manter o equilíbrio entre vida pessoal e profissional.

Using a tempo parcial correctly requires understanding its role as an adverbial phrase that modifies verbs or as an adjectival phrase that modifies nouns. In Portuguese, the preposition 'a' is essential; removing it would make the sentence grammatically incorrect. When modifying a verb like 'trabalhar' (to work), it usually follows the verb immediately. For example, 'Eu trabalho a tempo parcial' (I work part-time). If you are using it to describe a noun, like 'emprego' (job) or 'contrato' (contract), it follows the noun: 'um contrato a tempo parcial' (a part-time contract). This structure is quite rigid compared to English, where 'part-time' can be used more flexibly as an adjective before the noun.

Grammatical Placement: Always place the phrase after the verb or noun it describes. Never say 'a tempo parcial trabalho'.

O meu irmão conseguiu um emprego a tempo parcial numa livraria.

Another important aspect is the contrast with 'a tempo inteiro' (full-time). In comparative sentences, you might say, 'Prefiro trabalhar a tempo parcial do que a tempo inteiro' (I prefer working part-time than full-time). It is also common to see this phrase in the context of academic studies. In Portugal, students can enroll in a 'regime a tempo parcial', which allows them to take fewer credits per semester, extending the duration of their degree but reducing the immediate workload. This is a very common use case for the phrase in university administration. When writing, ensure that 'parcial' is spelled correctly, as it is often confused by beginners with 'parcialmente', which is the adverb 'partially'. While related, 'a tempo parcial' is a fixed set phrase for employment status.

Common Verbs: Commonly paired with: trabalhar, contratar, admitir, procurar, estudar.

A empresa está a recrutar novos colaboradores para trabalhar a tempo parcial.

In more formal or legal writing, you might encounter the phrase 'em regime de tempo parcial'. This is slightly more wordy but means exactly the same thing. It is frequently used in official government documents or labor contracts to specify the legal framework of the employment. For example, 'O trabalhador é admitido em regime de tempo parcial'. As a learner, sticking to a tempo parcial is usually safer and sounds more natural in 90% of situations. Pay attention to the pronunciation of 'parcial', ensuring the 'l' at the end is soft, typical of European or Brazilian Portuguese depending on your target dialect. In Portugal, it often sounds like a slight 'l' sound, while in Brazil, it sounds more like a 'u'.

Ela foi contratada a tempo parcial para o turno da manhã.

Academic Context: Estudar a tempo parcial permite que os alunos trabalhem enquanto tiram o curso.

O regulamento permite a inscrição a tempo parcial em casos específicos.

Mesmo a tempo parcial, ele é o funcionário mais produtivo da equipa.

You will encounter a tempo parcial in a variety of everyday and professional environments. One of the most common places is on job boards and recruitment websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Net-Empregos (in Portugal). Here, job listings are clearly categorized into 'Tempo Inteiro' or 'Tempo Parcial'. If you are walking through a shopping mall in Lisbon or Porto, you might see signs in store windows saying 'Procura-se colaborador a tempo parcial' (Part-time employee wanted). This is a very direct and common way small businesses advertise for help during peak hours or weekends. In these contexts, the phrase is synonymous with flexibility and specific shift-based work.

Job Listings: Often listed as a category filter on recruitment websites alongside 'Full-time' and 'Freelance'.

Vi um anúncio para um lugar de rececionista a tempo parcial.

In the news and political discourse, a tempo parcial is often mentioned when discussing employment statistics or labor laws. Economists might talk about the rise of 'trabalho a tempo parcial involuntário', which refers to people who work part-time because they cannot find full-time positions. This is a significant topic in social science and policy-making circles in Portugal. Furthermore, in the context of the 'gig economy', while terms like 'estafeta' (courier) are used, the actual nature of the work is described as being performed a tempo parcial. If you listen to podcasts about career development or personal finance in Portuguese, you'll hear experts discussing the pros and cons of taking on a 'second job' a tempo parcial to increase income.

Daily Conversation: Friends might ask: 'Estás a trabalhar a tempo inteiro ou a tempo parcial?'

O governo quer incentivar o trabalho a tempo parcial para os reformados.

Another setting is within educational institutions. If you are applying for a Master's or PhD in a Portuguese university, the secretariat will ask if you want to enroll 'a tempo inteiro' or 'a tempo parcial'. This choice affects your tuition fees (propinas) and the time you have to complete your thesis. You'll see this phrase on enrollment forms and university regulations. In the healthcare sector, doctors and nurses often work a tempo parcial in private clinics while maintaining a full-time position in the public health service (SNS). Hearing a professional say 'Trabalho na CUF a tempo parcial' is a very common scenario in Portugal's medical landscape.

Vários médicos do hospital público também trabalham a tempo parcial no setor privado.

Public Service: Public administration jobs rarely offer part-time roles compared to the private sector.

O museu contratou dois guias a tempo parcial para o verão.

Estou a pensar em mudar para um horário a tempo parcial.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning Portuguese is omitting the preposition 'a'. In English, you can say 'I work part-time', where 'part-time' acts directly as an adverb. However, in Portuguese, saying 'Eu trabalho tempo parcial' is incorrect. You must include the 'a' to form the correct adverbial phrase: 'Eu trabalho a tempo parcial'. Another common error is trying to pluralize the phrase. In English, we might say 'part-time jobs', but in Portuguese, the phrase remains 'empregos a tempo parcial'. The words 'tempo' and 'parcial' do not change to 'tempos' or 'parciais' in this context, as they are part of a fixed locution.

Omission of 'a': Incorrect: Trabalho tempo parcial. Correct: Trabalho a tempo parcial.

Não se diz 'trabalhos tempos parciais', mas sim 'trabalhos a tempo parcial'.

Another point of confusion is the regional variation between Portugal and Brazil. While a tempo parcial is understood everywhere, Brazilians overwhelmingly use the phrase 'meio período' for a standard half-day shift (usually 4 hours). If you are in Brazil and say a tempo parcial, you will be understood, but you might sound overly formal or like you are reading from a legal document. Conversely, in Portugal, 'meio período' is rarely used in a professional context, and a tempo parcial is the standard. Learners often mix these up depending on which variety of Portuguese they are studying. Additionally, don't confuse a tempo parcial with 'parcialmente'. 'Parcialmente' means 'partially' in a general sense (e.g., 'The building was partially destroyed'), whereas a tempo parcial is specific to time and employment.

Word Order: In English, we say 'part-time work'. In Portuguese, it is 'trabalho a tempo parcial'. The noun comes first.

É um erro comum dizer 'um a tempo parcial emprego' em vez de 'um emprego a tempo parcial'.

Lastly, be careful with the preposition 'em'. While 'em regime de tempo parcial' is correct, people sometimes mistakenly say 'em tempo parcial'. While 'em tempo parcial' is occasionally heard, 'a tempo parcial' is the most standard and widely accepted version in European Portuguese. Using the wrong preposition can make your speech sound slightly 'off' to a native ear. Also, remember that a tempo parcial refers to the hours per week, not the duration of the contract. If you want to say a job is for only three months, you should use 'contrato a termo' or 'trabalho temporário'. Mixing these up can lead to misunderstandings during job negotiations.

Confundir 'trabalho temporário' com trabalho a tempo parcial pode causar problemas contratuais.

Spelling: Make sure not to write 'parcial' as 'parciale' or 'partial' (English spelling).

Ela escreve sempre 'parcial' corretamente nos seus relatórios de trabalho a tempo parcial.

Muitos alunos erram ao não usar a preposição 'a' antes de tempo parcial.

To fully master the vocabulary of employment, it is helpful to compare a tempo parcial with its synonyms and antonyms. The most obvious antonym is 'a tempo inteiro' (full-time). In many contexts, you will see these two terms presented as a binary choice. Another related term is 'meio período', which is the standard way to say 'part-time' in Brazil. While 'a tempo parcial' is understood in Brazil, 'meio período' feels much more natural in daily speech there. In Portugal, 'meio período' is less common and usually refers specifically to a 4-hour block rather than the general concept of working fewer than 40 hours.

A Tempo Inteiro: The opposite of 'a tempo parcial', referring to a standard 35-40 hour work week.
Meio Período: The Brazilian equivalent, literally 'half period'.

Enquanto ele trabalha a tempo parcial, a esposa trabalha a tempo inteiro.

Another alternative is 'horário reduzido' (reduced hours). This is often used in the context of parents returning from maternity/paternity leave or older workers transitioning toward retirement. While a tempo parcial is a type of contract, 'horário reduzido' describes the specific schedule. You might also hear the English loanword 'part-time' used as a noun in Portugal, as in 'Eu tenho um part-time' (I have a part-time job). This is extremely common in informal speech among young people. However, in any formal writing or official capacity, you should always use the full Portuguese phrase. Another distinct term is 'trabalho por turnos' (shift work), which can be either full-time or part-time but refers to the rotation of hours.

Horário Flexível: Flexible hours, which can be part of a part-time or full-time arrangement.

Muitas empresas oferecem horário flexível para quem trabalha a tempo parcial.

Finally, consider the term 'estágio' (internship). Internships are very often a tempo parcial to allow students to continue their classes. In a CV, you might list a position as 'Estágio a tempo parcial'. For those in the creative industries, 'colaboração' (collaboration) is another word used when someone contributes to a project without being a full-time employee. Understanding these distinctions helps you navigate the professional world in Portuguese more effectively. By knowing when to use a tempo parcial versus 'meio período' or 'horário reduzido', you demonstrate a higher level of linguistic and cultural competence.

O meu primeiro emprego foi um estágio a tempo parcial numa agência de publicidade.

Comparisons: A tempo parcial (General/Formal) vs. Meio período (Brazilian/Informal) vs. Part-time (Anglicism/Common).

A oferta de emprego é para trabalhar a tempo parcial aos fins de semana.

Prefiro um horário reduzido do que um contrato a tempo parcial rígido.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The term 'parcial' in Portuguese can also mean 'biased' in a legal or journalistic context, but in the phrase 'a tempo parcial', it strictly refers to the division of time.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɐ ˈtẽ.pu pɐɾ.si.ˈal/

US /a ˈtẽ.pu paɾ.si.ˈaw/

The primary stress in 'tempo' is on the first syllable (TEM-po), and in 'parcial', it is on the last syllable (par-ci-AL).

Rhymes With

final total real normal especial animal original musical

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'parcial' like the English 'partial'.
Forgetting the nasalization in 'tempo'.
Pronouncing the 't' in 'tempo' with a 'ch' sound (common in some Brazilian dialects).
Dropping the final 'l' sound entirely.
Putting the stress on 'par' instead of 'al' in 'parcial'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The phrase is easy to recognize as it looks similar to 'partial time'.

Writing 3/5

Remembering the preposition 'a' and the spelling of 'parcial' is key.

Speaking 3/5

Pronouncing the nasal 'em' and the final 'l' takes practice.

Listening 2/5

It is usually pronounced clearly in professional contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

tempo trabalho emprego horas estudar

Learn Next

a tempo inteiro contrato salário subsídio férias

Advanced

precariedade proporcionalidade regime laboral contribuições estatuto

Grammar to Know

Adverbial Locutions with 'a'

A tempo parcial, a pé, a cavalo.

Noun-Adjective Order

Emprego (noun) a tempo parcial (adjective phrase).

Nasal Vowels (em)

Tempo, sempre, lembro.

Final 'l' Pronunciation

Parcial, jornal, animal.

Prepositional Phrases as Modifiers

Um contrato (noun) de trabalho (modifier).

Examples by Level

Eu trabalho a tempo parcial.

I work part-time.

Simple present tense with the adverbial phrase.

Ela tem um emprego a tempo parcial.

She has a part-time job.

The phrase follows the noun 'emprego'.

O café precisa de ajuda a tempo parcial.

The cafe needs part-time help.

Used to describe the type of help needed.

Trabalhas a tempo parcial ou a tempo inteiro?

Do you work part-time or full-time?

A common question comparing the two main work types.

Eu estudo e trabalho a tempo parcial.

I study and work part-time.

Combining two activities.

O meu irmão trabalha a tempo parcial no shopping.

My brother works part-time at the mall.

Specifying the location of the part-time work.

É um trabalho a tempo parcial.

It is a part-time job.

Describing the nature of the work using 'ser'.

Gosto de trabalhar a tempo parcial.

I like working part-time.

Using the phrase with the verb 'gostar'.

Estou a procurar um novo emprego a tempo parcial.

I am looking for a new part-time job.

Present continuous tense 'estar a + infinitive'.

Consegui um trabalho a tempo parcial numa livraria.

I got a part-time job in a bookstore.

Past tense 'consegui' (I got/achieved).

A Maria trabalha a tempo parcial todas as manhãs.

Maria works part-time every morning.

Adding a time frequency 'todas as manhãs'.

Quero um horário a tempo parcial para poder treinar.

I want a part-time schedule so I can train.

Expressing a goal with 'para poder'.

Eles contrataram um assistente a tempo parcial.

They hired a part-time assistant.

Past tense of 'contratar'.

O meu contrato é a tempo parcial, apenas vinte horas.

My contract is part-time, only twenty hours.

Specifying the number of hours.

Não quero trabalhar a tempo inteiro, prefiro a tempo parcial.

I don't want to work full-time, I prefer part-time.

Comparing preferences.

Podes trabalhar a tempo parcial durante o verão?

Can you work part-time during the summer?

Asking about availability with 'poder'.

Trabalhar a tempo parcial permite-me passar mais tempo com os meus filhos.

Working part-time allows me to spend more time with my children.

Infinitive as a subject 'Trabalhar... permite-me'.

Muitas empresas preferem contratar estudantes a tempo parcial.

Many companies prefer to hire students part-time.

Using 'preferir' with an infinitive.

Se eu trabalhasse a tempo parcial, ganharia menos dinheiro.

If I worked part-time, I would earn less money.

Conditional sentence 'Se + imperfect subjunctive... conditional'.

O regime a tempo parcial é ideal para quem quer continuar a estudar.

The part-time regime is ideal for those who want to continue studying.

Using 'regime' to describe the system.

Ela decidiu mudar de um horário a tempo inteiro para um a tempo parcial.

She decided to change from a full-time schedule to a part-time one.

Using 'mudar de... para...'.

É difícil encontrar um bom emprego a tempo parcial nesta cidade.

It is difficult to find a good part-time job in this city.

Impersonal expression 'É difícil...'.

O anúncio diz que o salário para o cargo a tempo parcial é competitivo.

The ad says the salary for the part-time position is competitive.

Indirect speech 'O anúncio diz que...'.

Trabalho a tempo parcial há três anos e estou muito satisfeito.

I have been working part-time for three years and I am very satisfied.

Using 'há' to express duration.

A legislação protege os trabalhadores a tempo parcial contra a discriminação.

The legislation protects part-time workers against discrimination.

Formal vocabulary like 'legislação' and 'discriminação'.

Verificou-se um aumento do trabalho a tempo parcial no setor dos serviços.

An increase in part-time work was observed in the service sector.

Passive voice 'Verificou-se'.

É essencial que o contrato a tempo parcial especifique o horário de trabalho.

It is essential that the part-time contract specifies the working hours.

Subjunctive mood after 'É essencial que'.

Embora trabalhe a tempo parcial, ela tem as mesmas responsabilidades que os colegas.

Although she works part-time, she has the same responsibilities as her colleagues.

Concessive clause with 'Embora + subjunctive'.

O sindicato luta por melhores condições para quem trabalha a tempo parcial.

The union fights for better conditions for those who work part-time.

Using 'lutar por' (to fight for).

A empresa propôs uma redução de horário para tempo parcial para evitar despedimentos.

The company proposed a reduction to part-time hours to avoid layoffs.

Using 'para evitar' (to avoid).

O regime de tempo parcial pode ser uma solução para o desemprego jovem.

The part-time regime can be a solution for youth unemployment.

Using 'pode ser' to express possibility.

Muitos reformados optam por trabalhar a tempo parcial para se manterem ativos.

Many retirees choose to work part-time to stay active.

Using 'optar por' (to opt for).

A proliferação de contratos a tempo parcial levanta questões sobre a precariedade laboral.

The proliferation of part-time contracts raises questions about labor precariousness.

Advanced vocabulary: 'proliferação', 'precariedade'.

O tribunal decidiu que o trabalhador a tempo parcial tem direito a férias proporcionais.

The court ruled that the part-time worker is entitled to proportional vacation.

Legal terminology: 'tribunal', 'direito a', 'proporcionais'.

A transição para um regime a tempo parcial deve ser acordada por escrito entre as partes.

The transition to a part-time regime must be agreed upon in writing between the parties.

Passive construction 'deve ser acordada'.

Analisei o impacto socioeconómico do trabalho a tempo parcial na classe média.

I analyzed the socioeconomic impact of part-time work on the middle class.

Academic tone with 'Analisei o impacto'.

Não se pode ignorar que o trabalho a tempo parcial é, por vezes, uma imposição do mercado.

One cannot ignore that part-time work is sometimes an imposition of the market.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

A flexibilidade do trabalho a tempo parcial é frequentemente usada como argumento de recrutamento.

The flexibility of part-time work is often used as a recruitment argument.

Complex noun phrases.

Considerando a conjuntura atual, o trabalho a tempo parcial tornou-se uma necessidade para muitos.

Considering the current situation, part-time work has become a necessity for many.

Gerund 'Considerando' at the start of the sentence.

O estatuto do trabalhador-estudante prevê especificidades para o trabalho a tempo parcial.

The student-worker status provides for specifics regarding part-time work.

Legal/Administrative vocabulary.

A dicotomia entre tempo inteiro e a tempo parcial esbate-se com o advento do teletrabalho.

The dichotomy between full-time and part-time is blurring with the advent of teleworking.

Sophisticated verbs like 'esbater-se'.

Sob a égide da nova reforma, o trabalho a tempo parcial sofreu alterações estruturais profundas.

Under the aegis of the new reform, part-time work has undergone profound structural changes.

Highly formal 'Sob a égide'.

A subutilização da força de trabalho reflete-se no elevado número de empregados a tempo parcial involuntários.

The underutilization of the workforce is reflected in the high number of involuntary part-time employees.

Economic terminology: 'subutilização', 'força de trabalho'.

Urge reavaliar a sustentabilidade dos sistemas de segurança social perante o aumento do trabalho a tempo parcial.

It is urgent to re-evaluate the sustainability of social security systems in the face of the increase in part-time work.

Formal 'Urge' followed by an infinitive.

A correlação entre o género e a incidência de trabalho a tempo parcial é um tema recorrente na sociologia.

The correlation between gender and the incidence of part-time work is a recurring theme in sociology.

Academic phrasing 'A correlação entre...'.

O empregador não pode converter unilateralmente um contrato a tempo inteiro num contrato a tempo parcial.

The employer cannot unilaterally convert a full-time contract into a part-time contract.

Legal precision with 'unilateralmente'.

A perceção social do trabalho a tempo parcial evoluiu de uma forma de subemprego para uma escolha de estilo de vida.

The social perception of part-time work has evolved from a form of underemployment to a lifestyle choice.

Abstract noun usage 'perceção social', 'subemprego'.

A implementação de políticas de trabalho a tempo parcial requer uma análise minuciosa dos custos de oportunidade.

The implementation of part-time work policies requires a thorough analysis of opportunity costs.

Economic concept 'custos de oportunidade'.

Synonyms

meio período horário reduzido part-time regime parcial trabalho intermitente colaboração meio-tempo subemprego

Antonyms

a tempo inteiro tempo integral exclusividade dedicação plena

Common Collocations

trabalhar a tempo parcial

contrato a tempo parcial

emprego a tempo parcial

regime a tempo parcial

colaborador a tempo parcial

horário a tempo parcial

estudante a tempo parcial

vaga a tempo parcial

salário a tempo parcial

trabalhador a tempo parcial

Common Phrases

Procura-se a tempo parcial

— A common sign in shop windows looking for help.

Vi um cartaz a dizer 'Procura-se a tempo parcial'.

Mudar para tempo parcial

— To reduce one's hours from full-time to part-time.

Vou pedir para mudar para tempo parcial.

Apenas a tempo parcial

— Emphasizing that the commitment is not full-time.

Trabalho lá apenas a tempo parcial.

Vários empregos a tempo parcial

— Having multiple part-time jobs.

Ele tem vários empregos a tempo parcial.

Disponibilidade a tempo parcial

— Stating one can only work part-time hours.

Tenho disponibilidade a tempo parcial.

Contratar a tempo parcial

— The act of hiring someone for fewer hours.

A loja vai contratar a tempo parcial para o Natal.

Inscrição a tempo parcial

— Enrolling in a course with fewer credits.

Fiz a minha inscrição a tempo parcial.

Viver de um part-time

— To survive financially on just a part-time job.

É difícil viver de um part-time em Lisboa.

Turno a tempo parcial

— A specific shift that is part of a part-time role.

O meu turno a tempo parcial é à tarde.

Vantagens do tempo parcial

— Discussing the benefits of working fewer hours.

Quais são as vantagens do tempo parcial?

Often Confused With

a tempo parcial vs parcialmente

Means 'partially' (e.g., partly finished), whereas 'a tempo parcial' is specific to work hours.

a tempo parcial vs temporário

Refers to a job that has an end date, not necessarily fewer hours per week.

a tempo parcial vs meio período

The common Brazilian term; using it in Portugal might sound slightly foreign.

Idioms & Expressions

"dar tempo ao tempo"

— To wait patiently for things to happen naturally.

Não te preocupes com o emprego, tens de dar tempo ao tempo.

common

"perder tempo"

— To waste time on something unproductive.

Não percas tempo com esse trabalho a tempo parcial.

common

"ganhar tempo"

— To stall or delay to gain an advantage.

Ele aceitou o part-time só para ganhar tempo.

common

"contra o tempo"

— Doing something very quickly because of a deadline.

Estamos a trabalhar contra o tempo.

common

"a tempo e horas"

— Doing something punctually or on schedule.

Ele chega sempre a tempo e horas ao trabalho.

common

"matar o tempo"

— To do something just to pass the time.

Ele trabalha a tempo parcial só para matar o tempo.

informal

"ter tempo de sobra"

— To have more than enough time.

Como trabalho a tempo parcial, tenho tempo de sobra.

common

"num ápice"

— Very quickly (in a heartbeat).

O turno a tempo parcial passou num ápice.

informal

"fazer horas"

— To stay late at work (overtime).

Mesmo a tempo parcial, ele faz muitas horas.

common

"tempo é dinheiro"

— Time is money.

Despacha-te, que tempo é dinheiro!

common

Easily Confused

a tempo parcial vs parcial

Looks like 'partial' in English.

In Portuguese, it can mean 'part-time' (in this phrase) or 'biased' (in other contexts).

O juiz foi parcial (biased) vs Trabalho a tempo parcial (part-time).

a tempo parcial vs temporário

Both relate to time in a job.

Tempo parcial is about hours per week; temporário is about the duration of the contract.

Tenho um contrato temporário a tempo inteiro.

a tempo parcial vs meio-tempo

Literal translation of 'half-time'.

Rarely used in Portuguese; 'a tempo parcial' is the standard locution.

Não se diz 'trabalho a meio-tempo' normalmente.

a tempo parcial vs estágio

Internships are often part-time.

An internship is a training position; a part-time job is a regular employment status.

O meu estágio é a tempo parcial.

a tempo parcial vs flexível

Both imply non-standard hours.

Flexible means you choose when; part-time means you work fewer total hours.

Tenho um horário flexível a tempo parcial.

Sentence Patterns

Eu [verbo] a tempo parcial.

Eu trabalho a tempo parcial.

Tenho um [substantivo] a tempo parcial.

Tenho um emprego a tempo parcial.

Prefiro [verbo] a tempo parcial porque [razão].

Prefiro trabalhar a tempo parcial porque quero estudar.

O [substantivo] está em regime de tempo parcial.

O curso está em regime de tempo parcial.

Dada a [contexto], o trabalho a tempo parcial é [adjetivo].

Dada a economia, o trabalho a tempo parcial é comum.

A transição para [termo] reflete a [conceito].

A transição para tempo parcial reflete a nova realidade.

É possível [verbo] a tempo parcial?

É possível trabalhar a tempo parcial?

O meu irmão [verbo] a tempo parcial no/na [lugar].

O meu irmão trabalha a tempo parcial na loja.

Word Family

Nouns

tempo

parte

parcialidade

repartição

Verbs

partir

repartir

temporizar

Adjectives

parcial

temporal

temporário

horário

cronograma

período

jornada

turno

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in job-related and academic discussions.

Common Mistakes

Trabalho tempo parcial. → Trabalho a tempo parcial.
In Portuguese, the preposition 'a' is required to form the adverbial phrase.
Um a tempo parcial emprego. → Um emprego a tempo parcial.
Adjective phrases must follow the noun in Portuguese, unlike in English.
Trabalhos a tempos parciais. → Trabalhos a tempo parcial.
The phrase 'a tempo parcial' is a fixed locution and does not change to plural.
Trabalho parcialmente. → Trabalho a tempo parcial.
'Parcialmente' means 'partially' in a general sense, not specifically 'part-time'.
Trabalho em tempo parcial. → Trabalho a tempo parcial.
While 'em' is sometimes used, 'a' is the standard preposition for this expression in European Portuguese.

Tips

Placement

Always place 'a tempo parcial' after the noun or verb. Portuguese adjectives and adverbial phrases usually follow what they modify.

Regional Choice

Use 'meio período' in São Paulo and 'a tempo parcial' in Lisbon to sound like a local.

Loanwords

If you forget the phrase in a casual conversation in Portugal, just say 'part-time'. Most people will understand you immediately.

Contract Awareness

When reading a contract, look for 'TP' or 'Tempo Parcial' to ensure your hours are correctly documented.

Student Status

If you are a student working part-time, learn the term 'trabalhador-estudante' to access special rights like days off for exams.

The Nasal Sound

Practice the word 'tempo' by making sure the 'em' sounds like the 'an' in 'anger' but nasalized.

No Hyphens

Unlike some English compounds, 'a tempo parcial' does not need hyphens in standard Portuguese.

Job Search

When searching for jobs, use the exact phrase 'a tempo parcial' in search bars for the best results.

Inteiro vs Parcial

Learn these as a pair. 'Inteiro' (whole) and 'Parcial' (partial) make the concept easy to remember.

Fixed Phrase

Treat 'a tempo parcial' as a single unit of meaning. Don't try to change the words inside it.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'A' as 'At', 'Tempo' as 'Time', and 'Parcial' as 'Partial'. At-Time-Partial. It sounds like a robotic way to say you only work part of the time.

Visual Association

Imagine a clock face where only the right half is colored in. That 'partial' clock represents your 'tempo parcial'.

Word Web

Trabalho Contrato Horas Salário Flexibilidade Estudante Emprego Carreira

Challenge

Try to write three sentences describing your dream part-time job using 'a tempo parcial' in three different positions (after a verb, after a noun, and in a question).

Word Origin

The phrase is composed of the Portuguese preposition 'a', the noun 'tempo' (from Latin 'tempus'), and the adjective 'parcial' (from Latin 'partialis', from 'pars' meaning 'part').

Original meaning: Literally 'at partial time', indicating a portion of the standard duration.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Cultural Context

Be aware that for some, working 'a tempo parcial' is a necessity due to lack of full-time options, so avoid assuming it is always a voluntary 'lifestyle' choice.

English speakers often use 'part-time' as a noun (e.g., 'I have a part-time'). In Portuguese, you should use 'um emprego a tempo parcial' for the same meaning.

The Portuguese Labor Code (Código do Trabalho) Article 150. University of Coimbra enrollment options for 'regime a tempo parcial'. Common job titles in 'Net-Empregos' listings.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interview

A vaga é a tempo parcial?
Prefiro trabalhar a tempo parcial.
Qual é o horário a tempo parcial?
Aceitam candidatos a tempo parcial?

University

Quero inscrever-me a tempo parcial.
O regime a tempo parcial é mais barato?
Posso mudar para tempo parcial?
Sou um aluno a tempo parcial.

Human Resources

O contrato é a tempo parcial.
Calculamos as férias a tempo parcial.
Assine aqui o acordo a tempo parcial.
Mudámos o regime para tempo parcial.

Casual Conversation

Trabalhas a tempo inteiro?
Não, só a tempo parcial.
O meu part-time é cansativo.
Estou a tempo parcial este mês.

Legal/News

O trabalho a tempo parcial subiu.
Novas leis para o tempo parcial.
Direitos no tempo parcial.
Estatísticas de tempo parcial.

Conversation Starters

"Estás a trabalhar a tempo inteiro ou preferes um regime a tempo parcial?"

"Achas que é fácil conciliar os estudos com um emprego a tempo parcial?"

"Se pudesses, mudavas o teu horário atual para um a tempo parcial?"

"Quais são as melhores empresas para trabalhar a tempo parcial aqui na zona?"

"Conheces alguém que consiga viver bem trabalhando apenas a tempo parcial?"

Journal Prompts

Descreve como seria o teu dia ideal se trabalhasses apenas a tempo parcial. O que farias com o resto do tempo?

Quais são, na tua opinião, as maiores vantagens e desvantagens de ter um contrato a tempo parcial?

Escreve sobre uma experiência que tiveste num emprego a tempo parcial. O que aprendeste lá?

Como achas que o mercado de trabalho vai mudar em relação ao trabalho a tempo parcial nos próximos dez anos?

Se fosses dono de uma empresa, preferias contratar uma pessoa a tempo inteiro ou duas a tempo parcial?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'A tempo parcial' is the standard and formal term in Portugal, while 'meio período' is more common in Brazil. Both mean part-time, but 'meio período' literally suggests a half-day shift (4 hours).

Yes, 'part-time' is a very common anglicism in Portugal, especially in informal speech. However, in writing or formal situations, you should use 'a tempo parcial'.

No, the phrase 'a tempo parcial' is invariable. You say 'um emprego a tempo parcial' and 'dois empregos a tempo parcial'.

Not necessarily. In Portugal, any number of hours less than the full-time standard (usually 40) is considered 'a tempo parcial', though 20 hours is common.

You say 'Sou um estudante a tempo parcial' or 'Estou inscrito em regime a tempo parcial'.

Always use 'a'. 'Trabalho a tempo parcial' is the correct form. 'Em tempo parcial' is much less common.

Yes, it is very common in retail, hospitality, and among university students. It is also becoming more common in corporate sectors for flexibility.

Yes, according to Portuguese law, part-time workers have the same rights as full-time workers, calculated proportionally to their hours.

It is spelled P-A-R-C-I-A-L. It does not have a 't' like the English word 'partial'.

The opposite is 'a tempo inteiro', which means full-time.