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A2 noun #3,000 most common 14 min read

à vontade

Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips à vontade in 30 Seconds

Explanation à vontade in your Level:

At the A1 level, you will primarily encounter 'à vontade' as a fixed phrase used in hospitality. It is one of those essential 'polite' expressions you learn alongside 'por favor' (please) and 'obrigado' (thank you). The most important structure to memorize is 'Fique à vontade.' You will hear this when you enter someone's home or a small shop. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex grammar of the 'crase' (the accent on the à). Just treat the whole phrase 'à vontade' as a single vocabulary item that means 'make yourself at home.' You might also see it in very simple contexts like 'Coma à vontade' (Eat as much as you like) at a buffet. The goal for an A1 learner is to recognize the phrase as a warm welcome and to be able to say 'obrigado' in response. It is all about basic social interaction and feeling welcomed in a new environment. You should practice saying it with a friendly tone, as the delivery is just as important as the words themselves. By mastering this simple phrase, you show that you understand a fundamental part of Portuguese-speaking culture: the desire to make others feel comfortable and included from the very first moment of an encounter.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'à vontade' in more varied sentences. You are no longer just a passive listener; you are starting to use the phrase to express your own feelings or to give permission to others. You will learn to pair it with verbs like 'sentir-se' (to feel) and 'estar' (to be). For example, you might say 'Eu não me sinto à vontade aqui' (I don't feel comfortable here) if you are in a strange place. You also begin to understand that 'à vontade' can describe how someone does something, like 'Ele fala à vontade' (He speaks freely). You will start to notice the difference between 'vontade' (desire) and 'à vontade' (at ease). For instance, 'Tenho vontade de viajar' (I want to travel) vs 'Viaje à vontade' (Travel as much as you want). This distinction is crucial for moving beyond basic survival Portuguese. You should also be aware of the 'crase' (à) in your writing, even if you don't fully understand all the rules for it yet. At A2, the focus is on expanding the contexts in which you can use the phrase, from restaurants and homes to simple social situations where you want to describe a level of comfort or a lack of restriction.

As a B1 learner, you can use 'à vontade' to navigate more complex social and professional situations. You understand the nuance of using it to soften a request or to encourage someone. For example, in a work meeting, you might say, 'Podemos falar à vontade sobre este projeto?' (Can we talk freely about this project?). You are also able to use the phrase in the negative to express social boundaries or personal discomfort in a more sophisticated way. You understand that 'à vontade' is not just about physical comfort, but about psychological safety. You can distinguish between 'ficar à vontade' (to make oneself at home) and 'estar à vontade' (to be currently at ease). You also start to recognize regional variations and synonyms like 'descontraído' or 'sem cerimônia.' Your writing should now consistently include the correct accent (à). You can use 'à vontade' to describe people's personalities, such as 'Ele é uma pessoa muito à vontade' (He is a very relaxed/easygoing person). This level involves integrating the phrase into your broader ability to describe feelings, social dynamics, and personal preferences with more fluidity and accuracy.

At the B2 level, you have a firm grasp of the idiomatic nature of 'à vontade.' You can use it in a wide range of tenses and moods, including the subjunctive. For instance, 'Eu queria que você se sentisse à vontade' (I wanted you to feel at ease). You understand the cultural implications of the phrase in different Lusophone countries—how a Brazilian's 'fique à vontade' might be slightly more informal than a Portuguese person's version. You are comfortable using 'à vontade' in professional settings to facilitate collaboration, and you can explain the concept to others. You also start to use it in more abstract ways, such as describing a writer's style or a musician's performance ('Ele toca piano com muita à vontade'). You can identify when someone is being *too* 'à vontade' (overstepping boundaries) and use the phrase to discuss social etiquette. Your vocabulary includes related idioms and you can choose between 'à vontade' and its synonyms (like 'livremente' or 'espontaneamente') based on the specific register and context. You are now using the phrase not just as a tool for politeness, but as a way to express subtle shades of social meaning and personal comfort.

By the C1 level, your use of 'à vontade' is near-native. You understand its deepest cultural roots and can use it with total spontaneity. You can use it to create specific tones in your writing and speech, from the highly welcoming to the slightly ironic. You are aware of how the phrase has evolved and can recognize it in older literature where the usage might be slightly different. You can engage in complex discussions about the concept of 'vontade' in Portuguese philosophy and how 'à vontade' reflects a particular Lusophone worldview regarding hospitality and social space. You can use the phrase in high-level professional negotiations to build rapport or to signal that a certain part of the discussion is 'off the record' ('Podemos falar aqui mais à vontade'). You are also sensitive to the prosody of the phrase—how changing the stress or intonation can shift the meaning from a genuine invitation to a perfunctory politeness. You can effortlessly switch between 'à vontade' and more academic or literary alternatives when appropriate. At this level, the phrase is a versatile instrument in your linguistic repertoire, used to navigate the most delicate social and professional landscapes with grace and precision.

At the C2 level, you possess a profound mastery of 'à vontade' that includes an appreciation for its etymological journey and its place in the literary canon. You can analyze its use in the works of great authors like Machado de Assis or Fernando Pessoa, noting how it characterizes figures or sets a scene. You understand the subtle interplay between the noun 'vontade' (will) and the adverbial phrase 'à vontade' (at ease) in philosophical texts. You can use the phrase to express complex, multi-layered social observations, perhaps using it sarcastically to describe someone who is being inappropriately informal. Your command of the 'crase' and all related grammatical rules is perfect. You can mentor others on the cultural 'feeling' of the phrase, explaining why 'make yourself at home' is an insufficient translation for the deep sense of 'permissiveness' and 'trust' that 'à vontade' conveys in a Lusophone context. You are capable of using the phrase in any register, from street slang to the highest formal oratory, always with the correct nuance and cultural weight. 'À vontade' is no longer a foreign expression to you; it is a natural part of your own expressive capacity in Portuguese.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

à vontade in 30 Seconds

A versatile expression meaning 'at ease' or 'make yourself at home,' used constantly in social life.
Can also mean 'as much as you want' when referring to food, drink, or asking questions.
Grammatically, it is an adverbial phrase that always requires the grave accent (crase) on the 'à'.
Commonly paired with the verbs 'ficar' (to stay/become) and 'sentir-se' (to feel) to describe comfort.

The Portuguese expression à vontade is a cornerstone of Lusophone hospitality and social interaction. At its core, it translates to 'at ease,' 'comfortably,' or 'as much as you want.' However, its utility extends far beyond a simple translation. It is an adverbial phrase formed by the contraction of the preposition 'a' and the feminine definite article 'a' (indicated by the grave accent or 'crase' on the 'à'), followed by the noun 'vontade,' which means 'will' or 'desire.' Therefore, literalizing the phrase gives us something akin to 'at the will' or 'according to one's desire.' In a social context, when a host tells a guest to stay 'à vontade,' they are effectively surrendering the rules of the house to the guest's own preferences, signaling a high degree of trust and a desire to eliminate any formal barriers or awkwardness.

Literal Meaning: According to one's will or desire; without restriction.

This expression is ubiquitous in both Brazil and Portugal, though the melodic delivery might differ. In Brazil, it often carries a warm, expansive invitation to treat a space as your own. In Portugal, while still warm, it can sometimes be used to soften the edges of formal interactions. You will encounter it in restaurants when a waiter tells you to take your time, in offices when a colleague invites you to share your ideas without fear of judgment, and most commonly, in homes. It is the linguistic equivalent of taking off a tight tie or kicking off your shoes after a long day. It represents a transition from a state of 'cerimônia' (formality/stiffness) to a state of 'descontração' (relaxation).

Por favor, entre e fique à vontade; a casa é sua.

Social Function: To remove social pressure and grant permission for informal behavior.

Beyond physical comfort, 'à vontade' also applies to quantity and frequency. If someone says you can eat 'à vontade,' they are describing an all-you-can-eat scenario or simply giving you permission to help yourself to seconds and thirds without asking. In the realm of communication, being 'à vontade' to speak means there are no taboo subjects and you should feel free to express your honest thoughts. It is a phrase that builds bridges and reduces the psychological distance between people, making it essential for anyone looking to integrate into Portuguese-speaking communities.

Pode servir-se à vontade, temos comida de sobra para todos.

Usage in Media: Often used in advertisements for buffet restaurants or clothing brands emphasizing comfort.

In summary, 'à vontade' is an invitation to authenticity. It tells the listener that the social mask can be lowered. Whether you are being invited to sit anywhere you like, speak your mind, or eat until you are full, the phrase serves as a green light for personal freedom within a social context. It is one of the first idiomatic expressions a learner should master to both understand and extend the warm hospitality that defines Lusophone cultures across the globe.

Eu não me sinto muito à vontade falando em público ainda.

Using à vontade correctly requires understanding its relationship with specific verbs. While it is an adverbial phrase, it most frequently functions as a complement to verbs of state, movement, or action. The most common verb paired with it is ficar (to stay/become). When you tell someone 'Fique à vontade,' you are telling them to 'be at ease' or 'make yourself at home.' This is a command (imperative) that is incredibly common. Another frequent partner is the verb sentir-se (to feel). Saying 'Eu me sinto à vontade aqui' means 'I feel at home/comfortable here.' This describes an internal state of being rather than an external permission.

Common Verb Pairings: Ficar, Sentir-se, Comer, Falar, Usar, Perguntar.

When used with verbs of action like comer (to eat) or beber (to drink), it shifts meaning slightly to imply 'without limit' or 'as much as you want.' For example, 'Coma à vontade' is what you would hear at a party or a buffet. If you are using it with verbs of communication like falar (to speak) or perguntar (to ask), it translates to 'freely.' A teacher might say, 'Perguntem à vontade,' encouraging students to ask any and all questions without hesitation. This flexibility makes it one of the most hardworking phrases in the Portuguese language.

Você pode usar o meu computador à vontade enquanto eu estiver fora.

It is also important to note the placement of the phrase. Usually, it follows the verb it modifies. However, in more emphatic or poetic speech, it can occasionally be moved, though this is rare in daily conversation. In negative sentences, it is used to express discomfort or restriction. 'Eu não estou à vontade com essa situação' means 'I am not comfortable with this situation.' Here, it takes on a more psychological weight, indicating a lack of ease or a sense of being out of place. This negative usage is just as common as the positive one and is vital for expressing boundaries.

Sentence Structure: [Subject] + [Verb] + à vontade. Example: 'Nós conversamos à vontade.'

Finally, let's look at the difference between 'estar à vontade' and 'ficar à vontade.' 'Estar' implies a current state: 'I am currently comfortable.' 'Ficar' often implies a transition or an invitation: 'Become comfortable' or 'Make yourself comfortable.' If you arrive at a friend's house, they will say 'Fique à vontade.' Once you have settled onto the sofa with a drink, you might say 'Estou muito à vontade aqui.' Understanding this subtle shift between the temporary transition (ficar) and the established state (estar) will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and native-like.

Não se sinta à vontade para interrompê-lo; ele está muito ocupado agora.

Eles deixaram as crianças brincarem à vontade no quintal.

Negative Construction: Não + [Verb] + à vontade. Used to express social anxiety or lack of permission.

In the real world, à vontade is the soundtrack to social life in Portuguese-speaking countries. One of the most common places you will hear it is in a private home. As soon as you cross the threshold of a Brazilian or Portuguese house, the host will almost certainly say, 'Fique à vontade.' This is more than a politeness; it is a ritualistic shedding of formality. It tells you that you don't need to ask for a glass of water, you can sit where you like, and you are considered part of the inner circle. In this context, the phrase functions as a social lubricant, easing the transition from guest to friend.

Context: Home Hospitality: Used immediately upon arrival to welcome guests and reduce formality.

Another major setting is the 'Rodízio' or 'Buffet' restaurant. In Brazil, 'Rodízio' restaurants (where waiters bring skewers of meat to your table) are the epitome of 'à vontade' dining. You might see signs that say 'Coma à vontade por um preço fixo' (Eat as much as you want for a fixed price). Here, the phrase is commercialized to represent abundance and value. It is also common in 'Self-Service' restaurants where you pay by weight or a fixed price. The waiter might gestured towards the salad bar and say, 'Pode servir-se à vontade.' It creates an atmosphere of plenty and generosity that is central to the dining experience.

Neste restaurante, o buffet de sobremesas é à vontade.

The professional environment also utilizes this phrase, though with a different nuance. During a meeting, a manager might say, 'Sintam-se à vontade para dar sugestões.' This is an invitation for open brainstorming and a signal that the hierarchy is temporarily relaxed to allow for creativity. It is a way to encourage 'brainstorming' without the fear of 'mico' (embarrassment). In an interview, an interviewer might say, 'Fique à vontade, quer uma água?' to help the candidate relax and perform better. In these settings, 'à vontade' is a tool for psychological safety and effective communication.

Context: Workplace: Used to encourage participation and reduce the stress of hierarchy.

Finally, you will hear it in clothing stores and fashion contexts. 'Roupa à vontade' refers to casual, comfortable clothing—the kind you wear when you don't have to impress anyone. A party invitation might specify 'Traje: à vontade' (Dress code: Casual/Come as you are). This usage highlights the 'comfort' aspect of the phrase. Whether it's the physical comfort of a pair of sweatpants or the social comfort of a low-pressure environment, 'à vontade' is the go-to expression for describing anything that allows a person to be their most relaxed self.

A festa será informal, então pode vir vestido à vontade.

Fale à vontade, eu não vou contar para ninguém o que você disser.

Context: Fashion/Dress Code: Indicates casual attire or a lack of strict dress requirements.

The most frequent mistake learners make with à vontade is related to the 'crase' (the grave accent). Many people write 'a vontade' without the accent. While 'a vontade' is a valid Portuguese phrase, it means 'the will' or 'the desire.' For example, 'A vontade de comer é grande' (The desire to eat is great). Without the accent, it is a noun phrase acting as a subject or object. With the accent, 'à vontade' becomes an adverbial phrase meaning 'at ease.' This small visual mark completely changes the grammatical category and the meaning of the sentence. Always double-check your writing for that back-leaning accent.

Mistake: Missing Crase: Writing 'a vontade' instead of 'à vontade' when you mean 'at ease.'

Another common error is confusing 'à vontade' with the adjective 'confortável' (comfortable). While they are related, they are not always interchangeable. 'Confortável' usually describes physical objects (a sofa, a bed) or a general state. 'À vontade' describes a person's behavior or a social permission. You wouldn't say 'O sofá é à vontade'; you would say 'O sofá é confortável.' Conversely, saying 'Eu me sinto confortável' is fine, but 'Eu me sinto à vontade' specifically implies a lack of social inhibition or awkwardness. 'Confortável' is more about the physical sensation, while 'à vontade' is more about the social and psychological state.

Errado: Eu estou a vontade (Missing accent).
Correto: Eu estou à vontade.

A subtle mistake involves the use of 'vontade' in other expressions. Learners often confuse 'à vontade' with 'com vontade.' While 'à vontade' means 'freely/at ease,' 'com vontade' means 'with desire' or 'enthusiastically.' If you eat 'com vontade,' you are eating with a big appetite. If you eat 'à vontade,' you are eating as much as you like without restriction. These are two very different ways to describe a meal! Similarly, 'ter vontade de' means 'to feel like doing something.' Don't let the shared word 'vontade' lead you to mix up these distinct idiomatic structures.

Mistake: Confusion with 'Com Vontade': Mixing up 'freely/at ease' with 'enthusiastically/with appetite.'

Lastly, be careful with the register. While 'à vontade' is used in formal settings to invite participation, using it too casually can sometimes come across as 'folgado' (taking too much liberty). If you are a guest and you become *too* 'à vontade' (e.g., putting your feet on the coffee table without being close friends), it might be seen as a lack of manners. The phrase grants permission, but social context still dictates the boundaries of that permission. Forgetting this cultural nuance is a 'mistake' that isn't grammatical, but social.

Errado: Ele comeu à vontade (when meaning he ate with great hunger).
Correto: Ele comeu com vontade.

Não confunda: Ter vontade (to want) vs Estar à vontade (to be at ease).

Mistake: Overstepping Boundaries: Assuming 'à vontade' means all social rules are suspended.

While à vontade is incredibly versatile, there are several synonyms and related terms that can add precision to your Portuguese. One of the closest synonyms is descontraído. This adjective refers to a person or an environment that is relaxed and free of tension. While 'à vontade' is a state you *feel* or are *invited into*, 'descontraído' describes the quality of the person or the vibe of the place. You might say 'A festa estava muito descontraída' (The party was very relaxed). It is a great alternative when you want to describe the atmosphere rather than the permission.

Comparison: Descontraído: Focuses on the 'relaxed' quality of a person or setting. 'À vontade' focuses on the lack of inhibition.

Another useful term is confortável. As mentioned in the common mistakes section, this primarily refers to physical comfort. However, it can be used emotionally: 'Eu me sinto confortável com você.' This is very similar to 'à vontade,' but 'à vontade' sounds slightly more idiomatic and native. If you want to emphasize that something is done without limits or restrictions, you can use livremente (freely). For example, 'Você pode circular livremente pelo prédio.' While 'à vontade' could also work here, 'livremente' is a bit more formal and precise for describing movement.

Ele é um rapaz muito descontraído, sempre nos deixa à vontade.

In Portugal, you might hear the expression à larga. This is quite similar to 'à vontade' but often implies having plenty of space or resources. 'Viver à larga' means to live in a grand or unrestrained way, often financially. It captures the 'without limits' aspect of 'à vontade' but applies it more to lifestyle. Another alternative is sem cerimônia. This literally means 'without ceremony.' When a host says 'Não faça cerimônia,' they are telling you to be 'à vontade.' It is the negative way of saying the same thing: don't be stiff or overly formal.

Comparison: Sem Cerimônia: The opposite of being formal. Often used as an instruction: 'Pode entrar sem cerimônia.'

Finally, for the 'as much as you want' meaning, you can use o quanto quiser. 'Coma o quanto quiser' is the direct equivalent of 'Coma à vontade.' While 'o quanto quiser' is very clear and grammatically straightforward, 'à vontade' remains the more common and culturally rich choice. By learning these alternatives, you can vary your vocabulary and understand the different shades of meaning that Portuguese speakers use to describe the wonderful state of being truly at ease.

Sinta-se confortável para dizer não; o mais importante é você estar à vontade.

Eles vivem à larga naquela mansão no Algarve.

Comparison: O Quanto Quiser: More literal and less idiomatic than 'à vontade,' but perfectly correct for indicating quantity.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Sintam-se à vontade para enviar suas considerações por e-mail."

Neutral

"Você pode usar a minha biblioteca à vontade."

Informal

"Cara, fica à vontade, a geladeira é sua!"

Child friendly

"Pode brincar à vontade no parquinho!"

Slang

"O moleque é muito à vontade, já chegou sentando na mesa."

Fun Fact

The 'crase' (grave accent) in 'à vontade' is a result of the fusion of the preposition 'a' (to/at) and the article 'a' (the). It is one of the most common places where people forget to use the accent in written Portuguese.

Pronunciation Guide

UK a vɔ̃.ˈta.dɨ

US a võ.ˈta.dʒi

The primary stress is on the second syllable of 'vontade' (ta).

Rhymes With

Amizade Cidade Verdade Saudade Felicidade Qualidade Liberdade Metade

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'à' as a long English 'a' (like 'ay').
Forgetting the nasalization in the 'von' syllable.
Pronouncing the final 'e' too strongly in European Portuguese.
Not distinguishing the 'v' sound from a 'b' sound (common for Spanish speakers).
Ignoring the open quality of the 'à'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text once the meaning is known.

Writing 4/5

The grave accent (crase) is a frequent point of error for all levels.

Speaking 3/5

Requires natural intonation to sound truly native.

Listening 2/5

Usually clear, though the final 'e' can be clipped in some accents.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Vontade Ficar Sentir Comer Falar

Learn Next

Folgado Cerimônia Descontraído Crase rules Prepositions

Advanced

Volição Livre-arbítrio Desenvoltura Espontaneidade À larga

Grammar to Know

Crase (Grave Accent)

A crase ocorre na fusão de 'a' + 'a'. Ex: Vou à (a+a) cidade. À vontade (a+a vontade).

Imperative Mood

Fique (Você) / Fica (Tu) à vontade.

Reflexive Verbs

Eu me sinto, você se sente, nós nos sentimos à vontade.

Adverbial Phrases

'À vontade' functions as an adverb, modifying the verb.

Subjunctive Mood

Espero que você esteja à vontade.

Examples by Level

Fique à vontade.

Make yourself at home.

Imperative form of 'ficar'.

Coma à vontade.

Eat as much as you want.

Imperative form of 'comer'.

Sinta-se à vontade.

Feel at ease.

Reflexive verb 'sentir-se'.

Pode entrar, fique à vontade.

You can come in, make yourself at home.

Combination of 'poder' and 'ficar'.

Beba à vontade.

Drink as much as you want.

Imperative form of 'beber'.

Aqui você está à vontade.

Here you are at ease.

Use of 'estar' to describe a state.

Pergunte à vontade.

Ask as much as you want.

Imperative form of 'perguntar'.

Use o banheiro à vontade.

Use the bathroom freely.

Imperative form of 'usar'.

Eu não me sinto à vontade nesta festa.

I don't feel at ease at this party.

Negative reflexive construction.

Você pode falar à vontade comigo.

You can speak freely with me.

Modal verb 'pode' + infinitive 'falar'.

Eles ficaram à vontade na nossa casa.

They felt at home in our house.

Past tense of 'ficar'.

Queremos que todos se sintam à vontade.

We want everyone to feel at ease.

Present subjunctive 'sintam'.

Ela sempre nos deixa à vontade.

She always makes us feel at ease.

Verb 'deixar' meaning 'to let/make'.

O buffet é à vontade, pode se servir.

The buffet is all-you-can-eat, help yourself.

Adverbial phrase modifying the noun 'buffet'.

Não estou muito à vontade com esse vestido.

I'm not very comfortable in this dress.

Negative state with 'estar'.

Fique à vontade para ligar a televisão.

Feel free to turn on the television.

Preposition 'para' introducing an action.

Sinto-me mais à vontade falando português agora.

I feel more at ease speaking Portuguese now.

Comparative 'mais' with 'à vontade'.

O gerente deixou os funcionários à vontade para opinar.

The manager let the employees feel free to give their opinions.

Past tense 'deixou' with plural object.

Não se sinta à vontade para fazer o que quiser sem perguntar.

Don't feel free to do whatever you want without asking.

Negative imperative with 'sentir-se'.

Eles conversaram à vontade durante horas.

They talked freely for hours.

Adverbial use modifying 'conversaram'.

É importante estar à vontade em uma entrevista.

It is important to be at ease in an interview.

Infinitive 'estar' in a general statement.

Ela se veste à vontade no fim de semana.

She dresses casually on the weekend.

Reflexive 'vestir-se' meaning casual style.

O professor nos deixou à vontade para escolher o tema.

The teacher let us feel free to choose the theme.

Permission context.

Apesar do luxo, eu me senti à vontade no hotel.

Despite the luxury, I felt at ease in the hotel.

Contrastive 'apesar de'.

Se você não estiver à vontade, podemos ir embora.

If you are not at ease, we can leave.

Future subjunctive 'estiver'.

Ele tem uma maneira de deixar todos à vontade.

He has a way of making everyone feel at ease.

Noun 'maneira' + infinitive 'deixar'.

O palestrante estava tão à vontade que nem usou notas.

The speaker was so at ease that he didn't even use notes.

Intensifier 'tão' with 'à vontade'.

A liberdade de expressão permite que falemos à vontade.

Freedom of expression allows us to speak freely.

Present subjunctive 'falemos' after 'permite que'.

Sinta-se à vontade para criticar o meu trabalho.

Feel free to criticize my work.

Constructive criticism context.

Ela nunca se sentiu totalmente à vontade na cidade grande.

She never felt totally at ease in the big city.

Adverb 'totalmente' modifying the phrase.

O ambiente de trabalho é muito à vontade e criativo.

The work environment is very relaxed and creative.

Used as a predicative adjective.

Pode servir-se à vontade, a cozinha está aberta.

Help yourself as much as you want, the kitchen is open.

Colloquial hospitality.

A fluidez com que ele falava mostrava o quanto estava à vontade.

The fluidity with which he spoke showed how much he was at ease.

Relative clause 'com que'.

Não é qualquer um que se sente à vontade em situações de crise.

Not everyone feels at ease in crisis situations.

Negative indefinite subject 'não é qualquer um'.

O autor parece estar perfeitamente à vontade no gênero da ficção científica.

The author seems to be perfectly at ease in the science fiction genre.

Metaphorical use for professional mastery.

Sinto-me na obrigação de deixá-lo à vontade antes de começarmos.

I feel obliged to make you feel at ease before we begin.

Formal construction 'na obrigação de'.

A informalidade excessiva pode fazer com que os outros não se sintam à vontade.

Excessive informality can make others not feel at ease.

Causative 'fazer com que'.

Ele transita à vontade entre a música clássica e o jazz.

He moves freely between classical music and jazz.

Verb 'transitar' (to transition/move).

Apesar das críticas, ela permaneceu à vontade com suas decisões.

Despite the criticism, she remained comfortable with her decisions.

Verb 'permanecer' (to remain).

Pode perguntar à vontade, não há tabus nesta conversa.

Ask as much as you want, there are no taboos in this conversation.

Emphasis on lack of restriction.

A desenvoltura da atriz em palco revelava uma mulher plenamente à vontade com o seu corpo.

The actress's poise on stage revealed a woman fully at ease with her body.

Noun 'desenvoltura' and adverb 'plenamente'.

Raramente se vê um político tão à vontade diante de perguntas tão incisivas.

One rarely sees a politician so at ease in the face of such incisive questions.

Inversion with 'raramente'.

O texto flui com uma naturalidade de quem escreve à vontade.

The text flows with the naturalness of someone who writes freely.

Genitive 'de quem'.

Sentir-se à vontade no silêncio é o auge da intimidade entre duas pessoas.

Feeling at ease in silence is the pinnacle of intimacy between two people.

Infinitive as subject.

A diplomacia exige que saibamos deixar os nossos interlocutores à vontade.

Diplomacy requires that we know how to make our interlocutors feel at ease.

Subjunctive 'saibamos' after 'exige que'.

Ele discorre à vontade sobre temas de alta complexidade filosófica.

He discourses freely on themes of high philosophical complexity.

Verb 'discorrer' (to discourse).

A casa, embora simples, exalava um ar que nos deixava imediatamente à vontade.

The house, although simple, exhaled an air that left us immediately at ease.

Concessive 'embora'.

Não creio que ele esteja à vontade para assumir tamanha responsabilidade.

I don't believe he is ready/comfortable to take on such a great responsibility.

Negative belief triggering the subjunctive 'esteja'.

Common Collocations

Ficar à vontade

Sentir-se à vontade

Comer à vontade

Deixar à vontade

Falar à vontade

Perguntar à vontade

Estar à vontade

Vestir-se à vontade

Circular à vontade

À vontade de Deus

Common Phrases

Fique à vontade!

— A standard way to say 'Make yourself at home' or 'Help yourself.'

Entre, a casa é sua. Fique à vontade!

Sinta-se à vontade.

— A polite way to tell someone they shouldn't feel restricted or shy.

Sinta-se à vontade para dar a sua opinião.

Coma à vontade.

— Telling someone they can eat as much as they like.

A comida está na mesa, coma à vontade.

Pode falar à vontade.

— Giving someone permission to speak without filters.

Eu sou seu amigo, pode falar à vontade.

Não estou à vontade.

— Expressing that you feel uncomfortable or out of place.

Não estou à vontade com este assunto.

Ele é muito à vontade.

— Describing someone who is very relaxed or sometimes too informal.

O novo vizinho é muito à vontade, já pediu sal emprestado.

Traje à vontade.

— Indicating a casual dress code for an event.

O convite diz que o traje é à vontade.

Deixe-o à vontade.

— Telling someone to stop bothering or restricting someone else.

Ele está lendo, deixe-o à vontade.

À vontade do cliente.

— Doing something exactly how the customer wants it.

Nós preparamos o café à vontade do cliente.

Pergunte à vontade.

— Encouraging a series of questions.

Se tiver dúvidas, pergunte à vontade.

Often Confused With

à vontade vs A vontade

Means 'the will' or 'the desire' (noun phrase).

à vontade vs Com vontade

Means 'with enthusiasm' or 'with a strong appetite'.

à vontade vs De vontade

Used in phrases like 'por vontade própria' (by one's own will).

Idioms & Expressions

"Estar nas suas sete quintas"

— To be completely at ease and happy in a specific place or situation.

Quando está no jardim, ele está nas suas sete quintas.

Informal/Portugal

"Como peixe na água"

— To be perfectly at ease in a particular environment.

Ela se sente como peixe na água no palco.

Neutral

"À larga"

— To live comfortably and without financial worries.

Desde que ganhou a loteria, vive à larga.

Neutral

"Sem papas na língua"

— To speak one's mind freely and without inhibition (related to 'falar à vontade').

Ela não tem papas na língua, diz tudo o que pensa.

Informal

"Deitar e rolar"

— To take full advantage of a situation where one is very comfortable or superior.

O time deitou e rolou no segundo tempo.

Informal/Brazil

"Estar em casa"

— To feel completely relaxed, as if in one's own home.

Aqui eu me sinto em casa.

Neutral

"Fazer sala"

— To entertain guests (the opposite of letting them be 'à vontade').

Eu tive que fazer sala para os parentes da minha esposa.

Neutral

"Pisar em ovos"

— To act very carefully (the opposite of being 'à vontade').

No novo emprego, ainda estou pisando em ovos.

Idiomatic

"Dar corda"

— To encourage someone to talk or act freely (sometimes leading to trouble).

Não dê muita corda para ele, ou ele não para de falar.

Informal

"Abrir o jogo"

— To speak frankly and reveal everything (a form of speaking 'à vontade').

Finalmente ele resolveu abrir o jogo sobre o que aconteceu.

Informal

Easily Confused

à vontade vs Confortável

Both relate to comfort.

'Confortável' is usually physical or an adjective; 'à vontade' is social/psychological or an adverb.

O sofá é confortável, mas eu não estou à vontade nesta casa.

à vontade vs Livre

Both imply freedom.

'Livre' is an adjective (free); 'à vontade' is an adverbial phrase (freely/at ease).

Eu sou livre, por isso falo à vontade.

à vontade vs Descontraído

Both mean relaxed.

'Descontraído' describes a person's nature or a vibe; 'à vontade' describes the state of being at ease in a moment.

Ele é descontraído e sempre nos deixa à vontade.

à vontade vs À toa

Both start with 'à'.

'À toa' means 'for no reason' or 'idly'; 'à vontade' means 'at ease'.

Não fique chateado à toa, fique à vontade.

à vontade vs À mão

Both start with 'à'.

'À mão' means 'at hand' or 'manually'; 'à vontade' means 'at ease'.

Tenha as ferramentas à mão e trabalhe à vontade.

Sentence Patterns

Fique à vontade.

Fique à vontade na minha sala.

Eu [não] me sinto à vontade.

Eu não me sinto à vontade aqui.

Pode [verb] à vontade.

Pode comer à vontade.

[Verb] à vontade para [verb].

Sinta-se à vontade para perguntar.

Deixar alguém à vontade.

Ela gosta de deixar todos à vontade.

Estar à vontade com [noun].

Ele está à vontade com a sua escolha.

Transitar à vontade entre [X] e [Y].

Ela transita à vontade entre os dois mundos.

Naturalidade de quem [verb] à vontade.

Escreve com a naturalidade de quem escreve à vontade.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation.

Common Mistakes

Writing 'a vontade' for 'at ease'. → Writing 'à vontade'.
The grave accent is mandatory for the adverbial phrase.
Using 'confortável' for social ease. → Using 'à vontade'.
'Confortável' is usually physical; 'à vontade' is social/psychological.
Saying 'com à vontade'. → Saying 'à vontade'.
The phrase already contains the preposition; you don't need 'com'.
Confusing 'à vontade' with 'com vontade'. → Use 'à vontade' for 'freely' and 'com vontade' for 'enthusiastically'.
They have different meanings related to appetite and desire.
Using 'à vontade' as a verb. → Use 'ficar à vontade' or 'sentir-se à vontade'.
It is an adverbial phrase, not a verb itself.

Tips

The Crase Rule

Always use the accent. It's a fusion of 'a' (preposition) and 'a' (article). This is a common test question in Portuguese exams!

The Perfect Host

Use 'Fique à vontade' as soon as someone enters your home to immediately make them feel welcome and relaxed.

Buffet Logic

When you see 'à vontade' in a restaurant, it's your green light to eat as much as you want. Enjoy the rodízio!

Encourage Feedback

Tell your team 'Sintam-se à vontade para criticar' to foster an environment of open and honest communication.

Consistency

Practice the phrase with different verbs (comer, falar, usar) to master its versatility across different scenarios.

Dress Code

If a party invitation says 'traje à vontade,' don't wear a suit! It means casual and comfortable clothing.

Expressing Comfort

Use 'Eu me sinto à vontade com você' to tell someone you trust them and feel relaxed in their presence.

Nasal Sounds

Pay close attention to the 'on' in 'vontade'. It's a nasal vowel, which is a key feature of Portuguese pronunciation.

Dialogue

Use this phrase in written dialogues to make your characters sound more natural and culturally authentic.

Regional Nuance

In Brazil, 'à vontade' is the spirit of the 'jeitinho' and hospitality. Embrace it to truly connect with the people.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'à vontade' as 'at your will'. If you are at your own will, you are 'at ease'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person sitting on a cloud, eating a giant slice of cake with a big smile—completely 'à vontade'.

Word Web

Conforto Liberdade Casa Amizade Relaxamento Informalidade Permissão Espontaneidade

Challenge

Try to use 'à vontade' in three different ways today: once for hospitality, once for quantity, and once for a personal feeling.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'voluntas' (will, choice, desire). The phrase 'à vontade' formed in Portuguese as an adverbial locution meaning 'according to one's will'.

Original meaning: To act in accordance with one's own desire or will, without external compulsion.

Romance (Latin origin).

Cultural Context

While 'à vontade' grants permission, always observe the host's behavior to ensure you don't become 'folgado' (taking too much liberty).

Similar to 'Make yourself at home' or 'Feel free,' but 'à vontade' is used much more frequently and in more diverse contexts.

Many Brazilian songs use 'à vontade' to describe a relaxed state of mind or a romantic ease. Used in advertisements for 'rodízio' restaurants across the Lusophone world. Commonly found in literature to describe a character's social grace.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a friend's house

Fique à vontade.
A casa é sua.
Quer algo para beber?
Não faça cerimônia.

At a buffet restaurant

Coma à vontade.
O buffet é livre.
Pode se servir.
Tem sobremesa à vontade?

In a classroom or meeting

Perguntem à vontade.
Sintam-se à vontade para interromper.
Toda opinião é bem-vinda.
Não tenham vergonha.

Talking about fashion

Vou me vestir à vontade.
O traje é informal.
Roupas confortáveis.
Estilo descontraído.

Expressing discomfort

Não estou à vontade.
Isso é meio constrangedor.
Prefiro não falar disso.
Sinto-me um pouco deslocado.

Conversation Starters

"Você se sente à vontade falando português com nativos?"

"O que faz você se sentir à vontade em uma festa?"

"Em quais situações você não se sente à vontade?"

"Você prefere restaurantes com buffet à vontade ou à la carte?"

"Como você deixa os seus convidados à vontade na sua casa?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um lugar onde você se sente completamente à vontade e por quê.

Escreva sobre uma vez em que você não se sentiu à vontade em uma situação social.

Como a hospitalidade no seu país difere do conceito de 'ficar à vontade' no Brasil ou em Portugal?

Você acha que as pessoas hoje em dia são muito 'à vontade' ou muito formais?

Descreva o seu 'traje à vontade' ideal para um dia de descanso.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, when used as an adverbial phrase meaning 'at ease' or 'freely,' it always requires the grave accent (crase). Without it, 'a vontade' just means 'the will.'

Yes, it is very common in professional settings to encourage someone to ask questions or provide feedback, e.g., 'Sinta-se à vontade para entrar em contato.'

It is the closest equivalent, but 'à vontade' is more versatile and can also refer to eating as much as you want or speaking freely.

It is a short, open 'ah' sound, similar to the 'a' in 'father' but shorter.

'Ficar' implies a transition (make yourself at ease), while 'estar' describes a current state (I am at ease).

No, it is an invariable phrase. You use the same form for one person or many people.

It is used equally in both, though the social contexts for informality might vary slightly between the two cultures.

Yes, calling someone 'muito à vontade' means they are very relaxed or, occasionally, that they take too much liberty.

It means an all-you-can-eat buffet where you can serve yourself as much as you like for a fixed price.

It is neutral. It can be used with friends (informal) or with colleagues and clients (formal) to create a welcoming atmosphere.