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A2 adjective #4,500 most common 11 min read

adotada

Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips adotada in 30 Seconds

Explanation adotada in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'adotada' primarily in the context of family and pets. It is a simple adjective that describes a female person or animal. You will mostly use it with the verb 'ser' (to be) or 'ter' (to have). For example, 'Eu tenho uma gata adotada' (I have an adopted cat). At this stage, focus on the fact that it ends in '-a' because it describes feminine things. It is a useful word to describe your family or your life story in basic terms. Think of it as 'chosen' rather than biological. You might also hear it in very simple stories about children or animals finding a home.

At the A2 level, you begin to see 'adotada' used in slightly more formal or varied contexts. Beyond family, you will encounter it in phrases like 'medida adotada' (adopted measure) or 'estratégia adotada' (adopted strategy). You should be able to use it in the past tense, such as 'Ela foi adotada quando era bebê' (She was adopted when she was a baby). You also start to learn about noun-adjective agreement more strictly; for example, knowing that 'criança' is always feminine, so you must say 'a criança adotada' even if the child is a boy. This level focuses on expanding the word's application to simple administrative or social actions.

At the B1 level, you can use 'adotada' to describe more abstract choices. You might talk about an 'ideologia adotada' (an adopted ideology) or a 'postura adotada' (a stance adopted) in a debate. You understand the difference between 'adotada' and synonyms like 'escolhida' or 'acolhida'. You can use the word in complex sentences with relative clauses, such as 'A solução que foi adotada pela empresa não funcionou' (The solution that was adopted by the company did not work). You also become aware of the emotional nuances, such as using 'filha do coração' as a warmer alternative in conversation.

At the B2 level, you use 'adotada' with confidence in professional and academic settings. You can discuss 'políticas públicas adotadas' (adopted public policies) and analyze their effectiveness. You understand the legal implications of the word in Portuguese-speaking countries, such as 'adoção plena'. You can use the word in the passive voice correctly in various tenses (e.g., 'tinha sido adotada', 'será adotada'). Your vocabulary includes related words like 'adotante' (the person who adopts) and 'adotável' (adoptable). You are also able to recognize the word in literature or high-level journalism where it might describe a 'pátria adotada' (adopted homeland).

At the C1 level, you grasp the subtle rhetorical uses of 'adotada'. You can use it to critique a 'linguagem adotada' in a text or a 'metodologia adotada' in a scientific study. You understand the historical and sociological context of adoption in Lusophone cultures and can use the term in nuanced discussions about identity and belonging. You are comfortable with the word appearing in legal jargon or complex bureaucratic documents. You can also use it metaphorically with ease, such as describing a 'estética adotada' by an artist. Your use of the word is precise, reflecting a deep understanding of its formal and informal registers.

At the C2 level, 'adotada' is a tool for precise expression in any domain. You can navigate the most complex legal texts regarding 'filiação adotiva' and understand the archaic or highly specialized uses of the word. You can use it in philosophical discourse to discuss 'identidades adotadas' versus 'identidades natas'. You are sensitive to the most minute connotations—how the word might sound clinical in one context and empowering in another. You can effortlessly switch between 'adotada' and its most sophisticated synonyms (like 'perfilhada' or 'assumida') to achieve specific stylistic effects in writing or oratory.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

adotada in 30 Seconds

Adotada is the feminine adjective for 'adopted,' matching feminine nouns.
It commonly refers to a female child or pet integrated into a new home.
It also describes abstract things like measures, laws, or strategies that are implemented.
The word implies a conscious choice and a formal or permanent integration.

The word adotada is the feminine past participle of the verb adotar (to adopt), functioning primarily as an adjective. In its most literal sense, it refers to a female person, typically a child, who has been legally and permanently taken into a family other than her biological one. However, in Portuguese, the term extends far beyond the domestic sphere. It is used to describe animals that have found new homes, measures or policies implemented by a government, or even a specific stance or posture taken by an individual in a debate.

The Family Context: When referring to a daughter, filha adotada implies a bond based on choice and legal recognition rather than genetics. It is a term used with sensitivity in modern Portuguese, often replaced by 'filha do coração' (daughter of the heart) in informal, emotional settings to emphasize the love over the legal status.
The Administrative Context: You will frequently see adotada paired with feminine nouns like medida (measure), estratégia (strategy), or postura (posture). In these cases, it translates to 'adopted' or 'implemented.' For example, 'A nova lei foi adotada' means 'The new law was adopted.'

Ela sempre soube que era uma filha adotada, mas isso nunca mudou o amor que sentia pelos pais.

Translation: She always knew she was an adopted daughter, but that never changed the love she felt for her parents.

In a broader social context, the word carries a weight of intentionality. Unlike things that occur naturally or by default, something that is adotada requires a conscious decision. This applies to a 'cadela adotada' (an adopted female dog) rescued from a shelter, where the word highlights the act of rescue and the beginning of a new life. The gender agreement is crucial here: because criança (child), filha (daughter), and cadela (female dog) are feminine nouns, the adjective must end in -a.

A estratégia adotada pela empresa resultou em um crescimento de 20%.

Translation: The strategy adopted by the company resulted in 20% growth.

Culturally, adoption in Lusophone countries has evolved. Historically, it was sometimes a taboo or a hidden family secret. Today, however, the word adotada is used with pride in many families, signifying a 'família por escolha' (family by choice). In legal documents, you will see it in the context of 'adoção plena,' where the adotada gains all the legal rights of a biological child. In the news, you'll hear about 'medidas adotadas' during crises, referring to the protocols put in place by authorities.

Social Nuance: It is important to distinguish between 'adotada' and 'acolhida' (welcomed/fostered). While 'adotada' implies a permanent legal change, 'acolhida' often refers to temporary care or a more informal welcoming into a group or home.

A gatinha foi adotada ontem e já está se sentindo em casa.

Translation: The kitten was adopted yesterday and is already feeling at home.

Finally, when discussing philosophy or methodology, one might talk about an 'ideologia adotada' (an adopted ideology). This suggests that the person was not born into the belief system but chose to embrace it later in life. This versatility makes adotada a high-frequency word in both legalistic, emotional, and intellectual discourses in Portuguese.

Using adotada correctly requires attention to noun-adjective agreement and the specific context of the action. Since it is the feminine form, it must always modify a feminine noun. If you are speaking about a group of females, you would use the plural adotadas. If the subject is masculine, you must switch to adotado.

1. Personal and Family Context: In family discussions, adotada functions as a descriptor of identity. It follows the noun it modifies.
Example: 'Minha irmã é adotada.' (My sister is adopted.)
2. Passive Voice with 'Ser' or 'Estar': It is often used with the auxiliary verbs 'ser' (to describe a state of being) or 'foi' (to describe a completed action).
Example: 'A nova política foi adotada pela diretoria.' (The new policy was adopted by the board.)

Esta é a nossa cachorrinha adotada; nós a encontramos na rua.

Translation: This is our adopted puppy; we found her on the street.

When using adotada in a more abstract sense, such as 'medida adotada' (adopted measure), it usually appears in formal reports, news articles, or academic writing. In these contexts, it emphasizes the selection of one option among many. For instance, 'A solução adotada foi a mais econômica' (The solution adopted was the most economical one).

A postura adotada pelo governo foi duramente criticada pela oposição.

Translation: The stance adopted by the government was harshly criticized by the opposition.

Consider the plural form: 'As crianças adotadas têm os mesmos direitos que as biológicas.' (Adopted children have the same rights as biological ones.) Notice how both 'as crianças' and 'adotadas' are feminine plural. This agreement is a common stumbling block for English speakers, as 'adopted' never changes in English regardless of gender or number.

3. Metaphorical Use: You can use it for things you have 'made your own.'
Example: 'Essa cidade é minha terra adotada.' (This city is my adopted land.)

A linguagem adotada no relatório é técnica e precisa.

Translation: The language adopted in the report is technical and precise.

In summary, whether you are talking about a person, a pet, a law, or an idea, adotada serves to indicate that something has been chosen and integrated into a new system or status. Always check the gender of your noun first!

The word adotada is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking societies, appearing in diverse settings from emotional family reunions to dry legislative sessions. Understanding where you will encounter it helps in grasping its different connotations.

In the News and Media: Journalists frequently use the phrase medida adotada when discussing government actions. During the pandemic, for example, headlines often read: 'A quarentena foi a medida adotada para conter o vírus.' It sounds professional and definitive.
At Animal Shelters (ONGs): If you visit a 'pet shop' or an animal rescue in Brazil or Portugal, you will see signs saying 'Não compre, adote' (Don't buy, adopt). When a female dog or cat finds a home, the staff will joyfully announce: 'Ela foi adotada!'

Ouvimos no rádio que a nova tarifa de ônibus será adotada a partir de segunda-feira.

Translation: We heard on the radio that the new bus fare will be adopted starting Monday.

In television dramas (telenovelas), the plot often revolves around a character discovering she is 'uma filha adotada.' These scenes are usually high-stakes and emotional, emphasizing the word's power to redefine identity. In these contexts, the word is spoken with a mix of gravity and revelation.

A metodologia adotada pelo professor facilitou muito o aprendizado.

Translation: The methodology adopted by the teacher made learning much easier.

In a corporate environment, you'll hear it during meetings: 'Qual será a tecnologia adotada para este projeto?' (Which technology will be adopted for this project?). Here, it implies a selection process based on criteria. It is a standard term in project management and strategic planning.

In Everyday Conversation: Friends might use it jokingly or affectionately. If someone starts copying a friend's slang or style, the friend might say: 'Essa gíria foi adotada por você agora?' (Have you adopted this slang now?). It's a lighthearted way to acknowledge influence.

A criança adotada sorriu ao ver seu novo quarto.

Translation: The adopted child smiled upon seeing her new room.

Whether in the courtroom, the living room, or the boardroom, adotada signals a transition from 'outside' to 'inside,' from 'possible' to 'actualized.' It is a word of integration and commitment.

Even for intermediate learners, the word adotada presents a few linguistic hurdles. Most mistakes stem from gender agreement, confusion with similar-sounding words, or incorrect preposition use.

1. The Gender Agreement Trap: The most frequent error is failing to change the ending to match the noun.
Wrong: 'A menina foi adotado.'
Right: 'A menina foi adotada.'
Since 'menina' is feminine, the adjective must follow. English speakers often default to the masculine form 'adotado' because 'adopted' is gender-neutral in English.
2. Confusion with 'Adaptada': Because they sound similar, learners sometimes confuse adotada (adopted) with adaptada (adapted).
Adotada: To take something as your own.
Adaptada: To change something to fit a new purpose.
Example: 'A peça foi adaptada para o cinema' (The play was adapted for cinema), not 'adotada'.

Não diga 'a medida foi adotado'; diga 'a medida foi adotada'.

Note: Always check the gender of the noun 'medida' (feminine).

Another subtle mistake involves the difference between adotada and acolhida. While both involve taking someone in, adotada is a permanent legal status. Using adotada for a temporary houseguest or a foster child is technically incorrect and can lead to legal or social confusion.

Erro comum: 'A criança é adotante'. Correto: 'A criança é adotada'.

Note: 'Adotante' is the person who adopts (the parent).

Finally, watch out for the 'false friend' potential in other languages, but in English and Portuguese, the meanings are quite stable. The biggest challenge remains the consistent application of Portuguese gender and number rules, which require a mental 'check' every time you use the word.

3. Word Order: Placing 'adotada' before the noun like an English adjective (e.g., 'a adotada filha') is a stylistic error in standard conversation. Stick to 'a filha adotada'.

By keeping these points in mind—matching the 'a' or 'as' ending, distinguishing from 'adaptada', and maintaining correct word order—you will use adotada like a native speaker.

While adotada is the standard term, Portuguese offers several alternatives depending on whether you are being formal, emotional, or technical. Understanding these synonyms helps you choose the right 'flavor' for your sentence.

Acolhida vs. Adotada: Acolhida means 'welcomed' or 'received.' It is softer and less legalistic. You might say a new student was 'bem acolhida' (well welcomed) by the class. It doesn't imply the legal permanence that adotada does.
Perfilhada (Formal/Legal): This is a very formal, legal term. It literally means 'made into a child' (per + filha). You will find perfilhada in old legal documents or very formal speech to describe the recognition of a child as one's own.

Em vez de dizer 'medida adotada', você pode dizer 'medida implementada' em contextos técnicos.

Context: Business or Government.

When talking about ideas or strategies, adotada can be replaced by escolhida (chosen), assumida (assumed/taken on), or implementada (implemented). For example, 'A tática assumida pelo time' suggests the team took ownership of the tactic, whereas 'A tática adotada' is more neutral.

A solução foi aceita por todos, mas a prática foi adotada apenas por alguns.

Difference: 'Aceita' means accepted, 'adotada' means put into practice.

In the context of pets, you might hear resgatada (rescued). While adotada refers to the act of the human taking the pet, resgatada emphasizes the act of saving the pet from a bad situation. Many people prefer to say 'Minha gata é resgatada' to highlight her history.

Summary of Alternatives: - Escolher (to choose) - General use.
- Sancionar (to sanction) - Legal/Official.
- Legitimada (legitimized) - Legal status.
- Integrada (integrated) - Social context.

By mastering these nuances, you can move beyond the basic definition of adotada and express yourself with greater precision and empathy in Portuguese.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'opt' in 'adotada' is the same root found in the English word 'option.' So, to adopt literally means 'to make an option' or 'to choose.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /a.ðu.ˈta.ðɐ/

US /a.do.ˈta.da/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable: a-do-TA-da.

Rhymes With

Amada Chegada Estrada Gelada Namorada Parada Queimada Risada

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'a' too strongly like 'ah' (it should be softer).
Using the English 'o' sound (like 'cow') instead of the Portuguese 'o' (like 'go').
Forgetting to stress the 'TA' syllable.
In Portugal, failing to reduce the first and last 'a'.
Treating the 'd' as an English 'd' (it should be dental, with the tongue against the teeth).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to the English 'adopted'.

Writing 3/5

Requires attention to gender agreement (ending in -a).

Speaking 3/5

The 'd' and 't' sounds need to be crisp and dental.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to hear in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Filha Família Escolher Ser Ter

Learn Next

Adoção Adotante Implementar Postura Legislação

Advanced

Perfilhação Tutela Hermenêutica Dialética

Grammar to Know

Noun-Adjective Agreement

A **filha** (fem) **adotada** (fem).

Passive Voice with 'Ser'

A regra **foi adotada**.

Past Participle as Adjective

O verbo 'adotar' vira o adjetivo 'adotada'.

Pluralization of Adjectives

As crianças **adotadas**.

Gender of 'Criança'

A criança (always fem) **adotada**.

Examples by Level

Minha gata é adotada.

My cat (female) is adopted.

Gata is feminine, so adotada ends in -a.

Ela é uma filha adotada.

She is an adopted daughter.

Filha is feminine, matching adotada.

A criança foi adotada ontem.

The child was adopted yesterday.

Criança is always feminine, regardless of the child's sex.

Eu tenho uma irmã adotada.

I have an adopted sister.

Irmã is feminine.

A cadela adotada é muito dócil.

The adopted female dog is very gentle.

Cadela is feminine.

Sua família é adotada?

Is your family adopted? (referring to a female subject)

Question form.

A boneca foi adotada pela menina.

The doll was adopted by the girl.

Metaphorical use in play.

Maria é adotada e muito feliz.

Maria is adopted and very happy.

Subject-adjective agreement.

A nova regra foi adotada na escola.

The new rule was adopted at the school.

Regra is feminine.

Esta medida foi adotada para ajudar os alunos.

This measure was adopted to help the students.

Medida is feminine.

A estratégia adotada pelo time foi boa.

The strategy adopted by the team was good.

Estratégia is feminine.

Ela foi adotada por uma família estrangeira.

She was adopted by a foreign family.

Passive voice with 'foi'.

A cor adotada para o logo foi o azul.

The color adopted for the logo was blue.

Cor is feminine.

A solução adotada resolveu o problema.

The solution adopted solved the problem.

Solução is feminine.

Muitas crianças são adotadas todos os anos.

Many children are adopted every year.

Plural feminine agreement.

A política de preços foi adotada pela loja.

The pricing policy was adopted by the store.

Política is feminine.

A postura adotada pela empresa foi ética.

The stance adopted by the company was ethical.

Postura refers to a professional attitude.

A tecnologia adotada é de última geração.

The technology adopted is state-of-the-art.

Tecnologia is feminine.

Ela se sente uma cidadã adotada deste país.

She feels like an adopted citizen of this country.

Metaphorical use for belonging.

A metodologia adotada no curso é muito prática.

The methodology adopted in the course is very practical.

Metodologia is feminine.

A linguagem adotada no livro é simples.

The language adopted in the book is simple.

Linguagem is feminine.

A dieta adotada por ela é muito restrita.

The diet adopted by her is very restricted.

Dieta is feminine.

A filosofia adotada pela escola foca nas artes.

The philosophy adopted by the school focuses on the arts.

Filosofia is feminine.

A prática adotada evitou maiores desperdícios.

The practice adopted avoided further waste.

Prática is feminine.

A diretriz adotada pelo conselho foi clara.

The guideline adopted by the board was clear.

Diretriz is a formal term for guideline.

A tática adotada surpreendeu os adversários.

The tactic adopted surprised the opponents.

Tática is feminine.

A resolução adotada na assembleia foi unânime.

The resolution adopted at the assembly was unanimous.

Resolução is feminine.

A terminologia adotada no contrato é técnica.

The terminology adopted in the contract is technical.

Terminologia is feminine.

A doutrina adotada pelo juiz baseou-se no código civil.

The doctrine adopted by the judge was based on the civil code.

Doutrina is feminine.

A abordagem adotada pelo pesquisador foi inovadora.

The approach adopted by the researcher was innovative.

Abordagem is feminine.

A sistemática adotada facilitou a organização dos dados.

The systematic approach adopted facilitated the data organization.

Sistemática is feminine.

As normas adotadas visam a segurança do trabalho.

The adopted standards aim at workplace safety.

Plural feminine agreement.

A retórica adotada pelo político foi persuasiva.

The rhetoric adopted by the politician was persuasive.

Retórica refers to the art of discourse.

A premissa adotada no artigo é questionável.

The premise adopted in the article is questionable.

Premissa is an abstract intellectual term.

A estética adotada pelo diretor é minimalista.

The aesthetic adopted by the director is minimalist.

Estética refers to artistic style.

A nomenclatura adotada pela ciência mudou recentemente.

The nomenclature adopted by science changed recently.

Nomenclatura is a formal system of naming.

A conduta adotada pela ré foi considerada negligente.

The conduct adopted by the defendant was considered negligent.

Conduta refers to legal behavior.

A vertente adotada pelo autor é existencialista.

The school of thought adopted by the author is existentialist.

Vertente refers to a branch or school of thought.

A métrica adotada no poema é rigorosa.

The meter adopted in the poem is rigorous.

Métrica refers to poetic structure.

A convenção adotada internacionalmente regula o comércio.

The internationally adopted convention regulates trade.

Convenção is a formal agreement.

A hermenêutica adotada na interpretação do texto é complexa.

The hermeneutics adopted in the text's interpretation is complex.

Hermenêutica is a highly specialized academic term.

A dialética adotada pelo filósofo resolve a contradição.

The dialectic adopted by the philosopher resolves the contradiction.

Dialética refers to a specific logical method.

A semântica adotada no discurso obscurece o sentido real.

The semantics adopted in the speech obscures the real meaning.

Semântica refers to the study of meaning.

A práxis adotada pelo movimento social é transformadora.

The praxis adopted by the social movement is transformative.

Práxis is a sophisticated term for action/practice.

A epistemologia adotada fundamenta toda a teoria.

The epistemology adopted grounds the entire theory.

Epistemologia refers to the theory of knowledge.

A idiossincrasia adotada pelo artista tornou-o único.

The idiosyncrasy adopted by the artist made him unique.

Idiossincrasia refers to a peculiar habit or feature.

A cosmogonia adotada por aquela tribo é fascinante.

The cosmogony adopted by that tribe is fascinating.

Cosmogonia refers to an origin story of the universe.

A tautologia adotada na argumentação invalidou o debate.

The tautology adopted in the reasoning invalidated the debate.

Tautologia is a logical fallacy.

Common Collocations

Filha adotada

Medida adotada

Postura adotada

Estratégia adotada

Criança adotada

Cadela adotada

Metodologia adotada

Política adotada

Solução adotada

Linguagem adotada

Common Phrases

Ser adotada

— To be adopted. Refers to the state or process.

Ela sonha em ser adotada.

Foi adotada

— Was adopted. Used for past completed actions.

A lei foi adotada ontem.

Pátria adotada

— Adopted homeland. A country one chooses to live in.

O Brasil é minha pátria adotada.

Família adotada

— Adopted family. The family that takes someone in.

Ele ama sua família adotada.

Medida a ser adotada

— Measure to be adopted. Refers to future actions.

Ainda não sabemos a medida a ser adotada.

Recentemente adotada

— Recently adopted. Something new.

Esta norma foi recentemente adotada.

Legalmente adotada

— Legally adopted. Emphasizes official status.

Ela foi legalmente adotada aos cinco anos.

Plenamente adotada

— Fully adopted. Complete integration.

A ideia foi plenamente adotada pela equipe.

Filha adotada por escolha

— Adopted daughter by choice. Emphasizes love.

Ela é nossa filha adotada por escolha.

Postura adotada diante de

— Stance adopted in the face of. Contextual reaction.

A postura adotada diante da crise foi firme.

Often Confused With

adotada vs Adaptada

Means 'adapted' or 'adjusted'. Don't use it for people or pets in the sense of adoption.

adotada vs Anotada

Means 'noted' or 'written down'. Similar sound, totally different meaning.

adotada vs Adotante

This is the person who DOES the adopting (the parent or owner).

Idioms & Expressions

"Filha do coração"

— An affectionate way to say 'adopted daughter.' Focuses on love.

Ela não é minha filha biológica, é minha filha do coração.

Informal/Emotional

"Adotar uma postura"

— To take a stand or act in a certain way.

Precisamos adotar uma postura mais profissional.

Neutral

"Adotar uma ideia"

— To embrace and start supporting a new concept.

O chefe adotou a minha ideia imediatamente.

Neutral

"Pátria de adoção"

— A country that is not one's birth country but where one feels at home.

Portugal tornou-se sua pátria de adoção.

Literary

"Adotar um estilo"

— To start dressing or behaving in a specific manner.

Ela adotou um estilo vintage este ano.

Informal

"Adotar medidas"

— To take action or implement rules.

O governo deve adotar medidas contra a inflação.

Formal

"Filho adotivo"

— The general term for an adopted child (masculine form).

Ele é um filho adotivo muito amado.

Neutral

"Caminho adotado"

— The path or choice one has taken in life or a project.

O caminho adotado pela empresa foi arriscado.

Metaphorical

"Língua adotada"

— A second language that one uses as their primary one.

O inglês é sua língua adotada para o trabalho.

Neutral

"Mãe adotiva"

— Adoptive mother.

Sua mãe adotiva é uma mulher maravilhosa.

Neutral

Easily Confused

adotada vs Adotado

It's the masculine version.

Use 'adotado' for masculine nouns (filho, cachorro, projeto) and 'adotada' for feminine ones.

O cachorro é adotado; a cadela é adotada.

adotada vs Adoção

It's the noun form.

Adoção is the process itself; adotada is the description of the person/thing.

A adoção foi rápida; a menina foi adotada.

adotada vs Adotiva

Similar meaning.

Adotiva is often used for the family (família adotiva) or the status (mãe adotiva), whereas adotada is for the child.

Ela tem uma mãe adotiva e ela mesma é adotada.

adotada vs Acolhida

Similar social context.

Acolhida means welcomed or sheltered, often temporary. Adotada is permanent and legal.

Ela foi acolhida no abrigo até ser adotada.

adotada vs Adaptada

Phonetic similarity.

Adaptada means something changed to fit. Adotada means something taken as is into a new home/system.

A casa foi adaptada para a criança adotada.

Sentence Patterns

[Feminine Noun] é adotada.

A gata é adotada.

[Feminine Noun] foi adotada por [Person/Entity].

A lei foi adotada pelo governo.

A [Feminine Noun] adotada facilitou [Action].

A técnica adotada facilitou o trabalho.

Devido à [Feminine Noun] adotada, [Result].

Devido à estratégia adotada, as vendas subiram.

A [Abstract Feminine Noun] adotada pelo autor denota [Observation].

A estética adotada pelo autor denota melancolia.

Sob a égide da [Feminine Noun] adotada...

Sob a égide da resolução adotada, o conflito cessou.

Tenho uma [Feminine Noun] adotada.

Tenho uma irmã adotada.

A postura adotada diante de [Situation]...

A postura adotada diante do problema foi exemplar.

Word Family

Nouns

Adoção (Adoption)

Adotante (Adopter)

Adotado (Adopted male)

Adotabilidade (Adoptability)

Verbs

Adotar (To adopt)

Adjectives

Adotivo (Adoptive)

Adotável (Adoptable)

Adotado (Adopted)

Filiação

Paternidade

Maternidade

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How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

A menina é adotado. → A menina é adotada.
You must match the feminine noun 'menina' with the feminine adjective 'adotada'.
Eu tenho uma adotada filha. → Eu tenho uma filha adotada.
In Portuguese, adjectives usually come after the noun.
A medida foi adaptada. → A medida foi adotada.
Using 'adaptada' (adapted) instead of 'adotada' (adopted) changes the meaning from 'implemented' to 'modified'.
As crianças foi adotada. → As crianças foram adotadas.
The verb and the adjective must both be plural to match 'as crianças'.
Ela é uma adotante. → Ela é uma adotada.
An 'adotante' is the person who adopts; an 'adotada' is the person who was adopted.

Tips

Agreement is Key

Always look at the noun first. If it ends in 'a' (like 'menina', 'gata', 'medida'), use 'adotada'. If it ends in 'o' (like 'menino', 'gato', 'projeto'), use 'adotado'.

Beyond People

Remember that 'adotada' is very common in news for 'medidas' (measures). If you hear 'A medida foi adotada', it means a new rule was put in place.

Stress the 'TA'

Don't say 'A-do-ta-da' with equal stress. It's a-do-TA-da. The third syllable is the strongest.

Heart vs. Law

If you want to sound more like a local in Brazil when talking about a friend's daughter, say 'Ela é filha do coração'. It's considered very sweet.

No 'P' allowed

Forget the 'p' you might see in older books (adoptada). Modern Portuguese is 'adotada'. No 'p', no problem!

Pet Adoption

In Brazil, 'adotada' is the standard word for rescue pets. 'Minha vira-lata é adotada' (My mixed-breed dog is adopted).

Business Context

In a job interview, you can say: 'A metodologia que eu tenho adotada nos meus projetos...' (The methodology I have adopted in my projects...).

Listen for the 'A'

In fast speech, the difference between 'adotado' and 'adotada' is just the final vowel. Train your ear to catch that final 'ah' sound.

Passive Voice

When using the passive voice ('foi adotada'), the adjective must agree with the subject, not the object. 'A lei foi adotada pelo governo'.

Added Option

Think: AD-OPT-A. Added Option for a girl (A).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'AD-OPTION'. You are adding a new option to your family. Since it's 'adotadA', think of the 'A' at the end standing for 'A girl' or 'A daughter'.

Visual Association

Imagine a little girl (feminine) holding a legal document with a big red heart on it. The heart represents the choice (option) made by the parents.

Word Web

Filha Criança Medida Estratégia Escolha Família Amor Legal

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using 'adotada': one about a girl, one about a female pet, and one about a government rule.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'adoptare,' which is composed of 'ad' (to/towards) and 'optare' (to choose or wish for).

Original meaning: To choose for oneself, to take as a child.

Romance (Latin origin).

Cultural Context

Always use 'adotada' with care. In some contexts, emphasizing that someone is 'adotada' rather than just 'filha' can be seen as unnecessary or exclusionary.

English speakers often use 'adopted' as a neutral term, whereas Portuguese speakers must always decide between 'adotado' and 'adotada' based on the noun.

The telenovela 'A Favorita' features complex adoption plots. The Brazilian law 'Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente' (ECA) defines the rights of an 'adotada'. The song 'Filha' by Rick & Renner mentions the love for a child, often associated with adoption themes.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family Talk

Ela é adotada?
Somos uma família adotiva.
Minha irmã foi adotada bebê.
Adoção é um ato de amor.

Professional Meeting

A estratégia adotada foi...
Precisamos de uma nova medida adotada.
A tecnologia será adotada em breve.
Qual postura será adotada?

Pet Shelter

Esta cadela já foi adotada?
Quero uma gatinha adotada.
Ela foi adotada ontem.
Processo de adoção de animais.

Legal/Government

A lei foi adotada pelo congresso.
Medidas adotadas contra a crise.
A política adotada é permanente.
A resolução foi adotada por todos.

Academic/Writing

A metodologia adotada neste artigo...
A terminologia adotada pelo autor...
A perspectiva adotada na análise...
A premissa adotada é válida.

Conversation Starters

"Você conhece alguém que tenha uma filha adotada?"

"Qual foi a estratégia adotada pela sua empresa no ano passado?"

"Você acha que a medida adotada pelo governo foi correta?"

"Sua mascote é adotada ou você a comprou?"

"Qual é a postura adotada por você em situações de conflito?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma medida adotada na sua vida que mudou sua rotina.

Descreva a história de uma pessoa ou animal que foi adotada.

Qual estratégia adotada nos seus estudos de português funciona melhor?

Reflexão: Por que a palavra 'adotada' é tão importante na sociedade atual?

Imagine que você adotou uma nova pátria. Como seria sua vida lá?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for a boy you must use 'adotado'. However, if you use the word 'criança' (child), you must use 'adotada' because 'criança' is always a feminine noun in Portuguese, regardless of the child's gender. Example: 'A criança foi adotada'.

'Adotada' is the past participle used as an adjective for the person who was adopted (e.g., filha adotada). 'Adotiva' is an adjective usually applied to the parents or the family (e.g., mãe adotiva, família adotiva). Think of 'adotada' as the receiver and 'adotiva' as the provider of adoption.

No, it is a standard legal and descriptive term. However, in sensitive emotional contexts, some people prefer 'filha do coração' (daughter of the heart) to emphasize the emotional bond over the legal status.

The safest way is to use 'criança adotada'. Since 'criança' is feminine, you use the feminine adjective 'adotada'. If you use 'filho', you are assuming it's a boy or using the generic masculine.

Yes, but only metaphorically or in the sense of 'implemented'. You can say 'uma medida adotada' (an adopted measure) or 'uma estratégia adotada' (an adopted strategy). You wouldn't say you 'adopted' a chair unless you are being very poetic.

The plural is 'adotadas'. Example: 'As filhas foram adotadas'. Remember to change the verb and the noun to plural as well.

In 99% of cases, yes. 'Filha adotada', 'medida adotada'. Placing it before (adotada filha) is extremely rare and only seen in very old poetry or formal literature.

In the past, yes (adoptada). However, after the Orthographic Agreement of 1990, the 'p' was removed in all Portuguese-speaking countries because it is not pronounced. Always write 'adotada' now.

Yes, in the phrase 'pátria adotada' or 'terra adotada', meaning a country where you chose to live and feel at home.

It is a dental 'd'. Place your tongue against the back of your upper teeth. In some parts of Brazil, it might sound slightly like 'dj' if followed by an 'i', but here it is followed by 'a', so it's a hard 'd' sound.